- iLink/2 v0.99c - Public Beta/Demo If you have not already, please read the README.1ST file for installation instructions. Also, check the history.txt file for the latest updates/ bugfix notifications. ------- iLink/2 ------- iLink/2 is a PM drop-in replacement for IBM's 'Dial Other Internet Provider' (hereafter called 'DOIP'). It is designed to duplicate the basic dialing capabilities of DOIP, and build on them. It's features include: Built in redialing Multiple number support CPS monitor Bytes tracking Commandline auto-dial Program autostarts Automatic reconnection Enhanced configurability Saving of window positions, colours and fonts Condensed window for better space usage Full compatibility with DOIP ------------------ Built in redialing ------------------ Checking the "redial" box in the configuration window will enable the built in redialing feature. The spin box to the side contains the number of redial attempts you wish to make. Setting it from 2-100 will limit it to a specific amount. Setting it to 0 will cause it to redial indefinitely. Setting it to 1 will just show that you really don't know how to count. :) ----------------------- Multiple number support ----------------------- Instead of having a single line to input a single number, the phone number(s) field now allows you to enter numerous numbers. Each number should be on a separate row, and should be terminated with an . The numbers will show up in the list box on the main window. If no number is selected, the numbers will be scrolled through from top to bottom before the redial counter is updated. Optionally, you may select individual numbers, and only those will be dialled. ----------- CPS monitor ----------- The CPS monitor is an inexact science. The CPS is based upon packets, not an actual byte count. This can cause values that may look somewhat extreme at times. Also, if OS/2 becomes bogged down, the update messages may take longer to process, resulting in multiple packets being included in a single "second". The average CPS is generally the most accurate, since packet abnormalities generally don't modify it extensively. -------------- Bytes tracking -------------- Incoming and outgoing bytes DOES include the TCP/IP packet header information. For this reason, the byte count cannot be used to attempt to determine filesizes. --------------------- Commandline auto-dial --------------------- iLink/2 allows you to automatically dial a provider using the commandline, or argument in the settings window. The only argument needed is the name of the provider. This corresponds to the "ISP Name" field of the entry notebook. Note, the argument is case sensitive. "Provider" and "provider" are considered to be different. example: ilink2 Georgian ------------------ Program autostarts ------------------ Program autostarts is an added 5th page to the entry notebook. At present, it only supports OS/2 executables (ie, no DOS, Windows or .CMD files). CMD files will gain support in future versions, and DOS and Windows will be considered if requested. The programs will be run as soon as the connection is completed. After they are run, the "Disable Autostarts" button of the main window will be checked to prevent their re-run in the case of a disconnection. ---------------------- Automatic reconnection ---------------------- Reconnection will be automatically attempted if you are disconnected from your ISP for a non-user requested reason. Note, if redial is not selected, it will only try to reconnect once, and if it cannot, will stop trying. ------------------------ Enhanced configurability ------------------------ Some of the things that are forced upon you by DOIP are made optional. That means, you can select whether you wish the dialer to ask you to confirm hang ups and exits. You may also choose to start iLink/2 up minimized (best used with automatic dial via an argument), have it beep you to notify you when it connects, and minimize as soon as it connects to keep it out of your way. --------------------------------------------- Saving of window positions, colours and fonts --------------------------------------------- The main window, 3 statistics windows (CPS, Bytes and Time) and Notebook will all maintain the placement that they are last closed at. This means that you can position them in the location you wish just once, and they will always stay there. You may also drag and drop fonts and colours on the windows to customize the look of iLink/2. These also will be stored, and used the next time iLink/2 is run. --------------------------------------- Condensed window for better space usage --------------------------------------- iLink/2 possess both a normal sized window, and a condensed window. Those who wish to have all the options and information easily available can stick with the default normal window. Those who are more interested in saving desktop space can switch to the condensed window, sacrificing a little of the non-crucial extras. ---------------------------- Full compatibility with DOIP ---------------------------- iLink/2 was designed from the ground up to be fully compatible, backward and forward with DOIP. The provider information that you may have already setup will be read, and can be used with little or no modification. And, if for any reason you are unsatisfied with iLink/2, you can return to using DOIP without any changes. --- This version of iLink/2 is classified as both a beta and a demo. It has been tested, but all features are not in place, and it remains possible you may encounter some abnormalities. iLink/2 can best be viewed as 'work in progress'. Improvements, additions and fixes will be constantly implemented. The classification as a demo was made for a reason that is unrelated to the program itself. For all intents and purposes, iLink/2 can be viewed as Shareware, at the present time. ------------ Registration ------------ iLink/2, as a demo program, is limited. After 30 minutes of connect time, you will be notified you are still using a demo version. This has been modified from the previous 0.99a version. IT WILL NO LONGER HANG YOU UP. All other functionality remain intact. There are no crippled options, there are no nag screens on opening or closing. For registration information, please read the REGISTER.TXT file. Registration is currently $25 US dollars. For site licensing, please contact me directly. If you decide that you are not interested in registering iLink/2, please delete it from your system after you have made your evaluation. I'm not going to put a time limit on the length of evaluation (and couldn't enforce it anyway). I'm trusting YOU to decide when you've spent enough time with iLink/2 to determine if it is something you will continue to use. Registration will enable you to use any version up in the 0.XX and 1.XX series. It is entirely possible that it will continue for the 2.XX series and beyond, but I reserve the right to make policy changes at that point. --------------------- Contacting the Author --------------------- Craig Pommer - Mental Static Software email : cpommer@georgian.net web : http://www.georgian.net/~cpommer/mss.html irc : Solarian - #os2prog, #os/2 For any bug reports, or suggestions, please make sure to include 'iLink/2' in the subject, so it can be properly filtered. Please also indicate the version number you are using (NOTE: the letter is important) so that I can make sure you have the latest. I will be attempting to keep the web page up todate. You may also consult the history.txt file of any version to note any new changes. --------------- Personal Thanks --------------- mikh - For providing some necessary help! os3 - Design of main windows (what have you got against green? :)) star - Monetary support at a crucial time. (just try and get a free copy! :)) HrBeing - For some much needed moral support. Billb - CUA-master!