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1992-06-25
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Message Reader/2
(C)Copyright SoftLink Services, 1992
750 East Tallmadge Avenue
Suite A-100
Akron, Ohio 44310
WARNING: This documentation is a very early version it will be improved
considerably by release.
DISCLAIMER
Every care has been taken so that Message Reader/2 will perform as
outlined and that it is as error free as the author can make it. You
should be aware however that no piece of software is ever totally bug
free.
Use of this software for any purpose whatsoever constitutes your
unqualified acceptance of the following statements.
The author makes no warranty or representation that the software will
be error free. The author disclaims any warranties, either express or
implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
The user agrees to take full responsibility for the selection of and
any use whatsoever made of the software.
IN NO EVENT WILL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER
(INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION OR
THE LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, INTERRUPTION IN THE USE OF,
OR INABILITY TO USE THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF ANY POSSIBILITY OR LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES.
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you
are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details --
some request registration, others require it, and some specify a
maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the
simple right to continue using the software to an updated program
with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software. The
copyright holder retains all rights, Shareware authors are
accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the
programs are of comparable quality. The main difference is in the
method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to
copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. Some authors require written permission before a
commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether
it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your
needs easier, because you can try before you buy. Because the
overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate
money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay
for it.
INTRODUCTION
Message Reader/2 was spawned from the need for a better way to handle
message threads. The sources were numerous and most had different formats.
Message Reader/2 allows the user to define a message format which then can
be opened and read form the PM/WPS environment.
WARNING: This beta version is hard coded to work only with the IBM
NCS BBS. The final release will come with several predefined
formats and the ability for users to define their own.
INSTALLATION
Message Reader/2 should be copied into the subdirectory of your choice this
subdirectory should also be added to your LIBPATH statement in your
CONFIG.SYS file, so the related DLL files can be found. To execute type 'V'
at the OS/2 command prompt.
USING
Message Reader/2 is currently designed to handle messages after they have
been captured in some form online. The capture file is then opened by
Message Reader/2 and processed. Version 2.0 planned for a 1st quarter 93
will have full online capability for IBM NCS BBS, CompuServe, and Fidonet
BBS. Others may be added as demand requires.
CONTACTING THE AUTHOR
CompuServe ID 17600,1737
IBM NCS BBS (404)835-6600 as user GAREY SMILEY
Akron Anomaly BBS (216)688-6368 as user GAREY SMILEY
SoftLink Services
750 East Tallmadge Avenue, Suite A-100
Akron, Ohio 44310
(216) 630-3565
THE BETA PROGRAM
The first distribution of the beta will be by mail after that additional
betas will be available by download from an as yet unknown BBS.I would
also like feedback on the following. Please use the above information
to contact me.
- Should I supply Message Reader/2 with a small read me file with
introduction and installation information and all other
documentation online?
- Ideas for other window configurations, ie Zoom, etc.
- Sorting orders?
- Speed evaluation. My development system is a 396-40Mhz with 16Meg RAM,
I would like to know how Message Reader/2 performs on other machines.
- Logo or icon design?
- Any other comments will be appreciated.
FEATURES YET TO COME
Release 1.0
- Full online help.
- Color selection for windows.
- Saving of setup information, window placement, size, fonts, etc.
- Add AREA field so messages can be subgrouped by message area.
- User definable message format definitions. Will come with pre defined
formats IBM NCS BBS, CompuServe, etc.
- User ID field for each definition that will cause beep if ID in FROM
or TO field.
- FILE OUT function to save part or all of message to external file.
- Limited multi threading.
- Sort of messages.
Release 1.X
- Track messages read in Extended attributes so if files is overwritten
no messages will be marked read, but if append to file messages read
will be retained.
- Port to Smalltalk/V PM for OS/2 2.0(32-bit), expecting 50%
increase in speed.
- Compose function for writing replies.
- If file selected from File Open is ZIP or LZH uncompress and read in
resulting file.
Release 2.0
- Full online automation of reading messages and replying.
- Possible QWK format compatibility.
- Increase amount of multi threading.