NOTE-- The
MacNail construction software program is now retired,
but we keep the manual online as a courtesy to users
who still prefer our older software. We replaced MacNail
with Goldenseal, an integrated program that handles
simple construction project scheduling, plus accounting, construction
estimating, and project
management.
Project Scheduling Software Glossary Active Worksheet: The frontmost worksheet, with a striped
title bar and scroll bars.
Alerts: Alert boxes or "alerts" are similar to dialog boxes. Some alerts only allow you to click OK.
Bomb: See system error.
Bug: A program error. Please let us know if you find any.
Byte: A fairly small piece of computer data. Approximately equal to one typewritten character.
Cell Addresses: The row number and column letter for the cell.
Cell: "Box" in a worksheet.
Charts: Excel creates three different kinds of documents: worksheets, macros, and charts. Each one has a
different icon.
Click: Press once on the mouse button.
Column: A vertical line of cells, running up and down the worksheet. See Row.
Command key: On the Macintosh keyboard, this key is marked with a cloverleaf and/or apple symbol. You use
it for Macintosh "keyboard shortcuts".
Criteria: Two rows at the bottom of the worksheet that contain the same words as the heading for the database
and blank cells. The blank cells are used to type search criteria for an extraction in the MacNail construction
scheduling software.
Critical Path Method (CPM): A scheduling method based on a diagram of events. Usually some items are in sequential
order, and some run in parallel. The "critical path" is the sequence that has the least slack time-- delays
in any item on the critical path will delay the completion date. Items not on the critical path have varying amounts
of slack time.
Database: The area of the worksheet that is searched through by the find and extract functions (see page
63).
Delay Factor: A "fudge factor" that helps the MacNail
project management software to account for SNAFU conditions on the jobsite. It will usually
vary between 0% and 25%. |
