Once the Postcode Anywhere Client software is set up it should start running automatically. The envelope with a magnifying glass icon in the system tray next to the clock shows that the software is active. Double-click this icon to open the Postcode Anywhere Client window, or if your double-click finger is tired you can right-click the icon and choose Open from the popup menu.

When you first open Postcode Anywhere Client you will be presented with the main window. This is the window that you will use to look up addresses, whether you are using the Recogniser or just validating an address. Initially the majority of the window will be empty just waiting for you to search for an address. However, you'll notice a row of buttons and text fields at the top of the window:

• Search box: This is where you put in the details of the address that you are searching for. Click here for a list of valid searches. This box also stores your previous searches so you can call them up again quickly.
• Search button: Click here to initiate the search (or press Enter/Return).
• Advanced find button: Opens the advanced searching window which lets you search on individual elements of the address.
• Text filter: Type in here to filter the search results. This saves you from having to scroll through the results and helps you find the desired address in just a few more key strokes.
• Type filter: These two buttons filter the search results to show only company or residential addresses.
• Country selector: Choose whether to search for a UK or a US address.
• Rule editor: Opens the rule editor window (we make these cryptic don't we?).

Above this row of buttons are the menus. These are not to be used to order food, rather they control the application.

• File
  • New: opens a new client lookup window.
  • Close: closes the current window.
  • Exit: quits the application.
• Edit
  • Advanced Find: opens the advanced search window.
• View
  • Status Bar: toggles the status bar at the bottom of the window.
  • Address: toggles the address pane to display the last selected address.
• Tools
  • Geographic Information: search for geographic data for a postcode.
  • Bank Account Validation: validate bank sort codes and account numbers. (Only available with credit packs.)
  • Acorn: search for Acorn® geodemographic profile data for a postcode. (Only available with credit packs.)
  • Data Cleansing: cleanse a database of addresses. (Only available with credit packs.)
  • Options: sets the options for the application. This is where your account code and licence key should be entered.
• Recogniser
  • Enabled: toggles whether a lookup should be triggered when you enter a postcode into an application.
  • Settings: set options for using the recogniser.
  • Rules: opens the rule editor.
  • Publishing: lets you publish your rules for others to use.
• Help
  • Contents and Index: brings you back here.
  • About: interesting and exciting information about our software.