NOTE TO ALL USERS: Starting with XTimer 1.8.1, all users have access to XTimer's automatic tracking features.
You only need to read the document "About This Update", if you've read this document in previous releases. XTimer Spy must be installed to automatically track time on AOL, CompuServe, and eWorld; but automatic MacPPP tracking works with or without XTimer Spy.
Well, after more requests than (insert clever phrase), it's finally here: Automatic online tracking! (Trumpets please...) XTimer Spy brings home what users want most in an online timer; automation!!
(Release the balloons... release the doves!)
Alright, fanfare aside; there are some limitations to this thing. Numero uno being: you have to be registered to use it. (Awwwwwww-- cry the cheapskates...) <g>.
I'm sure to the average user, the amount of effort involved in bringing XTimer and XTimer Spy to life is a completely unknown commodity. Rest assured, it is a tremendous sum. I don't feel guilty wanting to be paid for my work. I'm sure most of you agree with that concept. I've read estimates in a couple different places which both said, only about 5% of those who use shareware actually pay for it. One could read into this that the other 95% are just dishonest. You could say that, but it is probably a bit extreme to view it that way. Personally, I think it's just hard for anybody to voluntarily give up money. That is essentially what shareware is based on. So, myself included; I think there are a lot of factors that combine to determine which of the blizzard of shareware programs available one will take initiative with and send in payment for. My job as the author is to give you good reason to invest your money here.
Note: Those of you who registered XTimer, paying at the old shareware fee of $5, after the grace period ran out; will not be able to register versions of XTimer beyond v1.5, until you send in your upgrade payment. I notified those this applies to of this consequence when I sent you your registration code.
What is XTimer Spy?
XTimer Spy is an extension which tracks time spent on CompuServe (if you are using the MacCIM program), America Online, and eWorld automatically*; with the exception that you will still need to Stop and Start the timer manually when entering or leaving Free service areas of CompuServe. I expect that CompuServe will likely update their software to the new format they've adopted since dropping extended services. When that happens, I will probably be able to update XTimer Spy to track CompuServe's free areas too.
* If you are using an older version of your online service's communications software, you may need to upgrade in order to take advantage of this extension.
Users of non-english versions of the CIM program should write for a modified version of XTimer Spy to track CIM in their language.
Installing XTimer Spy
Place it in your Extensions folder, in your System folder. It will not be loaded until you restart. If you already have an older version of XTimer Spy installed, trash it, before you install the new extension.
You must be using XTimer 1.6 or greater for XTimer Spy to communicate with XTimer.
XTimer 1.6 added a preference setting allowing you to turn off Auto-Tracking. Make sure this box is unchecked, so that XTimer will receive Stop & Start messages from XTimer Spy.
How it works
You still have to launch XTimer and have it out when you log onto your service (AOL, eWorld or CompuServe, it can also be customized, see Customizing XTimer Spy below), but now you don't have to press Start and Stop, XTimer will do that automatically. You might find it quite convenient to check the boxes for Round Before Add/Save, and
Auto-Add Time To Log, in your preferences. Let XTimer do all the work!
Holding the mouse button down during startup will prevent XTimer Spy from loading.
Limitations
It is impossible for me to be 100% accurate to the second recording time online, without having a direct line on eWorld's, CompuServe's, or AOL's computers; and when they stop and start charging you. This extension makes its best effort to be exact. If XTimer is off by a large amount of time in recording sessions, I'd like to hear about it; but if it is merely a matter of seconds, there probably isn't much I can do to overcome that. I will always be looking for better ways to accomplish it though.
This extension depends on factors which could change. I will try to do my best and overcome problems that occur, but no one can predict changes in software used by online services, except the online services themselves. Let's hope they are cooperative and maintain standards that can be followed.
Liability
Users may use XTimer Spy, only if they choose to do so at their own risk. You may not use XTimer or XTimer Spy unless you accept full responsibility for whatever may occur as a result of using these programs. I make no guarantees about this product.
Customizing XTimer Spy
XTimer Spy can be customized with ResEdit. I don't suggest you try this unless you are comfortable hacking with ResEdit, and you are certain you are capable of dealing with possible hazardous results; like a system crash at startup.
XTimer Spy will be a program that grows over time, so modifications you make now, may need adjustment later. It is likely that other traps and other means of detecting Start and Stop signals will be added in the future.
Here's what you need to do:
If you open XTimer Spy with ResEdit, you will find a resource called an 'XCue' resource. I have included a template to make creating these resources easier. To create a custom resource for use with a program other than those I've configured for, you will need to assemble some important information:
1. You must know the creator code of the application you want XTimer Spy to track.
2. You need to determine 2 text strings for XTimer Spy to look for:
a. Start timer string - the string that let's us know when to Start XTimer.
b. Stop timer string - the string that let's us know when to Stop XTimer.
Note: Each added 'XCue' resource means more work for the extension; you don't want to drag the system down any more than necessary, so keep it limited. I have created a forced limitation of 10 'XCue' resources in the code, any more than that won't be read by the extension. Also,. for technical reasons, the application you want to spy on must be High Level Event Aware (see the 'SIZE' resource); otherwise XTimer Spy will not be able to send messages to XTimer.
LEGAL COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
XTimer Spy is a copyrighted program, which I retain all rights to; however; I will allow you to upload modified versions of XTimer Spy, so long as:
1. You may only modify the program by adding custom 'XCue' resources.
2. The modified copy of XTimer Spy must include all of the 'XCue' resources found in the original.
3. You must make it clear in the documentation you include with the modified copy of XTimer Spy; that it is a modified version, which is not supported by me, the original author. You must also make it clear that the original version of XTimer Spy is owned and copyrighted by me, identifying me by name.
4. You must clearly identify yourself as the one responsible for the modifications.
5. You must clearly identify every modification you made from the original.
6. You must include this document in the archive you upload.
7. You must clearly instruct users not to contact me regarding problems with your modified version of XTimer Spy.
8. Your modified version of XTimer Spy, containing your personally configured 'XCue' resource(s), may not be distributed with XTimer, nor be represented as having any official connection with me, the original author.
9. You must be a registered user of XTimer.
I wouldn't mind hearing about it, if you come up with an effective 'XCue' that isn't in the original. I hope you are successful in the attempt.
