Introduction

This comprehensive Help System supersedes all of the previously published individual Manuals and User Guides. This Manual is updated through release 2013.5

Some functions describe herein operate only with release version 2013.5 You can check your installed version via the Pathagoras 'Main Menu', 'About' tab.

We would greatly appreciate your input as to the usefulness and 'usability' of this Help System. If you have comments, corrections or suggestions for improvement, please send us an email by clicking here. If you see an error on, or wish to offer a comment about, a page that you are viewing, click the 'envelope' in the upper right hand corner. That will activate your email program, and address a letter to us with a specific reference to the page you are viewing. Just add your comments and send. Thanks!

Pathagoras™ is a multi-faceted document authoring tool. It is designed to help you create and complete complex documents, but is equally well suited to prepare simple letters and forms.

First and foremost, Pathagoras is a 'plain-text based' document assembly and automation system. In just a few clicks, Pathagoras can present a list of forms or clauses on a designated topic. From that list, you can select an appropriate form, group of forms, or a subset of clauses to address your client or customer's need. Pathagoras then quickly assembles those clauses into a complete document.

Secondly, Pathagoras is a database. With a few additional keystrokes, you can assign 'personal' values to replace variables that resided in the source text. You can then easily store and reuse that personal data in future documents containing the same variables.

Pathagoras is also a document manager. That means that you can use Pathagoras to help to organize and save documents and to retrieve them for later use.

Here are a few other key features about the program:

•	The forms in a 'Pathagorized' system are your forms. The language is your language.

•	There is no pre-packaged text that limits you in your document production. (However, if you already have forms on your computer in which variables are noted between square brackets, those forms are already 'automated documents' as far as Pathagoras is concerned. No further editing is needed.)

•	Pathagoras self-generates the data input forms it needs to preserve 'personal' data (names, addresses, etc.) You do not have to spend any time composing data intake sheets.

•	Pathagoras self-generates the Interview forms which can guide you through the selection of "optional" and multiple choice text blocks. There are no complex interview forms that you have to create, and no complex formulas that you have to write to link interview answers to results.

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Pathagoras does not require you to abandon your current files or file structure. Pathagoras easily adapts to the methods that you currently use to store and retrieve documents. Your current folder(s) of forms can remain intact. Each can be used as a Pathagoras 'book' without any special configuration, programming or changes.

These design features set Pathagoras apart from its competitors because of their simplicity of use and ease of implementation.

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The majority of the DemoDocuments that accompany the program and the images in this Manual, feature law office forms. However, Pathagoras is a program for all offices, all disciplines, and for all aspect of office operations. Pathagoras is currently used by companies in the following non-law disciplines:

proposal generation (RFPs and Bids)	construction	accounting
financial planning	insurance (claims processing)	software development
medical office	school psychology	home inspection and repair

Pathagoras can be used to enhance any Word operation in any office. Many purchase Pathagoras to assist in drafting contracts, pleadings, reports and proposals. But Pathagoras is also intended to simplify the production of simple letters and day-to-day memos as well. If you can do it in Word, you can do it easier, faster and more accurately using Pathagoras.

See also Beyond Document Assembly

‘Plain-text' refers to the structure of the variables and optional text blocks contained within a form.

•	A ‘plain-text’ variable is one that can be composed using standard keyboard-entered text and which you can read and edit along with other text on your screen.

•	A plain-text variable is simply a word or phrase enclosed within square brackets.

[This is a variable]

•	Optional text is also composed in plain-text. Enclose optional text within "{" and "}" markers. When encountered during an assembly session, the program will ask "Do you want to keep this text?"

•	'Plain-text' is just what it says. It is not a field, a SmartTag or other coded or hidden element that requires a separate program to create or interpret.

•	Plain-text does not, however, mean unformatted text. To the contrary, all formatting characteristics that you currently use (bold, italics, indents, etc.) fall within the ambit of 'plain-text.'

Final Introductory comments:

•	This Manual is big. Its size reflects the many features of the program.

•	Don't try to learn it all. It cannot be done. Take small steps.

•	Pathagoras is modular. Everything builds on the next. No step is wasted if you rest without fully completing a project. So if you need to stop, you are already 'ahead' in terms of productivity with whatever you have done.

•	On the other hand, if you are every fully 'satisfied' with how you have set up the program for your office, don't stop. Pull out this Manual and see if there is a 'next step' you might take to make Pathagoras even more productive.

And never hesitate to call us with any questions or suggestions. Our contact information is right here.

Pathagoras, PathSmart, SaveSmart and 'plain-text document assembly' are trade-marks or service marks of
Innovative Software Products of VA, LLC, and Roy Lasris.

Pathagoras, PathSmart and SaveSmart programs, interface screens, help system and all other visible and
non-visible coding Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011
by Innovative Software Products of Virginia, LLC, and Roy Lasris.

All references in this Manual to "Word" refer to Microsoft® Word, a product of the Microsoft® Corporation. All references to Windows refer to the Microsoft® Windows® operating system, a product of the Microsoft® Corporation.

Other products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this help system, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.