3.9. Hidden Bar Menu
As well as the normal menus Equity displays through the course of using the program, there is another special menu, called the Bar Menu, which stays hidden until you want to use one of its features. It can be called up from anywhere within Equity by pressing [Alt][F10].
The Title Bar at the top of the screen will change, and the words Date, Time, Calculator, Password, Contacts and Hotkeys will appear. `Calculator' will be highlighted as this is the most commonly used option.
Use the left and right arrow keys to move the highlight. When the highlight is on the option you wish to use, press [Enter], and the appropriate function will be activated.
Date
This option allows you to re-set Equity's processing date without the need to exit the program. Type in the desired date in day/month/year format and press [Enter]. The processing date will then be set to the new date.
Time
Lets you set the system time. Type in hours up to 23, then minutes up to 59 and press [Enter]. The system time will be set to the new time. If you don't want to change it, just press [Enter].
Note: This will change the computer's clock.
Calculator
The calculator is a 4-function [ + - * / ] calculator where numbers are entered using the keyboard. Numlock must be switched on to use the numeric keypad.
Enter the first number. It will appear in the calculator's window. Press the key for the function [ + - * / ], and then the second number. The second number then appears in the calculator's window. Press the `=' key for the answer. The `E' key clears the current entry, and the `C' key clears the calculator.
[Alt-P] will paste the result of the calculation into the field you were on when you pressed [Alt-F10]. If you don't want the result in the field press [Esc] to restore the fields previous contents. When you have finished your calculation, press the [Esc] key.
Password
This allows you the change your password. Type in your new password and then press [Enter]. If you don't want to change it, press [Esc].
Contacts
This provides a quick access to the Time and Contacts Manager.
Hot Keys
This function can save you a lot of time by allowing you to set up key sequences that give you quick access to specific tasks.
By pressing [Enter] on a function key you can select the menu option you want to be accessible when that key combination is pressed. This is extremely useful if you have specific tasks that you often do that are on sub-menus as you can by-pass the menu selection process. You can also use this feature to access information that is not normally available from a certain screen.
Press [Ctrl][Enter] to save the new setting. To return to the originating screen press [Esc].
Note : Hot key procedures can be called up to four times in succession. Pressing [Esc] will always take you back to the previous hot key procedure or the originating screen.