Readme file for FingerPlan ver 1.0

WHAT FINGERPLAN IS FOR:

Many users log onto Internet and get a dynamically assigned IP address
from their Internet Access Provider (IAP).  This makes it very
difficult for anyone to open a talk session or other point-to-point
communication with that person, without first having to call them on
the phone and get their IP address (and usually the line is tied up for
the Internet dialup connection....).  So, typetalking doesn't happen as
much as we might like.

Most IAP's have a UNIX based host running the finger daemon which means
that you can finger a person and find out when they logged onto that
host.  However, logging onto the Net via SLIP/PPP is not the same as
logging onto the IAP's Internet host so this doesn't do much good. 

There is a fix however that works quite well.  Finger recognizes the
existence of a file called .plan in your home directory on the IAP's
UNIX host.  Every time someone fingers you at the IAP's UNIX host,
finger will show them the text file.  So what is needed is a simple way
to make that text file contain your current IP address so the person
can see it and then open a typetalk session or whatever with you.

That is where FingerPlan comes in.  It can be run from your dialup
script or by hand after your IP connection is established and it will
FTP a text file with your current IP address to the UNIX host of your
choice and make it the .plan file in your home directory so people can
find you.

WHAT YOU NEED TO USE IT:
 - Microsoft Windows environment of some kind.
 - Any Winsock program to establish a SLIP or PPP connection to the 
   net.
 - A account on any UNIX host on the net that is running the finger 
   daemon.
 - A finger client to check that things are working right and to see
   when your friends are on-line.

HOW TO SET IT UP:

Put all the files from the archive in a directory of their own.

Add the program to your Program Manager by dragging it from the File
Manager to your Internet Group in Program Manager.

Log onto the Internet with your Winsock client.

Run the program.  Fill out the hostname, userid, and password for your
account on the UNIX host.  
The TagLine entry is for you to put in any other info you want people to 
know, such as what communications tool servers you are running and your 
username on your host.  Example:
Wintalk and Sticky: schapman@IP Address given above.

Press the Save button.

Press the Connect button.  This will FTP a new .plan to your UNIX host.

NOTE:  At this time, you may have to telnet to your UNIX account and
change the file permissions on your .plan file so everyone can read it.
This is quite easy to do if you can get to the UNIX prompt on your UNIX
account (i.e. out of the menus).  At the UNIX prompt (often signified
by a $ sign), type "chmod 744 .plan" (without the quotes) and press
Enter.  That is all there is to it.  Exit the account and go on with
business as usual.  Each time the new .plan is FTP'd to your host, it
will retain the new permissions.  If you are unable to accomplish this,
contact your host administrator and ask them to "make the file
permissions be 744 on the .plan file in my home directory".  They can
do it in a flash.

Now, you may want to add Finger Plan to your login script so that it is
executed each time you login to the Internet.  If you do so, add the
command-line parameter of " CONNECT" (no quotes) in the script so it
will automatically transfer a new .plan file to the host rather than
taking you to the setup screen and setting there.

You can also add the program to your disconnect script with a
command-line parameter of " DISCONNECT", if your scripting language
supports it.  If not, you can make two copies of the FingPlan icon in
your Program Manager and add the " DISCONNECT" parameter to one of them.

USAGE INFO:

Once you are using FingPlan, your friends can finger your account at the
UNIX host to see what your status is.  In my case, someone can finger:
schapman@on-ramp.ior.com
and find out if I am on-line or not.  If so, they can solicit a typetalk
session by using a typetalk client.  I have to be running the typetalk
server/client on my end in order for them to be able to reach me.

REGISTRATION INFO:

This program is being distributed as Shareware.  That means that you can
try it out for a reasonable period (30 days) and then must register it
if you continue to use it.  To register it, send a check for $15.00 (US
funds) and your E-Mail address to:

Scott Chapman
2129 S. Thor
Spokane, WA  99223

My E-Mail is:  schapman@ior.com

If you have questions or comments, please let me know.  When I receive
your check, I will send you the info needed to disable the nag screen
and I will provide you with free technicnal support as needed.

Thanks for your support!


BUG REPORTS:

Please send me bug reports and desired features.  Use my e-mail address above.

I am aware of the WSAENOTSOCK error that is generated in the winsock
program by FingerPlan.  It doesn't seem to cause any real problems and
I am working on it!  Please don't e-mail me about it unless it is
causing something to not work.

Also NOTE:  It is very important that you install the .lic files with
the .vbx's in the program directory, not Windows or System.

LEGAL DISCLAMER AND RELATED INFO FOLLOWS:

I will not be liable for any damages ocurring due to the use of this
program and do not warrant it as fit for any purpose.  Use is solely at
your own risk.

FingerPlan may be redistributed. All the original files must be included, unmodified.