OVER 2 YOU, 015 (01/02/01)

CHEQUE PRINTING

Occasionally I have to write out a substantial number of cheques for the members of a society.  This is quite a chore and since the names and the amounts are all held on my computer, it would be most helpful if the cheques could be printed on my HP DeskJet printer. Is there any software suitable for doing this in the home office environment?
Bryan Burdett, Fareham, Hants.

For a number of years I have successfully used a small accounting program called Money Manager, which is written by Connect Software Ltd., 3 Flanchford Road, London W12 9ND. Tel: 020 8743 9792. This has a facility for simple printing of cheques. I am a rare user of cheques I so do not use the feature, but as an ex-bank manager I have thoroughly explored the facility, a bit like Mallory "because it is there". Providing you keep your refunds etc. as either single entries within an account or as separate accounts (Sundry Creditors) there are no drawbacks other than an initial, one off, jiggering about up to ensure correct alignment of words and figures. I am sure that you are aware cheques come in varying sizes and it is important not to stray onto the MICR2 pre-printed area of the instrument. The other benefit of Money Manager is that it is an extremely forgiving, flexible suite of programs and will not cost the proverbial arm or leg.

Jim Woodley

I also have to send out many cheques once a month and the best program I have discovered is Intuit's Quicken. The cheques are especially printed by Intuit who co-operate with the bank concerned since the cheques must contain
the usual electronic data along the bottom edge and need to be approved.

The program keeps a record of the account and also "memorises" details of all cheque transactions such that it automatically enters all fields (except that for the amount) with data previously used - e.g.: name and address.  As the cheques are posted in window envelopes showing the address as on the cheque, much time is saved.  I can thoroughly recommend the program, which costs around £30.  There is a deluxe version at £50 but I find the basic more than adequate.
Peter Barnes,

RANDOM NUMBERS

Could anyone recommend software, which creates random numbers? I want to use such a program when I prepare the weekly draw sheet for the Open Bowling Competition, which I run at my local bowling club. I want to number the competitors 1 to 16 and then wait for the computer to churn out the eight matches - then no one can accuse me of match fixing!

Dan Blunt, via email

We find that it is possible to design a spreadsheet – Using Excel Or Lotus 123 – to solve almost any information processing problem.  If you set up a column of random numbers using the formula RND() and place the names of your members alongside, you can then sort the list to produce a new set of pairs each week. You will need Excel Version 5 (or later) or Lotus 123 version “.wk4” or later.  As we thought that this was a brilliant idea, which would be very useful for many other readers, we have included both the Excel and Lotus versions in our web site so that anyone who is interested can download them free of charge on the Internet at www.e-spreadsheets.co.uk

Anthony Hale,

Borland's Quattro version 1 can generate random numbers between 0 and 1. Later versions may well do yet more. But for your task, I would use my solar-powered Casio FX-82SOLAR calculator - much less hassle - and much cheaper (about £7.99) than buying software.
Gerald Humphreys,

FILE KEYWORDS

I want to file a large number of documents, which I would search using a keyword system. There seem to be plenty of encyclopaedia type programs, which have a search mechanism and I wondered if there was any reasonably inexpensive programme that might be suitable.

Geoffrey Marcoolyn, via email

A program called AskSam will do the job you want - and you do not need keywords. It will happily search through all documents in a variety of ways. I bought V.3 in 1996 from Guildsoft Ltd., East Way, Lee Mill Industrial Estate, Ivybridge, nr Plymouth PL21 9PE Tel 01752 895100. It wasn't a 'cheap' option at £124 then but it is brilliant and does a superb job. I know it will work with Win 3x, 95, and 98 with no trouble at all. At 4.5Mb it is mini by today's standards and came on two floppies!

Alan Shepley,

Lotus Magellan in DOS (& WIN3.1) days was the fastest way of doing this. Recently an almost as capable Windows 9X version has been created. PC Data Finder finds anything, anytime on PC's or the network. Once you try the time-limited version, you will buy it!  Was $99 but now $39. See the SilverLake web site for a review and trial version, just click on "Try It" at: http://www.silverlaketech.com/datadet.html

Kent Hansen,

WINTAGE CYCLES

I am a member of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. The Club is divided into many Sections, each organising vintage runs. Hundreds of different runs are arranged each year. Each rider is supplied with a route at the beginning of each ride. This is carried in a handlebar holder, which can be turned and read as the route progresses.  An ideal route is a strip map, showing road numbers, progressive and total mileage, left and right turns, or straight on; position of road signs, steep hills, petrol stations and check points. It is important that a route has clarity and can be read whilst riding. The Club has no standard format for these routes and maps and needs one. All suggestions gratefully received.

Kenneth Peterkin, via email

I work for a company called Distribution Planning Software, who markets a product called RouteLogiX. It is widely used by commercial vehicle users, and is accurate to Euro tachograph standards. This does not have position of road signs or steep hills, and I am not aware of any system that does. Specific petrol stations and checkpoints can be added by the user. For the record I am an old rally navigator and VSCC member....
Allan Kirk,

CAN YOU HELP?

I am a photographer who is looking for a website, which gives information on lighting techniques and technical information. For instance I may have a photographic idea, but need some information on how to approach that kind the shot for best results. The site may give lighting plans, which could be used as a guide. I know most photographers know their craft, but this can sometimes be a money saver, when working in a highly competitive industry. Matthew Guy, via email
 

Can you tell me if you know of any software, which is available to run a '100 Club'.  We need to administer the members etc. and generate the winning numbers.

Judith Stodel, via email

Does any body know of a site that prints out the weekend football result as they are printed on the football coupon in Excel format?
Peter.W.Stevens, via email