The information in this article applies to:
This document includes information regarding the Version 15 update that will be helpful when beginning to use Version 15. Various procedures are included to help familiarize you with the features you may need to know about, thus providing a quick introduction to Version 15. Although the Version 15 What's New List itemizes all of the features added to the software, this document helps you identify the features you may want to be aware of in order to take advantage of the improved functionality and walks you through using them.
When you run the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software, you may notice something different; our splash screen has a new look. Besides providing a visual cue that you have a new version, it also shows that Software Technology, Inc. is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. You can read more about our Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status on our Web site at: http://www.tabs3.com/press_articles/pr-microsoft-gold.html.
Once the file server has been updated to Version 15, each workstation will need to run the SETUP program found in the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster directory on the server. The SETUP program will copy program files, help files, and other necessary files into a directory on the workstation. This is different from prior releases in which the SETUP program installed only key *.DLL files and desktop shortcuts. This new distributed install method provides faster loading times when starting the software in a network environment as well as access to Help files for computers on all supported Windows operating systems, including Windows 7 and Vista.
Once the SETUP program has been run on all workstations, your firm will then be able to take advantage of the new built-in Auto Update feature. Whenever you update the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster program files from our Web site using the Help | Internet Resources | Program Update menu options, the program files and help files will automatically be updated on the workstation the next time the workstation starts the program. Additional details regarding on the Local Install can be found in KB Article R11229 - All About the Local Install.
If you have not yet run the SETUP program on each workstation, you can use the following instructions to do so at this time.
Important: When running SETUP.EXE, you must have Administrator rights or UAC enabled to allow elevation for a Standard Windows user.
To run SETUP for each workstation
The following features are available for Version 15 of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software.
Our new error reporting feature helps us track and address errors to improve system quality, reliability, and performance. When you send an error report over the Internet, you provide technical information that is used to enhance future versions of the product. The data is used for quality control purposes only and is not used for tracking individual firms, users, or installations for any marketing purpose. For detailed information on this new feature, see KB Article R11236, "Automatic Error Reporting and Submitting Log Files."
When installing or updating the Version 15 software at the server, a window will be displayed asking if you want to enable error submission. We recommend enabling this option. After selecting the Automatically submit errors when they occur check box, this window will not be displayed when updating the software at the server. To enable or disable error submission after software has been installed, use the following steps.
To configure error submission
Active User List functionality helps you track which users are in the software at all times and what they are working on. The Summary sort will display only one instance of each user for each program. The Detail sort will display all tasks of each user for each program. The computer name for each user logged into the software has been added to the list.
To view the new Active User List window
We have added new zoom controls to help you view Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software reports and statements. Any time you choose to Preview a report or statement in the software, the following keystrokes will be available.
We encourage you to preview any report at this time and try out the following new keystrokes.
New Keyboard Zoom Abilities
When editing number or amount fields in all Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software, a new popup calculator is available. The popup calculator is opened when "M" (Math) or any mathematical operator (+, -, *, /, or =) is pressed in a number or amount field. When activated, the popup calculator is graphically displayed as calculator tape that extends above the field.
We encourage you to try this feature out at this time using the following steps.
To use the Popup Calculator
Help files for all Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software are now provided in a Windows Vista compatible format (i.e., .CHM format). These Help files are installed locally and work with all Windows operating systems. The new .CHM format also provides new functionality.
Press the F1 key in the Tabs3 Billing Software to try out the new features in Help using the following steps.
To use the Help window
button
(Ctrl+Right Arrow) to view the next (or previous) related topic in
the sequence.
button
(Ctrl+Left Arrow) cannot be clicked, and indicates that the topic is not linked
to another related topic within the sequence.
button to quickly print the
currently displayed Help topic.
button to view multimedia tutorials with sound
and text.
button to view multimedia tutorials with text
only.
button to display the report from the Sample
Report pack that is related to the currently displayed Help topic.
button provides access to the following
options: 
button opens a new window using your default
Internet browser with the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Knowledge Base home
page displayed.For a quick reminder of the usage of each button, hover your cursor over the button in question. A tooltip will be displayed that provides the button name and shortcut keystroke (if applicable).
A Windows Shield icon will be displayed for any process that requires Administrative rights, including installing integration plug-ins and Word Document Assembly in PracticeMaster Premier. Only four processes require Administrative rights; installing/uninstalling integration plug-ins, changing HotDocs options, HotDocs initial configuration, and starting Tabs3 and PracticeMaster when the user does not have Windows access rights to the STI.INI file location.
The eNote intra-office communication feature is available in the Client Server Version of PracticeMaster Premier. eNotes blend the best features of instant messaging and e-mail to provide a remarkably easy to use tool that streamlines communication, facilitates workflow between users, and enhances your current case management procedures.
eNote will help you master quick conversations. Sometimes you cannot wait for someone to find your email in an overflowing Inbox. Other times you need to tell someone something while he or she is on the phone. In these situations, eNote is perfect. When you receive an eNote, it pops up on your screen. You can easily reply, forward or dismiss it. If you don't want to be bothered, you can set your status to "Do Not Disturb". You can also use eNote to send co-workers links to appointments or journal records for quick reference. eNote can even be used in place of e-mail for users who do not have the Internet!
The eNotify feature is an extension of eNote.
Selecting the eNotify
button when viewing any PracticeMaster record (e.g., calendar, client, fee,
journal, etc.) opens a new
Send eNote window. The Send eNote window will automatically insert a link to the
record you are viewing. This feature provides a simple way to notify other users
of additions or changes to their PracticeMaster records (e.g., address changes,
meeting rescheduling, newly scheduled events or tasks, etc.). When the recipient opens your eNote, a link
button at the bottom of the
eNote window
can be used to open the record referenced in your eNote.
Take a look at the new eNote multimedia tutorial to learn more about eNote.
To view the eNote Multimedia Tutorial
Additional information regarding the new eNote feature is provided in Chapter 8 of your new PracticeMaster manual, under "eNote" in PracticeMaster Help, and Knowledge Base Article R11246, "PracticeMaster eNote Frequently Asked Questions".
To view the eNote chapter in the manual
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