This is the fifth beta version of TIMM - The Ideal Mac Mailreader.
This version expires December 12.
It requires at least a Macintosh LC, System 7 and the ZipIt program by Tommy Brown (version 1.1.1 or newer).
It does not run on the SE, Classic, PowerBook 100, etc.
TIMM is an off-line mail reader. It lets you read and respond to messages in packages that you have downloaded from a BBS, at your convenience. This way, you can enjoy "BBSing" without tying up your telephone line, running up excessive long-distance charges, or worrying about running out of time on your favorite BBS.
TIMM includes everything you need to manage your BBS messages and replies, and it works with any Qmail-compatible mail system.
TIMM is designed to be easy to use, even for people who have limited experience with off-line mail readers. All the major functions and features are available from a button or a menu list.
To read mail with TIMM follow these steps:
Download a QWK file from your board with the messages
Drag the QWK file icon onto the TIMM icon
Wait while the messages are being decompressed
When the conference list window appears, open the conferences by pressing the little triangles next to the conference name.
Select the message that you want to read.
If you want to reply to the message, select a piece of it and select cmd-r. Then a reply window opens where you can edit your reply.
New messages are created with cmd-n. Remember to check the conference number.
After you've written your replies and new messages, select the "create *.REP file " menu. A file is then created. This file must be uploaded to the board which then inserts the messages in the conferences.
Installing TIMM
Place it where you want it on your harddisc.
TIMM needs to have the ZipIt program accessible on the same HD, in order to be able to decompress the QWK file from the BBS.
Special/noteworthy features
The hierarchial conference list window.
The ability to open more than one QWK file (limited only by available memory).
The speed....
There are a number of known bugs and shortcomings in TIMM:
Bugs
It may crash under low memory conditions that occur when you try to open one _very_ large QWK file (more than 1600 messages) or multiple small files.
The gray header area on the message and reply windows is on rare occasions drawn in black. There are reports that this is frequent under System 7.5
You can't change lines when entering comments.
The check-boxes in the reply window are redrawn in the "chicago" font.
The tread following is not perfect as it only detects identical subject lines. I'm working on it.
There is a visual problem when deleting a reply. A small bar of the reply window may be copied onto the image of the conference list when the conference list window image is moved up when the line with the deleted reply is removed.
Things to be done:
Implement Initials quoting.
Enable the buttons for conference jump.
Implement printing.
Implement .Sig files.
Database to store and search old messages.
Tagline Manager.
Registration mechanism.
Enable arrow keys.
"Find" function.
Manual.
Happy testing
Send bug reports to "kent.soerensen@dkb.dk" or use the Rime Macintosh conference, my home board is 1117.
What's new in beta 5:
Much lower memory requirements (800K instead of 1750K) because the message file in not read into memory in one chunk.
Handles long conference names.
Implements tread following.
A reply takes the same conference number as the message window, if it is open
Checks for System 7 and Color QD at start up.
Compatible with Cam-mail
Automatically saves replies, and asks for confirmation upon deletion of a reply
What bugs are fixed:
When replying, the cursor is placed correctly after the quoted text instead of at the end of the message.
Messages are marked as read in the conference list window, even when the list is closed
Resizes windows properly in order to work on the 12" monitor and the Color Classic.
The correct time is written in the REP file
History of things to come....
The next version will contain the registration function, tagline management and a "Find" function. Before I can start developing a message database I need about 20-30 of you to register in order to pay for the database toolkit.
How much memory does it need.
TIMM comes pre-set to 800K. That will let it open a package with approx. 1500 messages.
TIMM uses 200K for private use, and a 256K buffer for each package. Each message uses currently 220 bytes for its entries in the various tables.
So to open a 4000 message package you need 200K + 256K + 4000*0.22K = approx 1400K.
To increase the memory allocation, quit the program and select the program in the Finder. Choose "Get Info" and set the desired partition. Don't change the minimum partition. Start the program, and verify the allocation in the "About this MAcintosh" menu from the Finder.
Distributing TIMM
You may distribute this version whereever you wish, as long as you keep this document together with the program.
Registration
TIMM is "PayWare" - if you use it regularly you must pay $25. The first 20 to register will get their names in the manual with thanks.
If you like TIMM and want me to continue developing it, you should pay for it - $25 is no more than the price of a good game (and you pay for your games, don't you ?). I intend to make TIMM live up to its name, and to do that I need your support.
The finished program must be registered in order to work properly. I intend to let the program work completely unimpaired for two months, after which it will disable more and more of itself. Registering it, of course enables everything.
If you pay now I will send you a registered copy when it is released.
Send the money in cash to
Kent Soerensen
Christians Gade 18, 3.th.
DK-9000 Alborg.
Denmark.
State the _exact_ name that appears in your QWK packages (your username on the board) , as that name will be used to generate the registration key. Also state your address, both postal and electronic so that I can send you the registration key.
It is important that the name is correct as TIMM will refuse to open a QWK packages if the registration name and the name from the QWK file doesn't match.
Make sure the bills (bank notes) are not visible through the envelope - in order not to tempt the postal workers.
