Message Reader/2 (C)Copyright SoftLink Services, 1992 750 East Tallmadge Avenue Suite A-100 Akron, Ohio 44310 WARNING: This documentation is a very early version it will be improved considerably by release. DISCLAIMER Every care has been taken so that Message Reader/2 will perform as outlined and that it is as error free as the author can make it. You should be aware however that no piece of software is ever totally bug free. Use of this software for any purpose whatsoever constitutes your unqualified acceptance of the following statements. The author makes no warranty or representation that the software will be error free. The author disclaims any warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. The user agrees to take full responsibility for the selection of and any use whatsoever made of the software. IN NO EVENT WILL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION OR THE LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, INTERRUPTION IN THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF ANY POSSIBILITY OR LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES. DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration, others require it, and some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software. The copyright holder retains all rights, Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. Some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. Because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. INTRODUCTION Message Reader/2 was spawned from the need for a better way to handle message threads. The sources were numerous and most had different formats. Message Reader/2 allows the user to define a message format which then can be opened and read form the PM/WPS environment. WARNING: This beta version is hard coded to work only with the IBM NCS BBS. The final release will come with several predefined formats and the ability for users to define their own. INSTALLATION Message Reader/2 should be copied into the subdirectory of your choice this subdirectory should also be added to your LIBPATH statement in your CONFIG.SYS file, so the related DLL files can be found. To execute type 'V' at the OS/2 command prompt. USING Message Reader/2 is currently designed to handle messages after they have been captured in some form online. The capture file is then opened by Message Reader/2 and processed. Version 2.0 planned for a 1st quarter 93 will have full online capability for IBM NCS BBS, CompuServe, and Fidonet BBS. Others may be added as demand requires. CONTACTING THE AUTHOR CompuServe ID 17600,1737 IBM NCS BBS (404)835-6600 as user GAREY SMILEY Akron Anomaly BBS (216)688-6368 as user GAREY SMILEY SoftLink Services 750 East Tallmadge Avenue, Suite A-100 Akron, Ohio 44310 (216) 630-3565 THE BETA PROGRAM The first distribution of the beta will be by mail after that additional betas will be available by download from an as yet unknown BBS.I would also like feedback on the following. Please use the above information to contact me. - Should I supply Message Reader/2 with a small read me file with introduction and installation information and all other documentation online? - Ideas for other window configurations, ie Zoom, etc. - Sorting orders? - Speed evaluation. My development system is a 396-40Mhz with 16Meg RAM, I would like to know how Message Reader/2 performs on other machines. - Logo or icon design? - Any other comments will be appreciated. FEATURES YET TO COME Release 1.0 - Full online help. - Color selection for windows. - Saving of setup information, window placement, size, fonts, etc. - Add AREA field so messages can be subgrouped by message area. - User definable message format definitions. Will come with pre defined formats IBM NCS BBS, CompuServe, etc. - User ID field for each definition that will cause beep if ID in FROM or TO field. - FILE OUT function to save part or all of message to external file. - Limited multi threading. - Sort of messages. Release 1.X - Track messages read in Extended attributes so if files is overwritten no messages will be marked read, but if append to file messages read will be retained. - Port to Smalltalk/V PM for OS/2 2.0(32-bit), expecting 50% increase in speed. - Compose function for writing replies. - If file selected from File Open is ZIP or LZH uncompress and read in resulting file. Release 2.0 - Full online automation of reading messages and replying. - Possible QWK format compatibility. - Increase amount of multi threading.