Release Notes
-------------

Software Title
--------------
AEsti Auto Estimator

Short Description
-----------------
Estimating and job costing for construction works.

Long Description
----------------
AEsti is a simple estimating and quotation application which may be used to
cost construction projects ranging from house extensions to factory units.

Intended for use by small contractors, who have neither the time or
resources to spend on complicated software, it is only suitable for
relatively low value projects which have a minimal amount of items to cost.

It is a lightweight estimating package and lacks many of the features
found in high end applications such as composite items, detailed breakdowns,
digitizer support etc. Features have been traded for simplicity which has
inevitably resulted in the software being a compromise in its usability and
the options available.


============================================================================

Upgrading an Existing Version
-----------------------------
Do NOT uninstall the existing application or the Demonstration Item Library.

It is strongly recommended that a backup copy is made of all existing
program and data files before upgrading.

The new version must be installed into the old versions folder otherwise
it will be unable to find any user generated data files.

Do NOT install the Demonstration Item Library as this will overwrite any
existing user data files.


Demonstration Item Library
--------------------------
An Item Library containing material and labour rates is included for
demonstration purposes only. It is doubtful if the rates will suit the end
users requirements as they are location and building type specific.

The Library is not installed by default to prevent users inadvertently
overwriting any existing library during an upgrade.

Users who are upgrading the software must NOT install the Library.

Users who are installing the software for the first time may install these
files, if they are not installed then users must create a new Library from
scratch.


Installing under Windows v95/98/ME
----------------------------------
The application is provided in a self installing archive, run the program
to install the application.

Uninstalling under Windows v95/98/ME
------------------------------------
Run the Uninstall program or manually remove all files from the folder that
the application was installed into and remove it from the menu bar.

The uninstaller will not remove write protected, hidden, user created data
files or program files created after the software was installed, this also
includes any new Library Sections. Users must manually erase these files.

Note that any files in use by the program or another program when the
uninstaller is run will not be removed.


Help File
---------
Help is provided in HTML format and requires a web browser to view it.
Clicking on the applications Help, Contents menu will start the systems
default web browser which will then open the HTML help file.

A shortcut to the help file (Aesti.htm) is also added during software
installation, clicking on this shortcut will usually start the operating
systems default browser and open the file.

However, on some systems where a browser has not been installed or is not
installed correctly then it may not load at all. The solution is to start a
browser and manually select this file from the programs install folder, this
would typically be C:\Aesti\Aesti.htm

Please note that the Authors are unable to assist end users on setting
up their systems or web browser to correctly view the supplied HTML help
file.


Contact
-------
Users who are unable to install the software may contact the Authors
for assistance at cad@dukeuk.freeserve.co.uk


============================================================================

Target OS
---------
Windows 95, 98, ME or XP.

Minimum System Requirements
---------------------------
PC 486 dx100, 8mb free memory, Windows 95
Web browser required to view help file.

Recommended System Requirements
-------------------------------
PC Pentium 233, 16mb free memory, Windows 95, 98, ME or XP
Web browser required to view help file.


Obtaining the Software
----------------------
The latest version of this software can be obtained from -
http://www.dukeuk.freeserve.co.uk/index.htm

A static file link is -
http://www.dukeuk.freeserve.co.uk/aestiw.exe

Thank you for taking the time to try this software.


============================================================================

History
-------
Date         Version    Description
10 May 2002  1.01       New features -
                            Main item lists can be resized but can not be
                            sized beyond a certain point to prevent data being
                            obscured.
                            Minor program optimisations, printing enhanced.
                        Bug fixes -
                            Creating a new estimate will now correctly report
                            the amount of time spent on it.

 1 Jan 2002  1.00       Bug fixes -
                            Minor fixes

 4 Oct 2001  0.90       New features -
                            Print estimate section totals
                            Drag and drop between windows now works slightly
                            differently - the first item to be dragged will
                            always be dropped regardless of another item
                            being scrolled to in the list.

 6 Jun 2001  0.85       New features -
                            File and user info
                            Approximate project time
                        Bug fixes -
                            File Save As problem under some versions of
                            Windows 98/ME

30 May 2001  0.80       New features -
                            Generate Log File saves information to log file
                            for trouble shooting purposes.
                            Cost Item from Library tweaked.
                            Time that user spends on an estimate is logged.
                        Bug fixes -
                            Fixed minor bug with Cost Item and Item Library
                            auto-loading last file.

 4 Apr 2001  0.75       New features -
                            Import/Export CSV (comma separated value) files.
                            Print to file supports HTML.
                            Replicate option now has Up/Down direction.
                            Selectable printer font added.
                            Minor interface tweaks.
                        Bug fixes -
                            Tax rate would round floating point values i.e.
                            17.5 was rounded down to 17. Bug introduced when
                            converting registered version to shareware.

 1 Dec 2000  0.70       New features -
                            Sort and Replicate options available for Estimate
                            and Library items.
                            Cost estimate item from library.
                        Bug fixes -
                            Obscure currency problem fixed.
                            Totals page updates correctly.

21 Aug 2000  0.63       New features -
                            Extra print options.
                            Print routines optimised.

24 Jul 2000  0.62       Minor bug fixes.
                        Drag and drop fully implemented.
                        Floating point math tweaked.

30 May 2000  0.61       Minor interface tweaks and bug fixes.

29 Apr 2000  0.60       First beta released.

 2 Feb 2000             Complete code re-write finished.

