BANS v1.1 README.TXT (2/22/98)


BANS Overview
-------------
BANS is software that allows you to do advanced e-mail filtering.

BANS operates by connecting to your mail server and filtering each 
waiting message, searching for what you specify.  If a message 
filter is satisfied, the associated message operation and its 
rule file are executed before BANS proceeds to filtering the next 
message.  For example, you could extract specific contact information 
from any message having the subject 'Web Form Submission' and then 
add it to a local database.

Unaffected messages are left on the server so that they're available 
the next time you read mail using your normal e-mail reader.

In addition to message filtering, BANS also has an integrated 
newsletter server.  Running the newsletter server allows you to 
easily create and maintain e-mail based newsletters that others 
can "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" to.  You can include any combination
of text, graphics, web pages, etc. in your newsletters.

BANS also includes a stand-alone program, the Event Scheduler, that
allows you to run BANS and other programs at predetermined times.

For more information, visit our web site at http://www.bans.com.

BANS can be purchased by completing the order form included with
the demo version - select the 'Order BANS Now!' option under the
'Help' pull down menu.


BANS System Requirements
------------------------
BANS can be installed on virtually any computer running Windows 95
or NT, with the following minimum requirements:

* Non-dedicated computer running Windows 95 or NT
* 486 or higher processor
* 8 megs of free RAM
* 10 megs of available disk space
* Phone modem
* Non-dedicated phone line
* Internet dial-up account
* Ability to send and receive normal e-mail using the computer


Installing BANS
---------------
1) Unzip BANS.ZIP to a temporary directory
2) Run SETUP.EXE
3) Accept all of the defaults

To start BANS, run c:\bans\bans.exe.


Configuring BANS
----------------
BANS does not have a central configuration screen.  It simply remembers 
and uses the values specified the last time the program was run.

To configure BANS to its MINIMUM requirements, you must successfully
complete the System Loop Test.  In doing so you must specify the:

* SMTP server name (example: mail.your_isp.com)
* POP server name (example: pop3.your_isp.com)
* POP user name (example: joeuser)
* POP password (example: JoePassWord)
* System Administrator (example: joe@your_isp.com) 

If you don't know what these values are, look in your web browser or 
e-mail reader's configuration.  You should specify your e-mail address 
as the System Administrator.

Run the System Loop Test by selecting the 'System Loop Test' option 
under the 'Setup' pull down menu.  If you're running BANS for the first 
time, you'll be prompted to enter the required information.

The System Loop Test sends a program generated message to the System
Administrator via the SMTP server.  It then checks for the arrival of
the message, logging into the POP server using the POP user name and
password.  If the message is found, it's deleted and the System Loop
Test passes.

OPTIONALLY, you can configure BANS to its MAXIMUM requirements by:

* Successfully completing the Dial-Up Networking Test (Windows 95 only)
* Successfully completing the System Reboot Test
* Customizing the System Logging
* Customizing the newsletter server Response Files
* Defining the newsletter server Trigger Words

How BANS behaves after configuring depends on how you implement the 
software, taking advantage of the features associated with the:

* Creating newsletters
* Running the newsletter server
* Performing message filtering
* Executing message operations
* Executing rule files

You can control WHAT the program does by specifying the appropriate 
command line parameters.  You can control WHEN the program runs by
using the Event Scheduler.


Distribution
------------
The DEMO VERSION of BANS may be redistributed subject to the 
following conditions:

* You're distributing the latest DEMO version
* The archive is named BANS.ZIP
* Nothing has been altered in the original archive
* Nothing has been added to the original archive
* Nothing has been removed from the original archive
* You notify us so that we can issue program updates
* You make no unauthorized representations

When possible, we ask that you do not physically store BANS on
on an internet server or BBS.  Rather, point to the links on our web
site to ensure that only the latest version is downloaded.  These
are:

http://www.bans.com/bans.zip
ftp://bans.com/bans.zip

Example HTML: <A HREF="ftp://bans.com/bans.zip">Download BANS!</A>
Example HTML: <A HREF="http://www.bans.com/bans.zip">Download BANS!</A>

If you do physically store BANS on an internet server, you must
advise us so that we can issue program updates when they're
available.  BANS updates can be obtained from:

http://www.bans.com/download.html


License
-------
BANS.EXE, SCHEDULE.EXE, BANS.HLP, and all associated unlock codes 
are Copyright 1998 Data Express, Inc.  

BANS and Event Scheduler are trademarks of Data Express, Inc.

BANS was conceived, designed, programmed and documented by Tim Helton.

BANS is licensed to an individual or business on a "per computer" 
basis.  BANS is not licensed on a per user basis, nor is it ever sold.  
When you purchase BANS you are purchasing a license to use the software 
on a single, specific computer.

You must read, understand, and accept the terms of this agreement 
before purchasing.  By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept the terms 
of this agreement:

BANS includes a 30 day money back guarantee, which is listed in its 
entirety below:

* BANS performs as represented in the documentation
* BANS and the documentation are without major defect
* We will give prompt and accurate technical support

If we breach any of these three guarantees, you're entitled to a refund 
equal to your original purchase price.

You May:

* Use the software and its documentation on a single computer
* Make a single archival copy of the software for backup purposes.

You Shall Not:

* Make copies of the software, except as permitted above
* Rent, lease, sublicense, lend or transfer the software, documentation 
  or unlock codes
* Create unlock codes
* Alter, decompile, disassemble, or in any way reverse engineer the software
* Remove or obscure any copyright and trademark notices

This license gives you certain limited rights to use the software. You do 
not become an owner of and Data Express, Inc. retains title to all the 
software, documentation, and unlock codes. In addition, you agree to use 
reasonable efforts to protect the software, documentation and unlock codes 
from unauthorized use, reproduction, or redistribution. All rights not 
specifically granted in this license are reserved by Data Express, Inc.

This license agreement is effective from the day you first use the software 
and remains in effect until this license agreement is terminated.

If you breach this license agreement, Data Express, Inc. may terminate 
the license by notifying you in writing. You may be required to return 
all software, software copies, and related materials to Data Express, Inc.
Data Express, Inc. may also exercise its other legal rights.

This agreement represents the entire agreement between you and Data Express, 
Inc. regarding the software, documentation and unlock codes.  This agreement 
supersedes all prior agreements. This license may only be modified in a 
written instrument signed by an officer of Data Express, Inc. If any 
provision of this agreement is unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, 
it shall be deemed severable from, and shall in no way affect the validity or 
enforceability of the remaining provisions of this agreement. This agreement 
shall be governed by Florida law, USA law, and all recognized international 
treaties or conventions.  You acknowledge that you have read and that you 
fully understand every provision of this agreement.

EXCEPT FOR THE GUARANTEE, BANS IS PROVIDED AS-IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. 
THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT IS ASSUMED BY 
YOU. DATA EXPRESS, INC. DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS 
REGARDING THE USE OF, RESULTS OF, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR 
USE OF THE PRODUCT. SHOULD THE PRODUCT PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU (AND NOT DATA 
EXPRESS, INC.) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR 
CORRECTION. FURTHER, DATA EXPRESS, INC. DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE 
ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF, OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE 
PRODUCT IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR 
OTHERWISE; AND YOU RELY ON THE PRODUCT AND RESULTS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 
DATA EXPRESS, INC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT 
LIMITED TO SYSTEM DAMAGE, SERVICE, REPAIR, CORRECTION, LOSS OF PROFIT, LOST 
SAVINGS, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES OF ANY 
NATURE WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT.


Contact Information
-------------------
Data Express, Inc.
11030 NW 26th Place
Sunrise, FL 33322

Tel: 954-572-3400
Fax: 954-572-0202
Web: http://www.bans.com
E-mail: info@bans.com
