This README contains installation notes, feature highlights, and other information to get you started using CompuServe 2.6. If you have already installed CompuServe 2.6, please skip the System Requirements and Installation Notes and continue with the sections that follow.
System Requirements
- 4 Mb RAM (8 recommended)
- 10 Mb available on hard drive
- 386 (or higher) processor
- VGA monitor at 640 by 480 resolution
- Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11
- 9600 baud connection rate
A multimedia computer is not required, but enables you to enjoy a richer online experience with the use of sound and enhanced graphics capabilities.
Installation Notes
The installation procedure has been simplified and contains step-by-step instructions to guide you through the installation process.
The installation program installs CompuServe 2.6, the CompuServe dialer, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0a.
Note: When delivered and installed as part of the CompuServe 2.6 installation, Microsoft's Internet Explorer 3.0a does not currently include "MailTo:" support, which enables you to send email messages via links on Web pages. CompuServe plans to provide this Microsoft mail option in a future, downloadable version, available from the Information Service and a Web site to be announced. For more information on sending Internet mail, refer to the CompuServe 2.6 Help system.
Feature Highlights of CompuServe 2.6
New Browser
CompuServe 2.6 integrates information from CSi, previously known as the CompuServe Information Service, and the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW). The Internet Explorer browser is installed and configured automatically with CompuServe 2.6. When you are connected to CSi, you will see buttons and menu items you can select to take you to the WWW. You can also enter a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), such as http://www.compuserve.com, directly into the Go field to get to an Internet site. Once you are on the Internet, look for hyperlinks back to services on CSi.
Default Winsock Connection
This type of connection is required to access the Internet. It is configured and set up in your Session Settings during the installation of CompuServe 2.6. You will be able to access information on CSi and be on the Internet at the same time.
Improved Performance and Reliability
Throughput and file download speed have been increased and new scripts have been added to improve connection reliability.
Dialer Features
The CompuServe Dialer (CID) offers support for NCSI/NASI, which enables additional connection configurations. The updated dialer is more robust and provides better throughput.
It can be used with Windows 95 without interfering with the operating system's connection utilities. If you have configured Windows 95 to connect to the CompuServe network, then you can opt not to use the CompuServe Dialer.
Internet Browser Option
A new Internet Browser command has been added to the Services menu and a corresponding button now appears on the default ribbon (toolbar). Choosing this option starts the Internet Explorer Browser. If Internet Explorer is running in the background, this option brings the browser to the foreground. Similarly, you can start up or return to CompuServe 2.6 from Internet Explorer by clicking the CSi button on the toolbar.
Filing Cabinet Search
You can find items stored in the CompuServe 2.6 Filing Cabinet quickly and easily using the new Search feature. Objects such as mail messages, forum messages, articles, and news stories can be stored in the filing cabinet. Once stored, you can find any of these objects by date or date range, subject, sender or contributor (i.e., from); or perform a full text search. You can search folders, In-Basket, Out-Basket, or a combination of all three.
New Graphics
CompuServe 2.6 introduces new graphics for the Table of Contents menu that will allow you to explore CSi effortlessly. The button located at the top of this menu will take you to an area that offers What's New on CSi, Member Services, and Events & Promotions on CSi. If you know what you want, but aren't sure how to "GO" there, use one of the 16 general interest buttons to get there in a hurry!
CompuServe Viewer
When attending conferences, on-line moderators now have the ability to send binary file(s) to enhance the experience for participants. Binary files may be still motion video clips from a video feed (graphic images sent at regular intervals), closed captioned text, charts, sound, or pictures. The moderator can send any combination of files and file types to conference participants. As a participant, you will be able to see these conference additions by utilizing the CompuServe Viewer technology that is built into CompuServe 2.6.
Secure logins
Security is built into CompuServe 2.6. Your password is not transmitted across the network in a readable format.
PNG Support
Support for PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format has been added. You can now look forward to using this optimized graphics format, as PNG is integrated in services and applications across CSi.
Customer Support
To increase usability or offer flexibility, several enhancements have been made.
- A General Preference has been added to control window handling. To alter this preference access the Special menu and select Preferences/General. Keep Windows Maximized is on by default. When a window is maximized, subsequent windows will be maximized until you restore the size.
- A preference has been added for both Forum Conferencing and Chat/CB Simulator to automatically update the "Who's Here" List every few seconds. To access Forum Conference preferences from the Special menu select Preference/Forum/More... button. To access the CB simulator preferences from the Special menu select Preference/CB Simulator.
- Help is offered from the Connection Failure dialog providing diagnosis and correction assistance.
- Addressing mail to non-CompuServe mail users has been simplified by adding an address type list box on the Recipient dialog.
- International icons have been added throughout the product to accommodate the global CSi membership.
- Tool tips are available to identify iconic tools (buttons) throughout CompuServe 2.6. A preference has been added to disable the tool tips if they do not offer you assistance. To alter this preference, from the Special menu select Preferences/General, then clear the check box to turn the tool tips off.
- The View button has been added so you can view most files while online. If the file to be viewed has a Windows file association defined, the appropriate application will be used to view the file.
Internet Explorer Features
Spyglass Dynamic Data Exchange (SDDE)
SDDE is supported, enabling communications between CompuServe 2.6 and Internet Explorer. This makes it possible for Internet sites to build in links to specific information within CSi.
Hyperlinks from the Web to CompuServe Services
Definition of the GOCSERVE application extension enables Web page developers to create hyperlinks from the Web to specific services on CSi.
Quicker access to product functions
The right mouse button now provides access to context-sensitive, pop-up menus. For example, place your cursor over an image and click the right mouse button to access a context-sensitive menu containing key options (e.g., Save to Disk, Copy URL, Save Image to Disk, and Copy Image URL).
Favorites
A new list is supplied with many great Web sites for you to explore.
Easy Access to CompuServe 2.6
You can access CompuServe 2.6 by clicking the CSi button on the toolbar.
PNG Support
Support for PNG graphic file format enables you to view PNG images.
Support for HTML 2.0 Wallpaper and Fonts
HTML support enables you to view graphically rich Web sites.
Using an Alternate Browser
CompuServe 2.6 uses the Internet Explorer browser to provide integrated access to the Internet. You can use another Internet Browser that meets the following requirements:
- Compliant with Winsock version 1.1 API
- Support for Spyglass DDE
A browser meeting these requirements will be capable of taking advantage of the integration between CSi and the Internet. Before CompuServe 2.6 can use the alternative browser, you must complete the steps described in the next section "Customizing an Internet Browser."
Customizing an Internet Browser
When Internet links or URLs are selected using CompuServe 2.6, the Internet Browser will automatically be launched. Conversely, when CSi links are selected using the Internet Browser, CompuServe 2.6 will automatically be launched. This interaction can be achieved if you make the following changes.
- Edit the CIS.INI file. Change the path within the [External Applications] section to point to the alternate Internet Browser:
[External Applications]
http=path_of_alternate_browser_goes_here /SDDE
ftp=path_of_alternate_browser_goes_here /SDDE
news=path_of_alternate_browser_goes_here /SDDE
gopher=path_of_alternate_browser_goes_here /SDDE
Below is an example of NetscapeÖ defined as an external application:
http=c:\cserve\netscape\netscape.exe /SDDE
- Define a new application extension to the alternate browser:
Application type = x-gocserve
File Extension = .go
Viewer = gocserve.exe
Support Information
- Support is available in the CompuServe 2.6 support forum, CompuServe for Windows 3.1 Forum. To access this forum, GO CSWIN.
- To find information about billing, pricing, and other useful things, check out the Member Service area on CSi. To access this area, GO MEMBER.
