
NewsFlash
Shareware Version 1.1 / 07.96
Copyright 1996 Inner Circle Digital Arts


Introduction
============

NewsFlash is a utility that captures articles distributed using the
ANPA standard.  For example, some Associated Press and UPI news services
are distributed in this form.  Contact your service provider to determine
whether your particular subscription conforms to this standard.

This application monitors the computer's serial port, capturing articles
as they arrive from your newsfeed hardware.  You can browse articles by
subject, category, priority, time, and other attributes.  NewsFlash can
also automatically delete old messages using configurable rules.

You may view multiple articles simultaneously, each in a different window.
Once viewed, there are filtering options which allow the cryptic formatting
codes to be presented more humanely.  Also you can print individual articles
to your printer or FAX modem.


License and Additional Help
===========================

Use of this program implies agreement to the terms outlined by the
license.  To read the license, please view the help file newsflsh.hlp.
That file is in Windows Help format and can be viewed by double-clicking
it in File Manager or Explorer.  NewsFlash is a shareware program and can
be used freely in most typical situations.  However, it will still be useful
to read the helpfile simply to get an overview of the application.


Disk Contents
=============

NewsFlash is currently distributed in the form of ZIP archive file.
Within this ZIP archive are the following files:

    readme.txt       This file.
    newsflsh.exe     The NewsFlash executable.
    newsflsh.hlp     The NewsFlash Windows Help file.
    filters.fff      A list of article presentation settings.  These must
                     be edited using the NewsFlash program and should NOT
                     be changed using a normal text editor.
    category.lst     A list of categories (AP).
    priority.lst     A list of priorities (AP).


Installation
============

1) Create a directory where the application will be stored.
   For example, you might create a directory called "NEWSFLSH" on your
   C: drive.  You can create this directory using the DOS "mkdir" command.
   or use Windows File Manager or Explorer.

2) Create a directory where the captured articles will be stored.
   It is generally a good idea to store the articles on a drive that has
   a lot of available space.  If your NewsFlash directory is on such a
   drive, you might try creating a subdirectory there for articles.  For
   example, create a directory "NEWSFLSH\ARTICLES".

3) Using your favorite ZIP utility, unpack the ZIP archive into your
   new directory created in step 1.

4) OPTIONAL:  Create a desktop shortcut or Program Manager icon that
   links to NEWSFLSH.EXE.


At this point, NewsFlash is fully installed and ready to run.  However,
there is still some initial configuration necessary.


Running the Program and Initial Configuration
=============================================

Start NewsFlash by running the NEWSFLSH.EXE program, or by double-clicking
on the link you created from step 6 above.

When you run NewsFlash for the first time, it will use defaults for all of
its system-specific settings.  Before it can work smoothly in your
environment, you will almost certainly have to change a few of these
parameters.

The Windows help file NEWSFLSH.HLP contains a page called "Starting
NewsFlash for the first time", which will also help you through this
process.  Once you are running NewsFlash, you can use the Help menu
to view much more specific documentation.

Basically, you will want to configure three main groups of options:

A) NewsFlash "general settings".  Most importantly, you should tell the
   program where your article directory is located.  (See step 5 above.)

B) Serial port settings, such as baud rate.  These must be compatible
   with your newsfeed hardware.

C) Article expiration parameters.  By default, articles will never get
   deleted, so you'll want to define expiration settings appropriate for
   your particular needs.


How to Contact Us
=================

If you have questions or comments about NewsFlash, please contact us!
We'd love to hear how you are using the program in the real world.

Internet:
   jmccabe@mail.portup.com
   http://www.portup.com/~jmccabe/newsflash.html


This program is shareware.  If you find it to be useful, you may show your
appreciation by sending a small check to the address below.  In return, you
will receive a letter of thanks including our telephone number and the
newest version of the program (if any).

Ground mail:
   Inner Circle Digital Arts
   Attn: Jim McCabe
   PO Box 72
   Houghton, MI  49931-0072

