Agora 1.1 for the Internet

Windows 3.1 english and french versions


Original package and latest version available from my home pages:
	english http://services.worldnet.net/~denoue/indexus.shtml
	french  http://services.worldnet.net/~denoue/index.shtml

agora.exe	windows 3.1 executable program
agora.hlp	winhelp file with program explanations
readme.wri	the presentation of the agora (english)
lisezmoi.wri	the presentation of the agora (french)
(this file)	the english plain text file for archives sites

* Short presentation of Agora

Agora is an IRC-like. But Agora doesn't need to connect
first to an IRC server. On the other hand, Agora has not
all the possibilities of a true IRC.

You need to be connected to a local area network or to
the Internet. Agora use your local winsock.dll TCP/IP stack.

With this freeware and your winsock dll you can:

1- setup a server that will accept any number of incoming private
(1 to 1) calls. Each incoming call will open an individual window
where you will enter your messages and receive messages from
the other end of the line

2- setup any number of servers that will accept (each one)
any number of incoming call (including yourself if you want).
This type of server is known as a 'forum'. When any client
connected to this forum enter a message, this message is
forwarded to the entire set of clients of the forum. All connections
and messages received by a forum server are recorded and
displayed in the local server window.

3- setup any number of outgoing clients. For a client, you
specify the address (or the name) and the port number of a
running server (1 to 1 or forum) you want to connect to.
You can, of course, connect to yourself (1 to 1 or forum server).

Each client, each server and each incoming call use a socket. The
number of socket is set locally by your network administrator or
you Internet Service Provider, so the limit of connections you can
run is only a local problem.

* Setup your Agora software:

1. create a directory (eg c:\agora)
2. intall files in this directory
3. in the file manager, create an icon for agora.exe using command menu
   File-New-Program

* DLL used :

1. winsock.dll is the DLL wich enable communication between your PC
   and the others on the network. It is provided by your PC seller or
   your Internet Service Provider. If required, you can use winsock DLL
   like Trumpet Winsock or Chameleon, they are available at Internet
   archives sites.

2. the others DLL are standard DLL, normaly provided with your Windows
   3.1 sofware. They are shell.dll and commdlg.dll.

DLLs must be accessible by Windows using path defined with autoexec.bat
PATH command. This is also true for winsock DLL. If it is not in the path,
it must be copied to the Agora directory.

* Additional help

Run agora.exe and execute command menu Aide-Index to display winhelp file.
You will find all explanations to understand the program.

* Legal notice

This program is freeware, you can freely use it and distribute it (only the
complete zip-file).

This program is free and is provided as is. You use it at your own risks,
author responsability can't be invoked for any dammage or lost caused by
the program usage. If you don't agree with this terms, don't use agora and
delete immediately your copy.


* If you encounter any problem, or if you want to submit any suggestion,
  please email to the author:

	Robert Denoue
	denoue@worldnet.fr

* To try Agora now:

1.   run agora.exe and from agora:
2.   create a new server using Fichier | Nouveau serveur
3.   give a name to the server, eg. "Server"
4.   keep default port number for reception (4242)
5.   click OK
6.   after the server is running, connect to your own (local) site:

7.   create a new client using Fichier | Nouveau client
8.   enter 127.0.0.1 (local host) as server address
9.   enter your nickname eg. "Client 1"
10.  keep default port number (4242)
11.  click OK to establish connection :

Now, the server receive connection request from Client 1, and open a local
client window for the communication.

You can enter some text in one of the two client windows. The text is sent
to the other.

To operate with a distant server (not on the same site, wich is the common
case), you must replace address 127.0.0.1 by the target server address.

* Enjoy yourself!

Updated on April 17, 1997.