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Important Terms Defined
ISP
ISP or Internet Service Provider. The
organization that provides end user Internet (WAN)
services by providing an IP address. Assigned IP's are
typically dynamic (meaning they change over time or
with each connection) or Static.
WAN
Wide Area Network (the Internet). For
our purposes, a WAN address refers to an IP address
assigned by an ISP to a site such as your home.
LAN
Local Area Network. For our purposes,
a LAN address is the address of a node within a limited
area such as your home. For users without a router, the
address assigned by the ISP or WAN address is usually
the same as the address of the user's computer. LAN
IP's are a special set and not routable over the Internet.
NODE
A node is an originating point (like a HUB jack on a
router) or terminating point (like a PC) in a data
network. Access to data on a node is made possible
through its assigned IP address.
IP
In this instance IP stands for "Internet Postal"
address. An IP address is a physical address somewhere
out on the Internet. It is comprised of four sets of
numbers ranging from 0 to 255 separated by a (.) dot or
period. Each of the four sets of numbers (in total
referred to as a dot quad) contains one to three
digits, e.g., 68.114.113.1
NON ROUTABLE IP
Several special ranges of IP addresses that are used
exclusively on LAN's. They cannot propergate to the
outside WAN as the Internet Backbone Routers block
them. Examples:
Class A: 10.0.0.1 - 10.255.255.254
Class ?: 90.0.0.0 - 90.255.255.254
Class B: 172.16.0.1 - 172.31.255.254
Class C: 192.168.0.1 - 192.168.255.254
TCP/IP
Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A message
transmitted by Internet Protocol is sometimes broken
into multiple packets of data, each packet can be sent
across a different route to ultimately arrive out of
order at the destination. The job of TCP is to re
arrange them into the right order at the destination.
FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name. As opposed to an numerical
IP address, a FQDN is expressed in a more readable or
verbose form. An example would be www.verizon.net.
FQDN's require DNS or Domain Name Servers across the
internet to resolve these verbose addresses back into usable
numerical IP's or dot quads.
STACK
The collection of software utilities
that creates Sockets and Ports sometimes refered to as
the WinSock; the latest version being WinSock2.
SOCKET
A virtual pathway or connection
created in the Stack software that facilitates
communication from your PC to and from the Internet or
LAN.
PORT
Any "one" of 65535 channels that can be
opened on a Socket to pass packet data. Many of the
low ports (under 5000) are pre allocated for special
services such as port 80 for the Web.
NIC
Network Interface Card, serves as a
entrance from/to another network vi a modem or routers
gateway address.
GATEWAY
A device with an IP address that
serves as an entrance to another network, and vice-
versa.
SUBNET MASK
Typically 255.255.255.0 This
is used to determine which part of an address is the
network address and which part is the host address. To
do this, it performs a binary bitwise "AND"
operation.
MODEM
DSL (uses phone line) or Digital
(coax - sometimes piggy backing on cable TV systems)
types, that act as connections to sources of packet
traffic; some of which (typically the newer DSL types)
have built in firewalls.
ROUTER
Modern home routers contain a
Switch, a Hub, and a NAT. The Hub provides physical
connection that are serviced by the Switch. The NAT is
the firewall. Typically you configure a Router (to
forward ports etc) by using your Web Browser to access
the routers mini built in web server. The outside WAN
connects first to your Modem, then from the Modem to a
router (if servicing more than one PC) and from the
router to the NIC's CAT5 socket of each PC.
Firewall
A set of programs or hardware (or
any combination thereof) that protects the resources of
a private network from users outside this network. The
protection can be in a router, modem, or software
system on a computer. The NAT portion of a Router
is a hardware firewall.
PORT FORWARDING
The process of passing
incoming and or outgoing packet traffic on a particular
port through a firewall. Requires setting packet types
(UDP or TCP) and node (non route able IP address of PC)
the data is directed to.
PORT TRIGGERING
Similar to the process of port forwarding mentioned
above except several PC's could be triggered. Meaning,
the first to instigate traffic on the triggered port
would trigger the router to give it the access.
DMZ
De Militarized Zone, the process of
unblocking any and all traffic from a NAT/router to a
selected node (PC).
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
This is used by your NIC to acquire a working IP,
either from a router or modem connected to the
Internet. You can bypass DHCP by assigning your NIC a
fixed or static IP address.
DNS
Domain Name Servers exist out on the
Internet. They convert a verbose internet address (a
FQDN), to an IP and return the IP to the requesting
client/server so it can complete the connection.
Example: When you enter www.cnn.com into your Web
Browser and click GO, the first thing that happens is
that verbose address goes out to be resolved and
returned before the Browser can reach the site.
UDP
User Defined Protocol as opposed to
TCP or Transfer Control Protocol. UDP has the
advantage of less network overhead but with no
guarantee of packet delivery. However with the
emergence of voice over the net (VOIP), and better more
efficient network backbone routers, UDP packet delivery
is almost certain.
NICK
The operators human name, usually a
Nickname, as opposed to an address, such as an IP
address.
PopNote
A short message (or IM) that
pops up on your Desktop from another PopNote user on
the Internet or your LAN.
FAQ
A collection of Frequently Asked Questions.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. This type of
application is graphical as opposed to a line or
command interface. Windows programs that can be
maipulated by a mouse are generally GUI types.
Mouseover Event
Using the mouse to move the
cursor on top of many objects in a GUI window for
several seconds will cause small help boxes to appear
with useful hints as to functions.
ToolTray
Area to the extreme right of the TaskBar (which is
typically anchored to the very bottom of the DeskTop).
The ToolTray is typically used to house program icons
that have been minimized. In XP the ToolTray is set by
default to hide inactive icons. Its suggested you turn
that feature off when using programs that may be idle
for long periods.
ShortCut
Small utility, typically on the
Desktop, used to launch or run another program by
double left mouse clicks. Shortcuts are indicated by an Icon
with a bent white arrow in the lower corner. Shortcuts
are easily created by several methods. An easy way is
to right click anywhere on the Desktop, choose
New>Shortcut and Browse to the folder of the program
and select the program executable.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol - FTP typically refers to utilities
than can move files across the Internet or LANs.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
Generally refers to a basic text (english language)
file whose lines are delimited (i.e. ended) with a
carriage return and linefeed (the CRLF pair - ASCII 13
and ASCII 10); and, whose character content generally
range between ASCII 32 and ASCII 128. Values between
ASCII 0 and 31 are frequently called the "Control"
character range or Table. Values between ASCII 32 and
128 are frequently called the LOW ASCII Table or range.
Values between ASCII 129 and 255 are frequently called
the HI ASCII table or binary range, because they are
contained in most executable files.
EMOTICONS
Emoticons are contractions of simple statements that
are frequently used to convey short messages. While
there are huge numbers of these Emoticons
to be found in the general chat world, PopNote users
should at least familiarize themselves with these:
AFK=Away From the Keyboard
BBL=Be Back Later
BRB=Be Right Back
BTW=By The Way
CUL=See you later!
GTG=Got To Go
IMHO=In My Humble Opinion
LOL=Laughing Out Loud
NP=No Problem
NRN=No Reply Necessary
RWA=Reply When Able
RTM=Read The Manual
TY=Thank You
VBG=Very Big Grin
WAG=Wild Ass Guess
WB=Welcome Back
YW=You're Welcome
Of course Ham's Radio operators have their own
Q codes
to convey messages but most of those are related to radio signals.
K5HUM
My Ham Radio call sign, originally issued in 1956 and
held continuously to the present date. Although Hams
helped popularize PopNote, you do NOT have to be a Ham
to benefit from its features. In fact, the majority of
people enjoying PopNote are everyday types, with the
exception that they all have a use for instant contact
with family and friends who use the Internet.
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PopNote Explained
PopNote is a lightweight yet robust peer to peer
Instant Massaging communication client that operates
securely over the Internet or over home and company LAN's.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Only 150K in
size with NO baggage files. So small in fact, that
PopNote's tiny footprint can easily run 24/7 without
ever being noticed by the operating system.
ROBUST
PopNote uses a very minimum of the system resources
to signal. In addition PopNote does not require a
virtual connection between the PC's that are
communicating as in a TCP protocol, thus it is
lightning fast.
PEER TO PEER
Direct or point to point communication between two PC's over the
Internet requiring NO third party relays or
servers.
SECURE
By using UDP sockets as opposed to
TCP, your PC cannot be remotely port scanned using
conventional TCP sync port scanners. PopNote contains no
back doors or spyware, nor does it phone home or use a
3rd party DNS style server to relay your IP.
PopNote writes nothing to your system registry other
than an optional "Load when Windows starts" command in
the registry's RUN key.
NOTE: DO NOT use this feature (or place a PopNote
Shortcut in your Windows Startup Folder) if you are on
a Dialup Internet account as access to the Internet is
required when PopNote first runs so it can acquire your
WAN IP.
In addition, PopNote does not modify or write to any of
your other system files. PopNote stores all of its
savable configuration data in three standard text files
easily viewable with any text editor like Notepad or
PopNote itself. Un installing PopNote is as easy as
deleting it.
PopNote was designed and tested on W32 machines. This
includes ME, W2000 and XP. PopNote has not been tested
on Windows 95 or Windows 98, but most functions should
still work in those environments. Click W95-W98 for more details.
PopNote sends an IM or instant message that will pop up
on the destination's Desktop, and on arrival,
automatically echo what it received back to the sender,
thus providing positive delivery confirmation. The
inherent beauty of a PopNote is that it does not demand
an immediate reply as is the case with more agressive
real time chatting. In other words, a received Pop Note
can be minimized for later disposition, or answered and
returned back to the sender immediately as in
conventional real time ongoing chat environments.
PopNote is more ideally suited to users
with static IP addresses. Although many ISP's charge
extra for a static IP, in many cases you can keep your
current IP from changing if you avoid turning off your
DSL or Cable modem, but you can turn off your PC.
PopNote can also utilize FQDN's (or sub domain names),
more info on that is available here.
PopNote was designed to be reasonably user friendly for
both the novice and the expert. Everywhere, practical
tips are built into various controls as mouse over
events. However, that being said, PopNote is a highly
sophisticated communications client and it is strongly
suggested you read and study this document thoroughly.
PopNote is essentially a stand alone executable
(meaning it is portable); that is, PopNote requires no
dependencies such as additional library files like .DLL
or .OCX's. All the code PopNote needs exists within the
executable or in your operating system. Accordingly
PopNote is ultra easy to install (or uninstall). Just
run the PopNote installer and you are good to go! The
installer will place a shortcut on your desktop from
which you can double click and run PopNote.
Although PopNote is written in a high-level language
(HotBasic), this modern compiler/linker generates W32
machine code as if written in assembler.
Technical Details for the Rocket Scientist out there:
PopNote receives and sends on two UDP Sockets using the
default Ports of 54538 and 54539. An originating PopNote
is sent out on port 54538. The destination receives on
54538 and then echoes the popnote it received by
sending it back on port 54539 which the originator then
receives on 54539 confirming his popnote was delivered.
Why? First, to eliminate infinite echoes bouncing back
and fourth; and second, because using UDP eliminates
the need for virtual connections to be maintained
between the PC's as required by TCP. Now, if you are
savvy and wondering how the receiver of a UDP packet
knows WHO the originator was (since unlike TCP which
encodes the IP addresses and UDP does not) PopNote uses
my own proprietary IP encapsulation technique for
UDP.
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Important Files
The following files can be found in the PopNote folder.
The default name for this folder is c:\Popnote. All of the
text files (those ending with the extension .txt or .cfg) can be
read directly from within PopNote vi the "Edit>Open File"
menu option and selecting your choice.
AWAY.TXT
The user can place a message in this standard text file
which is transmitted (when AWAY is ON) to each user who
sends a PopNote to you. This message will usually state
that you are away and give the time of your expected
return. Note: PopNote itself can be used to edit/modify
away.txt; or any text editor of your choosing such as
Notepad.
DNSUP.EXE (the executable)
DNS_UP_P.CFG (program setup)
DNS_UP_D1.CFG (DNS provider #1 setup)
DNS_UP_D2.CFG (DNS provider #2 setup>
These supplied files together update your FQDN to your
current IP address. This feature can be help users with
dynamic IP addresses.
DNSUP_HELP.TXT
A Help file that explains DNSUP above.
DO_UKNOW.TXT
This file gives general help information for PopNote.
INPOP.WAV
This wave file is used to cause a typewriter sound for incoming messages.
ECHO.WAV
This is the wave file used to make a chime sound
indicating an echo (copy) of what you sent returned
from the recipient of your PopNote.
NOCNOC.WAV
This wave file is used to cause a knock, knock
sound and can be used to replace other sound files.
Note: You can record your own wave files and rename
them to INPOP.WAV or ECHO.WAV to customize your own
Popnote sounds.
FTP_PN.EXE
The executable file for PopNote's version of FTP.
FTP_HELP.TXT
A Help file that explains how PopNote's customized version
of FTP works.
LICENSE.TXT
A explanation of the PopNote license agreement is contained here.
PN_FAQ.TXT
The Frequently Asked Questions (or FAQ) for PopNote.
Highly recommended reading vi Help>PopNote FAQ
PNBNBUG.TXT
This PopNote Build and Bug file contains a history of releases
and changes to PopNote.
PNHELP.TXT
User documentation for PopNote is contained in this text (ascii)
file.
POPNOTE.EXE
This is the main execution file for PopNote.
PopNoteA.cfg
This file keeps track of user addresses for both IP's and FQDN's.
PopNoteA.cfg is a standard ascii or text file that can be edited with
Windows Notepad or any text editor including PopNote itself.
PopNoteD2.cfg
This file keeps track of various option settings for
PopNote such as toggle states, screen size and
positions etc. It is the main or programs configuration
file. PopNoteD2.cfg is a standard ascii or text file
that can be edited with Windows Notepad or any text
editor including PopNote itself.
PopNoteB.cfg
This file keeps track of who is currently populating
the User Buttons. PopNoteB.cfg is a standard ascii or
text file that can be edited with Windows Notepad or
any text editor including PopNote itself.
UPGRADE.EXE
This is the execution file for updating PopNote which is
dynamically created at the time of upgrading.
VIEW.EXE
Graphic files of types .jpg and .gif can be viewed
with this executable.
VIEW_HELP.TXT
This is the help file for view.exe.
WAV_REC.EXE
This executable can be used to record and play back
sounds/music.
WAV_HELP.TXT
Help file for using wav_rec.exe.
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Application Format
PopNote is a GUI application containing the following
sections, going from top to bottom:
Title Section - This is a standard Windows title area.
Menu Section - This is a
standard Windows menu area containing the following
selections: Main, Logs, Edit, Network, Tools, IPFile,
Functions, PopToys, and Help, each with sub menus
that are defined elseware in this document.
Chat Window - This area
contains incoming and echoed real time chat data.
(although it is possible to send text from this window,
as explained farther below, it is not recommended
unless you fully understand the implications).
Network Section - There are
four edit entry boxes and a Send button in this
section. From left to right, the four boxes are NIC or
ID, FQDN or IP, handle or user ID, and a pull down address list.
Please note that the second box is used to enter either
an IP or a FQDN. Whenever an IP is entered in the
second box, the third box must be filled with a handle,
e.g., "Steve" When an FQDN is entered in the second
box, the third box is left blank. The IPFile menu
is then used to save the IP/ID or FQDN entries.
Send Window - Data to be sent is normally entered here.
User Button Address Section -
There are five buttons here that are populated
automatically with sender ID's for your PopNote
session. Once they are populated, these buttons can be
used in place of the Address list and Send button in
the Network section for your own Sends. Whatever
buttons are populated, they will be saved when PopNote
closes and restored when PopNote is loaded again. If a
6th user should PopNote you when all 5 buttons are
populated, the 5th button will be cleared and the 6th
new user will populate the 5th.
Status Section - At the very
bottom is the section that contains the time and status
of the last action as well as some error messages.
The GUI interface can be resized and the dimensions
will be remembered on the next startup of PopNote.
While there is a lower dialog window for sending data,
the upper chat dialog window can also be used for that
purpose. To send text from the upper Chat Window, clear
the lower Send Window first then click the Send button
or one of the populated user buttons. Everything in the
upper Chat Window will be sent, including anything you
may have manually typed in that window. After clicking
a send button, the Chat Window will be cleared until
the echo is returned. NOTE: Care must be exercised when
sending from the upper Chat Window, since sensitive
data may be in that window.
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Getting Started
PopNote uses UDP ports 54538 and 54539 respectively for
incoming and outgoing traffic. This fact must be kept
in mind in order to set your firewall, be it software,
router, modem, or some combination of these. PopNote
will try to acquire your WAN IP address and display it
on the first line of the chat window when it loads
(runs) for the first time. Then PopNote will
automatically clear the opening Chat Window of messages
and minimize to the ToolTray in 10 seconds, unless you
click "Ctrl-G" to stop it. If PopNote minimizes you can
restore it back to your desktop by a left click on its
ToolTray Icon. (NOTE: a right click on the ToolTray
Icon will give you an option to close PopNote).
PopNote attempts to acquire your WAN IP
address at startup by trying to connect with a free
server located at getip.dyndns.org. Almost
always, the WAN IP address will be acquired
successfully. If you fail to see your IP address, but
instead see an error message, close the program and try
running it again. If you still do not see your IP, wait
a while before retrying. PopNote cannot send an outbound
message without obtaining your WAN IP.
Before you begin using PopNote to message someone, you
should first enter your own Name or ID in the NIC/ID
Network Section edit box. This box is to the extreme
left under the main (upper) chat dialog window. Use
your first name (and or a call sign if applicable).
The PopNote drop down "User Address" window, loaded
from the file PopNoteA.CFG, comes with with several IP
or FQDN addresses of users that you can test with. If
you know either the IP address or FQDN of someone not
in the user address file, the new user can be added to
the file, as explained later. If a user not in the user
address file sends a PopNote to you, that user will
automatically be added to the user address file. Users
may, if they wish, list their FQDN addresses at a database
maintained HERE.
Once PopNote is running, you can try sending me, K5HUM,
a popnote by typing a message in the Send Window and
clicking the Send button.
IMPORTANT: If what you Send does not Echo back into
the upper chat window within a second or two it means
you still have firewall blocks. Read Firewall Considerations for
solutions.
I highly recommend when you
test that you send your email address. This will at
least allow me to notify you that your PopNote arrived
in case you do not see the PopNote you sent echo back
to you in the top dialog window. If all goes well, the
message you send should be echoed back. The echo back
of what you send is true confirmation of delivery of
your message. When that echo is received, it will also
auto-load one of the five user buttons (in the Network
User Address Section) with that user's nickname. From
this point on you can Send by clicking that user's
button in lieu of the universal Send button.
A new Lag meter was added to version 2.3.7 up. This
calculates the RTT or Round Trip Time in millie seconds
from the instance you send a popnote to the instant it
arrives back as an echo. This Lag calculation can be
observed in PopNote's bottom Status bar at the moment the
echo arrives. Average lags are +- 200ms.
IMPORTANT: If you do not get the echo
or cannot receive, it means you need to recheck and
make sure that UDP ports 54538 and 54539 are unblocked
for incoming and outgoing messages.
By default, PopNote uses several techniques to let
you know a popnote arrived:
A typewriter "clickety-click" will be heard on incoming
popnotes (from inpop.wav) and a "chime" (from echo.wav)
on echoes. In addition, PopNote will normalize if
minimized and climb on top of any other open Windows
Program if the "OnTop" switch is on.
You can also do a LOCAL LOOP BACK test by sending
PopNotes to yourself using 127.0.0.1 or your WAN
IP.
Finally, once you have PopNote running ok, and setup the
way you want it, I highly recommend you use the HotKeys
Ctrl-N to automatically make backups of the various
configuration (*.CFG) files that store your settings
and accumulated IP addresses. The backup files are created
in PopNote's home folder.
CAVEAT:
It is highly recommended that users read and understand
this documentation file. If there is anything major
here that you do not understand, it is entirely
possible you will not be successful running PopNote.
The following three reasons are responsible for 99% of
all failures using PopNote: 1) Inability to understand,
use and manage your modem, router or software
firewalls, 2) a flaky, corrupted, or infected operating
system and/or not having Admin privileges, and 3)
running PopNote BEFORE you are connected to the
Internet (a common problem when using a Dialup ISP).
That being said, there is usually a group of Hams on
CQ100 at 3.895 Mhz, headed by W1PI who provide great
technical support for PopNote. Or, you may email me at
K5HUM@ARRL.NET for help if time is not an
issue. For random, catch me if you can, voice support, I
am usually on EchoLink most morning or can talk on
CQPHONE for
regular users with questions.
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Functions Explored
Hotkeys refer to single or combo key entries. For
example "F8", or function key 8, is a Hotkey that can
be used to find in the Chat Window data entered in the
Send Window.
Another example of a combo entry would be "Ctrl-P",
where "Ctrl" and "P" are entered simultaneously, to
invoke FTP. The various PopNote functions are usually
activated by menu selections and/or by HotKeys. In
addition, some functions require data to first be
entered in a window, box, or button. For example, the
menu option IPFile and sub-option "IP Add" can be used
to add another user to your user files, but the IP and
Handle boxes in the Network Section must first be
filled in.
Consistent with Windows, the menu selections can be
made by the mouse or by the keyboard. The menu consists
of the following options:
Main Logs
Edit Network
Tools IPFile
Functions PopToys Help
Each of these
main options has a drop down selection of choices. For
example, "Main" has the drop down selections of "Chat Clear",
"Send Clear", "All Clear", and "Exit". The mouse
can make a drop down selection choice, but the keyboard
can accomplish the same thing. You can notice that each
main option has one of its characters underlined and
each drop down selection also has one character
underlined. So long as PopNote is the current
application, the Alt key and underlined character of a
main option can be simultaneously entered to show the
drop down selections for that main option. For example,
"Alt-M", where the "-" indicates a simultaneous
keyboard entry, will show the drop down selections for
"Main". Once the drop down selections are displayed, a
choice from the selections can be made by entering the
underlined character for your choice on the keyboard.
For example, an "E" can be entered from the "Main"
selections to Exit PopNote.
Many functions are toggled off and on. For example,
the "Time Stamp" selection of the "Tools" main option
is toggled on and off each time it is chosen. If a
function is a toggle switch, "(T)" will appear after
the function name. If an invocation of a function can
be done by the choice of a selection from a main menu
option, the Invoked column below will give the main
option followed by ">" (a chevron), followed by the
choice. For example, exiting PopNote can be done by
"Main>Exit". If a HotKey can do an invocation of a
function, the HotKey description will be shown in the
Invoked column. For example, exiting PopNote can be
done by "Ctrl-K" and so this invocation is listed along
with "Main>Exit".
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General Application Control
Menu and HotKey Functions not covered elseware.
IPFile Menu
Sub Menu: Copy2Clip
Desc: The choice from the
address list is copied to the clipboard.
Invoke: IPFile>Copy2Clip
Sub Menu: Save A.CFG
Desc: All of the entries in the
address list are saved to PopNoteA.cfg, the file which
keeps track of users.
Invoke: IPFile>Save A.cfg, or Ctrl-L
Sub Menu: Reload A.CFG
Desc: The address file (PopNoteA.cfg)
is copied into the Address window.
Invoke: IPFile>Reload A.cfg
Tools Menu
Sub Menu: Encrypt (T)
Desc: When on, encrypted
data is sent and incoming data is decrypted. The IP of
sender is used by the receiver as a key to decrypt
incoming data. Default is "off".
Invoke: Tools>Encrypt, or Ctrl-Z
Sub Menu: Minimize Tray (T)
Desc: When on, PopNote is minimized
into the Application ToolTray; OFF is to the Taskbar.
Default is "On".
Invoke: Tools>Minimize Tray (toggle On/Off)
Sub Menu: Sound (T)
Desc: When on, a typewriter
type sound is played as a message arrives. Default is
"on". The typewriter sound comes from the inpop.wav
file. A different sound can be used by overwriting
inpop.wav file with some other sound file.
Invoke: Tools>Sound (toggles on/off)
Sub Menu: OnTop (T)
Desc: PopNote stays on top of any
other applications on the desktop when on. Default is
"on".
Invoke: Tools>On Top (toggles on/off)
Main Menu
Sub Menu: Exit
Desc: Close PopNote
Invoke: Main>Exit, or Ctrl-K
Network Menu
Sub Menu: Monitor (T)
Desc: UDP port 54538 and 54539 are
monitored for incoming data when on; when off
monitoring does not occur. Messages may not be entered
or received when this toggle is off.
Invoke: Network>Monitor (toggles on or off)
Sub Menu: Local Echo (T)
Desc: Data sent to
another user is seen twice in the Chat Window if this
function is on. The default is "off".
Invoke: Network>Local Echo Off
Line Commands
Func: /version
Desc: Get the PopNote version release
or build number of a remote user. The PopNote version
or build number of the remote user that you send the
line command "/version" to (less quotes), will be
echoed back to you in the Chat Window.
Invoke: Type "/version" in Send Window
Func: /users
Desc: Facilitates obtaining the
remote users button addresses when you send the line
commans "/users" (less quotes). The remote user must
turn "Sharing" ON vi the F7 hotkey (T). By default
sharing is off.
Invoke: type "/users" in Send Window
Various HotKeys not covered elseware
HotKey: F7
Desc: Toggles User Button
address sharing on and off.
Invoke: F7
HotKey: Ctrl-N
Desc: Backup main files.
PopNote.exe, PopNoteA.cfg, and PopNoteD2.cfg are backed
up into files POPNOTE_#### .OLD, POPNOTEA_####.BAK,
POPNOTEA.BU and
POPNOTED2_####.BAK respectively where "####" is the
release number of PopNote. Screen.txt is backed up into
file SCREEN_DB.TXT and Screen.txt is truncated. All
backups are to the main PopNote folder.
Invoke: Ctrl-N
HotKey: Ctrl-W
Desc: This is a diagnostic
and critical recovery operation for restoring
the POPNOTEA.BU IP address file to the drop
down IP address select window. Note: Ctrl-N
mentioned above must have been invoked earlier.
Invoke: Ctrl-W
HotKey: Ctrl-M
Desc: Minimize screen. Put PopNote
into a minimized state.
Invoke: Ctrl-M, or "-" or "X" at top right of PopNote window
HotKey: Ctrl-B (T)
Desc: Prevent PopNote from
disappearing and then reappearing after a send. The
default action is for PopNote to disappear (minimize)
and then reappear (normalize) after each send when and
if the Echo is returned.
Invoke: Ctrl-B (toggles on or off)
HotKey: Ctrl-G
Desc: Prevent PopNote from
minimizing after start-up. On start-up, PopNote will be
minimized in 15 seconds unless this function is used. A
message shows in the Chat Window on start-up to use
this function to avoid minimizing. This is useful
to copy your IP or use the hotlinks.
Invoke: Ctrl-G
HotKey: Ctrl-I
Desc: save the main configuration
file, PopNoteD2.cfg. PopNoteD2.cfg is updated with the
current settings.
Invoke: Ctrl-I
Return
Chat Screen Functions
The "Send" (Button)
Desc: Messages are typically sent
from the lower text or Send Window. However its
possible to send from the top Chat window, but this
is not recommended for ordinary use. If you want to
Send from the top window, the lower Send window MUST be
clear, then ANYTHING in the top window will be
transmitted! Remember - ANYTHING! Sending from the top
window will cause it to clear until the data is echoed
back. This feature was originally introduced to make
PopNote operate similar to Bote, a discontinued IM
client.
Invoke: click the "Send" button OR the appropriate User's Button,
OR either Hotkey Ctrl-S or Ctrl-Q.
Under "Main"
Sub Menu: Chat Clear
Desc: Get rid of chat from the Chat Window
Invoke: Main>Chat Clear
Sub Menu: Send Clear
Desc: Get rid of data from the Send Window and User Buttons
Invoke: Main>Send Clear
Sub Menu: All Clear
Desc: Get rid of data from the Send and Chat Windows
Invoke: Main>All Clear
Under "LOGS"
Sub Menu: Show ChatLog
Desc: Whatever is recorded or logged
into the chat log, (screen.txt), is displayed in the
Chat Window, overlaying whatever was there.
Invoke: Logs>Show ChatLog
Sub Menu: Auto record (T)
Desc: Write user chat files with user
names as part of the file names. When on, chat is
saved to files with format user.txt where "user" is the
username in the chat. The default is "on". Each user in
chat has a separate file allocated while this toggle is
on. The update to a file occurs with each incoming
PopNote. Each update to a user.txt type file also
results in an update to screen.txt. Note: Non valid
file handle characters (*? etc) in user names will be filtered.
Invoke: Logs>Auto Record (toggle on/off)
Note: Ctrl-O (T) toggled to OFF will prevent any appending
of chat text to the user logs and only to the main log file (screen.txt).
The Default is ON.
Sub Menu: Save Chat or Save with Clear
Desc: Manually append current Chat
Window text to the chat log file (screen.txt). The
latter saves and also clears the chat window.
Invoke: Logs>Save Chat or Save with Clear
Under "Edit"
Sub Menu: Print Chat
Desc: The data in the Chat Window is
sent to your default printer, or one you select from
the Printer Dialog window of your system. You are
optionally offered to double print or Cancel the print
job at different points.
Invoke: Edit>Print Chat
Sub Menu: Save As
Desc: The standard Windows File box
opens and the user specifies a file to record the
current Chat Window data. If the user specified file
name exists, the a prompt notifies the user that the
file already exists and if the user proceeds, Chat
Window data replaces the existing data.
Invoke: Edit>Save as
Sub Menu: Open file
Desc: The standard Windows File
box opens so the user can browse and select a text file to
open into the Chat Window
Invoke: Edit>Open File
Sub Menu: Find
Desc: The Chat Window is searched for a user specified
data string. The first occurrence is highlighted.
Invoke: Edit>Find, or F8
Sub Menu: Find Next
Desc: The Chat Window
is searched for the next occurrence of a user specified
data string. The next occurrence is highlighted.
Invoke: Edit>Find Next, or F9
Sub Menu: Wordwrap (T)
Desc: When on, text is wrapped in the
Chat and Send Windows so that no left to right
scrolling is needed to see the data. Default is
"on."
Invoke: Edit>WordWrap (toggles On/Off)
Under "Tools"
Sub Menu: Color Set
Desc: The user picks a background
color from a table that pops up for the top Chat
Window. Default is a pale manila yellow.
Invoke: Tools>Set Color
Sub Menu: Font Set
Desc: The user picks a font
for the Chat Window from a table that pops up. Default
is bold system of size 10. Note: Font choices are
limited to whats installed on your PC.
Invoke: Tools>Set Font
Sub Menu: Time stamp (T)
Desc: When on, a time stamp precedes each message in
the Chat Window. Default is "On" with supplied PopNoteD2.CFG file.
Invoke: Tools>Time Stamp (toggle On/Off)
Various HotKeys
HotKey: Ctrl-J (T)
Desc: Skip lines in the Chat Window.
When toggled on, a line is skipped in the Chat
Window between each PopNote and Echo. Default is
"off."
HotKey: F1 thru F5
Desc: Clears User Buttons 1 thru 5
(left to right) as desired, with an option to
Cancel.
HotKey: F6
Desc: Send the PopNote to ALL populated User Buttons.
HotKey: F7 (T)
Desc: Turn address Sharing ON/OFF of populated User Buttons vi
the "/users" command sent from remote.
HotKey: Ctrl-D
Desc: Jump to Page End of Chat window.
HotKey: Ctrl-9
Desc: Send line feeds (scroll up) to chat window.
HotKey: Ctrl-O (T)
Desc: Toggle User Logs ON/OFF when in
Auto Record mode. If OFF only screen.txt is appended
to.
HotKey: Ctrl-1
Desc: Save "Send" text into
memory or recall from memory This will save into
memory the current data in the Send Window. Successive
uses will overwrite anything previously saved if the
send window is not empty. If the send window is empty,
data in memory will be recalled into the send window.
This function is used to recall data saved in memory at
a later time in order to send to one or more users.
Return
Miscellaneous Operating System functions
Func: Copy data as in "copy and paste".
Desc: Data to be copied is first selected (highlighted
- i.e. left mouse down while dragging over desired text
then release) then....
Invoke: Ctrl-C
Func: Paste data as in "copy and paste."
Desc: Copied or Cut data can be pasted into another
location. Place cursor where you wish to paste (place)
the copied text and.....
Invoke: Ctrl-V
Func: Cut data as in "cut and paste."
Desc:
Blocked or highlighted data is copied and cut (deleted)
from where it was copied.
Invoke: Ctrl-X
Return
Network IP Address Functions
Under "IPFile"
Sub Menu: Delete IP
Desc: In the Network Section, the user chooses an IP
address and handle combo. The combo is removed from the
address list in memory only. Data is not saved to
the PopNoreA.cfg file until normal Exit or manual
save is envoked.
Invoke: IPFile>IP Delete
Sub Menu: IP Add
Desc: In the Network Section, the user enters an IP
address in the IP/FQDN box and a handle in the handle
box. The IP and handle combo are added to the address
list in memory only. Data is not saved to
the PopNoreA.cfg file until normal Exit or manual
save is envoked.
Invoke: IPFile>IP ADD
Sub Menu: FQDN Add
Desc: In the Network Section, the user enters a FQDN in
the IP/FQDN box. The FQDN is added to the address list
in memory only. Data is not saved to the PopNoreA.cfg
file until normal Exit or manual save is envoked.
Invoke: IPFile>FQDN Add
Sub Menu: Ban User (T)
Desc: Clicking this option will ban the user currently
displayed in the pull down address window and prevent
the receipt of their popnotes to you. Clicking a second
time cancels the Ban. At present, only one user can be
banned. The Ban is IP based.
Invoke: IPFile>Ban User
Under "Network"
Sub Menu: Force IP update
Desc: Your WAN IP address is manually updated. The WAN IP
address is automatically updated at PopNote start-up.
Invoke: Network>Force IP UpDate
Sub Menu: AutoIP Updater (T)
Desc: Your WAN IP address is checked every 10 minutes
and updated if needed, when "on." The default is "off."
Invoke: Network>AutoIP Updater (toggles on/off)
Sub Menu: Resolve IP address
Desc: The IP portion of the address in the address list
of the Network Section is used to resolve and display the
corresponding FQDN in the Chat Window.
Invoke: Network>Resolve IP address
Sub Menu: Resolve FQDN
Desc: The user enters a valid FQDN in the IP/FQDN box of the
Network Section and its corresponding and resolved IP address is
printed in the Chat Window.
Invoke: Network>Resolve FQDN
Sub Menu: LAN Mode (T)
Desc: When on, allows LAN addresses, i.e., internal
network addresses, for users. Default is "off." When
ON, "normal" communication to users outside your LAN is
not possible as they will receive your LAN IP and
be unable to reply.
Invoke: Network>LAN Mode (toggles on/off)
Return
Special Functions
Under "Functions"
Sub Menu: Upgrade
Desc: The latest release of PopNote is auto downloaded
and installed and the user then automatically starts
PopNote with the latest release. If your version is the
current version, you will be informed with a message in
the Chat window. NOTE: The Upgrade menu choice is
normally grayed out until you toggle Monitor Mode OFF.
Invoke: Network>Monitor OFF then Functions>Upgrade
Sub Menu: HotKeys
Desc: The keyboard hot keys (or combination keys) are
displayed and described.
Invoke: Functions>HotKeys or Ctrl-H
Sub Menu: Cloak (T)
Desc: If "cloaking" is ON (default is OFF) the remote
who PopNotes you, will not get an echo back from you;
thus giving the remote the impression you are not
monitoring or online. This feature is similar to
being "invisible" on services like Yahoo chat.
Invole: Functions>Cloak (toggles on/off)
Sub Menu: AWAY (T)
Desc: When on, a message of the your choosing (recorded
in the away.txt file) will be replied to any user who
sends to you. This function can be used when you plan
to be away for a while. Default is "off." Use Ctrl-T
to adjust the delay time in increments of 3 up to 15
minutes. (3 is the default) for the new auto away
operation. When away is ON, sending a PopNote will
temporarily stop the Away function. If the Away time in
use expires before another PopNote is send, Away is
reactivated. With build 2.4.3 the outgoing Away message
will have appended to it the incoming PopNote that
triggered it. Away can be manually toggled off/on from
the Functions Menu.
Invoke: Functions>Away (toggles ON/Off)
Sub Menu: Recover Send
Desc: Recovers your last Send. Whatever was last sent will be
recalled back into the Send Window. The Send Window
need not be cleared before recalling data from memory.
Invoke: Functions>Recover Send, or Ctrl-U
Sub Menu: Start Options (T)
Desc: PopNote can be brought up when Windows is started
without any user action. The default is OFF (no Key set).
This method involves PopNote setting a Key in the registry
hive at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Another method to start PopNote when Windows boots is
to put a shortcut for PopNote in the Start/Program "Startup"
folder. CAUTION: Either of these methods should only be
used for those who have "always on" internet
connections (i.e. DSL, Digital or Satellite).
Invoke: Functions>Start Options (offers on/off options)
Return
PopToy Functions
Under "PopToys"
Sub Menu: FTP utility
Desc: Starts the FTP PopToy (File Transfer Protocol
utility). By mutual agreement, files can be sent to, or
received from, another PopNote user. When FTP is
launched from PopNote, FTP starts in "receive mode"
using the current remotes IP showing in the PopNote
address window. Like all PopToys, FTP can also be used
as a stand alone utility. When used as a stand alone
FTP utility you must manually select the remotes
address as well as enter into the receive or send mode.
NOTE: Details about the requirement to "Port Forward"
TCP Port 54540 is discussed in FTP_HELP.TXT
Invoke: PopToys>FTP Utility, or Ctrl-P
More details: FTP_HELP.TXT
Sub Menu: Record Wave
Desc: PopToys WAVE recorder/player is used to record or
play back wave files (sound files). These sound files
can then be sent to other users. By default,
c:\download\mywave.wav is the file recorded to or
played back. If you record a WAV and upload it (using
the FTP Poptoy), it will automatically play after
arriving at the destination site. Like all
PopToys, this can also be used as a stand alone utility.
Invoke: PopToys>Record Wave
More details: WAV_HELP.TXT
Sub Menu: Pic Viewer
Desc: Starts PopToy Photo Viewer which is used to
display a picture (JPG or GIF) that the user
chooses.
Note: VIEW.EXE can be used in conjunction with the
PopToy FTP to send pictures to a User and have them
automatically display. Like all PopToys, this can also
be used as a stand alone utility. Here is heads-up on a
nice feature; when VIEW is called from the PopToy menu,
View will display any JPG picture that is re-named
"default.jpg" IF that picture is moved into the same
folder with PopNote.
If you have a better or favorite view utility that
accepts command tail picture loading, such as the
shareware "IRFANVIEW.EXE", you can rename it to
"view.exe", place it in PopNote's folder and it will be
used instead of my view.exe PopToy.
Invoke: PopToys>Pic Viewer
More details: VIEW_HELP.TXT
Sub Menu: DNSUP
Desc: Runs the PopToy DNSUP.EXE utility. This is a DNS
tickler or updater which can update your free sub
domain name (if you applied for one and its active) to
your current dynamic IP. Like all PopToys, this can also be
used as a stand alone utility.
Apply for a FREE FQDN here: DynDns.ORG or at
No-IP.COM.
For additional explanations and how to stuff, read my tutorial
DNS.TXT
Invoke: PopToys>Run DNSUP
More details: DNSUP_HELP.TXT
Sub Menu: VOIP
Desc: Version 2.3.9 or later. Runs the PopToy VOIP module if it exist.
Invoke: PopToys>VOIP
More details: VOIP_HELP.TXT
Return
Program Help
Under "Help"
Sub Menu: PopNote Help
Desc: A copy of PopNote's Help documentation is displayed
in a new window of the default browser for your
computer.
Invoke: Help>PopNote Help
Sub Menu: PopNote FAQ
Desc: A copy of the PopNote FAQ is displayed in a new
window of the default browser for your computer.
Invoke: Help>PopNote FAQ
Sub Menu: Make Bug Report
Desc: Your default e-mail application is opened and
addressed to allow you to report a suspected bug in PopNote.
Invoke: Help>Make Bug Report
Sub Menu: Whats New
Desc: Get a history of PopNote releases and changes. A
copy of the releases and changes to PopNote is
displayed in chronological order in a new window of the
default browser of your computer.
Invoke: Help>Whats New
Sub Menu: ABOUT
Desc: Get a short snap-shot of the release of PopNote
you are running. A pop-up window displays release and
copyright.
Invoke: Help>About
Return
Extended Discussions for Some Functions
HotLinks
If you send a properly formatted URL (example:
HTTP://WWW.CNN.COM) it will appear as a HotLink at the
PopNote receivers site and in the returning echo.
HotLinks can be identified by an Underlined blue
foreground font. A click on the Hot Link at their or
your end will open the default Browser to that web
site. This HotLink feature requires the URL to be
typed preceeded with and ended with a space character
(ascii 32)
DNSUP
For users who do not have a static (never changing) WAN
IP address, PopNote can have trouble functioning
properly unless the changes to the IP address can be
made transparent to the users of PopNote. Changes to
your WAN IP address occur when your ISP changes it,
usually due to automatic lease expirations, or when you
reconnect your cable or DSL modem to the ISP, or when
reconnecting to a dial-up service. ISP's may also
change an IP address for other reasons.
DNSUP service is used to keep current the IP address
associated with your FQDN (sub domain address) and is
activated by "PopToys>Run DNSUP". It is assumed that
you have obtained a FQDN for your site by using the
free services provided by organizations like DYNDNS
or NOIP. The sub-domain
name that you choose from the selections they offer becomes your FQDN and these free
service site allows the PopNote supplied module,
dnsup.exe, to prompt them when your IP address changes.
The free service site then broadcasts the IP address
change to the proper (DNS) name server, which then
associates your FQDN to the new IP address. Once your
FQDN is associated with the new IP address, anyone
accessing PopNote (or any other Server on your PC) through
the Internet has access to your site.
The executable, dnsup.exe, checks your WAN address each
ten minutes and reports any change to your FQDN
provider. To obtain a more detailed explanation of
DNSUP, help is provided in module dnsup_help.txt. Note:
Some of the newer Routers, like the LinkSys WRT54G have
a built in DDNS updater that can be configured for
either DYNDNS or TZO, thus eliminating the need for
running a 3rd party DNS updating client.
Echo
This function is turned on by "Network>Local Echo On".
This local echo feature should be used only for testing
as it does not provide confirmation the remote or
destination received your PopNote.
Encryption
Encryption can be used when
sending sensitive data over the Internet. PopNote
offers a somewhat weak encryption service that can be
activated by either "Tools>Encryption On" or "Ctrl-Z."
Encryption is between two PopNote users who have agreed
to the encrypted exchange. While a user is in the
encrypted state, no meaningful exchange can take place
between that user and another user who is not in the
encrypted state.
To begin an encrypted exchange between two users, both
users must initially be in an unencrypted state. This
requirement is necessary so that IP addresses can be
exchanged. Once two users agree to the encrypted
exchange, each of them must then turn on encryption.
The sender's IP address is used to decrypt data that
arrives. If another user who is not in the encrypted
state sends to a user in the encrypted state, the
receiver will receive meaningless data, but will be
able to determine who the sender is. If an encrypted
user sends to an unencrypted user, the receiver will
receive meaningless data, but will be able to determine
who the sender is.
Sound
By default, "Tools>Sound On" is "on." By default,
PopNote plays echo.wav (a chime tone) when an echo of
your last PopNote is received; and inpop.wav (the
sounds of typewriter keys) when a message or PopNote is
incoming.
Nocnoc.wav is a sample sound file that issues a "knock
knock" sound. This sample file or some other sound file
you create can replace the echo chime or typewriter
sound. Just overwrite your desired custom sound file
name with either the name "echo.wav" or "inpop.wav"
accordingly.
User BUTTON Section
The User Address Section has five buttons that are
designed to hold user addresses that are active for
that PopNote session. As you send to a new user or
receive a message from a new user, a currently blank
button is populated starting from left to right.
Populated User buttons can then be used to Send
PopNotes in lieu of clicking the standard "Send"
button. If all five User buttons are populated and a
sixth new user sends or is sent to, the fourth and
fifth buttons are cleared and the fourth, then fifth
button is replaced with that user. This effectively can
provide for three semi-permanent populated user
buttons. All populated buttons are saved at the close
of PopNote.
Function Keys F1-F5 correspond to the five user buttons
starting from the left. Pushing one of these F-Keys has
the effect of clearing the corresponding button if it
is currently populated.
Alt-G can be used to manually populates the next open
button with the current user in the pull down address
list of the Network Section.
Function Key F6 is used to send to all currently
populated user buttons in the User Address Section.
When using F6, the message must be typed into the lower
Send Window, and in theory each user sent to should
echo back the PopNote into the upper Chat Window.
Function Key F7 is a toggle switch, which when toggled
on, can allow any remote user to see all the addresses
currently populating the User Buttons in your Address
Section. The remote user only needs to send you the
slash command "/users" (less quotes).
Return
UDP Usage
By default, UDP ports 54538 and 54539 are used by
PopNote. In setting up your router or firewall
(software or hardware), this information is needed. The
reasons for using UDP as opposed to TCP, for example,
involve the ease of use and the performance. PopNote's
UDP socket operations were modeled after "Request For
Comment"
RFC768. However, much of PopNote's technical
operations are customized to meet certain
requirements.
Although PopNote uses ports 54538 and 54539 by
default, it is possible to direct PopNote to substitute
different ports. The method to substitute different
ports involves changing the startup parameters. For
further information on making this change, please
contact the developer,
K5HUM.
If you decide to change the PopNote UDP ports, it is
recommended that ports in the 54500 to 54700 range be
substituted.
Return
Firewall Considerations
Firewall considerations can fall into hardware and
software areas. It is impossible to cover every
possible setup problem that PopNote may encounter, but
the vast majority of problems (like failure to receive
Echos) can be prevented by accurate setup of your
total system firewalls. This typically involves Port
Forwarding or DMZ activation.
Synopses of considerations and my advice:
DSL Modems:
Most newer DSL modems BLOCK all non standard ports to incoming traffic.
(Enter your Modems setup using your Browser and the modem access IP address.
Get that address from the Modems manual. Then IP PASSTHROUGH or port forward ALL ports)
ROUTERS:
Enter your Routers setup vi your Browser and the routers gateway IP address.
Check your Routers manual for this IP address. Then
Port Forward UDP ports 54538 and 54539 for the node your PC is on. I suggest
you turn off DHCP in your Network card and setup a permanant LAN node IP. Another
quicker fix is to just DMZ the node going to your PC, but this could depend on how
complex your LAN configuration is - wireless etc.
BUILT IN FIREWALLS:
Disable them and install a free
superior firewall like ZoneAlarm and let it do all
the heavy lifting! NOTE: its possible you will have to
do all three things mentioned above! Now, for expanded details read on.....
Hardware firewall setups require PopNote's UDP ports
to be assigned to a particular node (computer). Access
to the setup program for your router can typically be
acquired by accessing your routers built in setup web
server using your default Web Browser (IExplorer or
Firefox), using the fairly standard IP address
192.168.1.1. Read your router manual if this address
does not work, as well as what login information is
required. The typical router will allow port
forwarding to a particular node or PC. This port
forwarding is usually considered part of the Advanced
Setup for your router. Usually you assign ports
UDP 54538 and 54539 to the LAN IP address of the
computer that is running PopNote.
WesTel (and other) DSL and Digital modems, by
default, block all incoming traffic to non-standard
ports. To correct this problem, you should enter the
Modem's Configuration Menu and set the modem to "IP
PASSTHROUGH" and let your software firewall or router's
NAT protect your system.
Todays Software firewalls work as well as or better
than many hardware firewalls. The software firewall you
are interested in would be on the computer that runs
PopNote. Be aware that some firewalls (like ZoneAlarm)
may not be triggered completely for PopNote until an
incoming message arrives (Popnote acts as a server). If
you are not at your computer at the time, the firewall
prompt will go unanswered. To avoid this problem,
assign PopNote to your firewall as both a client and
server with access to your Trusted Zone and the
Internet. Testing your software firewall can easily be
done by sending messages to yourself at 127.0.0.1
(local host).
The most popular software firewall is probably
ZoneAlarm. If you are using some other software,
PopNote's port setup will probably be similar to that
needed for ZoneAlarm. The recommended security level
for Zone Alarm is "Medium" rather than "High." A
setting of "High" will cause many non-standard ports to
be blocked for incoming traffic and override specific
approvals for these ports.
If you have a hardware firewall, such as a router, and
a software firewall on the computer running PopNote, it
may be desirable to let only the software firewall
handle security for that computer. It is also seldom
desirable to daisy chain or use several firewalls. To
activate this solution, on a simple LAN, set your
Router to DMZ mode for the node or computer PopNote is
running on and set up your software firewall as
required. For more complicated LAN's, you may need
to use Port Forwarding or Port Triggering.
In conclusion, the Port Forward
website offers a wealth of information on much of the Router hardware in
the hands of end users today. Hint: Use the setup for your particular Router
and EchoLink. The procedure will be almost identical except
you want to forward the port range of 54538-54539 UDP (or
ALL/ANY) protocols. This site, DSL_Modems_Direct,
offers setup information on many common DSL Modems. Finally,
if you want to learn more about IP addresses in general, go to
IP-FAQ.
Return
Format of PopNoteA.cfg
File PopNoteA.cfg can be found in the PopNote directory
and contains user addresses. This file is used to load
the address list of the Network Section at startup and
is written to (updated) when PopNote exits. Anytime
PopNote is running, you can use "IPFile>Save A.cfg" to
immediately save any address updates. This is advisable
anytime you make major changes to the address file and
can save frustration if power fails before closing
PopNote. Whether PopNote is running or not, you can
edit the PopNoteA.cfg file to delete, change or add
user addresses using any standard text editor like
Windows Notepad. Just remember that this file will be
rewritten from the memory address list of the Network
Section when PopNote closes.
The format of PopNoteA.cfg is lines of 30 characters
followed by a carriage return line feed. For an IP
address line, the IP address is left justified and
shall not exceed 15 characters. If the IP is less than
15 columns it should be padded with spaces (ascii 32)
to fill up to 15. At colum 16 use a chevron or "<",
followed by the user ID or nickname, and followed by
another ">." Spaces are used to round out to 15x15 or
30 characters. For an FQDN, the FQDN is left justified,
followed by spaces to round out to 30 characters.
Here is an example where "S" indicates a space:
127.0.0.1SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
255.255.255.255SSSSSSSSS
168.192.123.100SSSS
68.114.113.188 S
arc.homeip.netSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
All properly formatted PopNoteA.cfg files should have a
byte size that is evenly devisable by 32. Therefore a size
of 128 bytes would indicate a file containing 4 addresses.
How to Upgrade
When online, you can download and upgrade to the latest
release of PopNote vi the menus "Functions>Upgrade". To begin the upgrade be
sure that you toggle "Network>Monitor" to OFF. This
will un-gray the "Functions>Upgrade" menu selection and
stop incoming popnotes while the upgrade process is
taking place. Once you are able to click on the "Functions>Upgrade"
choice, you will see the Status bar showing the
download progress. The download should be complete in
under 1 minute on broadband connections. After
downloading, a popup message box will appear either
stating that your version is current, and allow you to
continue, or, that the upgrade is complete. In either
case you will need to click the OK button in the
message box. If your existing version was not current,
the latest release will be installed and automatically
start running.
NOTE: Before you upgrade it might be wise to use Ctrl-N to
backup your current copy of PopNote in the event you wish to
return to the previous version.
When offline, PopNote can be manually upgraded using
the latest install utility.
In this case you "generally" do NOT want to overwrite PopNote's two
configuration files, PopNoteD2.CFG and PopNoteA.CFG
unless you desire a complete re install. So, pay
attention to the install utility's message prompts
if you desire to keep your original configuration
and address file and click SKIP when it reaches
these files (and NOT overwrite).
When using some software Firewalls (like ZoneAlarm),
and after upgrading PopNote, you may need to re-
authorize PopNote as permissible to pass traffic
through your Firewall etc etc. This is because a good
software firewall always checks an executable file's
CRC against the value originally stored in its database
from the first installation. This insures the file has
not been corrupted (changed by a virus etc).
NOTICE: To insure users get the latest version of
PopNote when downloading the program through older
links on various freeware distribution web sites, all
previous installer ZIP's have been upgraded to contain
the most recent installation build.
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Bug Reports
RECENT BUG REPORTS:
1) It has been reported that when closing PopNote and
later re-running PopNote, the PopNoteA.CFG address file
loses most of its addresses. The problem is reported as
intermittent. If this happens to YOU please report back
to me any details as to mitigating circumstances. NOTE:
I have not personally been able to duplicate this
problem on any of the machines on my LAN so I need
feedback from others who have experienced this
anomalie. Temporary fix: Do a Ctrl-N to backup the .CFG
files. Then a Ctrl-W to restore the address file from
the backup.
2) It has been reported that when clicking the "Open
File" sub menu option under the "Edit" menu, nothing
happens. A second click and it works fine. The problem
is reported as intermittent. NOTE: I have observed this
phenomenon but as of yet have not found a cure.
Temporary fix: Click a second time.
Continued....
To assist in quickly fixing a bug requires your report
to provide the exact steps to reproduce the problem. If
the problem is intermittent, please provide as much
detail and background information as possible.
Reporting "you cannot get PopNote to work" is NOT a bug
report but rather a likely admission of cockpit
failures. PopNote works great, as over 10,000 users can
attest, so ninety nine percent of the time your
difficulty probably means you have not learned to fully
manage your systems firewall. No problem, in this case,
study and read about Firewall
Considerations.
To report a bug while online, go to PopNote's "Help" menu
and click on "Make Bug Report". This will launch your
default e-mail program and automatically address the
appropriate fields.
Please keep in mind that fixes need to be prioritized,
researched, coded, and then packaged. The process can
take some time. To get a history of changes to PopNote,
read file pnbnbug.txt in the PopNote directory. An
updated version of this file can be found here.
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Awards
FROM SOFTPEDIA
On 03/26/06, SoftPedia notified me that PopNote was
given their prestigious CLEAN software award. Read
about it at SoftPedia
FROM BROTHERSOFT
04/04/06 Your new entry PopNote has been reviewed and
accepted in our Internet - Chat listings and gets a
rating 5 out of 5. Quote: "BrotherSoft Review Staff
gave it the maximum 5 out of 5 Rating because this
product is easy to use, it has a professional-looking
interface, and it is excellent compared to other
programs in this section and so on." Read the entire
Review.
FROM DOWNLOADPIPE
On 4/5/07, PopNote 2.0.13 was awarded 4 out of 5 Stars
at the DownloadPipe Software Library.
FROM FREEWAREFILES
08/17/07 PopNote received a 4.85 user satisfaction ratio out of a possible
5.0
Testimonials
"Great Internet tool! Like having a wireless intercom
direct between my family and my son in Iraq"
"Amazingly small, and easy to install, I had it up and
running in 10 minutes"
"First chat program that did not crash or screw around
with my operating system, great job!"
"PopNote was a great educational experience, before
installing, I knew nothing about how the Internet
worked!"
"Fantastic! All the guys in our Snowmobile club use
PopNote to coordinate whose out on the ice."
I really enjoy the reliability of PopNote. When other IM client
servers are down, PopNote still works!
PopNote is a great tool and fun to use. I look forward
to every new release! It just keeps getting better!
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Additional Documentation
The following files, found in PopNote's Folder, or
on the Web, can be used for additional documentation.
NOTE: When reading off the Web, because these are pure
text files, its impossible to tell your Browser (vi a
META command) NOT to cache them. To ensure you are not
reading a dated file (from your cache), do a forced Web
update. On most common Browsers (FireFox, IExplorer)
this is accomplished by clicking the Reload button
while holding down the Ctrl key. Yours could vary.
PN_FAQ.TXT
Find much needed answers to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS here. This is a
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED first read!
PNBNBUG.TXT
This file contains a complete build and bug version history.
DNSUP_HELP.TXT
This file contains detailed information on using the PopToy DNSUP.
FTP_HELP.TXT
This file contains detailed information on using the PopToy FTP.
WAV_HELP.TXT
This file gives operational details on using the PopToy WAVE player/recorder.
VIEW_HELP.TXT
This files gives details on using the PopToy graphic Viewer.
Click for Firewall Assistance
or Help Setting Up a Home Network
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W95 or W98 NOTES:
To successfully run PopNote on W95 or W98
machines you may need to upgrade to WinSock2 and get a
copy of RICHED20.DLL and place it in your c:\windows\system32
folder.
Get RICHED20.DLL here
Get the WINSOCK2
upgrade here
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Story of Popnote
Epilogue - Who is K5HUM? by Mary Brant
With extensive roots as a organizer, manager and
operator in businesses, education, transportation,
communication and the Internet, Gary M Raymond is the
epitome of a multi tasking individual who can almost do
it all - plan and design a business model or career,
launch it, promote it, execute it, manage it, as well
as mentor others into the field. As an Educator, Web
Publisher, Author, Electrical Engineer, Airline Pilot,
Realtor, Policeman, Restaurateur, Shareware Author,
Flight School operator and Designated FAA Pilot
examiner, and more recently a gentleman Farmer, Gary
(Mike to his Ham friends) is the ultimate cross-trained
entrepreneur! Learn more about his latest enterprise,
PopNote, the ultimate in small, efficient text based
Internet communication software. [30]
PopNote was created by me, K5HUM, to provide an easy
and simple way to instantly and PRIVATELY communicate
with my distant family and friends who use the
Internet. PopNote takes advantage of a rarely exploited
secret of the Internet. That is, you do not need
outside servers to communicate with another person
through the Internet as required when using e-mail or
conventional Chat rooms. This secret is called Peer to
Peer communications, meaning the signal travels
directly from PC to PC. Because its direct, it is both
private and instantaneous. I created PopNote as an
extension to my Ham Radio hobby and because many others
also found it useful, PopNote became Donationware; that
is, essentially freeware for private (non-commercial)
use, but with a "no obligation" option for users to
contribute support either through suggestions and
ideas, financially if able, or as Beta testers. Over
the years, PopNote has evolved with features that rival
some of the best commercial IM software.
I want to express thanks to several people. First, to
the author of Bote, one of the first PopNote cliets;
one that unfortunately is no longer being developed or
supported. Bote's past demise inspired me to move
forward and create my own version of a Popup note style
chat client-server.
Next, to the author of HotBasic, James J Keene Phd, for
creating a new W32 compiler that in my opinion, is as
lean, fast and elegant as is possible for a W32
compiler/linker to be. If you wish to checkout
HotBasic, find it on the authors web site at HotBasic. The author of
HotBasic is also alive and accessible and willing to
answer technical questions. The authors web site also
offer a multitude of code examples that illustrate the
use and operation of various controls etc.
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Special Credits
A special thanks to my friends and fellow Hams who have
generously volunteered their time to contribute,
especially with ideas and suggestions; also with
kicking the tires and shaking out the bugs.
On 10/07/07 our brand new HTML
web documentation made its debut!
Thanks to Stephen Sinclair for the original outline,
text file conversion and edits of the old pnhelp.txt
format.
ALPHA/BETA TESTERS:
Clay W1PI, Doc KA8DIV, Marie M0BUX, Steve G4NZV, DAN WB5HKK, Bob,
David, John, TT, and Steve.
Retired: Don KC1RX, PopNote Tester Emeritus
Code contributors and HotBasic Elmers:
Doc Electron, Cor, Airr, Emmazle, Philip B, Alex and Don
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Other FREE Stuff
From time to time I come across other FREE software of interest. Whenever
I do I plan to mention it here.
Let me begin with a links to a few relatively new software Firewalls
that all offer a FREE basic version.
Armor Security Suite v2 Firewall.
This Firewall has been highly rated by Scott's Newsletter.
Comodo Firewall. Comodo
has been around for a while, but the current release seems to be exceptionally
solid.
From the creators of PCTools, a well
known purveyor of DOS tools. "FireWall Plus" appears to be a
clone of ZoneAlarm. I took only a quick peek, but if you use
it, please report back your experiences. Check out Firewall Plus version 3.0
Its true; XP has a built in UnZip'per and it works well. However,
if you ever have a need to compress/uncompress OTHER formats this FREE
Utility is available:
ZipGenius version 6.0.3.1150.
How many of you did a real delete on a file in Windows and wish you
hadn't? Worry no more with this free undelete utility:
UnDelete Plus
version 2.93.
Want to know the IP of someone probing your Internet connection?
System Internals offers a FREE "End Point" connection viewing utility called
TcpView. From the IP you can do a NetWork Lookup and
obtain the ISP's ID in the event you desire to make an email or telephone "Abuse" report.
If you have a need to provide customer support or
assistance to another PC user on the Internet, this
remote viewing software allows just that. Its only
a megabyte in size, and like PopNote, its free for
personal use. Its called
TeamView. Check it out.
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Latest News
04/15/08
Due to the amount of spam being posted on the
new PopNote User Forum, entry now has been password
protected.
03/30/08
PopNote: An Intelligence Test? I really don't think so
but with the popularity of PopNote now spreading
worldwide, a lot of feedback I am receiving indicates a
tremendous amount of misinformation or should I say
frustration?
So, allow me digress a bit. To get PopNote running
requires two UDP ports (54538 and 54539) to pass packet
traffic unfettered from the Internet to your PC. In
between these two points are a variety of potential
blocks that must be bridged. It begins with the type of
modem you have, the router if one is used, any built in
OS firewalls, and or any 3rd party software firewalls.
And lets not forget the need to have Admin rights on
the PC in question.
Finally, I will be the first to admit that PopNote
isn't for everyone. But at the same time I will say in
all candor that those who manage to overcome the
firewall hurdles and get to use PopNote enjoy using it.
03/29/08
Release: 2.4.2 Corrected a bug in 2.4.1 wherein when using non
standard ports and doing an online upgrade the
new version would reload using the default ports.
02/18/08
I am currently creating a new interactive
PopNote User Forum
with PHPBB forum software. For the time being, until all the kinks
are straighten out, all new users must be approved by myself or
another assigned Administrator. Meanwhile suggestions and
opinions are solicited. Enjoy!
02/15/08
A new feature upgrade of PopNote, version 2.4.0 is now
available for upgrade. This new release, the full INSTALL
package only, can be download here
.
1/08/08
The bundling of Marko Vitez's freeware PicoPhone VOIP client
starting with PopNote version 2.3.9 and up has been enthusiastically received
with no reports of problems. Remember to pass UDP port 11676
through your firewall chain! For info on all the PicoPhone
buttons, visit the
PicoPhone website!
I am accepting applications for qualified Beta testers.
A strong technical background is not as much of a
requisite as dedication and having available time.
Knowledge of W32 programming is helpful but not
necessary. However, having a strong background in
running the family of Windows operating systems is.
Aside from participating at the ground floor level of
software development, Beta testers receive advanced
copies of PopNote and PopToy software before new
releases become public. However, since Pop software is
basically freeware, there is no financial remuneration
involved. If you have a serious interest and think you
qualify, contact me by
E-Mail and tell me a bit about yourself.
10/28/07
The current four PopToys will no longer be
distributed as individual downloadable utilities but
only as part of PopNotes latest Installation
Utility.
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