Modem CCL and port settings can be set/saved via the ARAClient control panel and Connectors. The defaults are "ARA Setup Port" and ARA Setup CCL" meaning the port and modem CCL set by the "Remote Access Setup" control panel will be used unless another is chosen via the menu. These settings are also saved in Connectors so that use of the "Remote Access Setup" control panel can be avoided.
Hot Connect/Disconnect
The 'Connect/Disconnect' button responds to a carriage return or an enter keydown, both in the control panel and Connectors.
Connectors
Connectors ensure that you won't even use the control panel much at all. Since all most users want is to simply get connected, 'Connectors' that do just that can be produced with a push of the 'Save Connector...' button on the control panel. This button push will produce a Connector application that you provide a name - usually that of the destination host. The Connector has all of the information needed to get connected and does so when launched.
Remote Access produces Connection documents, while ARAClient produces Connector applications. The difference being the same as the difference between a noun and a verb. Connection documents still need another application to be useful, while Connectors do it all.
A favorite way to use Connectors is to place them in your Apple menu for quick and easy access.
A major feature of Apple's ARA is the fact that you can make an alias of a remote target while connected and use this alias to get you connected in the future, simply by double-clicking on it. This is fine if you always want to mount a server remotely, since aliases are file based, or if your connection routine is always attended (ie. you're always present to give a password).
The advantages of Connectors over aliases are:
1) They are not file-based (you may not want or need the overhead of the Finder always checking your remotely mounted volumes).
2) Connectors are modeless - other apps can be running while a connection is in any phase.
3) If desired, they can leave a small Status window on your screen showing all the relevant stats.
4) You can disconnect and connect again from a Connector Status window.
5) They can redial if the line is busy.
6) They can be put in your "Startup Items" folder for automatic connection at boot time.
7) Connectors can be "protected" via a checkbox in the "Save Connector" Standard File Dialog. Protection means that the Connector can't be viewed or edited by the control panel. Also, any change to important data, like names, numbers, or encrypted passwords via any editor of ANY kind will be recognized and will disable the Connector.
Three options are available while saving a Connector:
• 'Don't add to database' keeps a Connector out of the Host popup menu. Use this if a Connector you are making is not intended for your use
• See above for "Protection"
• 'Quit after connection' is to choose if you'd like your new Connector to quit after initial connection (like the way it works in version 1.0) or keep a small status window around.
Connectors use only 42K of RAM and occupy only 20K on disk.
ConnectNot
To disconnect you can bring up the control panel and push the Disconnect button, or push the Disconnect button on a Connector Status window. The ConnectNot application is provided for those times when you have neither the control panel open nor a Connector running. It's a one-step way to get disconnected, by simply disconnecting and quiting.
If Connectors are the ON switch, ConnectNot is the OFF switch.
Client Database
ARAClient also serves as a database for Connectors. Each time you make a Connector, an alias to that file is stored in a preferences file. Thus, there is no need to keep them in any special folder or location - ARAClient knows how to find them wherever they are. The Host popup menu on the control panel will show all the Connectors in the database. Connectors that you delete from disk will be removed by ARAClient from the database shortly after deletion or the next time you open the ARAClient control panel. You can bring up information on any unprotected Connector, by using the menu.
PhoneBook
The control panel can store a small database of dial strings and/or prefixes. These are entered in the window below and stored in a preferences file. A string name is displayed in a popup "phone" menu, while the associated string characters can be "popped" into the phone text box by choosing the string name from the menu.
Compatibility
ARAClient opens Remote Access Connection documents. You may open Connection documents and push the "Connect" button to get connected. You may make a Connector from this information as well.
ARAClient patches no traps nor does it load any INIT resources. It makes calls to Apple's ARA driver via the ARA API.
SuperBoomerang 3.01, and earlier, has a system 7 conflict with new Standard File routines. It will crash ARAClient when attempting to open an item via the 'Other' menu item in the Host menu. SuperBoomerang 3.02 and 4.0 have this problem fixed.
DfaultD, a shareware utility, has a similar conflict and should not be used with ARAClient.
Support
Support will be provided through contacting me at the following online services. My replies are prompt. I'm also willing to do custom modifications:
Compuserve: 73740,2472
America Online: R Duritsch
GENIE: R.Duritsch
Shareware
ARAClient is Shareware, priced at $20. This license entitles use by 1 to 3 users. PLEASE be sure to register all user names (1 to 3) so that support can be provided to all. An unlimited server license is available for $80. That is, for each ARA server on an AppleTalk Network an unlimited number of users of this software can exist. This includes all non-Apple ARA servers as well as multi-port ARA servers. Please send the fee if you use ARAClient.
