Shop Talk   Version 2.7
Network Based Messaging System for Windows
Copyright 2000 @ Deer Park Software - All rights reserved
----------------------------------------------------------------

From:

Deer Park Software
80 Meernaa Ave
Fairfax, CA  94930
    
Voice: (415) 457-6117
Fax: (415) 457-8032

Email: sales@deerparksoftware.com


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Table of Contents
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I.	INTRODUCTION
II.	DESCRIPTION
III.	INSTALLATION
    A.      Upgrading from Shop Talk Version 1.5
    B.      Server Installation
    C.      Workstation Installation
IV.	FEATURES
    A.      Main Screen
    B.      Create Messages
    C.      Get Messages
    D.      Users Setup
    E.      Settings
    F.      Folders Setup
    G.      New in version 2.5
    H.      New in version 2.6
V.	ORDER SHOP TALK
    A.      Pricing
VI.     DISTRIBUTION
VII.	SUGGESTIONS / SUPPORT
    A.      How to Contact Deer Park Software
VIII.	DISCLAIMER
IX.	ABOUT SHAREWARE




I.	INTRODUCTION

One day,  the phone rang in our office.  It was my partners wife.  
She needed to ask him a question, but he was on another call.  I 
went to his office and stood by his desk until he found a spot in 
his in-depth conversation with one of our customers to stop and 
talk to me.  He asked me to take a message from his wife.  

As I stood there, I was thinking there had to be a better way.  It 
was a large cost in time and effort to simply let a coworker know 
that someone was on the phone for them.  Plus, I had to interrupt 
his conversation.  The next day, I went to one of our clients 
sites.  They had a Novell network.  While working on a workstation, 
a message popped up from the Administrator.  Bingo!  A message 
program would solve our troubles.  The only problem was that we did 
not own a Novell network, we used a Windows based network.  Plus, 
the Novell popup seemed very limited in its ability.  The message 
length was limited to only 80 characters and you could not reply, 
print it, save it, etc.

So we did what all software developers do.  When we had a simple 
problem, we solved it by taking months to write a program to do it.  
Hence, the birth of Shop Talk.  We are not trying to make Shop Talk 
into an email system.  It specializes in quick, instant messages 
that you can send to anyone on your network.


II.	DESCRIPTION

Shop Talk for Windows allows users on your network to send quick 
messages to each other.  You can send messages to one person, pick 
a group from a list, or select all users of Shop Talk.  

You can set it to automatically display a message when it arrives, 
or just have the icon blink.  You can send messages marked as 
urgent - which popup on the recipients machines no matter what their 
setting are (great for the "Please log out immediately, system going 
down!" messages).


III.	INSTALLATION

If you're installing Shop Talk for the first time, there are two parts 
to the installation that you must complete.  The first part is the 
server installation.  The second part is the workstation installation.  
The workstation installation steps must be done once on each workstation 
that will be running Shop Talk.  The server installation must be run 
first.

If you already have Shop Talk installed and you are installing an 
upgrade, you only need to run step 2) of the Server Installation.  
You do not need to run the Workstation Installation.

Shop Talk requires one PC on your network to be the Shop Talk server.  
If you don't have a dedicated server, any PC on your network can be the 
Shop Talk server.  The only requirement is that every other workstation 
that will be running Shop Talk must be able to access the Shop Talk 
server across the network.

A. Upgrading from Shop Talk Version 1.5

Important!:  If you are upgrading from version 1.5 to version 2.0 or 
above READ THIS NOTICE.  If you are not upgrading from version 1.5, 
you can skip to the Server Installation step.

The Shop Talk message format was changed after v1.5.  Messages that 
were created by v1.5 are not readable by v2.0 or above.  Follow these 
instructions before running your new version:

1) Any messages waiting to be read in the Shop Talk queue will be 
   lost.  If any of these messages are important, have the recipients 
   read them with v1.5 before installing your new version.  Any 
   unwanted messages should be deleted to prevent error messages when 
   the new version of Shop Talk tries to read them.  These messages 
   exist in a folder below your Shop Talk Server directory called 
   "QUEUE".  All files in this folder should be deleted before running 
   your new version.
2) Any saved messages on each workstation will not be readable by your 
   new version if they were created by v1.5.  This message can be 
   converted to the new message format by running the Message Exporter 
   program that is included with your new version.  After running the 
   Server Installation for your new version, but before running it, 
   go to each workstation and run the program called "msgexptr.exe" 
   that is located in your Network Shop Talk directory.  Point the 
   program to the folder below your Local Shop Talk directory called 
   "mailbox", then click the "Export" button.  When it's finished, 
   exit the Message Exporter.  The first time you run your new version 
   of Shop Talk on that workstation, it will recognize the exported 
   message files and convert them to the new format.

B. Server Installation: 
   These steps are to be run on the Shop Talk server PC only.

1) If you don't already have one, create a folder that will be shared 
   with the other workstations on your network.  For this example, I'll 
   call it "C:\NETAPPS".  Make sure you mark this folder as "shared" 
   and give Full access to everyone.

2) Run the installation program that you downloaded (SHPTLK27.EXE) 
   or found on the distribution disk (INSTALL.EXE).  Tell the 
   installation program to install into "C:\NETAPPS\SHOPTALK" (replace
   the "NETAPPS" part with whatever you called the directory in 
   step 1).  The installation program will create the "SHOPTALK" 
   directory for you.  Carefully read the rest of the prompts during 
   the installation and answer the questions appropriately.

When the installation is finished, you have completed the Server 
Installation.  You must now do the Workstation Installation steps on 
each workstation that will be running Shop Talk.
 
C. Workstation Installation:
   These steps must be completed on each workstation that will be 
   running Shop Talk.

1) From each workstation, run Network Neighborhood and browse to the 
   PC where you installed Shop Talk on the server.  Map a drive letter 
   to the "NETAPPS" folder that you created during the Server 
   Installation.  

2) Use the My Computer program to access the drive that you mapped in 
   step 1.  Go into the "SHOPTALK" folder and run "WS_SETUP.EXE".  This 
   program will create the necessary workstation directories and copy 
   the needed files to that workstation.  It will also create Windows 
   shortcuts needed to start Shop Talk.  You will be able to select 
   whether Shop Talk will start automatically when you start Windows.  
   This is recommended.  If Shop Talk is not running on a workstation, 
   it will not receive new messages.

When the Workstation Installation is finished, you are ready to run 
Shop Talk.


IV.	FEATURES

A.      Main Screen

This screen shows you a list of saved messages that can be found in 
the selected folder.  It also has buttons that will perform the 
basic messaging tasks.

Buttons:
    Create:	Creates a new message.
    Get:	Gets new messages immediately. 
    Minimize:	Minimizes Shop Talk.
    Read:	Reads the highlighted message.
    Delete:	Deletes the highlighted message.


B.      Create Messages

This section will allow you to create a message to send to others.  

Fields:
    Edit Region:    Where you type in the message.  Messages can 
                    be up to 256 characters long.
    User Selection: Select a user to send the message to.
    Urgent!:	    Flags the message as urgent.  Urgent messages 
                    will pop-up automatically on the users machine 
                    regardless of their pop-up messages setting.

Buttons:
    Send to Many:   Allows you to select multiple people to send 
                    messages to.
    Clear:          Clears the message text.
    Send:           Sends the message.
    Cancel:         Cancels the message.


C.      Get Messages

This section will search for new messages and display them 
immediately.  (Note: Shop Talk will automatically search for new 
messages on a regular basis - every 10 seconds by default - so you 
do not need to press GET MESSAGES unless you dont want to wait for 
the regular polling).  When new messages are found, they are
displayed on the New Message screen in list form.

New Messages Screen

Buttons:
    OK:     Close New Messages Screen.
    Read:   Read the current message.
    Delete: Delete the current message.

Read Messages Screen:

Fields:
    Message Region:  Where the message is displayed.
    Sent From:       Who the message is from.
    Sent On:         Date and time it was sent.
    Sent To:         This is a pull-down list of all users who
                     received the message.

Buttons:
    Reply:        Allows you to reply to the message.  Includes the 
                  original message.
    Save:         Allows you to save the message to a folder.  You 
                  can create multiple folders to save messages to 
                  (i.e. MAIN, BOSS, JEFF, ACCOUNTING, etc. )
    Print:        Prints the current message.
    Delete:       Deletes the current message.
    Save As New:  Leaves the message in the New Messages list and
                  exits the screen (only available when reading
                  new messages).
    Exit:         Exits the current message without saving it (only
                  available when reading saved messages).


D.      Users Setup

This screen allows you to add, edit and delete users.

Buttons:
    Add:     Adds a new user.
    Delete:  Deletes the current user.
    OK:      Saves and exits.
    Cancel:  Exits without saving changes.

By double clicking on any user's name, you can edit the settings and
password for that user.


E.      Settings

This screen allows you to customize how Shop Talk works for you.  
You select the default user name, location of the Shop Talk server 
and local files, etc. 

Fields:  
    Default User Name:   Select the name of the Shop Talk user 
                         for the workstation.  Messages sent and 
                         received will use this name.
    Network Directory:   Network location of the main Shop Talk 
                         files (server location). 
    Local Directory:     Location of the local Shop Talk files 
                         specific to this workstation.
    Check Message Frequency:  How often, in seconds, Shop Talk 
                         will check for new messages.  The default 
                         is 10 seconds.
    New Message Pop-Up:  Do you want Shop Talk to pop-up to the 
                         front of you screen when you receive a 
                         new message?  Uncheck the box if you 
                         only want the Shop Talk icon to blink 
                         when a new message is received.  (Urgent 
                         messages override this option and always 
                         pop-up.)
    Beep On New Message: Check this box if you want Shop Talk to
                         play a sound when you receive a new
                         message.
    Sound:               Select the sound you want Shop Talk to
                         play when you receive a new message.
    Save Sent Messages in 'OutBox':  Check this box if you want
                         Shop Talk to save a copy of all messages
                         that you send in a mail folder called
                         'OutBox'.

Buttons:
    Add User:  Allows you to add a new user to the user list.  
               That name will automatically be entered as the 
               default user name for this workstation.
    Test:      Test the system sound.
    Save:      Saves settings and exits.
    Exit:      Exits the screen without saving changes.


F.      Folders Setup

This screen allows you to add and delete message folders. 

Buttons:
    Add:     Adds a new folder.
    Delete:  Deletes a folder
    OK:      Saves and exits.
    Cancel:  Exits the screen without saving changes.


G.      New in version 2.5

    1) 32-bit
    This version utilizes the 32-bit technology of Windows 95 and 
    98. It will not run in Windows 3.x. Download version 1.5 if you 
    need to run on Windows 3.x workstations.

    2) Unlimited maximum message lengths
    No longer are your messages limited to 250 or 500 characters in 
    length.

    3) Optional user logins with passwords
    If this feature is activated, each user will have to enter their 
    password each time Shop Talk is started. They will also be asked 
    for a password if they try to change the Default User to a 
    different name.

    4) Two user privilege levels, Manager and Employee. 
    Managers have full access to all features of Shop Talk. Employees 
    are not able to send or reply-to messages. If you want all users 
    to have full access to the features, you can set everyone to 
    Manager level.

    5) Send messages to Active users only
    On the Send-To-Many screen, you have the option to see a list of 
    only the users that are currently running Shop Talk. You can then 
    select any or all of the names from this list to send a message to.

    6) Enhanced checking for the status of your network. 
    Smart logic has been added to determine when your network goes 
    down. This helps prevent Shop Talk from locking up the PC when 
    your network connection is lost.

    7) CC: list.
    When reading a message, you can now see a list of everyone who 
    received a copy of that message.

    8) Optional Outbox
    You now have the option to save all sent messages in an outbox 
    for later review.

    9) Optional command line parameters.
        syntax: shoptalk.exe [minimize flag] [username]
    If the minimize flag is "Y", Shop Talk will be minimized on 
    startup. The username is the name of the user you want to run as. 
    Both parameters are optional and should be separated by a space. 
    The Username is case sensitive. You can't specify the username 
    without specifying a "Y" or "N" for the minimize flag. You will 
    probably want to add the minimize flag to your Shop Talk shortcut 
    that is in your Startup folder.

H.      New in version 2.6

    1) Quick Replies
    When reading any message, you can choose from the "Quick Replies" 
    list to send a predefined quick response to that message.  
    Currently, the Quick Reply choices are "Yes", "No", "Ok" and 
    "Thanks".

    2) Phone Message Template
    Press the "Phone Msg" button on the main screen when you are 
    taking a phone message for someone.  The Phone Message screen 
    that comes up has predefined fields for the Caller's Name and 
    Phone number, "Re:" (what the message was about), and pick list 
    of Actions, such "Please call back" or "They will call back".  
    The Actions list is modifiable by simply modifying the 
    "actions.txt" file that is in the Shop Talk Network directory.

    3) Read Receipts
    You can now be notified with a read receipt message of when a 
    recipient reads a message that you send.  When creating the 
    message, simple check the read receipt check box on the screen.

    4) Message preview on New Messages List screen
    The New Messages List screen now shows a preview of the first 
    30 or 40 characters of each message that is waiting to be read.


V.	ORDER SHOP TALK

If you have already registered Shop Talk, thank you!  We include this 
section so that you can photocopy the manual and give it to a friend.

When you purchase your registered copy of Shop Talk, you will receive:

  - The very latest version (with all new features)
  - Unlimited free support
  - Information on other Deer Park products
  - A clear conscience!

A.      Pricing

# of License			Price
-----------------		--------
2 workstations			$39
5 workstations			$79
10 workstations			$145
25 workstations			$275
50 workstations			$395
100 workstations		$595

Unlimited Licenses
  Single office*		$695
  Corporate wide license**	$995

*  Single office licenses are good on one server only.  
** Corporate wide licenses can be used on multiple servers, they are      
valid at any branch of the company, including future growth. 


Please add to each order:
  Shipping and Handling				$3.50
  California residents, please add 7.25% sales tax


And . . .  Shop Talk comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.  If 
you are unhappy with the product for any reason, Deer Park Software 
will refund your money in full.


To order your registered copy of Shop Talk you can:

1) Call us at (415) 457-6117 - Monday through Friday 9:00 to 6:00 PST.  
We will be happy to take your order over the phone.  Or, 
 
2) Fill out and print the order form. You can print the order form 
from within Shop Talk by selecting REGISTER from the 
ORDER menu off the Shop Talk main screen. Send it to:

Deer Park Software
Attn: Shop Talk Orders
80 Meernaa Ave
Fairfax, CA 94930

3) Fax the order form to us at (415) 457-8032.

4) Purchase online by going to the Deer Park Software web site at:

http://www.deerparksoftware.com

and click over to the "Order" page.


Payment options include:

  - Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express)
  - Check 
  - Purchase order.


VI.     DISTRIBUTION

These are the conditions under which this software may be copied 
and distributed:

A. The registered version of this program may not be distributed in
   any way by any one other than Deer Park Software.

B. Individual users may freely copy the unregistered version of this
   program and share it with friends, family, BBS's, user groups, etc. 

C. Nonprofit groups (including user groups and BBSs) may distribute 
   copies of the unregistered version of this program.  A fee of no 
   more than $10.00 may be charged to cover disk copying and mailing 
   costs.  If the files on this disk have dates more than a year old, 
   we request that you contact us for a free unregistered copy of the 
   latest version.

D. Disk distributors and dealers must have written permission before 
   selling copies of the unregistered version of this program.  When 
   you contact us, you will receive a free copy of the latest version 
   and you will be placed on our mailing list to receive updates as 
   they are released.  Disk distributors may charge no more than 
   $10.00 per disk for copies of this software.  If, as a distributor, 
   you supply copies to other resellers, the end price to the user may 
   not exceed $10.  

E. Anyone distributing copies of this software must conform to the 
   following:

   1) The files on each disk may not be modified or adapted in any 
      way without prior written approval from Deer Park Software.  

   2) All of the files on the disk must be distributed together.  
      Individual files or groups of files may not be sold separately.  
      Additional files may added and this software may be combined on 
      a disk with other programs.  

   3) This software may not be represented as anything other than 
      shareware and the shareware concept must be clearly explained 
      in any ad or catalog that includes this software and on any 
      package used to display the disk.  

   4) You must immediately stop selling / distributing copies of 
      this disk upon notice from Deer Park Software.


VII.	SUGGESTIONS / SUPPORT

We welcome suggestions for improvements and new features for Shop 
Talk, as well as ideas for new programs you'd like to see.  

We offer support by email, fax, phone, and snail mail.  Currently 
our office hours are 9:00 to 6:00 (PST), Monday through Friday.

A.      How to Contact Deer Park Software

Deer Park Software
80 Meernaa Ave
Fairfax, CA  94930

Voice:	(415) 457-6117
Fax:	(415) 457-8032
Email:	support@deerparksoftware.com

We would like to hear from you, so please write or call us and tell 
us your complements, problems, or new feature ideas.


VIII.	DISCLAIMER

This software has been thoroughly tested and is believed to be free 
of problems.  However, software is one of the most complicated kinds 
of product made by humans.  No person can be absolutely and 
completely certain that a piece of complicated software will work in 
any given machine and environment.  Therefore, you are completely 
responsible for determining the fitness of this program and Deer Park 
Software and it's staff are not liable for any damages to your 
computer system or data.


IX.	ABOUT SHAREWARE

Shareware is a concept of "Try before you buy" software.  It allows 
you, the customer, to look at and use the software before purchasing 
it.  This program is a full working version of the Shop Talk, it is 
not crippled in any way.  

Shareware works because people share good programs. If you enjoy 
using Shop Talk and it works well for you, share it with a friend by 
giving them a copy of the unregistered version!

Deer Park Software relies on the proceeds generated by shareware 
sales for it's continued success.  Your registration allows us to 
create more exciting software products for you.  Thank you for your 
support.

