CONVERT2000 README FILE (program for the pc type computer)

rpsoft_2000

Thank you for acquiring rpsoft_2000's convert program!


Basic Help

Note that some instructions are available on the program itself using the "Help" 
button.

LOADING THE PROGRAM

The program file will be provided as a single zip file.  It would be best to 
store a copy of the downloaded file in a second place in case a second computer 
load is needed. 

If the file name ends in ".exe" then the file is self extracting, and one just 
needs to run and execute the file.  If the original downloaded file ends in 
".zip" then one must unzip the file.  If you are not sure if you have a program 
that unzips files or not try starting a file program such as that one available 
under "My computer" and double click on the downloaded file name. Many programs 
will associate with file endings and such a program may automatically start when 
you click on it.  If you have no program to unzip files, please accept our 
apologies, however this is still fixable with a little more work.  A zip / unzip 
utility can prove useful since many people use that property. Such a file can be 
obtained from winzip at http://www.winzip.com on the net or from many download 
sites. Therefore, one should not be lost, but would unfortunately have another 
step to take.  Winzip at times has had an exploratory version.

During the program setup of course it is best as always to exit all other 
programs and then respond to the questions asked during setup. Answer YES if 
asked if it is okay to write over Windows temporary files. You will be asked 
where to store the program in the computer and what group to place the startup 
icon in. Of course one should remember these locations for starting the program 
later. Important - if System file changes are needed, the file may prompt and a 
computer restart may be needed.  If this happens or if the program does not load 
the first time, execute it a second time.  A system file update or another 
program operating in the background can potentially stop a load.  In extreme 
cases, restart your computer before trying the load again afterwards to ensure 
all others programs are not running.  Our apologies for any inconvenience during 
load.

If not changed during load, the program files will be stored under C:\Program 
Files\(program name). Program start will be under Programs under the start key 
(computer left bottom) and will be located under rpsoft_2000\(program name).


STARTING THE PROGRAM 

To begin the program, go to the windows start button on the lower left of the 
computer screen and click it.  Put your mouse on "programs" and a list of 
programs and program file locations will show.  Move the mouse rightward and up 
and down as necessary to find the location where the program startup is stored. 
This should be the same location as indicated during the program load.  If you 
have not modified the load location, the program should be under the program 
name or under rpsoft_2000.  Click the program icon to start the load.

MORE ICONS 

If you wish an icon on the computer screen for this program startup, locate the 
program as indicated above and then right mouse click on the program and select 
"Create Shortcut".  After the copy is created, use your mouse to drag (hold down 
the left mouse button) this startup copy onto your screen with your mouse.   
Note that once you have an icon startup on the desktop, that you can also if you 
wish simply drag that icon to the lower left of the computer screen icons for 
fast program startup later with a single click.  Note also, that right clicking 
on icons also will allow one to rename them, among other things.


General Program Usage

The convert2000 program is really set up simply, yet it can be quite a help when 
conversions are needed.  The program screen is broken into 6 areas, each 
surrounded by a rectangle.  Each of these areas acts independently.  When you 
change one of the values within an area, the other values in the area change 
correspondingly.  

A few control keys:

Use the esc (escape) key to blank a text area after selecting in with your 
mouse.

Use the enter key after entering a new data amount in a text box.  The enter key 
is what triggers the other conversion answers to calculate their new values.


Exiting the program

This program is kept so simple, it does not even have an exit button, or an exit 
in a pull down menu.  Simply click the "x" symbol in the very upper right hand 
corner to exit.  This technique by the way is another normal windows means of 
exiting a program.   Code associated with this exit will end the program 
properly.

Unique Conversions -hexadecimal

Note the one of the boxes is for hexadecimal, and will translate up to four 
bytes of hex code to decimal or to ascii (letters) equivalent.  Of course not 
all codes have an ascii equivalent letter, but for the ones that do, the ascii 
conversion box will show the eqivalent.

Unique Conversions - PPM / Sigma

This is a unique conversion that is used to measure Industry Quality.  Sigma is 
a measure of variation, while ppm (ppm stands for part per million) tells us how 
many defects can be expected per million opportunities for having a defect.  The 
relationship between the two is quite complex, but easy here since it is only a 
click away.  A great industry quality level is 6 sigma.  If you enter a 6 into 
the sigma area and press the enter key, you will see how many defects are 
allowed per million chances.  The answer is just a little more than 3.4  .  This 
is not many eh?  3.4 defects on the average per million chances of having a 
defect.  That is why that is a good quality standard.  If one says that they are 
99% right, that would be 1 defect per hundred chances or 10,000 defects per 
million.  Entering 10,000 into ppm shows that such a person would only be 
accurate to 3.8 sigma.  Note that when entering large numbers such as 10,000 not 
to enter the comma.  Please enter it as 10000.

Unique Conversions - temperature

Note that in the temperature conversions that there is also a Kelvin scale.  
Kelvin is similar to Celsius except its 0 point is absolute zero temperature.  
One can get no lower than 0 degrees Kelvin.  Note that one can certainly get 
below 0 degrees Celsius.  0 degrees Celsius is the point where water freezes and 
turns to ice.  It is equivalent to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unique Volume Conversions = Liters and Cubic Inches

For those that are car enthusiasts, note that one of the unique conversions for 
volume is that capability of converting liters into cubic inches.  Therefore one 
can check that a 5.0 liter mustang engine is really a 305 cubic inch engine in 
disguise.  And the old 426 hemi engines from the 1960's would now be called 
almost a 7 liter engine.  Fun, eh?

Variables Double Precision, Single, Decimal

This option is simply there for preference.  For very large or small numbers, 
sometimes double precision will be stated in scientific notation.  Some people 
prefer that notation, others might prefer decimal notation.  This option gives 
you a choice.

Note that if you change the precision selection after a calculation that some of 
the data may be lost and one cannot then go backwards back to more digits 
showing.  However, just change the variables option to the precision choice that 
you wish and THEN redo the calculation. Then the precision will return after the 
fresh calculation.

SUPPORT / MORE INFO

Support and more info is provided at rpsoft 2000's website.  This site is at:

www.rpsoft2000.com