Finger is just like the UNIX program. It lets users look up information about other users by typing //FINGER. When a user types //FINGER from the main menu they can look up information on other users. Finger obeys the security level and restriction information so you can limit who uses it. Choosing Finger from the externals menu will display a help file that you can configure. This version is a demo in that until registered only info on user 1 can be displayed.
Installing it.
----------------------
Finger includes both a user and sysop external. To use it simply drag it and the folder named 'Finger Files' into the 'Externals' folder and restart Hermes.
Setting it up.
----------------------
Finger has few options. Anyone marked as a sysop can register it by choosing the external from the externals menu. If you want to limit who can use Finger you can set the access settings from the Sysop externals menu. The '//FINGER' command is stored in a STR# resource so you can change it but to be consistent between BBSs it would be best if you left it as //FINGER.
Running it.
----------------------
Finger is envoked by typing //FINGER from the main menu. You will then be prompted for a user's name or number. Enter the user you would like info on and hit return. Finger will display that users info. Until registered only user number 1 can be fingered, however.
Customizing Finger
----------------------
This version is only intended to be a demo of the concept really. It is fully functional once registered but if you would like customization of the external you will need to contact me on my BBS. I can add or remove a variety of information about users. You could display an entire page on users if you wanted.
The plea.
----------------------
Finger is SHAREWARE. I think this is a really useful product. I am more than willing to support it but new versions are of course dependent on interest and interest is dependent on feedback and the best feedback is registration. I have written a few shareware applications and it is getting discouraging, not to mention financially hard, to justify all the time. If you use it please register your copy. I feel that shareware has fallen into the same trap as the commercial system it is supposed to be an alternative to. Authors ask for such large fees because so few people actually send them in. This in turn causes fewer people to send them in, which makes authors feel they need to ask for more, which…you get the picture. I have intentionally made the price so reasonable you don't have any excuse not to pay the shareware fee. If you don't think the external is worth $10 then DON'T USE IT.
Registration info
----------------------
To register send $10, *and* the registration form below (the form does make things easier) to Chris Owen, PO Box 1471, Garden City, KS 67846 (before August 1994 you can send it to me at 27 Bishop St #2R, New Haven CT 06511 for faster registration). I will send your registration number to you if you include a e-mail address. The fee will also cover future versions as they come out.
Finger is part of a larger 'pack' of externals. Please see the enclosed docs on how to register all of them at a much reduced price.
If you have any questions or comments about Finger, I would appreciate hearing them. I can be reached on Olympus or at the addresses below.
Chris Owen (#681, I think)
owen-christopher@yale.edu <-- I prefer this address
Mulligan's Valley ("official" support board) 203-772-4485 (2400)
