Version 7E is the first release that utilizes the Netware API. When the Netware button is pressed (settings), TSR Mail will use the login name as the user name, which is almost always the same. Every minute the notify thread will check to see if another user has logged in. I'm considering writing a thread that simply polls the API, but I'll have to see how much processor time it will take.
As many of you know, TSR Mail does not eat processor time. In fact, 59 out of every 60 seconds it's totally idle. This design allows you to keep the software minimized without any need to close the program due to processor restraints.
A major bug on my part was tightening compatibility between other MHS programs. Many messages were having their first two lines or so removed; the message is there, but the routine used to pull the message body was coded incorrectly. This has been fixed.
A few of you were asking if the message notification would show the user's name. This has been added to this release.
The scheduler module has been scrapped for the time being. It will appear again in version 2. I really want to release this soon, and won't be able to code the scheduler correctly until later.
Everything else should be completed by next month. Beta 8 will be the last series before gamma 1. (there will be only two gamma releases) and then the gold. For those of you interested, the pricing structure is as follows:
TSR MAIL PRICING (Updated)
The product will appear in full-form as well as a LITE version which will include the entire package minus the scheduling and template modules.
SILVER $45.00 (includes 5 licenses)
$10.00 (each additional license)
GOLD: $95.00 (includes 5 licenses)
$15.00 (each additional license)
SHAREWARE (30 day trial of LITE version)
I'm sure you'll find this product to be much less expensive than any DOS or WINDOWS counterpart. Beta testers who respond on a regular basis will receive the Silver version which includes 5 licenses. I do not place any restrictions on the system when it comes to licensing. You are responsible for counting the number of users, and purchasing the correct number of licenses. Besides, at only $10/station it won't cost a fortune to license everyone!
The Gold version will be available by late summer. Those who purchase a gold version before its release will be entitled to free upgrades for as long as the product lives. Normal upgrade costs have yet to be determined, but will probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 plus $5/station.
DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TODAY. THIS PRODUCT IS STILL IN BETA. AS A BETA USER YOU ARE ENTITLED TO USE THE PRODUCT UNTIL THE RETAIL VERSION IS AVAILABLE. AT THAT TIME YOU MAY NOT CONTINUE TO USE ANY BETA FORM OF THIS PRODUCT!
older notes follow here:
>>> To view the sample forms, copy the two forms (*.frm) to your MHS/EXE directory <<<
>>> Information on how to create forms is available in the online help <<<
THIS VERSION FIXES A LOT OF BUGS. EVERYONE SHOULD BE ON THIS VERSION (dated 2/1/95) ASAP!
1. Messages were becoming scrambled when reading. This has been fixed.
2. DELETE function works universally
3. When reading mail in your OUT box, it now stays there
4. Mail received on a Davinci System is no longer cutting the first line of each message
5. You may purge mail 30 days or older by selecting that item from the Utility menu
6. FORMS now supports attachments
--> Beta 7B fixes various bugs that popped up in 7 and 7A. These bugs follow:
-- When a message was deleted, the system buzzed, then hung <fixed>
-- If a form was emailed, regular mail would not display <fixed>
Author's Note:
Many of you have asked for a tentative schedule showing what new features will be released. I am happy to say that the latest schedule (modified slightly since 6A drop) appears here. Please notify me if you have any ideas or problems. My addresses are at the bottom of this document.
Please read the FORMS USER GUIDE (form.doc) and, if necessary, copy *.FRM to your MHS/EXE directory.
Beta 6 Series:
New Functions:
Drag and Drop message attachments -- 6A let's you drag attachments to TSR Mail.
Custom Colors and Screen Positioning -- 6A utilizes OS2.INI for saving screen data.
Multiple Recipients -- When TSR delivers mail, multiple recipients are now allowed.
Software Problems to be addressed:
Print Multiple Pages
Printer cutting of some words
System hang when poorly configured MHS message is loaded -- Fixed in 6A
Login changes current user temporarily -- Fixed in 6A
Logout disables message send/retreive -- Fixed in 6A
Delete is not removing attachments
Help Module not fully functional
Pressing PAGE ME when no gateway specified looses message -- Fixed in 6A
Beta 7 Series:
Template Feature -- user defined message screens that collect a particular piece of data, then automatically route the message to a specified recipient.
Software Fixes
Beta 8 Series:
Complete Netware services (LAN Manager possibly)
Software Fixes
GAMMA 1
Software Fixes
GAMMA 2
Software Fixes
GOLD
Distribution through CompuServe, Internet, and local bulletin boards.
TSR MAIL PRICING (Updated)
The product will appear in full-form as well as a LITE version which will include the entire package minus the scheduling and template modules.
LITE: $45.00 (includes 5 licenses)
$10.00 (each additional license)
COMPLETE: $95.00 (includes 5 licenses)
$15.00 (each additional license)
SHAREWARE (30 day trial of LITE version)
*** VERSION 6A NOTE ****
TSR Mail now uses the OS2.INI file to maintain location and colors for almost all dialog boxes. The install routine also has an uninstall procedure that clears the TSR Mail INI entries. Since the program is still in BETA, make sure you have a copy of your OS2.INI file before un-installing TSR Mail. There have been no reported problems, but please make a backup, just in case.
DRAG AND DROP can be used for adding an attachment to a message. Simply drag the file onto the send mail dialog box.
PLEASE READ THIS FILE IF YOUR PRIOR VERSION OF TSR MAIL IS 4D or lower
VERSION 4E HAS A NEW INSTALLATION PROGRAM.
type INSTALL from the unzipped directory and select the appropriate installation method. If there are any problems with the install program or TSR MAIL, email me:
Internet: SROSEN@IBM.NET
Compuserve: 74552,3302
Prodigy: PCKN57B
Phone: (309) 862-4813
VERSION 4D HAS A NEW OPTION IN SETUP.
This option disables "YOU HAVE NO MORE MESSAGES" dialog boxes for those who found it annoying. If the box is checked (not default) the dialog boxes will not appear.
IMPORTANT:
IF YOUR VERSION IS PRIOR TO 4 PLEASE READ ON.
VERSION 4 or 4b to 4c REQUIRES NO CONVERSION
There have been many changes in Beta 4 from prior Beta releases (3 & below). Users with prior versions must go to the setup dialog and perform the following step:
1. For MHS delivery on an MHS structure, make sure DELIVERY is set to MHS ONLY and the path to user's directory is set to /MHS/MAIL/USERS (or just press the DEFAULT key).
2. For NON-MHS delivery on an MHS structure, make sure DELIVERY is set to DIRECT and the path to user's directory is set to /MHS/MAIL/USERS (or just press the DEFAULT key).
3. For NON-MHS delivery on an incomplete MHS structure (such as Futurus Team's EASY setup mode), make sure DELIVERY is set to DIRECT and the path to user's directory is set to the structure outlined in your EMAIL package. The default for FUTURUS is /FT.
After pressing OK your ini files will be updated.
FOR THOSE OF YOU GOING TO CHICAGO FOR THE OS/2 3.0 INTRODUCTION ON OCTOBER 11th WE WILL BE THERE DEMOING THIS PRODUCT. COME OVER AND SAY HI!!!
