LanPopUp (Version 2.4.x)

 



Copyright (c) 2000-2002 Centaurus Software Design, All Rights reserved

This file contains important information about the LanPopUp program.

Table of Contents
01. General Description
02. General Overview
03. System Configuration
04. Sending a Message
05. Scheduling a Message
06. Receiving a Message
07. System Requirements
08. Program Files
09. Installation
10. Revisions
11. Uninstalling
12. Getting Help
13. Copyright Notice and Warranty

01. General Description
LanPopUp is a unique multi-user, real-time broadcast messaging system for local area networks.  The program has a simple streamlined approach for sending and scheduling informational messages and reminders to participating users or groups.  The user interface remains intuitive and uncluttered and is quickly mastered by all users.  Fast dissemination of information aids to the success of the business and provides productivity gains.  This program does not attempt to replace email systems, but rather to provide a means of providing on-the-spot information to all participating personnel.

Any LanPopUp user can be set to work in one of two different modes of operation, Client or Admin.  The Client mode of operation can only receive messages, while the Admin mode of operation can send and receive messages.  The mode of operation can easily be changed at any time and reinstalling the software is not necessary.  Messages can be sent to selected member groups or individual users.  The capability exists to setup 32 system wide groups.  Users (clients and administrators) can be assigned to one or more groups.  A user must be logged on to the network to receive or send messages.

This program was originally designed for an inbound call center of an elective long distance telephone/ISP company that required the ability to convey network status information to all call center personnel.

Return to top

02. General Overview

The LanPopUp program uses the WinSock User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to send messages.  This is a connectionless protocol and there is no explicit connection.  Data is sent across the network without worrying about whether a data connection has been made.  Think of it as a radio broadcast.  The broadcaster does not know if anyone is listening, but will still sent the signal.  The recipient will only hear the broadcast if he's tuned into the proper channel, or in our case, the port.

All LanPopUp users must have full access to a common shared LanPopUp folder (usually located on a file server) and the LanPopUp software must be installed on each of the participating computers.  LanPopUp can be licensed for 50,100, 200, 300,400, 500, or unlimited users.

LanPopUp can be configured to use one of two different system wide profile types, Computer Name or Login Name.  When the profile is set for Computer Name, all profiles stay with the computer, regardless of the login name.  This is usually used when you have multiple users at the same computer performing the same function.  When the profile is set for Login Name, the user profiles are not computer dependent, but user dependent, which enables the user to roam to different computers on the LAN and their individual profile will follow them.

All messages are saved in the LanPopUp\Messages folder in the yyyymmddhhmmss.rtf format and they will remain in the LanPopUp\Messages folder for the period of time as specified by the Message Retention Days value.  This enables the ability to queue messages for the users.  All instant messages that are sent use a signature type, Computer Name or Login Name.  This includes closing text in the message (“From: username, date @ time” or “From: computername, date @ time”).  This aids in providing accountability for sent messages.

The ability exists to create and save a message to be sent.  You can also schedule the saved message to be automatically sent at a later time or at different time intervals if you have installed the LanPopUp Scheduler program.

When a user logs into their computer, the LanPopUpShell program looks in the users local LanPopUp.ini file.  This file contains information as to where the common shared LanPopUp folder exists.  It then looks for an updated version of LanPopUp (if it exist) in the common shared LanPopUp folder.  If an updated version exists, it is copied to the users pc from the common shared LanPopUp folder.  LanPopUp is then loaded and the LanPopUpShell is unloaded.  If you do not have a connection to the LAN, the program will terminate.  This is by design.  Laptop users may be mobile at times and not connected to the LAN.  When the program loads, a text note icon will be placed into your system tray.  The color of this icon indicates the current mode of operation for the participating user.  Red indicates the Client mode, and Blue indicates the Admin mode.  Left clicking on this icon will show the LanPopUp window.

When a user sends a message, a UDP broadcast message is sent over the LAN.  This message contains information about who sent the message, who the message is intended for, the date and time the message was sent, and the name of the message file.  The actual message text is not sent.  This keeps the broadcast message rather small.  Any computer that is running the LanPopUp program will receive this broadcast message.  The incoming broadcast message is then parsed to determine if the message should be acted upon.  If the message is for the logged on user, or if the user is a member of a group that the message is intended for, message processing will continue.

There are several special control keys which will function in both the Client mode and Admin mode.  These are as follows:
Ctrl+Alt+S – Opens the System Configuration window.  After the program is registered, a password will be required.
Ctrl+Alt+X  - Unloads the local LanPopUp program.

Admin Mode Only:
To select a menu item on the menu bar with the keyboard, press ALT key to select the menu bar and the letter that is underlined in the menu name that contains the command you want.  In the menu that appears, press the letter underlined in function you wish to perform

By placing your mouse over the icons on the tool bar, you will receive information on the command button function.  These icons are: New Message, Save Message, Save Message, Clear Message, Print Message (sent or received), Cut Text, Copy Text, Paste Text, Delete Text, Font Size, Font Color, Set Bold, Set Italic, Set Underline, Set Bullet, Left Justify, Center Justify, Right Justify, Send Message, and Exit.

You can set User Defaults.  These defaults set the outgoing message text (font size, color, bold, italic, Incoming message sound, and the send message default type (Groups or Users).

On all windows which contain list boxes, you can use the Home key to bring you to the top of the list, the End key to bring you to the bottom of the list, the Page Up or the Page Down keys to move incrementally thru the list, or the up/down arrow keys to move one list item at a time.  Left click with the mouse to make the selection, or if you wish to make multiple selections, hold down the control key while clicking on the desired list items.

To print a message, click on the desired message to print (outgoing or incoming), and then select File, Print Message, or click on the printer icon.

Hot keys can perform most command functions; this is accomplished by pressing Alt key plus the associated underlined character of the command button.

Return to top

03. System Configuration (Admin and Client mode)
Enter the system setup mode by using the control key sequence “Ctrl+Alt+S” (The LanPopUp program must be active and have the focus).  This can be done from any computer that has the software installed and loaded.  If you are in the Admin Mode, you can select File, and then Configuration by using the menu.  If the program is registered, you will be prompted for a system password.  This initial default password is unique to each installation and will be provided when the program is registered.  You can also add your own system password in the Global Configuration.  The system configuration window consists of four tabs, Global Configuration, Group Configuration, User Profiles, and LAN PC Control.


Global Configuration:
UDP Socket - WinSock User Datagram Protocol (UDP) socket used to send messages.
System Password – System configuration password (16 characters max).
Message Retention Days – Number of days from the current day that instant messages will remain in the messages folder.
Scheduler PC – The PC, if any, which will be running the Scheduler Program.
Time Format – Time format of the incoming message time stamp, 12 hr (2:30 pm) or 24 hr (14:30).
Profile Type – Login Name or Computer Name.
Signature Type – Login Name or Computer Name (The signature is automatically added to the end of any instant message).
Show most recent message 1st – This sets the most recent message visible when you have multiple messages in the message queue.
Backup data files – This enables you to backup the LanPopUp data files to the common shared LanPopUp\backup folder.  These files are identical to the data files, except that a sequence number (.001, .002, .003, etc.) will be added to the end of the file extension.  The sequence number will increment on each backup request.

Group Configuration:
Global Group names – Names of global groups (32 max).  The 1st group is predefined as All Users, and cannot be changed.  Users can be assigned to one or more of these groups for receiving group messages.  By default, any user that does not have a profile will receive any messages sent to the group All Users.

User Profiles:
Login and Name or Computer and Description (depends on the global configuration profile type).

User mode – Sets user mode of operation; Client or Admin.

Notify mode – Sets user mode of message notification, Flash Task bar or Set Foreground (in your face popup).

Group Membership – Group or groups that a user belongs to.

Use Small Form Size – Gives LanPopUp a smaller foot print.

Send Individual Message – Adds Login Name or Computer Name to the Send Message List.  This enables the ability to send a message to an individual user.

 

LAN PC Control:
Unloads LanPopUp, Force User Log-Off, Force Computer Reboot, Force Computer Shut Down, Shell Application, Play Wav File, send Dialog Message Box (Information, Exclamation, Question, or Critical), and Send a  message utilizing Microsoft Agent (Just for fun…).  These functions will not affect the PC you are using unless you check the check box for Enable control message on this PC.

When using Shell Application or Play Wav File, if the file does not exist in the users LanPopUp folder or search path, you must provide the full path to the file.  If the file is not found, nothing will happen on the users PC.

These operations can be performed on selected groups or users.  These functions were added to LanPopUp to aid in managing the computers on a LAN.  Use with extreme caution, you could shut down all computers on a LAN that have the LanPopUp program loaded with just a few clicks of a mouse.  LAN PC Control is password protected for obvious reasons.  This password will be provided if requested.

To send Microsoft Agent messages from the LAN PC Control form, you must first install the Microsoft Agent files. You must do this for any computers where you want the ability to send or receive Agent Messages.  The Microsoft Agent support files can be downloaded from Microsoft, free of charge.  After you have acquired these files, just double click on them to install. The url's for downloading are as follows:

Support core component. (This file must be installed)
TrueVoice Text-to-Speech Engine: Text-To-Speech Engine

There are four characters available from Microsoft. (At least one of these must be installed):
Genie, the Genie, Merlin the wizard, Peedy the parrot, and Robby the robot.

Return to top

04. Sending a Message (Admin mode only)
Messages can be formatted and are editable using standard editing procedures.  When you create a new message, it will initially use the message formatting as set up in the Admin User Defaults, but these can be altered on the fly.  You can set the font size (10 to 24), font color, text bold, text italic, text underline, text bullet, and text alignment (left, center, or right).  The message font is set as Arial and cannot be changed.  We believe it’s one of the easiest fonts to read.

To create a message, click on the new message icon, or select File, New Message.  Messages can be composed and immediately sent or saved for sending later.  You can also drag and drop text and images into the outgoing message text box.

To embed a clickable link in the text of a message, use the <> tags (example: <http://www.google.com>).

To save a message to send later, enter the text, click the Save icon, or on the menu bar, select File, Save Message, give the message a name, and click Save.  To open a message file, select the Folder icon (or on the menu bar, select File, Open Message, select the desired file, and click Open.  The ability exists to preview saved messages if you check the Preview checkbox on the Open File window.  You can also check the Show hidden message files to preview instant messages that have been previously sent and are within the time period as specified by the message retention days.

After you have created or opened a previously saved message, click the Send icon (or on the menu bar, select Send Message).  You will be presented with the Send Message window.  Depending on your Admin User Defaults configuration, you will have a listing by Group or Login, but you can select the other.  Now select the users that you wish to send the message.  If you wish to send to multiple users, use the Ctrl key and click on the desired users.  Then, click send.

Return to top

05. Scheduling a Message (Admin mode only)
To use message scheduling, the LanPopUp Scheduler program must be running on a PC somewhere on the LAN.  This PC must be logged on to the network and have access to the common shared LanPopUp folder.

When you select the Scheduler window, the LanPopUp program will attempt to communicate with the scheduler program.  If it is successful, then you will receive a status message indicating that the Scheduler is active.  If the scheduler program is not running, or is unreachable, you will receive a status message indicating the Scheduler is not active (you can still add or update scheduled messages).

To schedule a message to be sent at a later time or at different time intervals, you must 1st create the message and save it.  Then, select the Scheduler, the schedule type (Once, Days, or Daily), and set the desired date/time settings.  Next, select the previously saved message file and the users that you want to send the message to, then click Add.  You can also update previously saved scheduled records or delete them.

Upon closing the Scheduler window, a message is sent to the Scheduler program to refresh the scheduler listing.

When a scheduled message is sent, it first checks for the existence of the previously saved message file.  If the message file does not exist, or is unreachable, then the File Status of the scheduled message will be labeled Unavailable.

Return to top

06. Receiving a Message (Admin and Client mode)

All messages received for the logged on user are added to the users message queue.  The method of message notification depends on the users Notify Mode setting.  If the Notify Mode is set for Flash, then the LanPopUp program name will be added to your task bar and will begin to flash, indicating that it requires attention.  If the users Notify Mode is set for PopUp, then the LanPopUp window will be set in the foreground, (in your face popup).  Message notification takes place every time a message is received, even if there are already messages in the message queue.

After deleting the current displayed message, the next message in queue, if any, will be displayed.  The ability exists to move previous and move next though these messages that has not been deleted.  Each message that is received, has a signature that indicates who originated the message; along with the date and time it was sent.  If a message has expired (as specified by the Message Retention Days value), it will be deleted from the users message queue.

An alert sound will play every time there is an incoming message.  In the Admin mode, you can add additional wav files in the local computers LanPopUp folder, then use User Defaults from the menu bar to select the sound you would like to use.

For users running in the Client mode of operation, deleting the last message in queue will automatically close the LanPopUp window.

Return to top

07. System Requirements
Pentium 166 MHz processor (or higher)
Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000
At least 32 MB of RAM
At least 10 MB of disk space
Network card, with the TCP/IP protocol installed and bound to the network card
800 x 600 or greater resolution monitor with a 256-color setting or better

Return to top

08. Program Files
These system files are installed in your windows system folder if they do not exist, or if the existing installed files are older versions:
Msvbvm60.dll – Core Visual Basic 6.0 Virtual Machine
Richtx32.ocx - Rich Text OCX
Riched20.dll – Rich Text Edit Control
Dlgobjs.dll – Dialog Objects Automation Library
Mscomctl.ocx - Common Controls ActiveX Control DLL
Mscal.ocx - Calendar Control
Mswinsck.ocx - Winsock Control
Olepro32.dll - OLE Automation
Oleaut32.dll – OLE Automation
Stdole2.tlb - OLE Automation
Asycfilt.dll - OLE Automation
Comcat.dll - Component Category Manager

These files are installed in the selected user installation folder (LanPopUp):
LanPopUpShell.exe – Startup shell program
LanPopUp.exe - Program file
LanPopUp.ini - Initialization file
LanPopUp.wav - Notification wav file

These files will be created in the common shared LanPopUp folder the 1st time you enter the System Configuration window:
LanPopUpSys.ini - System initialization file
LanPopUpGrp.dat - Group data file
LanPopUpUsr.dat - User data file

These files are installed in the selected user installation folder (LanPopUp) if you install the LanPopUp Scheduler:
LanPopUpSch.ini – Initialization file
LanPopUpSch.exe – Program file

This file will be created in the common shared LanPopUp folder the 1st time you run the LanPopUp Scheduler:
LanPopUpSch.dat – Scheduler data file

 

Return to top

 

09. Installation (step-by-step)
Step 1 - Create a common shared folder called LanPopUp.  This is usually created on a file server, but you could also use any pc than is on the LAN.   All participating users must have full access to this common shared folder.  Unzip the LanPopUp24.zip to this folder.  Ten files will be extracted, data1.cab, data1.hdr, data2.cab, Ikernel.ex_, layout.bin, setup.exe, setup.ini, setup.inx, msagent.exe, and LanPopUp.htm (this help file).  All installations should be done from this common shared LanPopUp folder.  The setup program uses this location to set the common shared folder location for the LanPopUp client initialization file (LanPopUp.ini).

Step 2 - To install the software, from each computer where you want to install LanPopUp, double-click setup.exe file located in the common shared LanPopUp folder and follow the instructions followed by the setup wizard.  The setup program will install the necessary program files and create a shortcut to the LanPopUp program in the Programs\ Startup group.  If you choose to run the setup program from a different location other than the common shared LanPopUp folder, you will have to edit the default common shared folder location, or choose browse, to select the common shared folder during the installation process.  After the program installation, you will be prompted if you would like to load the LanPopUp program.

Step 3 - Activate the program by left clicking on the icon in the system tray.  Click on the program title bar to make the window active, and then use the key sequence Ctrl+Alt+S to bring up the System Configuration window (you can do this from any workstation the has the LanPopUp program running).

Step 4 - Set the Global Configuration:

1. UDP Socket, accept the default.

2. Time Format (12hr or 24hr), sets the format that is used to time stamp the message that is sent.

3. Profile Type (Login Name or Computer Name), set for Computer Name if all profiles stay with the computer regardless of the login name, or set for Login Name if all profiles are not computer dependent, but user dependent, enabling the user to roam to different computers on the LAN and allowing their individual profile to follow them.
4. Signature Type (Login Name or Computer Name), sets “From: username, date @ time” in the message closing text, where username is the login name or the computer name.
5. Scheduler PC, if you will be using the LanPopUp Scheduler, set this field to the computer name of the PC that will be running the scheduler.
6. Message Retention Days, accept the default.

6. Choose if you want to show the most recent message 1st.

7. System configuration password (this will only work if the program is registered).

8. New User Defaults.  Set these defaults for adding new users.
9. Click Update
Step 5 - Define global group names (Administration, Call Center, Tech Support, etc.), and then click Update.
Step 6 - Define users profile: (Captions will change depending on global configuration Profile Type), Do this for each user that you want to set up.
1. Login name or Computer name.
2. User Name or Computer Description (this is not necessary, but makes user maintenance easier if you use non-descriptive login or computer names).
3. User mode, Client or Admin.
4. Notify mode, Flask or PopUp.
5. Send Individual Message, enables individual users to be listed on the send list.
6. Use Small Form Size, uses fewer text lines in the message area.
7. Member of Groups, select groups that a user belongs to.
8. Click Add.

Whenever a user profile has been added or updated, a message is sent to that user causing the users profile to be reloaded.  They do not have to reload the LanPopUp program.

Note: If a users profile is not added to the database, they will default to the All Users group and will receive any messages sent to that group.

If you will be using the LanPopUp Scheduler program, you must install the LanPopUp Scheduler on the PC that will be running the scheduler.  This PC must have access to the common shared LanPopUp folder, and must always be logged on to the network.  Both the LanPopUp and LanPopUp Scheduler programs use the same system files.

The scheduler will automatically run when a user logs on to the computer that has the LanPopUp Scheduler installed (It will place a clock icon in the system tray).

Note: There can only be one instance of the LanPopUpSch program loaded.  If you run the LanPopUp Scheduler program on a computer that is not the computer that has been set in the global configuration as the Scheduler PC, you will receive an error message when the program starts.

Return to top

10. Revisions
Version 2.2.21
1. Modified GetUserName and GetComputerName functions to allow ASCII characters 32 ~ 127.
2. Enhanced the System Configuration window.
3. Enhance the Send Message window.
4. Enhanced the System Control window.
5. Fixed registration key entry problem.
6. Added the ability to read previous or next messages.
7. Remove restriction of 32 messages in queue.
8. Added the ability to schedule messages for later delivery (LanPopUpSch).

Version 2.2.22
1. Increased System Control Shell Application & Play Wav File fields to 128 characters.

Version 2.3.20
1. Added password function for entering the System Configuration window (only functional when LanPopUp is registered).
2. Relocated the LAN PC Control window to the System Configuration window.
3. Added the option “Show most recent message 1st”, to the Global Configuration window.
4. Added Users Profile auto-update function.  It is no longer necessary for a client to reload LanPopUp to update the users profile.
5. Utilize InstallShield for program installation.

Version 2.3.22
1. Fix incoming message frame caption to properly show where the current loaded message originated.
2. Set focus to outgoing message text box when activating program from the system tray (only for Win NT/2000/XP).
3. Change LAN PC Control Shell Application and Play Wav File text boxes to drop down list boxes to retain current session entries.
4. Set Scheduler selection calendar to load with current date.
5. Add the ability to send click-able URL links, utilizing the markup tags < and >

Version 2.3.23
1. Auto resize when screen resolution is less than 800x600

Version 2.3.24
1. Add ability to change system setup password.
2. Add option for small form size.
3. Force password when activating system setup from client mode.

Version 2.3.25
1. Fixed problem with password acceptance.

Version 2.4.00
1. Increased global groups from 16 to 32.
2. Added user based licensing.
3. Added Microsoft Agent to LAN PC control.
4. Format date fields based upon the computer’s regional setting.
5. Added shell launching to facilitate automatic updating (pull) of the LanPopUp application.

Version 2.4.20 (current release)
1. Fixed problem showing incorrect user record count.
2. Purge message from users queue if message has expired.

If you do not have the current version, you can go to www.lanpopup.com to obtain it.  Download the current version and unzip the LanPopUp24.zip to the common shared LanPopUp folder.

If you have installed previous versions of LanPopUp you should delete the previous setup programs, LanPopUpSetup.exe and LanPopUpSchSetup.exe, from the common shared LanPopUp folder if they exist, as they are no longer required and we are using a different setup program.

If you have installed any versions prior to 2.4.xxxx:
Unload the LanPopUp program; click on the LanPopUp icon in the system tray, click the title bar to make the window active, and then use the key sequence Ctrl+Alt+X to unload the program.  Now click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs. Select LanPopUp and click Change/Remove.  This is necessary because of the addition of the LanPopUpShell program used for auto updates.

From each computer where you want to install the current release, double-click setup.exe file located in the common shared LanPopUp folder and follow the instructions followed by the setup wizard.  The setup program will install the necessary program files.

Existing data files are not disturbed.

Return to top

11. Uninstalling
If you wish to uninstall the LanPopUp Client:
Unload the LanPopUp program; click on the LanPopUp icon in the system tray, click the title bar to make the window active, and then use the key sequence Ctrl+Alt+X to unload the program.  Now click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs. Select LanPopUp and click Change/Remove.

If you wish to remove the LanPopUp Scheduler:
Unload the LanPopUp Scheduler program; click on the LanPopUp Scheduler icon in the system tray, click the title bar to make the window active, and then use the key sequence Ctrl+Alt+X to unload the program.  Now click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs.  Select LanPopUp Scheduler and click Change/Remove.

If you are completely removing LanPopUp from your LAN, you should delete the common shared LanPopUp folder.

Return to top

12. Getting Help
We are very interested in feedback about the LanPopUp program.  If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or difficulty in installing or using this program, you can contact us via email.  Our address is support@lanpopup.com.  We will respond within 24 hours.

Return to top

13. Copyright Notice and Warranty
Copyright Notice: Centaurus LanPopUp,
Version 2.4, Copyright © 2000-2002, Centaurus Software Design,
All Rights reserved

 

Warranty: The Centaurus LanPopUp program is believed to be accurate and reliable.  The authors assume no responsibility for its use.  This software is provided as is and without warranties as to performance, or any other warranties whether expressed or implied.  Because of the various hardware and software environments into which this program may be put, no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.  The user must assume the entire risk of using this software.

 

You have rights for all updates, which may contain fixes and/or enhancements.  These are free and there will never be any charges.  We provide, via email, updated information to all users: those who have registered the program, and for those who have expressed interest in the program.  If you do not wish to receive information on these updates, please let us know and we will remove you from our users list.

 

Return to top