Area Code Locator
for the Atari ST series computer
Copyright 1989-1991 DO NOT STAMP (tm) Software.
May be freely copied but not sold.
All other rights reserved.
DO NOT STAMP Software
PO Box 781
Park Ridge, IL 60068 USA
Version: 3.0 (October 12, 1991)
Purpose:
Area Code Locator is designed to identify and locate telephone area
codes in North America. Area codes may be identified by name (e.g. ,
Utah) or by number (e.g. , 801). The time zone, and current local
time, is shown for each area code selected. Also, for those
states/provinces served by more than one area code, several of the
largest cities in that area will be displayed in order to assist in
determining the proper code for the area you wish to dial.
Area Code Locator is "aware" of every dialable three digit code in
North America (nearly 150 of them), and has almost 500 cities in the
data base. It operates under a GEM interface, and can be used as a
desk accessory or application program, at the choice of the user.
Cost and Distribution:
This program is distributed as freeware. It is a copyrighted work but
may be freely distributed under the following conditions:
1. Area Code Locator may not be sold. It must be distributed
free of charge to all who desire a copy. It may be included on
user group and other library disks, if it is included with other
public domain or shareware programs from other authors. A
reasonable fee, for the magnetic media only, may be charged.
2. All files associated with this release must be distributed
with the program. These files must remain unaltered and intact.
The following files are a part of the Area Code Locator package,
all must be present for distribution.
AREACODE.PRG - Area Code Locator v3.0
AREACODE.RSC - GEM resource file for AREACODE
AC_CONFG.PRG - Area Code configuration program
AC_CONFG.RSC - GEM resource file for AC_CONFG
ACL_STHI.KEY - ST High Resolution CodeKey macro.
ACL_STME.KEY - ST Medium Resolution Codekey macro.
AREACODE.TXT - This documentation file.
VERSION.TXT - Revision history file.
README.TXT - Last minute news about A.C.L.
Area Code Locator is distributed to all who would like a copy. Those
who send a postcard (or other communication) will be the first to
receive update notices and other news.
Using the program:
In order for Area Code Locator to operate, the file AREACODE.RSC must
be in the same folder as the program file (AREACODE.PRG). If the
program is unable to locate this resource file, it will not operate.
To begin Area Code Locator simple double-click on the AREACODE.PRG
file. The program will load, then display the main dialog box. You
use this box to interact with the program.
You will notice that the cursor is next to where it says "NPA/STATE."
(NPA is a technical abbreviation for what is commonly known as a
"telephone area code.") You may type in a state (or province) name,
or an area code. Clicking on SEARCH, or just pressing the RETURN key
on the keyboard, will cause the program to begin a search for the
information you requested. After a very brief pause, the results will
be displayed for you on the screen.
The lower box will contain the area codes, province names, time zone,
and current local time for the area you requested. If more than one
area matches what you entered (e.g. , California) you will see each
entry listed. If there are more than six area codes matching your
request, you may click on the UP or DOWN arrows to scroll the list one
entry at a time.
If there is more than one area matching your request, you may
double-click on any entry in the lower box to see the cities for that
area displayed. If there is only one area code for the state or
province you entered, the cities in that area will be displayed
automatically. Note that if there is only one area code for the
entire area, "All Locations" will displayed as a city name. This
indicates that all cities for that state or province are serviced by
the selected area code.
The HELP Button:
Clicking the button labeled "help" will result in some instructions,
the current program revision number, and other important information,
being displayed. To proceed to the next screen of information, click
the mouse left mouse button anywhere within the text area.
Configuration Information:
Area Code Locator uses the ST's system clock, and your local time
zone, to calculate the current local time in other areas. Therefore,
it is important that the system clock in your ST be set to the correct
time for your area, and that Area Code Locator knows in which you
live. (Or, at least the time zone with which your system clock
coincides, some people may keep their clocks set to another time
zone, for whatever reason.) Both of these requirements may be met by
clicking on Area Code Locator's "Config..." button.
The configuration dialog box will display the current system time,
from your ST's internal clock. If this time is not correct, you
should backspace (or press escape) to erase the time displayed, and
then enter the correct time. You should use a 24-hour (AKA military)
format, and be sure to include the colons between the hours, minutes,
and seconds. If you then click on SAVE, your system clock will be
set to the time you entered. Clicking on CANCEL will ignore the new
setting, leaving your system time untouched.
Note that if you have a "corner clock" or other time display active in
your ST, the new time might not be reflected in its display. The
system clock, however, has been updated and Area Code Locator will use
the new time you entered. However, if you have a corner clock
installed, your system clock is probably already set anyway and you
won't be using this option in the first place. The ability to set
the system clock within Area Code Locator is provided as a convenience
to users who don't otherwise care what time their ST thinks it is.
Configuring Area Code Locator for you local time zone is much easier,
and should take less room to explain... (smile). Simply use your
mouse to select the box next to the appropriate time zone. As with
the clock, selecting SAVE will update Area Code Locator, while CANCEL
will ignore your selection.
Area Code Locator comes pre-configured for the Central time zone. If
you would like to change this setting you may do so every time you
run the program, as described above, or you may use the Area Code
Configuration Utility (AC_CONFG.PRG) included in this package. Using
AC_CONFG will alter your copy of Area Code Locator so it will default
to the time zone you choose. This will eliminate the need to
constantly change the time zone setting via the "Config..." button in
the program.
Area Code Configuration Utility:
AC_CONFG.PRG must be used an uncompressed copy of Area Code Locator.
If you prefer to "pack" or "squish" your programs, do so only after
you have updated Area Code Locator with the default time zone you
desire.
Also, please do not attempt to use AC_CONFG on a program other than
the current version of Area Code Locator. It won't do anything
useful to any other program, and could in fact harm other programs
should you do so. However, rest easy, the Configuration Utility is
quite smart about the files you try to use it on, and will refuse to
update any file that it does not recognize as being a copy of Area
Code Locator.
The Configuration Utility has some built-in instructions for use,
please refer to it for additional information. It's quite simple, and
fast, so don't hesitate to try it out.
The Desk Accessory Version:
To use Area Code Locator as a desk accessory simply rename
AREACODE.PRG to AREACODE.ACC. Then place the .ACC file, and the
resource file (AREACODE.RSC) in the root directory of your boot disk,
and reboot the system. Area Code will load as a desk accessory and
be available for use under the DESK menu in any GEM program.
Area Code Locator will function as already described. Unlike earlier
versions, there are no differences when using it as a desk accessory
or program.
CodeKey Macros:
If you own CodeKeys, the macro utility from CodeHead Software, you
will be able to use the .KEY files included in this package. Using
these macros will allow you press ALT-1 through ALT-6 to select the
cities for display, as well as other convenient keyboard equivalents
for nearly all commands.
We have supplied files for use under ST high and medium resolution.
If you write macros for the TT resolutions, we would be very
interested in getting copies to include for others! Please send them
to us, we'll give you credit in the next release.
Please refer to your CodeKey owner's manual for information on
installing and using the .KEY files. If you don't own CodeKey's,
buy it! It's a very useful utility.
Errors and Omissions:
Many users, throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe have
encouraged the development of Area Code Locator. My personal thanks
for their encouragement and time in helping me ensure this program is
accurate. It is nearly impossible for me to verify all the city
locations, and other information, contained in this program. If you
find an error or omission, please contact me so a corrected version
can be released. This program is only as good as it is because
others have taken the time to contact me. Please join them.
Bugs:
All known bugs have been fixed in this release. If you discover one
(or more!) please let me know. This program has been tested for
compatibility with a 1040ST in medium and high resolution. It will
also function in low resolution, but doing so is not recommended.
It should also function on Atari STe and TT computers, but as of yet
this is untested.
Updates and Registration:
Updates will be issued as needed. For information on the
availability of any new versions contact DO NOT STAMP Software. Your
comments and suggestions are most welcome at any time. If you enjoy
this program, do let us know.
Registration is not required for this program, it is freeware.
However I do ask for a picture-postcard or other communique if you
find the program useful. It keeps me happy, and encourages future
updates. If you send some small token of appreciation, you'll
receive the latest version and information on other programs from
DO NOT STAMP Software.
DO NOT STAMP Software
PO Box 781
Park Ridge, IL 60068 USA
CompuServe: 72307,1502
GEnie: GRMEYER
Delphi: GRMEYER
Internet: 72307.1502@compuserve.com
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