Estimator Help
Updated at 27 May 2008 to Included Changes for Version 0.0.3
1. Introduction
Estimator is a software tool designed to allow users to create simple estimates over an annual period. It works on the simple premise of income/expenses and provides the balance between the two.
Estimator simply multiplies the entered amount by the number of occurrences it has over the annual period and provides the total value. Estimator is best used for generic financial circumstances
and should only be used for as an assistance tool.
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2. Adding Income
Income can be added to Estimates by using two methods
1. From the File menu/New Income
2. By clicking on the "Income" button below the File menu and then clicking the "+ Add Income" Button.
Both of these methods will then open the New Income screen. Here you must enter a name, occurrance and value for the income. Descriptions and dates are optional.
The Number of occurences can be altered by entering into the value textbox next to the occurrence combo.
If you select the "Received?" checkbox next to the due date, you must select a due date.
Note: Total Income is displayed at the bottom of the main screen
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3. Adding Expenses
Expenses can be added to Estimates by using two methods
1. From the File menu/New Expense
2. By clicking on the "Expenses" button below the File menu and then clicking the "+ Add Expenses" Button.
Both of these methods will then open the New Income screen. Here you must enter a name, occurrance and value for the income. Descriptions and dates are optional.
The Number of occurences can be altered by entering into the value textbox next to the occurrence combo.
If you select the "Paid?" checkbox next to the due date, you must select a due date.
Note: Total Expense is displayed at the bottom of the main screen
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4. Importing Estimates
Estimator features a flexible importing option that allows csv (comma delimited files) to be imported. This can allow worksheets such as Microsoft Excel to be imported into Estimator.
To utilize the import feature correctly however, the comma delimited files must be set up in the correct column order. Future versions of Estimator (version 0.0.3 onwards) will be more flexible
and will not require strict columnn orders. Unfortunately, current versions requires strict column order. That order is:
1. Name
2. Description
3. Date
4. Occurrance
5. Value
It should also be noted that use of commas in any of the column values will disrupt the import. Commas should only be used to seperate columns.
To import a file, simply click the File Menu and then select "Import an Estimate". The import screen will appear, allowing you to select the default import options (end of line characters, end of value characters and ignored characters).
You can then select the import file. Only once a file has been selected will the final button become enabled, "Import". This button will attempt to import the file when clicked. If any errors occur with the import, an error message will appear.
Note: If an import fails and you choose to cancel, please click "New Estimate" in the File menu to clear any bad cached data.
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5. Exporting Estimates
Estimator currently supports only one export option, to Hyper Text Markup Language files (HTML) which can be viewed on the internet as web pages.
You can use this option by opening an estimate file/creating new estimates and then going to the File menu and clicking "Export as HTML". You can then select the file name for the HTML page and click "Save".
The export will then save the file and automatically try to open it using your default web browser so you can preview it.
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6. Saving Estimates
Estimates can be saved once any data is added to them. You simply need to click on the File menu and select "Save Estimate". Otherwise, when you try to close the estimate/open another you will be prompted to save the current estimate.
You will be given an option to show only overdue income/expenses. This will display only income/expenses that have an overdue date and haven"t been paid or received.
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7. Opening Estimates
Estimates are saved as EDF files (Estimator Data Format). You can open EDF files with two methods
1. Click the File menu in Estimator and select the "Open Estimate" option. You will then be able to browse for EDF files and click "open" to view them.
2. Open EDF files through windows. You can open EDF files with Estimator in the same way that DOC files are opened by Microsoft Word. EDF files are "owned" by the Estimator program and will always be opened by it.
* IMPORTANT: Saving a version 0.0.3 Estimate File using earlier versions will cause certain columns to be lost (paid/custom define fields) *
To open a new estimate, simply select the File menu and click on "New Estimate"
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8. Conclusions
As of this current release (version 0.0.3), Estimator is still being developed and will have additional functionality added in future versions.
Additional features that are being tentatively proposed are:
1. Improved import functionality
2. Expanded export options (to comma delimited formats, etc)
3. Adding Tax Options
Important Note:
Although currently provided as freeware, Estimator is owned by Dunstad Software and future versions may become commercially licensed software. Current freeware versions will be exempt from any such licenses.
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