Master Menu

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Master Menu and Security System

The security system determines the users of the application programs and their level of access. As a user provides security information that identifies the user to the system, the information is verified by reading the user security file. If the information is not valid, a security violation report is produced, and the user is asked to try again. A timeout of approximately six seconds occurs between each request to keep "hackers" from "running the numbers" to break the security codes. The password is displayed as asterisks to prevent others from obtaining this access information. If the information is valid, the program displays the last date and time the user logged on. By paying attention to this display, you can tell if someone else has obtained and used the same security codes.

A default printer name is also requested during the log on process. All programs that use a printer, prompt the operator for the printer name where the printout is to be directed. This feature allows multiple printers to be utilized on the system and provides an easy way to redirect reports to alternate printers. The default printer you choose should be the one you use most often because it can be selected in the programs that use a printer with one keystroke.

The master menu appears after security information is verified as valid. The menu is described by the contents of the program security file. Snowbird Systems provides a file with menu selections to all programs provided. This file can be altered by the user if desired. If certain functions are nested within several levels of subordinate menus, the user may desire to change the functions to higher levels for quicker access or program a function key for direct access.

Menu selections to each successive menu level or program, require a single keystroke. A single keystroke also gets the user back to the top level from any nested level. As the user makes selections from the menu, the program tracks the choices by assembling them and calling them paths. A path, therefore, is the string of choices necessary to select a particular program. Paths are used to find the program documentation within the system reference manual provided by Snowbird Systems. Furthermore, any report generated by the selected program presents the path in the upper left corner. The path actually establishes a point of reference for each program to make the computer system user-friendly. Users quickly memorize paths and can reach their desired path quickly.