PAIRS v1.2 by David GJ Cole (c)1998 -OVERVIEW- PAIRS is a Personal Productivity application for the Psion 3a/ 3c/ 3mx that applies the "Pairwise Comparison" technique to a set of options to both prioritize these options and determine the relative importance of each option to the others. Situations often arise where a number of activities must be completed, but it is not immediately clear which must be done first (e.g. Time Management and ToDo list prioritisation). Alternatively, a decision may have to be made on the basis of a number of considerations whose relative importance is not known (e.g. deciding whether to move to location A or B). PAIRS is designed to help with both these types of problem. Example uses of PAIRS can be found at the DGC Shareware website URL http://www.dcole.freeserve.co.uk Any comments, suggestions (or bug reports!) would be appreciated. Please send them to DGCShareware@dcole.freeserve.co.uk -INSTALLATION- The download package was zipped with the appropriate directory structure for the Psion, and files should be copied to the Psion to reflect this structure. This can be done by using the command line PKUNZIP -d PAIRS12.ZIP. If the directory structure has not been re-created or you have not created Psion directories before, please use the following: If it does not already exist, create a directory \App on the Psion internal drive by using the sequence: "Menu -> Disk -> Make directory -> \App". Copy the PAIRS main program PAIRS12.OPA to this directory. Alternatively, this file can be copied to, and run from, a \APP directory on either SSD A or B. Create a directory \Pairs on the Psion Internal drive by using the sequence: "Menu -> Disk -> Make directory -> \App\Pairs". Copy the Pairs helpfile (PAIRS12.HLP) to this directory. (see note below). Install PAIRS and its icon by using Psion-I from the Psion 3a/ 3c/ 3mx system screen. The icon will be installed to the left of the current cursor position. When PAIRS first runs, it will create a directory \Pairs on the Psion Internal drive. This will be used to store all data files generated by PAIRS. In addition, the following files are included with the PAIRS v1.2 download package: They should not be downloaded to the Psion. README.HTM - This file, giving installation and Help information. README.TXT - a plain text version of this file. -A Note on the PAIRS HELP FILE- Installaton of the help file is recommended, but if memory space is at a premium you can either download it and delete it when you are familiar with the software or not download it at all. To get you started, the PAIRS Menu Helpfile entries are included below: Help: File menu New: clear the current options and create a new file. TAB can be used as a 'Hot Key'. Open: open a previously saved PAIRS file. Save: save the current options to the current PAIRS file. Save as: save the current options to a different PAIRS file, or as text for other applications. Help: Options menu Insert: insert a new option. Press Esc/ Enter to finish. Edit: use the arrow keys to select the option to edit. Press Enter to start the edit this option. Delete: use the arrow keys key to select the option to delete. Press Enter to Delete this option. The Delete key can also be used as a 'Hot Key'." Help: Priority menu Prioritise - prioritise the current set of options by asking the user to compare successive pairs of options. Display - redisplay the current set of options in priority order. Help: Special menu Zoom in - increase the font size. Zoom out - decrease the font size. Print setup - set up the printer for the current options. Print preview - preview the current print setup. Print - print the current set of options. Exit, lose changes - exit PAIRS without saving changes. Exit - exit PAIRS after saving any changes Help: Tips on using Pairs Although PAIRS supports up to 15 options, it is best to limit the number of options as this reduces the number of questions PAIRS asks. If you have more than 15 options, a good approach is to allocate them to categories, prioritise the categories before prioritising the contents of each category. The weights for the categories and the individual options can then be used to combine all the options to get an overall prioritisation. -REGISTRATION- PAIRS v1.2 is working Shareware application intended to let you "try before you buy". If you continue to use PAIRS beyond an initial evaluation period (eg 2 weeks), you must register it with DGC Shareware. When you register, the 'nag screens' are removed, and any reference to registration is removed from the menu. You will also be able to print PAIRS files and/ or save them as text for import into other Psion or PC applications. You will also be entitled to further updates. Registration is done by entering a simple code obtained from DGC Shareware. -HOW TO REGISTER- via CompuServe. GO SWREG and use id #17327 (cost US$12). by secure credit card transaction via Regnet - The Registration People (URL http://www.reg.net) and use registration id #2773 - (cost equivalent US$10 +US$5 handling). RegNet can also be reached by phone on 1 800 WWW2REG (1 800 999-2734) or (805) 288-1827. by mail: cheque drawn on a UK bank for UK£8, or for users outside UK, bills (no coins please) equivalent to GB£10 in local currency (example US$15, FF100, DM30, Euro 15 - to allow for conversion rates), to: DGC Shareware 39 Highfields Close Bristol BS34 8YB United Kingdom Please remember to include your name and address. If an email address is included, you will be sent the registration code by email for speed. -DISCLAIMER- You use this program entirely at your own risk. The author does not accept responsibility for any damage to your system, or data lost, (either directly or indirectly), as a result from using PAIRS v1.2 or any of it's associated files. PAIRS v1.2 may be distributed freely as long as all the original files are included and not altered in any way. Copyright DGC Shareware 1998, All Rights Reserved All trademarks recognised Version 1.2 September 1998