Module Interface

Jake Forster Updated by Jake Forster

Module Interface

Following is a description of common user interface items found in form and worksheet modules.

Menus

File

New File - Clears existing data and fills in any default values. This does NOT map the client information.

Open File - Load the Data List screen for loading a saved file. Selecting <New File> from the list DOES map the client information as well as fill in any default values. <New File> is not available on the Data List for modules allowing only one data file per period.

Save File - Saves the file or loads the Data List screen if it is a new file.

Save File As - Loads the Data List screen to allow a different description to be used. Use this to save data to more than one file. This option is not available for modules allowing only one data file per period.

Change File Description – Allows the user to change the file description that was originally entered when the file was first saved. The file description appears in the Client Folder.

Delete File - Loads the Data List screen to allow the user to select files saved for this module to delete.

Print - Loads the Print dialog for printing. The user may select printers, copies, or pages to print. Some modules have more than one print option in the menu.

Print Field Details – Prints the fields details entered for numeric fields. The details can be entered by putting the cursor on the desired numeric field and pressing CTRL+E or the equals sign (=). The details are printed using the heading entered on the field detail screen.

Client Database – Allows editing of the current client by opening the client screen.

Preparer/Rep Database – Allows adding or editing of the Preparer/Representative Database.

Close - Closes the current window. If only one window is open this is the same as Close All.

Close All - Closes all windows in the module. If data needs to be saved the user is prompted.

Options

Auto Calculate - Toggles auto calculation mode on/off. With this ON (default) the module recalculates after each field is changed and the cursor moves to the next field. It is recommended to leave this feature on at all times.

Update Calculations - If Auto Calculate is turned off, then the user must select this to have the module recalculated.

Spelling – Spell checks the input fields.

Map Client - Copies client information into appropriate fields of the module.

Field Format - "Change Format/Length" allows the programmed formatting of a field to be removed. For instance, a date field could be unformatted so the user could enter the word "None" or a numeric field could be unformatted so "N/A" could be entered. Once a field is unformatted the only way to restore the original formatting is to create a new data file. The user is also given the option to change the field length (number of typed characters allowed). The new field length is temporary and only valid for the current session. If a saved data file is loaded and the user moves the cursor to the altered field, the original programmed field length will be restored, the data will be truncated and any excess characters will be lost. Certain ID fields also have menu items that allow switching between SSN, FEIN, and "Applied For" formats.

Zoom - Toggles between normal display size and a display that is about 50% larger. [Obsolete]

Auto Select - The field text will automatically be selected (highlighted) for editing when a new field becomes active.

Scroll Bars - Default set in Configuration Options. Toggles display of scroll bars to be used in moving the display screen for viewing. NOTE: The user may always move the display by pressing and holding the mouse button on an area other than an input field. The mouse cursor will change to a multi-headed arrow. Hold the mouse and move it to move the form. Release the mouse to resume normal operation.

Help Bar - Default set in Configuration Options. Toggles display of the Help panel at the bottom of the screen. This displays help for the current input field. NOTE: The same help message is displayed when the user presses <F2>.

Tool Bar - Default set in Configuration Options. Toggles display of the tool bar. The tool bar contains buttons for several menu selections (New File, Open File, Save File, Print, Zoom, Calculate and Map Client. In addition the tool bar contains a drop-down list of clients allowing the user to select the current client after the module has been loaded.

Run Calculator - Loads the Windows Calculator program, if it is found in the Windows directory.

Window

Cascade - Cascades the loaded screens.

Tile - Tiles the loaded screens.

Window List - Allows the user to choose from the currently loaded screens.

Help - Shows several help options, including <F1> to see the current module description. The module description often explains the usage of the worksheet or contains instructions for a form.

Other Menu Items

Most modules have custom menu items that allow moving between related forms, moving to the next or previous page of multi-page modules, and performing special operations. The user should view the menu to see the available options in each module.

The Display

The worksheet or form consists of several input fields (boxes) on the screen requiring input from the user. Some fields are formatted (phone, SSN, FEIN, ZIP, date, etc.) and allow only certain input (numeric, X only, Y or N, etc.). Some fields formatted as SSN or FEIN allow switching between formats (see Field Format above). Field colors are set in the Configuration Options. Input fields are fields into which data is entered by the user. Calculation fields are fields the program fills in after doing some calculations. The user only has access to the calculation fields if Auto Calculation mode is turned off. Disabled fields are fields that the program has made off limits to further input, usually in response to some entry the user has made.

The user moves to the next field by pressing <ENTER>, <TAB> or the Down Arrow. Use SHIFT+<ENTER>, SHIFT+<TAB>, or the Up Arrow to move to the previous field. When fields appear in columns, often the arrows will move up and down the column when <ENTER> and <TAB> move across the columns. At any time the user may click a field with the mouse to move to that field. When the field is changed the program checks the validity of the entry and displays an appropriate message, if necessary, for the user to change the entry. The program also recalculates the module when the field is changed if Auto Calculation mode is on.

Some modules display Buttons on the form or worksheet to perform special operations such as access a detail screen for a particular field.

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