1. DCWIN - Invisible Text
2. DCWIN - DXF Import/Export Units of measurement
3. SmpMapX - Where can I get it?
4. ASAWIN - Macros from As-Easy-As for DOS
5. DCWIN - Is there a DCWIN Update
6. ASAWIN - Installation/Invalid Registry Entry
7. AS-EASY-AS For DOS - Run-Time Error 200
8. DCWIN - Importing Scanned Images (bitmaps)
9. DCWIN - Drawing (B)earing, (R)elative, (A)bsolute
10. ASAWIN/DCWIN - Compatibility with XP
11. TiVec - Other than Tiger Input
12. SmpMapX - Why MID/MIF
13. SmpMapX - Displaying User Points
14. AS-EASY-AS, Alite - Accuracy in calculations
15. AS-EASY-AS - What is Linear Programming?
16. DCWIN - Copying to Metafiles
17. AS-EASY-AS v5.70 - Removing Passwords
18. ASAWIN - AS-EASY-AS for Win3.xx ??
19. ASAWIN - Creating Multiple pages (panels)
20. ASAWIN - Cell Borders
21. ASAWIN - Disabling UNDO
22. ASAWIN - Using {INVALUE} macro
23. ASAWIN - Formatting cells
24. ASAWIN - Compatibility with AS-EASY-AS for DOS
25. ASAWIN - Use Graphs in other Apps
26. ASAWIN - Using Data Form
27. ASAWIN - Printing multiple ranges
28. ASAWIN - Printing Grid
29. ASAWIN - Entering Numbers/Dates
30. ASAWIN - Defining Ranges in Macros
31. ASAWIN - Auto Execute Macro
32. ASAWIN - Auto Loading Worksheet
33. ASAWIN - Partial Printing
34. ASAWIN - Compatibility with Lotus 1-2-3
35. DCWIN - Exporting to HPGL File

TTR: 98902 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: AS-EASY-AS
SUBJECT: What is Linear Programming?

(From the Linear Programming FAQs.)

<< Q. What is Linear Programming? >>

(For rigorous definitions and theory, which are beyond the scope of this document, the interested reader is referred to the many LP textbooks in print, a few of which are listed in the references section.)

A Linear Program (LP) is a problem that can be expressed as follows (the so-called Standard Form):

    minimize   cx
    subject to Ax  = b
                x >= 0

where x is the vector of variables to be solved for, A is a matrix of known coefficients, and c and b are vectors of known coefficients. The expression "cx" is called the objective function, and the equations "Ax=b" are called the constraints. All these entities must have consistent dimensions, of course, and you can add "transpose" symbols to taste. The matrix A is generally not square, hence you don't solve an LP by just inverting A. Usually A has more columns than rows, and Ax=b is therefore quite likely to be under-determined, leaving great latitude in the choice of x with which to minimize cx.

The word "Programming" is used here in the sense of "planning"; the necessary relationship to computer programming was incidental to the choice of name. Hence the phrase "LP program" to refer to a piece of software is not a redundancy, although I tend to use the term "code" instead of "program" to avoid the possible ambiguity.

Although all linear programs can be put into the Standard Form, in practice it may not be necessary to do so. For example, although the Standard Form requires all variables to be non-negative, most good LP software allows general bounds l <= x <= u, where l and u are vectors of known lower and upper bounds. Individual elements of these bounds vectors can even be infinity and/or minus-infinity. This allows a variable to be without an explicit upper or lower bound, although of course the constraints in the A-matrix will need to put implied limits on the variable or else the problem may have no finite solution. Similarly, good software allows b1 <= Ax <= b2 for arbitrary b1, b2; the user need not hide inequality constraints by the inclusion of explicit "slack" variables, nor write Ax >= b1 and Ax <= b2 as two separate constraints. Also, LP software can handle maximization problems just as easily as minimization (in effect, the vector c is just multiplied by -1).

The importance of linear programming derives in part from its many applications (see further below) and in part from the existence of good general-purpose techniques for finding optimal solutions. These techniques take as input only an LP in the above Standard Form, and determine a solution without reference to any information concerning the LP's origins or special structure. They are fast and reliable over a substantial range of problem sizes and applications.

Two families of solution techniques are in wide use today. Both visit a progressively improving series of trial solutions, until a solution is reached that satisfies the conditions for an optimum. Simplex methods, introduced by Dantzig about 50 years ago, visit "basic" solutions computed by fixing enough of the variables at their bounds to reduce the constraints Ax = b to a square system, which can be solved for unique values of the remaining variables. Basic solutions represent extreme boundary points of the feasible region defined by Ax = b, x >= 0, and the simplex method can be viewed as moving from one such point to another along the edges of the boundary. Barrier or interior-point methods, by contrast, visit points within the interior of the feasible region. These methods derive from techniques for nonlinear programming that were developed and popularized in the 1960s by Fiacco and McCormick, but their application to linear programming dates back only to Karmarkar's innovative analysis in 1984.

The related problem of integer programming (or integer linear programming, strictly speaking) requires some or all of the variables to take integer (whole number) values. Integer programs (IPs) often have the advantage of being more realistic than LPs, but the disadvantage of being much harder to solve. The most widely used general-purpose techniques for solving IPs use the solutions to a series of LPs to manage the search for integer solutions and to prove optimality. Thus most IP software is built upon LP software, and this FAQ applies to problems of both kinds.

Linear and integer programming have proved valuable for modeling many and diverse types of problems in planning, routing, scheduling, assignment, and design. Industries that make use of LP and its extensions include transportation, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing of many kinds. A sampling of applications can be found in many LP textbooks, in books on LP software systems, and among the application cases in the journal Interfaces.

TTR: 98903 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: DCWIN
SUBJECT: Copying to Metafiles

<< Q. I am still having a problem with the copying and the saving of the bit map and the metafiles. Sometimes they will copy and sometimes they will not. Instead of forming a box with a dotted line, it makes a solid straight line that disappears when the button is released. Sometimes it will make the dotted line box and when it does it will copy or save. I wonder if I am the only one having this problem and if it is something I am doing wrong. >>

Please check the status of the I(sometric), O(rthogonal) and S(nap) icons. If any of them are active, they will have an impact on the cursor when you go to draw a box to specify what is to be copied. Having Orthogonal mode active when attempting to draw a capture window will cause a straight line to be drawn, as you describe above.

Unless you specifically wish to use one of the features, they should all be toggled OFF.

TTR: 98904 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: AS-EASY-AS v5.7
SUBJECT: Removing Passwords

<< Q. I have my individual files password protected, but need to transfer certain of these to a colleague who uses Lotus 123. They cannot be read into his program because of the password protection. How do I unprotect individual files? >>

From the Ver. 5.7 users's manual: "To remove password protection, store the file by entering the filename followed by a space and the letter "p" . When prompted for the password, simply press [ENTER]."

TTR: 98905 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: AS-EASY-AS for Win 3.xx ??

<< Q. I realize the As-Easy for Win is designed for Win 95, but is there any way to run the program in Win 3.1? I run two computers, both having Win 3.1 and only one with Win 95. Please let me know if I can run the program under Win 3.1. >>

AS-EASY-AS for Win95/NT is a 32-bit application which requires Windows 95 or Windows NT. It will not run under Windows 3.1x. Sorry.

TTR: 98906 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Creating Multiple pages (panels)

<< Q. How do I create different pages with alphabetical tab letters on the bottom of each sheet. I hope this clarifies what I am seeking. >>

To create additional pages in the same worksheet, use the Sheet, General, Option command, and set the Dimensions parameter to greater than 1. This is similar to the /User, Install, Dimension command in Ver. 5.7 for DOS.

Tabs will automatically appear when Dimensions is set to greater than 1. The alphabetical tab letters can be changed to something more meaningful by right mouse clicking on the tab, and typing in the new information.

TTR: 98907 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Cell Borders

<< Q. I have been trying to place borders (lines) around either single or multiple cells, but can't seem to find out how to do it. Can cells be bordered and can they be printed with borders? >>

Use the Range Border command. You can place border lines inside, outside, or between cells, or any combination.

TTR: 98908 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Disabling UNDO

<< Q. I Keep getting message " Out of undo memory". Have pentium 166 with 32 meg ram. How do you correct this? Can you de-activate undo? Now unable to copy a formula down a column. >>

In the ASAWIN.INI file located in your ASAWIN folder, there is a flag UNDO=TRUE. To disable the UNDO function and avoid the use of memory by it, change this flag to UNDO=FALSE using Notepad.

TTR: 98909 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Using {INVALUE} macro

<< Q. When using the {invalue} macro, is it possible to accept (retain) the existing value in a cell, as it always clears cell contents if Enter is pressed? >>

{Invalue} is going to overwrite the destination cell with the next value entered. If no value is entered, and [ENTER] is pressed, the existing value is still overwritted with " ".

What you can do is store a default value in a cell and include it in the prompt, with instructions to press [ENTER] to accept the value, or to enter a new value. Store the entered value to a second cell. Then test to see if the second cell is blank or contains an invalid entry. If it is blank or invalid, replace the first cell with the contents with the default value.

The following will include the contents of E1 in the prompt, and place the entered value in D1. If D1 is blank (has a value of 0), the contents of D1 will be replaced with the value in E1.

{invalue "Enter a new value or click on OK to accept "&e1,d1}
{if D1=0}{let d1,e1}
{update}

The default value in cell E1 remains unchanged.

TTR: 98910 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Formatting cells

<< Q. I want to change the format of a range from fixed (2 dec. places) to (3 dec. places).

However, I cannot get the OK at the bottom of the box to be "active" if I operate on one cell or a range of cells. >>

The format for a range of cells can be set by selecting the Range, Format command. You may highlight the range to be formatted before selecting the Range command, or you may click on the range icon after the command was selected and highlight the range to be formatted.

Next click on the format desired. In your case, click on Fixed. Next, click on the up/dn icons and specify the number of decimal places to be displayed, or simply type in the value. Click on OK to process the command.

You can format the range by highlighting the desired range, clicking on the right mouse button, selecting format, and proceeding as above.

Note - if the desired format's button, in this case Fixed, appears in light grey lettering, the Fixed button still needs to be selected. You'll note a definite change in its appearance once selected.

TTR: 98911 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Compatibility with AS-EASY-AS for DOS

<< Q. I would like to know, whether files stored by asawin95 are compatible to dos versions of aseasy. >>

AS-EASY-AS Ver. 5.7 for DOS can read .WKS files created by AS-EASY-AS for Windows, and vice versa. However, new features in AS-EASY-AS for windows, such as cell formatting and fonts, etc., will not be supported by AS-EASY-AS, Ver. 5.7 for DOS.

TTR: 98912 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Use Graphs in other Apps

<< Q. There is no way that I have found to direct a graph plot to a file (e.g., PIC or PCX format) so that the output can be used in another document (such as a word processor document). >>

While a graph is displayed, if you right click in the graph window, the menu will give you the option to save the graph as a bitmap file or to copy the graph to the Windows clipboard. You can then load or paste the resulting file into your word processor ducument.

TTR: 98913 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Using Data Form

<< Q. I'm in the process of converting my older DOS version worksheet to Win 95. I've learned that "/DIF" is no longer valid. "Data Form" has taken its place. My problem is I have formulas (@SUM) in the middle of the input column and when I leave Data Form, it knocks out the formula and leaves a Zero.

I have to go back and copy the formula to correct it. >>

Highlight the row containing the column headings, and use the Range Lock command and disable cell protection for the range. Next, highlight the column heading for the column containing the formulas, and select Range Lock, and ENABLE protection for that cell. When you use Data Form again, the list of cells will skip the protected cell, leaving your formulas intact. Note that you don't have to enable worksheet protection (Sheet/General/Option/Protect locked cells) in order for this to work.

TTR: 98914 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Printing multiple ranges

<< Q. Is there a way to print separate small ranges on the same page without having to manipulate the printer &/or paper. >>

You can not print separate ranges without a formfeed occuring between ranges. However, either manually or by macro, you can copy the separate small ranges to an area of the spreadsheet so they are contiguous, print them together, then erase the range.

TTR: 98915 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Printing Grid

Q. I recently downloaded AS-EASY-AS for Win95/NT, Ver. 1.60j, which I understood would allow grid lines to be printed on my HP Deskjet printer. Although I have Show Grid checked, and the grid lines display in Preview mode, they still don't print in my output.

A. It was determined that some printer drivers had a problem mapping the default light gray color that is used for the grid lines. Version 1.60j introduced a new option in the Sheet General Options dialog. "Print as black" forces the printer to print the grid lines in solid black. The default mode is for this option off. If you toggle the option on, the grid lines should now appear when you print with your HP deskjet.

TTR: 98916 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Entering Numbers/Dates

Q. I have a spreadsheet that produces the desired results, except whenever i input numbers to be processed, it prints out a date. It computes the numbers to the correct cell and prints them correctly. How can I make it print numbers instead of dates?

A. Use the Range Format command to reset the format of the culprit cells. It sounds as if you have somehow formatted them to display as dates.

TTR: 98917 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Defining Ranges in Macros

Q. Can I use the pointing-method for defining a range in a macro? If yes, how do I do that? If no, how can I define a range in a macro. Note that the range can be bigger or smaller each time I run the macro, so I can't define a fixed range.

A. With AS-EASY-AS for Win95/NT, you need to build the range before you execute a macro command that uses the range. Even though the range may vary, you typically know the top left corner cell of the range. By using the {anchor} macro command in conjuction with the {dn} and {rt} macor commands, you can highlight a contiguous range. If you then use a macro command with the name "range" (in lieu of a range such as a1..i10), the highlighted range will be used by the macro.

For example:
{home}{anchor 1}{end}{dn}{rt 10}
{copy range,k1}{anchor 0}

will highlight a range starting with cell A1 (home) and continuing down to the last non-blank row and then to the right 10 columns and copy the highlighted range to cell K1.

Once you have hightlighted range, you can also create or build a temporary range name, such as TEMP, and refer to the range by name in a macro command, such as {copy temp,K1}.

TTR: 98918 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: AutoExecute Macro

Q. I had an autoexecuting macro (\0) in AS-EASY-AS Ver. 5.7. I have updated the macro to run in AS-EASY-AS for Win95/NT. It will run, but I still can't get it to autoexecute when the file is loaded.

A. Loading a Ver. 5.7 worksheet which has an autoexecuting macro into AS-EASY-AS for Win95/NT could have unexpected results the first time it is run, so the "\0" has been disabled. Once the macro has been modified to run in the Windows version, it must be named AUTOEXEC in order for it to autoexecute upon loading in AS-EASY-AS for Win95/NT.

TTR: 98919 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Auto Loading Worksheet

Q. AS-EASY-AS for Windows 95/NT automaticaly loads a file on startup. How do I stop that from happening?

A. Select Sheet, General, Files, and remove the file name listed in the Autoexec option.

TTR: 98920 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Partial Printing

Q. I am trying to print various spreadsheets with ASAWIN v.1.6 using a bottom margin setting of 0. No matter what I am printing, it cuts it off at 1.5 inches from the bottom. It will then print the remainder of the sheet on a second page at the bottom exactly where it should have been on the first page. The laser printer we are using has a display that says "buffer error", I have to hit reset and then it prints the two messed up pages. Would this be a problem in the program or a problem with the printer?

A. With older printers, this is very likely due to insufficeint printer memory to hold a complete page of graphic information. This would cause it to print the first page once its memory was full, eject the page, and then print the remainder of the information on a second page. While printing at a lower print resolution might get around the problem, it is likely time to upgrade to a newer printer.

TTR: 98921 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: ASAWIN
SUBJECT: Compatibility with Lotus 1-2-3

Q. I know the DOS version of As-Easy-As is Lotus 1-2-3 compatible. Yet, when I tried to use the Windows 95 version, Lotus couldn't read it. Is it still compatible with Lotus?

A. Both the DOS and Windows versions are able to read Lotus 1-2-3 .WKS and .WK1 format files. They are not file compatible with .WK2 or Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows files. However, from within Lotus 1-2-3, you should be able to export the worksheet file to a .WKS or .WK1 format file which can be then read by ASAWIN. Likewise, you should be able to import a .WKS or .WK1 format file created by ASAWIN as well.

TTR: 98922 [Back to Index]
PROGRAM: DCWIN
SUBJECT: Exporting to HPGL File

Q. In the documentation on your web site it suggests that DraftChoice for Windows can export to an HPGL file. In fact, the version I downloaded from your site cannot, as it doesn't have a command to export to an HPGL file. Please advise if there is updated version that can.

A. DCWIN uses your installed Windows plotter driver to create an HPGL file. You need to first install a plotter driver (from your Windows Disk or CD-ROM) that is going to be used with the file you are creating. If you need to create a generic HPGL file for use with another program, the HP7475A driver works fine. When you install the dirver, specify that the output is to be directed to a file.

When you select File Plot in DCWIN, specify the plotter driver you installed. Windows will prompt you for the file name. The result will be an HPGL file of the drawing.