VFUG Instant Messenger (VIM) Instant Message Page Help
This page is one of the most powerful features of this software. It allows you to communicate to other members in "real-time" that are also logged on to the IM section. This has a separate log on (just click the IM Log ON button) to set it apart from the rest of the IM application. If you do not wish to "chat" with other members then do not log on here. You do have the option to log on and stay connected for as long as you like. This section makes it possible to ask/answer questions very quickly.
IM New Window (Re-Size
Window)
This is the newest and a most requested option in VIM. This option, when chosen, will open the "Instant Message" (IM) page in a new seperate window that is re-sizable.
As you can see the options shown closely match the options in the IM "Page" in the main VIM window. All of the options are as closely duplicated as possible, The only "real" difference is that this Window is now re-sizable.
What is an extra plus is that the existing VIM IM Page and the new re-sizable IM Window are fully "synchronized". This means that the info and options slected will be exactly the same in the Page and Window view. This makes it easy to go between the two and not lose any system settings or text.
Please Note: Because of the VFP dynamics involved, only one interface can be active at a time. Either the VIM App or the IM Window can be fully displayed on the destop at a time (there is no need to have both open anyway). When one is chosen for the desktop the other automatically is minimized on the system staus bar at the bottom of your screen. Just click on the desired view you wish to use on the status bar and it will be displayed on the desktop for you.
IM Users
This is a list of current users (online members) who have an active connection to the IM Server. If for some reason a client (user) cannot communicate with the server over a preset period of time they will disappear from the list. This can be caused by any number of reasons. If you are disconnected you will see a message in the Status line, hear and audible bell and the IM User List will be empty. Plus the IM Log On button will be displayed in an orange color. Just simply click on the IM Log On button again to connect with the server. The main reason for this is to prevent "phantom users". It is more irritating to think a user is online with you and seeing your messages (when they really are not) then to just simply have to log on to the IM Server again.
This list of users is updated every time someone logs on, logs off or at regular intervals if no local input is detected. Your client will keep the list (server) updated as to your presence automatically.
In a number of operation in IM you have the capability of selecting multiple users. To do so in these specific areas just simply hold the "SHIFT" key and simultaneously click on the user(s) you want to select. Repeat this operation for every user you wish to select. The selected users will have a "color bar" across their name (usually a wide dark blue color background).
IM Command
The Drop Down list reveals the commands listed below. After selecting one and then pressing the "OK" command button, that command is executed.
Refresh -- You can manually refresh the user list if you wish.
Bell -- Sends a "Bell" tone to the user(s) selected in the IM Users list. This is extremely good for letting someone know you wish to chat with them.
Clear Messages
-- Clears the IM Receive text area of all received messages.
IM Receive
This is the main area of all IM activity. The large area will display the user name and time they send you a message plus the text of the message. This area can also display messages send by the server and more. This is where you read the communications (messages) from other users.
IM Send
This is where you type in your messages. Any message you wish to send to another user (or all users) is entered here. But not only does it accept IM input but also the text for IM EMail messages.
IM New Msg Bell
If this check box is checked, whenever a message arrives from another user an audible sound will be generated. This is good to let you know that a message has arrived. If this box is unchecked (cleared) then the audible sound for message arrivals is disabled. This is good for when you are in a busy interactive conference with user so you will not disturb anyone else where you are working.
IM Alt Server
Leave this option unchecked (cleared) unless you are having a problem connecting with the main IM Server. Or if you wish to have a semiprivate conference with others you can use this server. This option, if enabled, causes all messages to go to a predefined alternate server. Anyone on the main server will "not" be able to see you if you are on the alternate server.
IM Private
This is a very powerful feature of the IM. In IM you are allowed to have "private conversations" with other users. To have a private conversation with another user you must first select one or more users from the IM Users list and then "check" (click on) this check box control. Only the people you have selected will see your messages. This allows you to have your own private conversation with only a select few of the users online. You will still see the other public messages as they arrive. A private message is displayed by the IM Server with a different prefix before the user's name (sender) and a different type of audible sound should be heard. There should be two sounds for arriving messages, one for public and one for private.
IM EMail
This is one of the most powerful features of IM. After selecting a single user from the IM Users list you can "check" (click on) the IM EMail check box to enable e-mail (SMTP) sending. This e-mail feature is great for sending such things as "computer code snippets" or long messages (or very private messages) to the selected user. The IM Server will handle the e-mail mailing for you so no prior setup is required.
Please Note: This option is intentionally set so you can only select one user at a time. You cannot attach files to the e-mail either in this version of IM. This is done for security reason since the IM server is involved and not your own e-mail server. This was decided on to help prevent Spamming and possible virus infected files from being transmitted to other users. This is done mainly to protect the owner of the IM server from possible involvement in unauthorized use or misuse of the IM server.
IM EMail -- Click on (check) this check box after you have selected a recipient in the IM Users list to enable e-mail sending.
IM EMail Send -- After you compose the e-mail and are ready to send it, simply click on this command button and the e-mail will be sent to the IM e-mail server for processing.
IM EMail Cancel -- If you wish to cancel the current e-mail operation just click on this button to erase all your work (if any).
IM EMail Mode
Note: By holding down the left mouse button on the IM area (receive) you can see all of the IM text (the EMail screen section will momentarily disappear).
Also Note: The short cut menus (right click) are available to you. You can easily Cut & Paste and text into/from any portion of IM or any other application.
IM Away
This is another very powerful feature of IM. When checked, you can easily let others know you are currently busy (i.e.: on the phone or working). A "++" will appear on the left side of the users name (yours) to signify you are in away mode but are still "lurking" and can be called. To call someone in "lurking" mode, simple select them in the IM Users list and then select "Bell" from the Command list and press "OK". A distinct audible tone will be sent to that use to let you know you wish to call them online. When the other user sends a message (or yourself) the "++" signs will automatically disappear.
Note: An extra feature of IM lets you continue to be in "Away" mode but also allow you to hold private conversations with other members. See the "IM Private" for more details. This way you can have private chats will little or no interruption.
IM Save
This is yet another very powerful feature of IM. If you click on this command button all of the text in the IM Receive will be saved to a file on your local disk. The file name will reside in the directory where the IM program is located. The file will start with "IM" and have a random name afterwards. The actual name of the file will appear in the status line below. Example: IM_QO02HE91M.Txt This feature can allow you to save such things as highly technical discussions for future reference.
IM Log Off
When you click on this button you will be disconnected from the IM Server. None of the IM features will be available to you until you log on again.
IM Quit
When you click on this button you will terminate the entire application. The IM application will disappear and not be available until you start it again.
Status
Status Line: At the bottom of the page frame and just above the Copyright notice is the Status line. System messages will appear here as you use VIM. Keep an eye there as it will present a lot of valuable information as you use VIM.
Copyright(c) 2001-2003, Tom O'Hare, AFPWeb Dot Com, Inc. & VFUG.Org -- All Rights Reserved.