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Pathagoras 2017.1
Upgrades, Hints and Tips
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The updates announced in this newsletter probably does not alone warrant a 'major' upgrade, but cumulatively, we have come a long way since the release of Pathagoras 2017 last November. A step up in the version number is now warranted.
We are always plugging along trying to improve Pathagoras' usefulness in your office, and are pleased to announce the release of Pathagoras v. 2017.1.
These are some of the new features and improvements since our last newsletter:
1. Enhanced ALT-G function. The keyboard press of Alt-G allows you to perform a number of Pathagoras functions. For example, if we have scheduled a GoToMeeting session together, you can start the meeting simply by typing the word 'meeting' anywhere on an editing screen and press Alt-G (the 'g' stands for 'g'et) and the meeting starts.
The beauty of the Alt-G commands is that they can be called from the keyboard with you just having to type a keyword you can easily memorize, followed by Alt-G. No more mousing through the menu for the command. But if you are still learning, or are unsure, or just prefer to use the mouse, there is still the problem of which command to type.
When you
rarely use a function, you are just not going to remember its keyword. To address that, we have placed the
entire list of Alt-G calls within two click range. Click the 'HotKeys' tab, the button labelled 'Alt-G' and then the button which bears the name of the Alt-G call (which in turn will refresh your recollection of the command). But, Roy, you just said 'two-click range'. That's at least 3
clicks!! Gotcha'?" Nope. Just elevate the Alt-G commands to your Quick
Access Toolbar. Two clicks. Doing so makes it even more functional when you see how many items
are at your command. You have to try this. Today!
2. Setting Defaults. If you want to present a variable with a pre-set default value, you can assign that default simply by typing a hashtag (i.e., '#') in front of the default value. This works for 'regular' variables and for multiple choice variables. Here are some examples: 'Regular variables' [Marital Status#Married]; [Date of Contract#January 1, 2017]; [Attorney#Lawrence Lawyer]. Multiple choice variables: [Marital Status:Single/#Married/Separated/Divorced]; [Attorney:Adam Attorney/Cathryn Counsellor/#Lawrence Lawyer] OR without a title [Adam Attorney/#Cathryn Counsellor/Lawrence Lawyer]
3. Comments and Tips for Variables (hover-over text). You can now provide instructions along side of your variables that will appear as hover-over text when the Instant Database screen displays the variables. The instructions can relate to formatting, proper usage, reason for inclusion, or otherwise. The siple setup for this feature is for you to inserting a standard Word 'Comment' anywhere inside the first appearance of the in the document variable. So if the variable were [Client Name], just put your cursor inside the variable and insert a Comment. (To insert a comment, click the Comment button behind the Review tab in Word's ribbon. Here is a video. Also, check out this page of the Manual.
4. <<*If* routines in body text. For you geeks in my customer base who like to experiment with programming, the <<*If* . . .>> routine now works 'in-document". Here is what that means: Prior to this release, the <<*If*. . . >> function only worked within <<*Ask . . .>> tables (Pathagoras 'plain text' interview. See Manual content beginning with this page.) But with Pathagoras 2017.1, you can insert an <<*If* . . .>> command to compare document values set by <<*Asks . . .>>, <<*Options* . . .>>, <> and <<*Repeat*. . . >> elements. The setups are identical.
5. QuickLinks (a reminder). I open my client folders simply by typing '/Jones' (or other client name) and pressing Alt-G. It seems that most my customers are under-using this powerful tool. So I (finally) created a video to show ya'll how it's done. If you are not using QuickLinks, you should be. Here is the parallel link to the Manual pages on this topic.
6. Sentence Assembly. Document assembly is a fairly well know process. Build a long document from a collection of short document. But sentence assembly (build a sentence or paragraph from just a collection of related words) is something that (to our knowledge) only offered by Pathagoras. If you have a collection of words or short phrases that are frequently strung together to make sentences, check out our Sentence Assembly tool. We have prepared a video showing you how it is done. (The example in in the video reflects a report writing session for a psychologist, but its application is universal.) Here is a link to Sentence Assembly in the Manual.
6. Bug fixes/Screen improvements. More people are using more of the advanced features of the program. They are discovering some glitches or suggesting some very appropriate screen and work-flow improvements. If you have reported it, it's been fixed. If you made a suggestion, it's likely been adopted. Thanks to all.
As you can tell, I have been actively generating new videos to demonstrate various Pathagoras features. If you have a desire for a video on a particular topic, drop me a line (a reply to this newsletter will work) and let me know the topic. I'll get to it as soon as I can.
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If you are within a year of your initial purchase or renewal of your Annual Support Agreement, or are a monthly subscriber, the Pathagoras 2017.1 upgrade is free to you. Just click the button below. At the next page, insert your Serial Number and Pathagoras will let you know where you stand. (If you don't know your serial number, no problem. Just write.)
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--RoyRoy Lasris
Innovative Software Products of Virginia
www.pathagoras.com
info@pathagoras.com
 1-866-PATHAGOras (1-866-728-4246) (tollfree)
(757) 877-2244 (Virginia, USA -day)
(757) 898-7374 (Virginia, USA -eve)
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If you are still within your initial 90 day free trial period, you can finish up your trial with the latest, greatest version. Log back onto the site (button below) and click any 90 day trial button. If you are beyond the 90 days, but still not sure if Pathagoras fits your needs, think about a monthly subscription to Pathagoras. It's only $25 per month.
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