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