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1998-03-08
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What is NetChat? 1/1+
NetChat for OS/2
Copyright (c) 1997 by Gary L. Robinson
NetChat for OS/2 is a small and fast personal communication tool for OS/2.
It is designed to hook two people up directly (without using the IRC channels,
servers, IP servers, etc.) for a one-on-one personal text mode chat.
NetChat for OS/2 utilizes a "Hailing feature" to accomplish this. The
hailing feature uses a built in seamless e-mail facility to send your current
IP address to another NetChat user in a specially coded e-mail letter. The
other user (who is checked into the net and has NetChat running in Monitor ON
mode) will receive the message and prompt him to connect or not connect.
The NetChat Monitor ON mode checks your mail box (at user set intervals) for
NetChat Hailing messages. If it detects a NetChat hailing message(s) it
downloads them, deletes them from the server, and prompts you to see if you
want to attempt a connection.
If you decline to connect at that time NetChat will save the hailing
message(s) in Hail log. The Hail log can also be used to make connections -
assuming the message is not so old that the person hasn't logged off the
internet, turned off NetChat, or logged off and back on with a new IP address.
Once NetChat gets an IP address from the NetChat Hailing message it can then
directly connect you with the other party. The ONLY use of the e-mail system
is to initially exchange an IP address.
One button Hailing makes it a simple and painless way to connect.
No other servers, e-mail or support software are needed.
Why is NetChat? 2/2
Why is NetChat - and who is it for?
NetChat for OS/2 has primarily been written to give OS/2 it's first low
overhead personal P.M. chat program.
It's main goal is to stay as lean and as fast as possible. I have no
intention of adding features until it becomes a multi-megabyte bloatware wonder.
Current NetChat design specifications call for a maximum NetChat package size
of around 300K to 400K.
I do intend to make it better and to add numerous enhancements or features
but I do not intend to change the basic scope and goal of the program. it is
intended to be a one-on-one chat program and will remain that way.
It was also written because of my general dislike of the IRC Chat channels.
My limited experience there has not generally been a good one.
That's why NetChat does not rely on IRC channels or any other extraneous
servers - or the mercy of their owners. It also does not rely on any servers
to see who is on line.
It will remain that way.
So, if you want to talk to many, many people and remain anonymous then this
program is not for you. If you want to get on and chat with people about sex
fantasies and act like adolescents, perverts, or worse then this may not be
what you want. This program is for people who want to communicate with
friends, business acquaintences, or family members - people they know.
Shareware notice 3/2
Shareware
These programs are shareware and are not free. It is expected that after 30
days of trial use you either erase the software and stop using it or you
register it.
Distribution
These programs can be freely distributed by any means as long as all the
original files remain together and are not altered. They cannot be used for
any commercial purpose or sold without first obtaining the authors permission.
Program Requirements 4/1
Netchat for OS/2 Requirements
NetChat for OS/2 requires OS/2 3.x or OS/2 4.x. It should run well in
machines with small amounts of memory (6-8mb).
It also requires you to have TCP/IP installed and an internet provider with
an e-mail account to send and receive NetChat Hailing messages.
NetChat does not require any IRC servers, IP servers, additional e-mail
program, or anything else to function properly.
*Due to the proprietary and BONEHEAD interface that America On Line uses,
NetChat (as well as many other fine Internet programs) will not work with the
AOL service.
What's New In NetChat! 5/1
What's New In NetChat!
NetChat ver. 1.36 (12-01-97)
1. Small bug fix to NetChat's hailing function to make it slightly more robust
and able to handle more SMTP servers.
NetChat ver. 1.3 (10-27-97)
1. New Registration method -- NetChat has a NEW registration method. The
original code word that registered NetChat will NOT work with this OR
future versions. To register this version you will require 2 Key files :
main.key and guest.key
If you have already registered NetChat but have NOT received your key files
please e-mail me for a set. Be sure to also send your FULL name.
If you are NOT registered you will obtain a set of KEY files when you do so.
For full details see : Registering NetChat and Registration key files
2. Auto-Identification on connect -- When you connect with someone now (unless
they are running an earlier version before this feature was implemented)
you will be notified in the upper entry area as to whose "Key" you are
connecting to AND which key it is (guest.key or main.key). The name of the
registered person for that Key will be displayed. If a person is NOT
registered then a message to that effect will be displayed. If the person
is running an older version before this feature was implemented then NO
message will automatically displayed.
3. New Hail dialog for sending Hails -- There is a new dialog box for sending
Hail messages. The top part of the dialog is still the same as before
with a list box where the names of the persond you want to Hail will be
listed. The bottom part is NOW an entry field where you can type a short
note to the person you are Hailing. The note can be up to 350 characters
long. This note can be used for a variety of purposes including, but not
exclusively, to let the other person know just how long you might wait
around for them to answer your hail and connect. There are also 3
pushbuttons at the bottom of the page to automatically generate 3 pre-set
messages that can be edited or modified.
4. New Hail dialog for incoming Hails -- The dialog box that you see WHEN you
get Hailed has been changed also. It also has an entry field (read-only)
below the list box of Hails that shows the selected Hail's message (if one
was sent with it). In addition the fields below it now show the ports used
by the person who hailed you in addition to their current IP address.
There is also a checkbox that can be checked or unchecked to turn the Auto-
synch ports feature OFF or ON for that particular Hail. This check box was
primarily put there for RARE occassions and for diagnostic purposes. It is
NOT likely it should or would be used by most users on a regular basis.
5. New Hail Log dialog -- The Hail log dialog box has been changed to MATCH
the incoming Hail dialog box.
6. Remote Party info -- This feature will allow you to query a person AFTER
you have connected and to see what version they are currently running. If
you query someone running versions 1.00 - 1.03, though no information will
be returned. When you are connected and select this feature you may have
to wait a few seconds before the dialog box with the Remote party info
appears. This feature reports three items. The port setting the remote
party has for transferring files, their current IP address, and what
version of NetChat they are using.
7. Running Multiple Instances of NetChat -- Earlier versions of NetChat could
NOT run multiple instances off of the same executable file. This version
can - due to the addition of a command line parameter added to it that
allows setting which .INI file the program instance will use. For details
see : Rnning Multiple Instances and Command line arguments
8. Command line arguments -- NetChat now has several command line arguments
that can be used for several reasons. For detail see : Command line
arguments
9. Auto-synchronize ports from a hail message -- This makes it easier to
connect when someone hails you. There is a NEW format for Hail messages
and they now include your port settings AT THE TIME you hail someone. So
.... if you receive a hail (from someone with this new version) AND you
have this feature enabled you do NOT have to worry what ports they have
their NetChat set on. Your copy will read the Hail message and synchronize
your ports to match theirs to help insure a good fast connect.
10. Port Reset Button -- A button that enbles you to reset NetChat quickly to
the user selected (on the Misc. Settings ... page ) port settings without
having to type them in.
11. Start NetChat Minimized -- Just like it sounds -- enables NetChat to start
in a minimized state.
12. Current IP address -- A menu item that will present you with a dialog box
showing your current IP address.
13. New Internet Acct. Settings -- Settings changed. Now, instead of entering
the Domain name and the user name, you enter the Pop server/SMTP server and
your e-mail address.
14. OS/2 sendmail.exe support -- There is now a check box that, if checked,
will force NetChat to use the OS/2 sendmail program (sendmail.exe) instead
of it's own internal TCP/IP code to send a Hail message if desired. If you
have had trouble making NetChat sending Hailing messages then this may work
better for you.
15. Numerous internal code changes -- Many internal code changes to make
NetChat more solid and reliable.
16. New menu item -- Hailing list, Hail log, and Phrases are now consolidated
unser the Misc. menu item on the main menu bar.
17. Also ..... New license agreement AND a "sister" version for Windows 95 --
See details : New license agreement
NetChat ver. 1.03 (5-19-97)
1. Bug fixed in the Drag and Drop color support. Colors would not stay
constant after being dropped on the main screen entry areas.
2. Eliminated sub-menus for 3 items. Hailing list, hail log, and Phrases
sub-menus are now directly on the menu bar. Selecting them will
immediately bring up their respective dialog boxes.
3. A Reply to address field and a Reply to name field were added to the
Internet acct. settings page. This was added to allow people with multiple
accounts or alias accounts to specify a reply to address and name in the
event that someone wanted to get their address from a Hail message or from
the Hail log. The Hail dialog box will now display this information on it
when you Hail someone.
4. BMT purchase applet added to the package to make ordering NetChat even
easier!
NetChat ver. 1.00 (5-10-97)
Initilal release.
NetChat Support 6/1+
NetChat support
NetChat is primarily supported by me through e-mail and/or a live
pre-arranged NetChat session with me.
NetChat support is not, I repeat, not supplied by BMT Micro.
E-mail is probably the most reliable way of getting to me with a problem
report. Please send all the details you can if you send a report of a problem.
A "It ain't workin dude!" report doesn't do either of us any good! The devil
is in the details .....
Send all e-mail to either grobin@iname.com or grobin@coax.net
These mail boxes are usually read every day.
E-mail can also be left at the MailTo link on my web page at
http://www.coax.net/people/grobin
Support for NetChat is also available from Barry Adams and his NetChat
Support Page (The Official NetChat Support page). The address is
http://cud.cow-net.com/badams/index.htm
The web page includes a downloadable list of current users who would like to
chat with other users, the latest version of NetChat, the ability to add your
own name and e-mail address to the NetChat users list, hints on integrating
MR2i with NetChat, and other announcements and helpful ideas.
A special thank you! 7/2
A Special thank you!
This program is an accumulation of a lot of work, sacrifice, and sweat. Many
man hours spent looking for solutions and lots of "grunt" work.
And not all of it was done by me ...
The beta testers who have helped and encouraged me, crabbed at me, groaned at
my mistakes, and generally given me great ideas are partly responsible for this
program being released before the 23 century.
In particular four of them have been almost indespensable with their help.
My good friend and tester Junior Thompson, whose machine I blow up regularly
with experimental code is always a good source for ideas and has been an
immense help in facilitating the setting up a local network here to do the
testing necessary to finish this application. When I have made 100 million
dollars off this program and live near the Riviera I will occassionally send
him scraps of my bread when I think of him. Just kidding Junior! Thanks again
for the help.
Matt Linder, a fellow OS/2 enthusiast and programmer, has also been a source
of help with several code related problems. While his schedule is almost as
bad as mine we have traded ideas and code via e-mail and the local OS/2 S.I.G.
meeting. Thank you Matt for some of the ideas and code snippets.
Lastly, are the two "wild and crazy guys" from Canada. Barry Adams and
Lawrence Lucier. Barry and Lawrence are two really hip OS/2 enthusiasts who
have spent an enormous amount of time connected in NetChat sessions testing and
regularly blowing up new features! Every time I thought I had coded something
well Barry would just smile (electronically, of course) and crash the latest
beta. If it passed his test he handed it to Lawrence for the real test .....
Seriously, a big thank you to Barry and Lawrence for all their efforts and
help!
Installing NetChat for OS/2 8/1
Installing NetChat for OS/2
Copy NETCHAT.EXE to a directory (folder) and put a program object or a shadow
object on your Desktop or launchpad. NetChat will create (during use) several
data files, temporary files and it's own .INI file.
This .HLP file may also be copied to the same folder but is not required for
NetChat to function properly. The help file is only required if you want or
need to access the NetChat help information.
Using NetChat 9/1+
Using NetChat
NetChat should have it's settings pages filled out before going on to the
Quick Start section or the Details on using NetChat section.
General use of NetChat consists of connecting with another user and typing
text in the lower entry field area (local) and pressing ENTER when you want to
send the text to the person you are connected to. The text you type locally
and send is also echoed to the upper entry field area.
The upper entry field area is also where you will see the messages appear
from the person you are connected to.
This makes the Nickname setting in the Internet acct. settings dialog very
important since each message is preceeded by the senders nickname. This makes
it easier to differentiate the origin of the numerous messages in the upper
entry field area. Otherwise it could be difficult to tell who typed which
message.
Also, all messages originated locally and echoed in the upper entry field
area have the Nickname encased in the less than symbol (<) and the greater than
symbol (>).
Messages originated by the remote party will be encased by the left square
bracket symbol ([) and the right square bracket symbol (]).
Initial setup for NetChat 10/2+
Initial Setup for NetChat
NetChat has 3 sets of configurations - 3 menu items under the main menu item
Configure.
All three should be filled out and completed before going to the Quick Start
section of this .INF file.
Internet acct. settings ... 11/3
Internet Acct. settings
There are two sets of settings fields for internet acct. settings. The first
set is for receiving Hail messages and the second set is for sending Hail
messages.
All entry field settings should be filled out.
Settings for receiving hailing messages
Pop server -- This is supplied by your internet service provider. It should
be the same as the pop mail server used by your e-mail program to receive mail.
Mail address -- Enter your e-mail address in this field.
Password -- This is your password for your ISP. Password identification is
necessary so that NetChat can monitor your email account for NetChat Hailing
messages (if in fact, this function is a desired feature to be utilized by the
user).
Settings for sending hailing messages
Use OS/2's sendmail instead of NetChat's -- If for some reason the built in
code for sending e-mail fails to work properly with your system and setup then
check this settings and see if OS/2's TCP/IP sendmail command will do the job.
SMTP server -- This is supplied by your internet service provider. It
should be the same as the smtp mail server used by your e-mail program to send
mail.
Mail address -- Enter your e-mail address in this field.
Password -- This is your password for your ISP. Password identification is
necessary so that NetChat can send Hailing messages.
Reply to address -- The full address you want people to send e-mail to when
writing you. This field (together with the Reply to name) will be displayed on
the "You are being Hailed!" dialog when you send a hail message to someone.
Reply to name -- Your full real name is entered here. Not your user name.
This will be added to the Reply to address (described above) and be displayed
on the "You are being Hailed!" dialog when you send a hail message to someone.
Nickname Settings
Nickname -- A real name (or alias) identification string that will
immediately precede any text entered into the Local Entry Field and then sent
to the remote user via the Remote Entry Field. eg: If your name was Gary and
you typed in the Local Entry Field: "Have a nice day today!" the text output
contained in the Remote Entry Field which is being transmitted to the other
person would be formated in the following manner: "<Gary> Have a nice day
today!" Most people may prefer to use their real first name while others may
prefer to use aliases ... or whatever. Hint: Nicknames can be changed while
connected.
Misc. settings ... 12/3
Misc. Settings ...
Monitor mail interval -- This is to set how often you want NetChat to check
your mail box for NetChat Hailing messages when you are in Monitor ON mode.
Default download dir. -- This is where you set your default download
directory for files being transferred to you by another NetChat user while you
are connected. You will be prompted by a dialog when you accept a file
transfer request and that dialog will open in your default download directory.
Default upload dir. -- This is where you set your default upload directory for
files being transferred by you to another NetChat user while you are connected.
You will be prompted by a dialog when you start a file transfer and that dialog
will open in your default upload directory.
Default reset ports -- This is where you set your default reset ports for the
button on the Port settings page. Whatever ports you enter in these fields
will be what is shown on that button.
Auto-synchronize ports from a hail message -- Most users will want to keep
this checked most or all of the time. When you receive a hailing message (and
this item is checked) NetChat will read the ports used by the hailing party and
automatically synchronize your ports so you can be sure of connecting properly.
Force NetChat to use machine (network) IP -- This should not be checked
unless you are on a local network and want to have two copies of NetChat use
their local machine IP's to connect. Even then it may not always work ... All
internet users would not check this setting unless you are assigned a permanent
IP address. In that case then check it mght be appropriate.
Start Phrase list at program startup -- This would be checked if you use the
Favorite Phrase dialog all the time and want it to start at the same time that
you start NetChat.
Start NetChat minimized -- This should be checked if you want NetChat to be
minimized or hidden when initially started.
Unhide and bring to the front when hailed -- This should be checked if you
want NetChat, while monitoring your mail box in Monitor ON mode and hidden or
minimized, to unhide itself and come to the front when it detects a Hailing
message. The Hailing dialog itself always prompts you but this will unhide the
program itself.
Prompt when dragging and dropping files to send -- This would be checked if
you want to be prompted by a dialog when you drop files into the bottom entry
area. This keeps you from accidentally starting a file transfer and also gives
you the added option of pasting the dropped file (if it is a text file and is
less than 10k) into the entry field instead of sending it, if desired.
Prompt when closing NetChat -- This would be checked if you want to be
prompted with a "Are you sure?" dialog when you close NetChat.
Beep me when ... -- NetChat beeps you for a variety of reasons and at a
variety of times. If you don't like to hear most or some of the beeping
deselect the ones that you choose to not hear. In most cases you are still
given a visual notification in the titlebar.
Port settings ... 13/3
Port settings ...
Most casual NetChat users will not want to change these settings. The
standard port for NetChat users to talk to one another is 6667 for transmit
and/or receive.
However, many users might, for several reasons, wish to change the port
settings. If you do change the port settings be aware that there is always the
potential that another application or the system itself may already be using
it.
Only one program at a time on the same machine can use the same port.
It is generally recommended that you stay in the 6665-6675 range for the
receiving and transmitting. it is less likely that you will have any conflict
in this range.
For file transfers the NetChat default is port 21 - the standard port used
for FTP on the internet. It is generally recommended not to change this port.
however, if you do it is recommended to use the 6665-6675 range.
I have tried many settings for the ports and have never experienced any
serious difficulty or any problems so the recommendations above may be
considered as generally conservative.
Ports can not be changed while you are connected.
Also, it stands to reason, that if you are FTPing with another program and
try to transfer a file with NetChat at the same time it will fail if you have
the file transfer port set to port 21. Only one program at a time on the same
machine can use the same port.
The Reset button at the bottom of the dialog can be used to quickly reset the
ports to your defaults. Your default ports (on the button) can be set by the
user on the Misc. settings section.
If you are assigned a permanent IP address ... 14/3
If you are assigned ...
If you are assigned a permanent IP address you may need to make sure the
Force NetChat to use machine (network) IP in the Misc. settings dialog is
checked.
The Hailing functions may not work unless you check this item.
Quick Start 15/2
Quick start
To get up and running fast first make sure you have filled in all the
appropriate Settings for NetChat as described in Internet acct. settings ...,
Misc. settings ..., and Port settings ...
Then, if you want to test and make sure your pop/smtp mail settings are
working correctly with NetChat (as well as a few other things) do the following
:
1. Select Misc. on the main menu bar and then select Hailing list.
2. When the Hailing list dialog appears put the mouse cursor over the center
of it and Right click it once to get the popup menu.
3. Select Add record. In the Add a new record dialog put YOUR name in the
first entry area and YOUR e-mail address in the second area. The third
area is for small notes. It's not necessary to put anything there.
4. Add other entries for anyone else you want to try and connect with that
already has NetChat.
5. Double click the icon in the upper left corner to close the Hailing list.
Then, to test and see if it's working :
1. Log onto the Internet
2. Start NetChat (if it's not already running)
3. Shut down any programs that automatically download your new incoming mail.
4. Press the Monitor OFF button once (it will go to Monitor ON mode and turn
Red)
5. Press the Hail button on the right of the button bar.
6. Select yourself in the list box and either double-click or Press ENTER.
(You should also see the Listen OFF button go to Listen ON mode at this
time and turn Yellow)
NetChat should report (in the titlebar) in a few seconds or so that a Hailing
message has been successfully sent. Depending on whether you kept the default
setting of 10 seconds for the mail monitoring setting, NetChat will detect the
Hailing message you just sent yourself and Notify you shortly that you are
being hailed.
When it does (assuming all is working well) look and see if it is reporting
your correct current IP address - assuming you know it. Hit the cancel button.
No need to try and connect with yourself. (especially when it won't work doing
it in this manner for the test)
If all this works OK then you can now send a Hailing message to someone else
on the net using NetChat and try to connect.
When a person receives a Hailing message (and NetChat is running and the
Monitor OFF/ON button is in Monitor ON mode) you will be prompted by a dialog
and a beep. You will see who is calling, their IP address, any messages they
sent in the entry field below the list box and you can select either to Connect
or not to. Whether you connect or decline, the hailing message will be saved
to the hailing log. The hailing log can also be used to connect with someone
just like the dialog that prompted you for a decision on an incoming Hail -
assuming the person hasn't shut down NetChat and is still on the net in Listen
ON mode. This can be useful if you don't want to connect immediately when you
are first Hailed.
If you decide to connect, NetChat goes through a connect process. If it is
successful you will be notified in the titlebar and the Listen ON button
(Yellow) will turn to a Connected ! button (RED). Finally you will hear a
series of three beeps letting you know that you are fully connected.
Note : If you ever download a Hailing message into your regular mail program
don't panic. Just look at the HEADER of the message and copy the IP address
out of it -- right after the characters : &&$~NETCHATMSG~$&& in the subject :
area. Also note in the body of the Hailing message what ports are being used
by the person who hailed you. Then take the IP address and do the Manual
Connect as noted directly below (and set your ports, if necessary).
Quick start PLUS
To fully test NetChat ENTIRELY on your own computer by yourself you could do
the following :
1. Create a new folder and call it NetChat2 or something similar.
2. Copy NETCHAT.EXE into this folder and set it up like you did the first copy
of NetChat except for a minor change in the Ports settings and perhaps make
your nickname different in copy 2.
3. Set Port settings for NetChat (copy 1) to - Receiving port : 6667 ,
Transmitting port : 6668 Leave the FTP port set to 21.
4. Set Port settings for NetChat (copy 2) to - Receiving port : 6668 ,
Transmitting port : 6667 -- Just the opposite. Leave the FTP port set to
21.
5. After logging onto the net, then start both copies of NetChat.
6. Press the Listen OFF button and put them BOTH in LISTEN ON mode - yellow.
7. Press the Monitor OFF button on NetChat copy 2 ONLY and put it in Monitor
ON mode - red.
8. Then hail yourself (as described in the previous section) with NetChat copy
1.
9. Since NetChat copy 2 is already in Monitor ON mode (and copy 1 is NOT) it
will detect the hailing message in a few seconds and notify you.
10. When it notifies you with the "You are being hailed!" dialog just press the
Connect button and the 2 copies of NetChat will connect.
*If you are a registered user make sure you put the guest.key file in the
folder of NetChat copy 2.
You can now talk to yourself! However, don't tell any of your friend this
..... they may not totally understand and may try to commit you to an
institution .....
There is an alternative method (Manual Connect) for connecting with NetChat.
You don't have to use the hailing message system at all to connect with
NetChat. It is merely included as a convenience. If you exchange an IP
address through a regular e-mail letter, over the phone, or through ESP -- that
is all you really need. If you get the IP address and want to connect to your
other party (who is using NetChat) then :
1. Press the Listen OFF button and put NetChat in Listen ON mode
2. Select the File menu item and then select Manual Connect
3. In the manual connect dialog type in the IP address of the person you want
to connect to. If he is logged in, running NetChat, and he is also in
Listen ON mode then you will connect.
4. When you do connect you will be beeped and flashed 3 times in the titlebar.
The Listen ON button on the button bar turns to Red and says "Connected!"
Connections usually take 2-10 seconds to complete under normal circumstances.
Once connected you type text in the bottom white area and press enter to send
it. Both your text and the other person's will show in the upper entry area
(cyan).
The session can be terminated (by either party) by simply pressing on the Red
"Connected!" button (formerly, Listen ON/OFF). It will break the connection
and put the button into Connect OFF mode.
Reconnection can be accomplished by both parties going back into Listen ON
mode and one of the parties using the Manual Connect -- assuming neither party
has logged off the internet and/or changed their IP address. You could also
reconnect by just Hailing the other party again.
Details on using NetChat 16/2+
Details on using NetChat
To summarize, NetChat can connect you in basically two ways. Either exchange
an IP address in whatever fashion you wish and then use Manual Connect or use
the built in Hailing function (Hail button) to do all the work for you.
See the various sub-headings under this section for full descriptions of all
the features in netChat and other pertenant information.
Sending and receiving Hailing messages 17/3
Sending and receiving ...
Sending a hailing message is easy. Once you have added some people and their
e-mail address to your Hailing list.
The Hailing list is a small datatbase to enter and keep a record of e-mail
addresses for the people you regularly want to connect with. The Hailing list
can be accessed under the menu item Misc. on the main menu bar. Accessed this
way, you can only add, edit, or delete a record. This is done by right
clicking on the Hailing list dialog to get the popup menu and then by selecting
the desired action - add, edit, or delete.
When you select Add you will activate the Add a record dialog. There are
three fields to fill out for a Hail list record. The name, e-mail address, and
notes. It is not necessary to put anything in the note field. This note field
is just for your private use. (it does NOT get sent with the hail message)
To actually use the Hailing list (after you have some people entered) click
once on the Hail button on the button bar. From the resulting dialog you can
select one of the entries and press ENTER to actually send a Hailing message
(assuming you are logged onto the internet). You can also bring up a popup for
this dialog too and add, edit, or delete records just prior to sending the
Hailing message. A maximum of 100 records can be stored in the Hailing list.
Before you send the hailing message you can also write, if desired, a small
note in the entry field below the list box. This note could be used for
several things, including telling the person you are hailing just how long you
will wait for a possible connect. The person receiving the hail will see the
message in the dialog that notifies them that they are being hailed. There are
three buttons at the bottom of the dialog box to put three different
"pre-canned" editable message stems into the entry field area.
It is possible to send yourself a hailing message. This can be a useful
thing to test and see if your internet account settings in NetChat will work
correctly. Just add a record with your own name and e-mail address to the
list. Log onto the internet and click the Hail button on the button bar and
select yourself. Press ENTER or double click on the actually entry.
After pressing ENTER you will be notified as to whether it was successfully
sent or not in a few seconds.
If it was not sent correctly then you may have to double check your Internet
acct. settings. It could also mean that your internet provider may be using an
alias domain name. You may have to check with your provider or do a little
investigation to figure out the settings that will work for you. In particular
the SMTP server setting for sending Hailing messages.
You might also try selecting the Use OS/2's sendmail instead of NetChat's
check box on the Internet Acct. seettings page and see if that solves the
problem
If, however, the message was sent OK then click once on the Monitor ON/OFF
button on the button bar to put NetChat in monitor ON mode (red).
Then just wait for a short while. NetChat should check your mail account and
find the Hailing message, delete it and disturb nothing else there, and then
notify you with a dialog box asking you to either connect with the person
hailing or to decline. If this works appropriately decline to connect. No
sense trying to connect with yourself!
if it doesn't work then check your e-mail address setting for receiving
Hailing messages in the Internet acct. settings dialog. If you believe you
have it entered correctly but it still doesn't work then you may have the same
problem that is mentioned above with your internet provider using aliases for
their domain name or their mail server.
Even if the hailing functions failed it is still likely that you can connect
with other NetChat users by exchanging your current IP address and using the
Manual Connect function (accessed by menu under File).
Connecting with Manual connect ... 18/3
Connecting with Manual connect ...
Manual connect ... is the manual way of connecting to another NetChat user.
it is accessed by selecting File from the main menu bar and the selecting
Manual connect. It can also be accessed by the popup menu for the lower entry
field area on the main screen.
The only prerequisites to using this function are that you already have the
other person's current IP address and they are running NetChat in Listen ON
mode (on the same receive and transmit ports you are using).
At the manual connect dialog just enter the IP address for the person you
want to contact and press the connect button to start the connect process.
This can be useful when you are already talking to someone and you want to
disconnect for some reason (such as someone else is hailing you and you want to
answer) but also want to call them back shortly. Just disconnect - but before
you do so just tell your current contact to put NetChat back in Listen ON mode
after disconnect. Then, when you are ready to get back in contact with him (or
her), just use Manual connect and put his (or her) address in and press
connect. In a few seconds you are connected again - without having to do
another Hail (though there is no problem with doing another Hail, either).
File transfer and other features 19/3
... other features
File Transfer -- NetChat can also transfer files. To transfer a file while
connected simply select the File menu item and then select "Send file".
You will see a standard "File open" type dialog box where you can select a
file to be sent. Select one and Press Send File.
NetChat will prompt the person at the other end by enabling the "Incoming
file" button on the Button bar and by flashing and beeping them. At the same
time (and until they make a decision on the transfer) you will see a Waiting
for a file transfer decision ... notice in the titlebar.
The person on the receiving end then presses the button and either accepts or
rejects the file transfer. They are presented with a "File open" type dialog,
also to deal with at this time.
The status of the file transfer is noted in the title bar whether accepted or
rejected. Be a little patient as the process is negotiated to begin the
transfer. Both users are shown the progress and the completion of the download
in the titlebar.
File transfers can be aborted almost any time during the process. Select the
File menu item and then select Abort file transfer. This menu item is normally
greyed out EXCEPT during a file transfer.
File transfers can also be initiated by simply dragging and dropping a file
on the botttom entry area while you are connected with someone.
Phrases ... -- Phrases (accessed under the Misc. menu item) gives you a
sizeable windowed list box to keep up to 100 favorite phrases in for quick "no
typing" access. Each phrase can be up to 500 characters long.
The Phrase window has a popup menu (right click on it once) to allow Adding,
editing, and deleting Phrases.
When you Add a phrase, Up to the first 80 characters will actually show in
the list box list but all of it will be saved to a record.
While connected, and running the Phrases window just double-click on a phrase
and it will be automatically sent. (or select and Press ENTER)
Hailing List -- This is a small datatbase to enter and keep a list of e-mail
addresses for the people you regularly want to connect with. The Hailing list
can be accessed from the menu bar under the Misc. menu item. Accessed this
way, you can only add, edit, or delete a record. This is done by right
clicking on the Hailing list dialog to get the popup menu and then by selecting
the desired action. There are three fields to fill out. The name, e-mail
address, and notes. It is not necessary to put anything in the note field. To
actually use the Hailing list (after you have some people entered) click once
on the Hail button on the button bar. From the resulting dialog you can select
one of the entries and press ENTER to actually send a Hailing message (assuming
you are logged onto the internet). You can also bring up a popup for this
dialog and add, edit, or delete records just prior to sending the Hailing
message. A maximum of 100 records can be stored in the Hailing list.
Hail Log -- This log keeps a rotating list of the last 100 Hailing messages
you received -- whether you connected with them or not. The Hail log dialog
(accessed under the Misc. menu item) can be used to connect to some one also --
if the hailing log entry is not so old that the person hasn't logged off the
internet and if they are still at the same IP address. This can be useful if
you get a Hailing message and don't want to connect at that exact moment but do
want to connect in a few minutes. Just reject the prompt to connect and use
the Hail log to connect when you are ready. it is also useful if you want to
disconnect temporarily with someone and reconnect without having to send
another hailing message (applicable, of course, if neither of you have changed
your IP address and both are back in Listen ON mode).
Copy & Paste, Word Wrap, etc. -- The Edit menu item has sub-menu's supporting
copy and pasting. The Copy Remote menuitem copies all the text in the remote
entry area (upper, CYAN) to the system clipboard. The Paste Local menu item
pastes anything that is in the system clipboard (text) into the local entry
area (bottom, WHITE). There are also menu items to clear each area and to
toggle the Word Wrap state for either.
Misc. File menu items -- Under the File menu is also an item that put you in
Listen ON mode and one to disconnect you. This mimics the exact same function
that is accomplished by clicking on the Listen ON/OFF button the button bar.
Manual Connect menu item is described in the Quick Start section. The Wake Up
menu item is a function that, while connected, you can select and beep the guy
on the other end 3 times to literally get their attention. The download and
upload directory menu items will open up an icon view of your default
upload/download directories as set in the Misc. settings dialog. The Current
IP address menu item will bring up a dialog box that will display your current
IP address.
Button Bar -- The Listen ON/OFF button is toggable. Select it once and it
will go to Listen ON state. In this state NetChat is actually monitoring the
port (6667 or whatever you have set it on) for any messages at your specific IP
address. You must be in listening mode to be able to connect. If you aren't
listening -- you can not connect. When you get a Hailing message NetChat
automatically puts itself into Listening ON mode and when you actually connect
the Listen ON mode (Yellow) changes to Connected! mode (Red).
The Echo button is simply a button to test the connection. At any time while
connected just press the Echo button and if the connection is OK you will get
one beep and a message flashed in the titlebar. This message has made a round
trip from your machine to the other and back. It is also useful to see how
fast the connection is. If the connection is broken -- nothing happens. Be
patient, though. A slow connection might take several seconds for the message
to go there and back. (The echo is only heard on the end that originates it.
The other person is not aware that they have been echoed)
The copy and paste buttons are slightly different than the menu item
counterparts. The paste button is actually the same as the menu item but the
copy button only copies selected text in the upper (CYAN) area into the system
clipboard. The paste button pastes all the clipboard text contents into the
bottom (WHITE) area.
The Incoming File button is normally greyed out and only comes to life when
someone tries to send you a file. It will beep and flash to let you know.
Select it and then decide to accept or reject the incoming file transfer
request. Sending files is done through the Send File menu item under the File
menu item.
The Monitor ON/OFF button toggles back and forth to turn the monitoring on
and off for Hailing messages.
The Hail button is pressed to initiate calling (Hailing) someone. It pops up
a window with a list box of your Hailing list entries. To add, edit, or delete
Hailing list entries select Hailing on the menu bar and then select hailing
list. Right click on the list for a popup menu. All this can ALSO be done on
the dialog box that pops up when you select the Hail BUTTON. Double clicking
on an entry in the dialog box (the one initiated from the Hail BUTTON) will
send the Hailing message.
Drag & drop, popup menus, font/color support, and more 20/3
Drag & drop ... and more
This version of netChat has limited support for drag & drop, popup menus, and
font & color support.
Drag and drop support is limited to the two main entry fields on NetChat's
main screen.
The top cyan colored area provides the ability to select any text, highlight
it, and drag it off the entry field area to a folder or the Desktop and save it
to a file when it is dropped.
If no text is selected a drag and drop operation will save the entire
contents of the entry field area to a file.
The bottom white area has only Drop support. This support allows dropping
any single file on it for a file transfer. It is merely an alternative way to
start a file transfer as opposed to using the menu item to start the operation.
Popup menus are supported on several screens including the main screen entry
field areas.
The popup for the top cyan colored area is limited to Word Wrap, Copy, Clear,
and Phrases.
The bottom white area's popup has menu selections for thirteen different
items - all of which are found in the File menu or the Edit menu on the
titlebar.
These popups are added for user convenience and do not have any added
function that is not already included in other menu items.
The Hailing list and the Favorite Phrase dialogs also have popup menu's but
these popups (attached to the list box) are more important than the others
because their menu items are not available in any other way.
They allow adding, editing, and deleting records items for the Hailing list
and the Favorite Phrase list.
Limited font and color support is available only on the NetChat main screen
in the two entry field areas. Use the system color and font palettes to drag
and drop colors and fonts on the two areas. The color and font settings will
be saved. However, built in support for Multiline Edit objects (thats what
these are) is not well supported by OS/2. Some colors and fonts may not be
saved properly.
Future updates will eventually add more drag & drop, color/font, and popup
menu support to other areas of the program. For now it was considered a lesser
priority than other things that need to be done.
Command line arguments 21/3
Command line arguments
NetChat has several command line arguments :
1. -XX This command line argument will make NetChat check to see if there
are any other versions or instances running. If it detects any other
NetChats it won't start. This parameter MUST be used as a FIRST parameter
if it is used at all (unless it is added on the end of -L, -M, or -MC as
discussed below).
2. -NI This parameter allows NetChat to set the Name for the NetChat .INI
file. The default name is NETCHAT.INI. If you use this parameter you can
set the .INI file to any file name or fully qualified file name that is
legal. Leave NO space between the -NI and the name of the .INI file
example : NETCHAT -NIMYNEW.INI
example : NETCHAT -NIC:\UTILS\NC.INI
3. -L The -L argument will cause NetChat to start in Listen ON mode. This
means that when NetChat first starts it will immediately start monitoring
your current port assignement (as set in the port settings) for the receive
port. The Listen ON button will be yellow.
4. -M The -M argument will cause NetChat to start in Monitor ON mode. This
means that when NetChat first starts it will immediately start monitoring
your mail account for Hailing messages.
5. -MC This will cause NetChat to start and immediately prompt you with the
Manual Connect dialog. You can choose to cancel or to connect.
An XX can be added onto the -L, -M, or the -MC parameters, eg. -LXX, -MXX,
-MCXX. This will make any of these three parameters add on the behaviour of
the -XX parameter in addition to their own behaviour.
These command line arguments are included mostly to allow the ability to
interface third party mail programs like MR2i, PMMail, Post Road Mailer, and
others with NetChat.
This makes NetChat even more flexible as it allows not only NetChat itself
and/or MailRun to monitor and notify of incoming Hailing messages but also
allows many third party mail programs to do so too.
Misc. issues 22/3
Misc. issues
Running multiple sessions of NetChat is supported in 2 different ways. The
first way is to run totally separate copies of the program in different folders.
Since NetChat does not take up numerous megabytes of space this is a viable
solution to those who may want to run multiple concurrent sessions.
To do so it is fairly easy to just drag the whole folder that has the NetChat
program in it and copy it to another folder or subfolder and then set it up for
use on another set of ports.
The second method for running multiple sessions is probably a better solution
for most users. Simply use the NetChat command line switch -NI (as discussed
in the Command line arguments sections) to define a new .INI file for program
objects that reference the actual NetChat executable file.
For example - put 2 program objects on the Desktop for netchat.exe. Name one
NC1 and the other NC2. Bring up the popup menu for NC1 and select Settings.
In the Optional parameters field use the -NI argument to point NetChat to a NEW
.INI file.
Example : -NINC1.INI
Then do the same for the NC2 program object but use -NINC2.INI in that
Optional parameters field.
You might also have to set the Working directory field for both objects.
Now that both of the program objects are set up to use separate .INI files,
just start the respective program objects and set each instance up with it's
own settings.
To actually run concurrent sessions it is necessary to set the the copies of
NetChat on different ports for the Transmit, Receive, and file transfer. Each
running instance must be set differently or the it may not be able to connect
or transfer files properly.
Think of it like a C.B. radio. If you operate more than one radio on the
same channel then they would interfere with each other. Ports are loosely
analogous to channels in this way.
The other party you want to connect with must have his port settings set to
match yours as well. That is all that is really necessary to run multiple
sessions.
Known bugs and limitations 23/1
Known bugs and limitations
Like any software that does much NetChat is not perfect. Sometimes you may
experiece slight difficulties in connecting. This may be because of problems
with your provider and/or other internet difficulties. It may also be because
NetChat has a lot going on under the hood.
Please report any other bug and problems with all the possible details you
can think of.
However, it doesn't do any good to report a bug or a problem with the program
if all you tell me is that it doesn't work. If you truly expect any help or
results you have to be willing to articulate and elaborate just what is or is
not happening. it also helps to know what your system consists of and what
version of NetChat you are using. Less than that is a waste of my time and
yours.
Registering NetChat 24/1+
Registering NetChat
NetChat is shareware - software which is free to try, but it is expected that
if you use it beyond a reasonable trial period (30 days), you will register it.
This version has complete functionality and is not crippled in any way. it
does have several irritating screens that bug and beep you at various times,
though. Registering the software will disable these "bug screens". Your
support allows further development of NetChat and other projects for OS/2.
o $25 - BMT Micro registration. Registration code and key files will be
supplied by me via e-mail or snail mail if desired. Be sure to tell the
BMT Micro folks to notify me when you register so I can send them to you in
a timely manner. Feel free to notify me, yourself, too. See their order
form (included with NetChat), purchase applet (included with NetChat),
and/or visit their web site (www.bmtmicro.com) to see what forms of payment
and shipping the provide. This is the preferred way to order NetChat.
o $25 - Direct registration. Registration code and key files will be
returned via E-mail (or snail mail IF requested). Send your check or money
order (must be drawn on a US Bank), with some type of a return address, to
Gary L. Robinson. If you send an e-mail address PLEASE MAKE IT LEGIBLE. I
can't send the registration if I can't read the address or if the address
is incorrect.
Registration for this version of NetChat includes free upgrades to future
versions of NetChat up to but not including version 2.0. Registering this
version of NetChat will automatically register you for all 1.x and 1.xx
releases. When version 2.0 of NetChat arrives, you will need to re-register
and pay an upgrade fee. This registration does not necessarily include any
free upgrades to the MailRun program.
Registration Key files 25/2
Registration key files
This version and all future versions require you to have a set of Key files.
A set of Key files consists of 2 files - one named main.key and the other named
guest.key.
When you register NetChat at BMT Micro they are supposed to notify me and at
that time I will send you via e-mail (or snail mail if preferred) a set of Key
files.
It may help expedite things slightly, though, if you also notify me that you
need a set of key files.
The Key files will be set to accept your name - the name you registered with.
This name will also identify you when you connect with someone.
When you connect, the other person will see the message : ***** Your Name
(Main Key) has connected with you! *****
You will see at your end, when the person who has the guest.key connects with
you : ***** Your Name (Guest Key) has connected with you! *****
Your Name will be the name of the person who registered the program.
One of the Key files must be kept in the NetChat folder at all times to keep
the program registered.
Normally, the purchaser would keep the main.key file in their NetChat folder
and give the guest.key to a friend for their use.
Entering your registration code 26/2
Entering your registration code
This is not rocket science!
One of your key files, either main.key or guest.key, needs to be in your
NetChat folder at ALL times for the registration process to work and continue
to work.
If you are registered and did NOT receive Key files then contact me (NOT BMT
Micro) for a set of Key files.
To register NetChat, select the Help menu item on the main screen menu bar.
Then select Register ...
Enter your registration Code (it should be your name) and press Save.
You are now registered and ALL the annoying dialogs and beeping will cease!
The UNREGISTERED notice in the main screen titlebar will be removed, also.
Please keep your registration code and do not lose it. You may need it again
if you reinstall NetChat or if you reinstall OS/2 itself.
If you lose your registration code and/or key files please contact me to get
replacements. Do NOT contact BMT Micro to replace any lost codes or files.
A note to Desktop Wizard users! 27/1
Special offer to DW users
Until the end of the year (December 31st, 1997) all registered users of
Desktop Wizard can, if desired, register NetChat directly with me for the price
of $20.00. This offer is not, I repeat not, available through BMT Micro or
anyone else. It is available only if registered directly through me and if you
are already registered for Desktop Wizard.
If you register Desktop Wizard any time this year before this NetChat offer
runs out then you are still eligible for this special offer.
Order forms 28/1+
Order forms
Use either the BMT Micro order form or the Direct to me form.
BMT Micro (preferred way) 29/2
Mail Orders To: BMT Micro
PO Box 15016
Wilmington, NC 28408
U.S.A.
Voice Orders: 8:00am - 7:00pm EST (-5 GMT)
(800) 414-4268 (orders only)
(910) 791-7052
Fax Orders: (910) 350-2937 24 hours / 7 Days
(800) 346-1672 24 hours / 7 Days
Online Orders via modem: (910) 350-8061 10 lines, all 14.4K
(910) 799-0923 Direct 28.8K line
via Internet: orders@bmtmicro.com
telnet@bmtmicro.com
http://www.bmtmicro.com
Secure Ordering: https://wwws.wilmington.net/bmtmicro/secure_form.html
Ordering and general ordering questions:
Via AOL: bmtmicro
Via MSN: bmtmicro
Via Prodigy: HNGP66D
Via Compuserve: 74031,307
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners
Club, Carte Blanche, Cashiers Check, Personal Check. Personal
checks are subject to clearance. Eurochecks in DM are welcome.
DM, Sterling, and US Currency is welcome but send only by
registered mail, return receipt requested. We cannot be liable
for lost cash sent through the mail.
If you reside in a country with an unconvertible currency please
contact us for alternatives.
Purchase orders are welcome, subject to approval. The minimum
amount is $250.00.
Information for our German customers is explained in the last
paragraph of this order form.
_____________________________________________________________________
Company:_____________________________________________________________
Name:________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________State/Province: ________________
Postal/ZIP Code: ____________________Country:________________________
Phone:_______________________________________________________________
Fax: _______________________________________________________________
E-Mail #1____________________________________________________________
E-Mail #2____________________________________________________________
Product Quantity Price Number of copies
_________________________ ______________ ________________
_________________________ ______________ x ____________ = + $ _______
_________________________ ______________ x ____________ = + $ _______
_________________________ ______________ x ____________ = + $ _______
Latest Version on Diskette _____$3.00____ x ____________ = + $ _______
North Carolina Residents add 6% Sales Tax $ _______
Shipping and Handling (no quantity limit / see below) $ _______
Email - Subject to Credit Card Verification Free
Fax (USA/Canada)........................... 1.00 US
Fax (Non-North America).................... 2.00 US
Worldwide 1st Class ....................... Free
2nd Day Priority, USA Only ................ $ 4.00 US
US Postal Service International Express
(Including Canada and Mexico), allow up to
7-10 days ............................... $ 25.00 US
Airborne Select Delivery (USA Only) $ 8.00 US
FedEx Overnight, USA Only (delivery by
3:00 pm the following day) .............. $ 15.00 US
FedEx Europe/Japan ( guaranteed delivery
within 3 days) .......................... $ 35.00 US
Total: $ _______
For credit card payment only
Circle one: VISA / Master / Discover / American Express / Diners
Credit card number: _____________________________________________
Expiration date: ________________________________________________
Authorization signature: ________________________________________
ORDERING FROM INSIDE GERMANY ONLY
=================================
Persons in Germany wishing to order shareware may also transfer funds
into our account with Deutsche Bank. Once the money is deposited you
may either fax a confirmation to us with proof of deposit or wait until
Deutsche Bank notifies us of the transaction (usually 10-18 business days).
Account information is as follows:
Deutsche Bank / Frankfurt Branch
Empfänger: Thomas Bradford
Konto-Nummer: 0860221
Bankleitzahl: 500-700-10
When you make the transfer, be sure to put your name and the program you
are registering on the transfer.
Current exchange rates can be obtained by sending an email to
dm_to_us@bmtmicro.com. An automated reply will return todays exchange
rates.
It is very important that you send us a completed order form by
either email or fax if you deposit money into this account for a
registration. Fill the order form out as usual except in the credit
card number field put "DEUTSCHE BANK". We will file the order and
use it to match against the deposit information we receive from the
bank.
IMPORTANT!
----------
When you email us your order form, we will reply with an
acknowledgement. If you do not get an acknowledgement within 24 hours
please send your order again in case it was lost. This extra bit of
caution can save a lot of confusion.
If you are concerned that your order is taking too long to process, feel
free to check with us about the status of your order. It's important
to all of us that you feel safe doing business with our company and
please feel free to suggest ways we can improve our service to you.
BMT Micro Purchase Applet (preferred way) 30/2
BMT Micro Purchase Applet
The BMT Micro purchase applet is a secure and easy (also fun!) way of
ordering NetChat for OS/2.
Just use your favorite tool to unzip the purchase.zip file that came with
nc103.zip.
Put both files that unzipped from purchase.zip into the same directory then
log onto the internet. After you are logged onto the internet double click
(execute) the purchase.exe program.
This will popup a dialog with a BMT Micro order form. Fill out the form
completely.
Then press the Order Info button in the lower right corner of the dialog.
that will take you to page 2 where you will complete the order.
Double click on NetChat in the list box to set how many copies you want to
buy.
Then print a copy of the order if desired and press the button to e-mail the
registration directly to BMT Micro.
The e-mail order form message is encrypted and secure.
Direct from me 31/2
------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTRATION FORM
NetChat for OS/2 ver. 1.36
Copyright (c) 1997 by Gary L. Robinson
------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH, CHECK or MONEY ORDER
--------------------------
Please complete the following information and return this form with your
check or money order to the address below. Please make all checks and
money orders for funds payable to Gary L. Robinson.
Current U.S.A. price is $25.00 for a single copy. Please contact me for
additional information on multiple registration price listings or for foreign
orders. Please submit to: Gary L. Robinson
P.O. Box 359
Christiansburg, OH 45389-0359
USA
------------------------------------------------------------------
<Please Type or Print Clearly>
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
City: _____________________ St or Prov: ________________________
Postal Code: ________________ Country: _________________________
E-Mail address: ________________________________
Date: ___-___-______
I would like to register: Totals
___ Copy(s) of NetChat for OS/2 @ ___ per copy: $_________________
OHIO Residents add %6.5 for state sales tax: $___________________
I am including a check or money order for: $___________________
------------------------------------------------------------------
What is MailRun? 32/1+
What is MailRun?
MailRun is a small (both in the size of the executable file and the amount of
screen real estate if takes up) and fast program to monitor your Pop3 mail
account.
It can be set to notify you in, numerous ways, when you have new incoming
mail including starting other programs, beeping you, prompting you with a
dialog, and playing .WAV files.
It's highly configurable and also has a mail preview feature to take a sneak
peek at what is in your mail box without having to download it.
Other features allow downloading the header file and a maximum of 50 lines,
deleting files from your mail box, and running multiple copies to monitor
multiple mail boxes.
MailRun can be sized to take up a very small rectangular area and and also be
set to float to the top of everything else if desired.
MailRun also can notify NetChat uers, if desired, when they are being Hailed
by someone for a chat session.
Why is MailRun? 33/2
Why is MailRun?
MailRun was written to be a more flexible Pop3 mail monitor than currently is
available. It takes up less screen space, it's executable is smaller in size,
has numerous ways of notifying you of incoming mail, and has several other
features not found together in any other Pop3 mail watcher.
It also was written to work in conjunction with NetChat if desired.
Program Requirements 34/1
Program Requirements
MailRun requires OS/2 3.x or OS/2 4.x. It should run well in machines with
small amounts of memory (6-8mb).
It also requires you to have TCP/IP installed and an internet provider with
an e-mail account.
What's New In MailRun! 35/1
What's New In MailRun!
MailRun ver. 1.23 (5-10-97)
Initilal release.
MailRun ver. 1.3
1. An Argument field was added in the settings page for the start program
feature/menu item. This will allow specifying arguments for your mail
program or any other program that is automatically started with MailRun.
MailRun Support 36/1
MailRun Support
MailRun is primarily supported by me through e-mail and/or a live
pre-arranged NetChat session with me.
My schedule is very erratic and seldom the same from one week to the next,
though.
E-mail is probably the most reliable way of getting to me with a problem
report. Please send all the details you can if you send a report of a problem.
A "It ain't workin dude!" report doesn't do either of us any good! The devil
is in the details .....
Send all e-mail to either grobin@iname.com or grobin@coax.net
These mail boxes are usually read every day.
E-mail can also be left at the MailTo link on my web page at
http://www.coax.net/people/grobin or the MailTo link at NetChat Support Page at
http://cud.cow-net.com/badams/index.htm
Installing MailRun 37/1
Installing MailRun
Installing MailRun is a huge and tedious task.
Step 1 is to copy the single file mailrun.exe to a directory by itself or it
can be put in the NetChat directory to conserve space.
Step 2 is to put an icon on your launch bar or Desktop for it.
That's it. I hope the installation did not wear you out!
Using MailRun 38/1+
Using MailRun
MailRun should have it's settings pages filled out before going on to the
Quick Start section.
For a Quick Start start, though, only the internet account information area
needs to be set if you don't mind using the other program setting defaults.
When MailRun is first started it appears in the lower left quadrant of the
screen.
All of it's features are accessable through a popup menu. Place your mouse
pointer near the top of it's window (in the grey area) and click the right
mouse button once to see the popup menu.
MailRun is moved by putting the mouse pointer on the top part of it's small
window (grey area) and holding down on Mouse Button 1 (left) and dragging it to
a new location.
It can be resized by placing the mouse pointer at the edge or corners of it's
window and when you see the double arrow then hold down on Mouse Button 1 or 2
and drag to resize.
Double clicking on the main MailRun screen with mouse button 1 will close the
program.
Initial setup for MailRun 39/2
Initial setup for MailRun
First bring up the popup menu for mailRun.
All of it's features are accessable through a popup menu. Place your mouse
pointer near the top of it's window (in the grey area) and click the right
mouse button once to see the popup menu.
Select Settings near the bottom of the menu. This will bring up the main
mailRun Settings dialog.
Internet account information -- This area has three entry fields :
Domain name -- The domain name is usually everything to the right of the @
symbol in your internet address. eg., bigdude@hailbop.com would have a domain
name of hailbop.com
User name --- The user name is usually everything to the left of the @
symbol in your internet address. eg., bigdude@hailbop.com would have a user
name of bigdude
Password -- The password is the password assigned to you by your internet
provider to access your internet account and/or your mail box.
Notification methods -- This area has five main ways to notify you when new
mail arrives in your mail box. Whichever of the five you select (radio
buttons) it can also do either or both of the check box selections at the
bottom.
None -- This selection causes MailRun not to notify you in any way except
in it's own windows readout.
Beep -- This selection causes MailRun execute a small series of beeps.
Flash -- This selection causes MailRun to lash it's own window readout - a
silent type of notification.
Popup dialog -- This selection causes MailRun to popup a dialog window no
matter what ele you are doing on the Desktop. The dialog box has two initial
sub-settings for it. Select Beep if you want the popup dialog box to also beep
you and select Autoclose if you want the dialog to automatically close
regardless if you press the OK button on the dialog or not. If this is
selected then set the autoclose time (in seconds) in the spin button below that
choice. The autoclose time interval can also be reset on the fly in the popup
dialog.
Play .WAV file -- This selection causes MailRun to run a user selectable
.wav file. Enter the fully qualified name of the wave file in the entry field
below the button.
Start program on notification (menu item also) -- This selection can be
used in addition to one of the five radio button selections or by itself. It
will start almost any other program (OS/2, DOS, or Windows) when new mail
arrives in your account. Enter the fully qualified executable file name for
the program you wish to start in the entry field below the check box. Enter
any arguments for it in the argument entry field.
Start MailRun Preview screen (menu item also) -- This selection can be used
in addition to one of the five radio button selections or by itself. It will
start the MailRun mail Preview feature when new mail arrives in your account.
Program startup -- This area has two main selections to set to determine
what, if anything, you want MailRun to automatically do when it starts up.
Minimize -- Selecting this will cause MailRun to be started in a minimized
state.
Mail messages -- Selecting this will give you the choice of having MailRun
start in a dormant state and not check for incoming mail, check only once then
stop checking, or to start in Autocheck mode and check at the intervals set
below in the Autocheck spin box.
Mail notification -- This area has only two choices to decide when you want
to be notified.
Every time MR checks for mail -- This selection will notify you every time
MailRun checks for mail. this is usually just used for testing purposes and
probably won't be used by most people.
Only when mail is found -- This is the default and normal selection. This
selection will cause MailRun to notify you whenever there is mail in your mail
box.
Autocheck (seconds) -- Set this spin button to the interval that you want
MailRun to use to notify you of mail in your mail box. It has a minimum
setting of 15 seconds and a maximum setting of 100,000 seconds.
Max. lines to download -- This spin button sets the maximum number of lines
in a mail message to download (in addition to the header information) in a Mail
Preview download operation.
Start mail query on preview open -- This selection makes the Mail Preview
dialog to query your mail box when you start it. Otherwise the Preview dialog
starts and waits for you to decide what to do.
Force window to float to top -- This selection makes the main MailRun window
float to the top of the screen every few seconds regardless if it is covered up
by other program windows.
NetChat settings for MailRun 40/2
NetChat settings for MailRun
MailRun can be somewhat integrated with NetChat to make mailRun either beep
you when it detects a Hail message in your mail box or to start NetChat in
Monitor ON mode when it detects a Hail message.
To enable this integration first check the check box for "Enable detection of
NetChat hailing messages".
Then select whether what you want MailRun to do when it finds a NetChat
message in your mail box.
If you set MailRun to start NetChat in Monitor ON mode then you must also
type in the complete path to where NetChat is located. Just the complete path.
Do not put the name of the netchat.exe file in the entry field.
Quick Start 41/2
Quick Start
For a Quick Start start only the internet account information area (on the
main settings page) needs to be set if you don't mind using the other program
setting defaults.
Additionally, if you want to use it integrated with NetChat, the NetChat
settings page for mailRun needs to be set also.
Both of these settings pages are accessable by placing the mouse pointer over
the upper grey area of the MailRun main screen and clicking right mouse button
once to activate the popup menu.
Then select Settings and/or NetChat Settings to bring up the respective
settings dialog boxes.
After filling out the minimum settings and saving them close the program and
restart it to test the program.
MailRun popup menu items 42/2
MailRun popup menu items
Start autochecking for mail -- This selection makes MailRun start looking
for mail in your mail account at the time interval set in the Settings dialog.
Stop autochecking for mail -- This selection will basically "turn off"
MailRun and stop it from checking for mail.
Check for mail now -- This selection will make MailRun check once for mail
immediately. It can be selected at any time - whether MailRun is in autocheck
mode or not.
Minimize at program startup -- This selection will force MailRun to be
minimized when it is started.
Minimize now -- This selection causes MailRun to be minimized immediately.
Start mail program -- This selection will start your mail program if you
entered one on the Settings page under the notification method section. You do
not have to have the check box on the settings page actually checked to start
your mail program from this menu item.
Quit -- Closes MailRun.
Settings ... -- This selection brings up the main Settings dialog for
MailRun.
NetChat Settings ... -- This selection brings up the dialog for the NetChat
integration settings.
About -- This selection brings up the About dialog box. This is where you
can get the info on what version you are using and info on where to register
the program.
MailRun Preview dialog 43/2
MailRun preview dialog
The MailRun preview dialog is used to preview what you have in your mail
account. It has several features to make this a useful tool.
The Preview dialog can be set to query your mail account when the dialog is
first is opened. It will get the basic information of what is currently in
your account. It displays a list of the messages in the dialog's list box, the
total number of messages there, and the total number of bytes in all the
messages combined.
You can also scroll the messages and see individual information for each one.
The subject line, date, time, and size are all displayed for the currently
selected message.
Messages can be deleted individually or all the messages can be deleted at
the same time by pressing the appropriate button.
Messages can also be individually downloaded or all messages can be
downloaded. Note that MailRun can download a maximum of 50 lines of a message
(in addition to the header).
Messages can also be viewed without downloading them by selecting the desired
message and pressing the View button. Note that you can only view a maximum of
50 lines (in addition to the header).
The Query mail button will query and/or refresh all the information on whats
currently in your mail account.
MailRun notification dialog 44/2
MailRun notification dialog
MailRun can be set to notify you of incoming mail by poping up a dialog and
showing you how many messages are waiting for you in your mail box.
The mail notification dialog has several interesting features of its own.
When you are notified of incoming mail with this dialog you can simply press
OK and be done with it.
You can also set it to automatically close the dialog box after a user
specified interval even if you don't press OK. This is accomplished in the
Notification methods section of the main settings dialog.
When you are actually notified you can modify the behavior of this dialog
on-the-fly too.
When notified you can press OK and the dialog closes. It will notify you
again at the user specified interval if you still have mail in the account.
However, you can temporarily suspend this behavior if you are in the middle
of doing something. When notified press the OK-Suspend button. This will
temporarily suspend MailRun's notification for the time value (in minutes) set
in the spin box in the lower right corner of the dialog box.
The suspend time value itself can be changed on the fly. Just click into the
area of the spin button that actually displays the suspend value. That will
stop the autoclose feature (if it is set on) and allow you to set the Suspend
value to something new.
After setting the new value then press OK-Suspend and it will suspend
checking for mail until the time interval that you just set has passed.
The suspend feature can be thought of as something similar to a "snooze"
feature on an alarm clock.
The OK-Start preview button will close the notifation dialog and will start
the Mail Prview program.
The OK-Start program will close the dialog and start the program (if any is
specified) that is pointed to in the "Start program on notification" entry
field.
Registering MailRun 45/1
Registering MailRun
This version of MailRun is included free with NetChat and does not need to be
separately registered. You are registered for it when you register for NetChat.
MailRun is currently not sold in any other manner and is only available with
NetChat.
Package contents for this archive 46/1
Package Contents
The files contained within the NetChat archive are:
1. BMTORDER.DOC 6286 bytes
2. FILE_ID.DIZ 1005 bytes
3. MAILRUN.EXE 121791 bytes
4. NETCHAT.EXE 193022 bytes
5. NETCHAT.HLP 75464 bytes
6. ORDERFRM.DOC 1885 bytes
7. purchase.zip 46941 bytes
8. readhelp.cmd 1207 bytes
If all these files are not present when the archive is unzipped, please
notify the sysop where you downloaded the archive from.
License for NetChat and MailRun 47/1
License
License And Rights Granted By License
All registered users are granted one (1) license. This license includes two
(2) key files - main.key and guest.key
This requires the registered user to have the main.key file present in the same
diectory as NetChat at all times to stay registered. It also requires the
registered party to type their name (exactly as registered ) in the
registration entry field in the NetChat program to complete the registration
process.
This single license grants the registered party the right to use the main.key
registration file with and be registered for NetChat for OS/2, NetChat for
Win95, and MailRun for all 1.x versions up to, but not including, ver. 2.0 of
any of these three programs.
This single license further grants the registered party the right to distribute
the guest.key file to one (1) other party who is not registered. The license
grants the registered party the right to also distribute copies of NetChat for
OS/2, NetChat for Win95, and MailRun to the same one (1) non registered party.
The one non registered party (designated by the registered user) is granted
the right to use the guest.key file with all 1.x versions of the same three
programs up to, but not including, version 2.0 of any of these three programs.
The one non registered party (designated by the registered user) will also be
required to use the registered party's name (exactly as it was registered ) in
the registration entry field in the NetChat program to complete the
registration for their copies of the programs.
The one non registered party (designated by the registered user) is not granted
any further rights or privilages.
The license does not grant the registered party the right to distribute the
main.key to any other parties whatsoever.
The license only grants the distribution of a guest.key to one (1) party.
Disclaimer
This package is provided "as is", without any guarantees or warrantees
whatsoever. The author is not liable or responsible for any loss or damage of
any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, losses of a financial,
physical, emotional, marital, social, or mental nature that may result from the
use or the purported use of anything in this package, for any purpose
whatsoever.