Copyright: Copyright © 2002 Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Table of Contents

Extreme Messenger
 Table of Contents

Introducing Extreme Messenger

A note from the author of Extreme Messenger for AIM.

Starting Extreme Messenger

The Registration Form

Explains the different parts of the Registration form.

How to Register

How Much Does it Cost?

General Options

Adjust the appearance and features of Extreme Messenger.

Nickname Options

Learn how to assign nicknames to your friends!

Alert Options

Set up your IM popup messages and assign Alert Words!

Banner Options

Learn how to change the banner on your buddy list, and how to create your own!

Toolbar Options

Customize the look and feel of your IM and chat windows

Transparency Options

Make your IM/Chat/Buddy List windows transparent!

Logging Options

Discover the powerful logging features in Extreme Messenger

Using the Log Viewer

Explains the different parts of the log viewer.

Using the Enhanced IM Window

Explains how to use and access the features of the enhanced IM window.

News in your IM Window

Send Files to Friends Easier
Learn how to Extreme Messenger makes file sending drag & drop!

Using the Enhanced Chat Window

Explains how to use and access the features of the enhanced chat window.

The "Extreme Messenger" Banner

Learn about the Extreme Messenger buddy list banner.

Creating New Banners

Learn how to create new banners for your buddy list!

Customize Buddy List

Learn how to completely customize your AIM Buddy List.

Checking for Extreme Messenger Updates

Learn how to check for the latest version of Extreme Messenger!

New "AIM Today" Tools

Extreme Messenger enhances your AIM Today window so you can go anywhere on it!

AIM Today Options

Customize your enhanced AIM Today window

Purpose of an Away Message Schedule

Examples of how you can use this powerful feature

Setting up your Away Message Schedule

Learn how to set up and edit your Away Message schedule

Using the Fader

Learn how to use the Chat Room and IM faders!

Turning the Fader On/Off

Selecting a Preset Fade

Creating and Editing Fades

Fading Profiles and Away Messages

Sharing your Fades with Friends

Acknowledgments

Extreme IMs for AOL

Learn about our AOL IM enhancement program!

Eclipse Fader for AOL

Colorize your AOL text with Eclipse Fader!

No More Ads! for AOL

Remove all those annoying ads from AOL with No More Ads!

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Introducing Extreme Messenger

Welcome to Extreme Messenger!  Congratulations on finding and installing the premiere enhancement for the AOL Instant Messenger software.  You may want to start out by browsing the Table of Contents to find out everything that Extreme Messenger can do for you!

In short, Extreme Messenger makes AIM easier, more powerful, and more fun!  The first thing you'll notice is the enhanced organization of the IM and chat room windows.  Every Instant Message and chat room has its own tab and label and are compiled into one feature-rich window, making your IMs and chat rooms more powerful and accessible.

You can also add a little color to your chat and IM conversations with the built-in automatic fader! Other features such as automatic conversation logging and accessible options from the IM and chat window enhance the usability and power of AIM.

Words simply don't do justice in describing the richness of the features in Extreme Messenger.  Feel free to explore our program, and experience the fun, easy-to-use features of Extreme Messenger! :)

I sincerely hope that you enjoy using Extreme Messenger as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you. :)

Warm Regards,

Joe Jordan

Ignite Software

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Starting Extreme Messenger

Extreme Messenger can be started in a variety of ways.  If you chose to install the Extreme Messenger desktop icon, it should appear on your Windows Desktop now.  It says "Extreme Messenger" and looks like a yellow diamond.  Double-click on it and Extreme Messenger will load.

You can also load it by clicking Start -> Programs -> Ignite Software -> Extreme Messenger

Extreme Messenger Starts with Windows

By default, Extreme Messenger is loaded with windows when you turn on your computer.  If you want to turn this feature off and load Extreme Messenger only when you need it, you can disable the windows startup by Going to the Extreme Messenger Options window, selecting the "General" tab (its the first one) and unchecking the "Start with Windows" option under preferences.

Copyright 2002 Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


The Registration Form

When you first load Extreme Messenger, you will see a colorful and attractive introduction screen.  Once the loading has completed, a registration window will appear.  Near the top you will see a box.  This box is used to register the software.  Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a number to type into that box.  This will register the program and remove the annoying 5 second delay and nag screen at startup.

Below the registration box, you will see a message that says how many days you have left in your trial period.  After 15 days, you will be able to start the program, but instead of being able to continue your 15 day evaluation, you will have the option to either Exit or purchase Extreme Messenger.

Getting Past the Registration Screen

There are 2 ways you can get past the registration screen.  The first is to purchase a registration number that will be emailed to you (usually within 24 hours of ordering).  Input the registration number and you will never have to see the registration screen again.  The second way is to press the "Continue Evaluation" button on the lower left-hand side of the form.  Please note that after 15 days you will not be able to continue using the software until you purchase a registration number.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


How to Register

In order to register, startup Extreme Messenger, and when the Registration Screen appears, click on the Order Securely Online button.  You will then be asked to select a screen name, and in continuing the order you will be sent to a secure server where you can register Extreme Messenger Online.

Click Here to Purchase Extreme Messenger Securely Online!

All questions regarding our software policy, as well as many other questions, can be answered by visiting our Software Policy page at IgniteSoft.com.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


How Much Does it Cost?

Extreme Messenger is a shareware program.  You are given 15 days to evaluate the program to determine if you like Extreme Messenger enough to use it after your evaluation period has expired.  After your 15 day trial has ended, the program will not work until you purchase a registration code.

Registration is a one-time fee of $12.95!

What benefits do you get from registering Extreme Messenger?  Unlimited usage!  By purchasing, you will be able to use Extreme Messenger as long as you have your registered screen name, free of nag screens and the 5 second delay at startup.

Registration will also promote further development and enhancement of the program, but most of all, will give you the personal satisfaction of doing the right thing! :)

In order to register, startup Extreme Messenger, and when the Registration Screen appears, click on the Order Securely Online button.  You will then be asked to select a screen name, and in continuing the order you will be sent to a secure server where you can register Extreme Messenger Online.

Click Here to Purchase Extreme Messenger Securely Online!

Copyright © 2001  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


General Options

Your General Options are where you can customize the appearance of your IM and chat room window and set specific preferences on how you want Extreme Messenger to work.

Jump to:  Appearance

Jump to:  Preferences

Where are the General Options?

You can show the General Options several different ways.  The quickest way is to click the Options button near the bottom left of the enhanced IM window.  If you do not have an IM open, you can load the options by clicking the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list and selecting Show Options.

Appearance

Align Tabs - This option will align the tabs in the IM and chat room to either the left or right.

Position  Tabs - This option will position the tabs in the IM and chat room to either the top or bottom of the window.

Received IM Notification - This option allows you to change how the tabs will look when you receive a new message while looking at another IM.  If you choose Use Yellow Arrows, the IM will show a yellow arrow when you have a message waiting for you to view.  If you choose Color Tab Background... you can have the ENTIRE TAB change color.  You can edit this color by selecting the color chooser button.

Preferences

Tab Switches IMs - When checked, pressing the tab button while in an IM will switch to the next IM automatically.  You can also hold down the shift button to go to the previous IM.

Tab Switches Chats - When checked, pressing the tab button while talking in a chat room will automatically switch to the next chat room quickly and easily.  Hold down the shift button to reverse the process.

Hide Buddy List Ads - When checked, Extreme Messenger will hide the ads built in to the buddy list window.  This will clean up your buddy list look as well as give you more space for your actual buddy list.

Use Multiple Tab Rows - When checked, when you have multiple IMs open, the tabs will appear in several rows instead of just the top row.

Start with Windows - When checked, Extreme Messenger will start itself up when Windows starts.  You can turn this off by unchecking the option.

Start AIM on Load - When checked, Extreme Messenger will start AIM for you when it starts (if it is not already open).

IMs Always on Top - When checked, your Enhanced IM Window will float on top of all other windows.

Chat Always on Top - When checked, your Enhanced Chat Window will float on top of all other windows.

Always ask before Exit - When checked, Extreme Messenger will ask for confirmation before exiting.  To exit Extreme Messenger immediately, uncheck this option.

Ready for more Info. on Extreme Messenger's Options?  Jump to Nickname Options

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Nickname Options

Your Nickname Options allow you to assign nicknames to the screen names that you talk to.  So instead of seeing the screen name in the IM tab, you will see instead the nickname you assigned!  This makes remembering the people you talk to much easier!

Where are the Nickname Options?

You can quickly and easily assign Nicknames by right-clicking on the IM tab and selecting "Edit Nickname" from the menu.  If you want to edit and delete nicknames, load the options and select the Nicknames tab.

Where do the Nicknames appear?

When you assign a nickname to someone, it appears in the tab associated with the IM.  This makes it much easier to recognize when friends IM you!  Right-Click on the tab to assign a nickname to the IM.

Nickname Options

You have full access and control over what nicknames are assigned to screen names.  By loading up the options and selecting the Nickname tab, you can manually edit or create nicknames at any time - not just when the IM is open.

Add/Edit Nickname - Type in the screen name, and the nickname you want associated with it.  Click the button and the nickname is automatically updated.

Delete Nickname - This will delete the selected nickname from the list.

Refresh List - This refreshes the Nickname list - especially useful if you have edited several names while the Options window is open.

Ready for the next topic?  Jump to Alert Options

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Alert Options

Your Extreme Messenger Alert Options feature two useful purposes:

Jump to:  Popup Messages

Jump to:  Alert Words

Popup Messages

Your Instant Message popup messages allow you to instantly view what someone has said to you, even if you aren't looking at your IM window!  If you want to reply to the IM, simply click the popup text and the IM will be brought to you, front and center.

You can easily customize where the messages are displayed, AND you can change the colors to suit your personal tastes!  Simply load up the Options form and click the "Alerts" tab.  From there you can select what area of the screen you want the IM popup messages to appear, and you can select the background and foreground colors for the popup window.

Alert Words

Alert Words are an easy way for your friends to get your attention!

First, check the "Use Alert Words" option under the "Alerts" tab in the main options window.

Second, next to the Add Alert button, enter a word or phrase that you want to use as your alert.  You can optionally assign a sound file to play when your alert is used.

Finally, close the Options window and wait for someone to use your alert phrase!

When someone says your alert word or phrase, a message box will appear telling you who said it, and what word it was.  You can click on the Alert message in the popup window to bring that IM to the front and center so you can talk to them immediately.

A Few Notes: Alert Words that you add will not be case sensitive.  Meaning, if you add "Hello" to your alert words, and someone replies to you with "hELLo", the alert will still trigger.  Alert Words are space sensitive.  Meaning, if you add "Hello World" to your alerts, and someone replies with "Hello     World", your alert will not be triggered because of the extra spaces.

Ready for the next topic?  Jump to Banner Options

Copyright 2002 Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Banner Options

Using the Extreme Messenger Banner options, you can change the look of your buddy list window!  Extreme Messenger comes loaded with many different looks for your AIM Buddy List banner - you choose which one you like best!

Jump to:  Selecting a Banner

Jump to:  Creating your Own Banner

Jump to:  Customizing your Toolbars

Jump to:  Setting your window Transparency

Where are the Banner Options?

You can access the banner options in several different ways.  The fastest way is to simply Right-Click on the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list and click the "Change this Banner" button.  You can also reach it by clicking the banner and selecting "Change Banner".

Selecting a Banner

Once you load up the banner options, choosing one is point-and-click!  You can use the scroll bar to the left to scroll through the images.  Once you see one that you like, simply click on it and the banner on your buddy list will change.

Creating your Own Banner

It is possible to create your own banners and use them as your buddy list banner in Extreme Messenger.  Simply create an image that is 25 x 138 pixels in size.  Make sure that you create or convert the image to BMP, JPG, or GIF format.  Once complete, copy the image to the Program Files\Extreme Messenger\Banners directory.  Start up Extreme Messenger and load the banner options.  Your image will then be loaded along with any others that are in the Banners directory.

Would you like to share your custom banner with the world?  E-mail your custom banner to IgniteSoftware@aol.com and your creation may just make it into the next release of Extreme Messenger! :)

Ready for the next topic?  Jump to Toolbar Options

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Toolbar Options

Extreme Messenger lets you customize the look and feel of your IM and chat windows.  Using the toolbar options you can select from a wide variety of background images, or you can adjust the look of the toolbars themselves, giving them the new "Office XP" look.

Accessing the Toolbar Options

You can load up the options from the IM/Chat "Options" menu, from the Extreme Messenger menu on the buddy list, or on the "Banners" tab in the main options window.

Selecting a Background

Selecting a background for your IM and chat windows is easy.  Near the top of the window are several images.  Click on one and see if you like it in the Style Preview below.  If you like it, hit OK or Apply and your background will change to your selected image.  You can use the scroll bar below the images to view more, and you can hold your mouse over the images for a moment to view the name.

Toolbar Styles

There is an option in the style preview area that allows you to change the style of toolbar you use in the IM and chat windows.  By checking the "Use Office XP Style Toolbars" box, you can alter your toolbars to look like the new Microsoft Office XP toolbars.

Ready for the next topic?  Jump to Transparency Options.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Logging Options

Extreme Messenger comes with powerful conversation logging options.  By default, Extreme Messenger logs both your chat room and IM conversations.  The logging takes place when you close the IM/chat window and the process is completely transparent!  You won't even know it happened until you check out your log files.

Jump to: Enable/Disable logging

Jump to: HTML Logging

Jump to: Viewing your Logs

Jump to: Deleting your Logs

Enable/Disable Logging

You can easily disable IM and chat logging from the respective windows.  Click the Options menu (next to File, Edit, Insert, People) and either check or uncheck the Log your IMs or Log your Chat option.  A check means it will automatically log.  You can also turn this feature off by loading the options and clicking the Logging tab.  From there you will see the check box to enable/disable IM logging.  Click the Chat Logs tab to enable/disable chat room logging.

HTML Logging

Extreme Messenger gives you the ability to record either the plain text or with all of the original colors and fonts that appear in your conversations.  By default, Extreme Messenger logs the HTML in your IM conversations, and just the text for your chat room conversations, but you can turn these on or off at any time.  Simply check or uncheck the Log IMs as HTML or Log Chat as HTML to enable and disable this feature.

Viewing your Logs

Viewing your log files is point-and-click!  Simply select the folder you want to view the contents of, and then double-click or click the View Log button to view the recorded conversation.  The log file is then displayed using the Extreme Messenger log viewer.  If you need help with this feature please click here: Using the Log Viewer.

Deleting your IM Logs

You can delete log files in one of two ways.  You can delete each file individually by opening a screen name or chat room folder, selecting the file you want to delete and clicking the "Delete Log" button below.  To delete an entire folder and the logs inside it, highlight the folder and click the "Delete Selected Folder" button.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Using the Log Viewer

The Extreme Messenger Log Viewer is a fairly simple window that allows you to view, print, and resave your IM and chat room conversations.

Re-saving your logs is an easy two-step process - Click Save As... from the File menu, and find a place to save it.

Printing your Logs

If you want to print your logs, make sure a few things are in place before you do so:  First, make sure your printer is turned on and paper is loaded.  Second, note that you must have a color printer for the HTML colored logs to appear in color.  Easy enough. :)

The Log viewer also has a feature called "Always On Top".  This feature when enabled will allow the log viewer to float above all other windows.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Using the Enhanced IM Window

Extreme Messenger enhances your AIM Instant Messages by adding new, powerful features not included in your standard AIM software.  One of the first things you'll notice when you send or receive an IM is the enhanced window that your IM is in.  When using the enhanced IM window, each IM has its own tab with the screen name or nickname (if assigned) as the text.

Also, when you receive a new IM and the tab is not selected, the arrow will turn yellow (or the tab will change color.. you can choose which in the General Options).  Want to switch over to another IM?  Click the IM tab with your mouse or press the tab button on your keyboard!

Jump to: The IM Options Menu

Jump to: Features Bar

The IM Options Menu

IM Color Fader On/Off - This menu option allows you to turn the IM fader option on and off.  When its on, the text you type in the chat room will automatically be faded using whatever color blend you have selected.  You can choose from a pre-made list of color blends or create your own.  For more information on using the fader and creating your own fades, click here: Using the Fader

Away Message - From here, you have quick access to your away messages.  No more searching for your buddy list to turn a message on when you step away - now you can do it all from one window!

Show Options - This will load the Extreme Messenger main options window.  For more help with the options, click here:  General Options

View your IM Logs - This option will automatically show your IM logs and files.  For more help with logs, click here: Logging Options

Log your IMs - When checked, your chat room conversations will automatically be recorded.

IM Popup Alerts - Allows you to control the IM popups and set text alerts.  For more info visit: Alert Options

Toolbar Styles - Lets you select background images for your IM/chat windows.  For more info visit: Toolbar Options

Set Transparency - Lets you make your IM/chat/buddy List windows transparent.  Fore more info visit: Transparency Options

Get Buddy Icons - Lets you browse an online collection of Buddy Icons that you can use for yourself or for others.

Send Buddy Chat - Sends a chat room invitation to all of the people you are currently talking to.

Always On Top - When checked, the Enhanced Chat window will float on top of all your other windows.

New IM: - Want to send someone an IM?  Simply type their screen name here or select it from the drop down list and press enter.  A new IM will automatically be opened and addressed to the person you typed!

About... - Shows your Extreme Messenger version info. and if you are a registered user or not.

Messenger Help - Shows this Help file. :)

Features Bar

The Features Bar is located near the bottom of the window.  From here you can load the Options window, turn on/off the IM fader, and tell your friends about Extreme Messenger.

Options - Loads the Extreme Messenger Options window.

Fader - If you press down on the "Fader" text, you can quickly and easily enable and disable the IM fader.  If you want to show the Fade Designer, click the small arrow right next to the text and you will be given the option to Show the Fade Designer.

Advertise - Lets you easily tell your friends about Extreme Messenger.

Close IM - Closes the IM that you are currently viewing.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


News in your IM Window

With Extreme Messenger, you can easily view all of the latest late-breaking news... right from your enhanced IM window!

Using the AIM News Ticker feature, Extreme Messenger grabs the ticker and drops it right below your IM conversations.  You can turn this feature on and off by clicking the "News" button near the bottom of the window.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Send Files to Friends Easier & Faster

Extreme Messenger makes it easier than ever to send files to your friends or co-workers.  Now, instead of having to click the menu and send a file, then locate it on your computer, Extreme Messenger lets you drag and drop files right to the IM tab!  Simply click and hold on the file you want to send someone, drag it over their IM tab, and release!  Extreme Messenger will automatically create a file send with the file path already set!

Copyright © 2001  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Using the Chat Window

Extreme Messenger enhances the AIM chat room by adding new, powerful features not included in your standard AIM software.  One of the first things you'll notice when you enter a chat room is the enhanced window that your chat room is in.  Each room that you enter is assigned its own tab with the chat room name as the tab text.  If you ever decide to enter more than one room at once, you will have one tab for each chat room.  Want to view the conversation in another room?  Click the chat tab or press the tab button on your keyboard!

Jump to: Options Menu

Jump to: Features Bar

The Chat Room Menu

Extreme Messenger enhances the chat room menu.  Not only do we add colorful icons to the original menus, but we add an entire new menu:  Options.  From the chat room Options menu, you have quick access to a multitude of features only found in Extreme Messenger.

Chat Fader On/Off - This menu option allows you to turn the chat room fader option on and off.  When its on, the text you type in the chat room will automatically be faded using whatever color blend you have selected.  You can choose from a pre-made list of color blends or create your own.  For more information on using the fader and creating your own fades, click here: Using the Fader

Away Message - From here, you have quick access to your away messages.  No more searching for your buddy list to turn a message on when you step away - now you can do it all from one window!

Show Options - This will load the Extreme Messenger main options window.  For more help with the options, click here:  General Options

View Chat Logs - This option will automatically show your chat room logs and files.  For more help with logs, click here: Logging Options

Log your Chat - When checked, your chat room conversations will automatically be recorded.

Toolbar Styles - Lets you select background images for your IM/chat windows.  For more info visit: Toolbar Options

Set Transparency - Lets you make your IM/chat/buddy List windows transparent.  Fore more info visit: Transparency Options

Always On Top - When checked, the Enhanced Chat window will float on top of all your other windows.

New IM: - Want to send someone an IM?  Simply type their screen name here or select it from the drop down list and press enter.  A new IM will automatically be opened and addressed to the person you typed!

About... - Shows your Extreme Messenger version info. and if you are a registered user or not.

Messenger Help - Shows this Help file. :)

Features Bar

The Features Bar is located near the bottom of the window.  From here you can load the Options window, turn on/off the chat room fader, and tell your friends about Extreme Messenger.

Options - Loads the Extreme Messenger Options window.

Chat Fader - If you press down on the "Chat Fader" text, you can quickly and easily enable and disable the chat room fader.  If you want to show the Fade Designer, click the small arrow right next to the text and you will be given the option to Show the Fade Designer.

Chat Logs - Automatically opens your chat room logs window.

Advertise - Lets you easily tell your friends about Extreme Messenger.

Exit Chat Room - Exits the chat room that you are currently viewing.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


The "Extreme Messenger" Banner

When you load Extreme Messenger and sign on to AIM, you'll notice that the advertisements on the buddy list are gone, and near the top where the big ad used to be sits an Extreme Messenger banner instead.  This is not an advertisement for our own program - Instead we have put the normally useless space (unless you enjoy the advertisements) to good use by making most of Extreme Messenger's features easily accessible by clicking the banner.

Try it out - click the Extreme Messenger banner and you'll notice an elegant menu with a multitude of Options only found in Extreme Messenger!

Jump to: Banner Menu Options

Jump to: Changing/Creating a New Banner

Banner Menu Options

When you click the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list, you'll notice that many of Extreme Messenger's features can be accessed from right there.  Here is a run-down of what each option does:

Show Options - This displays the main Extreme Messenger Options window and displays the "General" options tab.

Register Online! - This menu option (hidden after you register Extreme Messenger) will allow you to purchase Extreme Messenger online.

Modify Buddy List - Allows you to either hide or display the ads built in to the AIM buddy list.

Fade Designer -  Loads the Extreme Messenger Fade Designer where you can edit, save, and select fades to use in your chat room and IM conversations.

Manage Logs - Opens the Extreme Messenger options window and selects the logging tab for you.

Away Scheduler - Opens the Away Scheduler window where you can set your away messages to turn on automatically at different times.

Manage Nicknames - Opens the Extreme Messenger options window and selects the Nickname options tab for you.

Set Transparency - Opens transparency options where you can set up how transparent your windows are.

Banners & Styles - Opens the Extreme Messenger options window and selects the banner options tab for you, where you can also setup your IM/chat window backgrounds and toolbar style.

Check for Updates - Connects to the IgniteSoft.com web site to see if there is a newer version of Extreme Messenger than the one you are currently using.

Visit us Online! - Automatically takes you to our home page!

Messenger Help - Loads the Extreme Messenger help file (what you're reading now).

About... - Gives you version and registration information about Extreme Messenger.

Exit - Allows you to Exit the Extreme Messenger program.

Don't like the Extreme Messenger banner?  You can select from several others that come installed with the program to suit a variety of different tastes.  Don't like the banners that are already made?  Create your own!  That's right, you can create your own custom banners to suit your tastes.  Got a good one you want to share with the world?  E-mail it to IgniteSoftware@aol.com and it may just make it in a new release of Extreme Messenger! :)

For more information about creating your own banners, click here:  Banner Options

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Creating New Banners

Creating your Own Banner

It is possible to create your own banners and use them as your buddy list banner in Extreme Messenger.  Simply create an image that is 25 x 138 pixels in size.  Make sure that you create or convert the image to BMP, JPG, or GIF format.  Once complete, copy the image to the Program Files\Extreme Messenger\Banners directory.  Start up Extreme Messenger and load the banner options.  Your image will then be loaded along with any others that are in the Banners directory.

Would you like to share your custom banner with the world?  E-mail your custom banner to IgniteSoftware@aol.com and your creation may just make it into the next release of Extreme Messenger! :)

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Customize Buddy List

Extreme Messenger gives you the ability to completely customize your Buddy List display.  Not only can you hide the advertisements, but now you can hide and show the buttons you don't really use, saving on unnecessary clutter!

Access the "Customize Buddy List" feature by clicking on your Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list, and selecting "Modify Buddy List".

Hide Buddy List Ads

Checking this option will hide the advertisements on the Buddy List window.

(The following features are only available for AIM 5.0 and above)

Hide Buddy List Banner

Hides the "AOL Instant Messenger" image banner atop the AIM 5.0 Buddy list.

Hide Buttons - First Row

Hides the Buddy List specific buttons such as IM, Chat, Write, etc.

Hide Buttons - Second Row

Hides the general Buddy List buttons such as Read, Today, Away, Prefs.

Hide Screen Name and Button

Hides the Screen Name label and the "Content Panel" button that lets you change away from your buddy list to various other windows (Chats, AIM for Fun, Sports)

Hide Buddy List Menu Bar

Hides the menu options at the top of your buddy list.  Note that checking this option will disable the Away Message Scheduler from functioning because the menu bar needs to be visible for the away messages to change.

Hide Extreme Messenger Banner

Hides the Extreme Messenger banner.  This is not generally recommended because it provides easy access to many of Extreme Messenger's features, but was provided as an option because of your requests. :)

To get your Extreme Messenger banner back, right-click on the yellow diamond Extreme Messenger icon next to your computer clock and select "Customize Buddy List".

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Enhance your AIM Profile

Extreme Messenger now enhances your AIM Profile window!   To load the AIM Profile window, select My AIM - Edit Profile... from your buddy list window.

Two New Buttons!

Extreme Messenger adds 2 buttons to your existing AIM profile window:

Edit Fade - Loads the Fade Designer and allows you to change the fade you want to use in your profile.

Fade Selected Text - This button allows you to fade the text inside your profile.  Simply highlight the text you want to be faded, and click this button - Extreme Messenger will automatically insert the fade for you.

Because of the 1024 character limit for the AIM Profile window, the fade may look choppy depending on the colors you are using - this is an unfortunate side-effect of AIM's limitation, but we try to accommodate you as best we can. :)

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Check for Extreme Messenger Updates

Extreme Messenger makes it easy to see if there is a newer version of itself online.  This option will automatically connect to the IgniteSoft.com web site to see if there is a newer version of Extreme Messenger than the one you are using.

Running the Update Checker

To run the Extreme Messenger update checker, click the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list and select "Check for Updates".  A new window will open and will automatically check IgniteSoft.com for an updated version of Extreme Messenger.  If a new version is available, you will be notified as such, and the Update button will take you to a web page where you can download the updated version.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Exiting Extreme Messenger

If you want to exit Extreme Messenger (for example to install an updated version), there are two ways to do so.  The first way is to click the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list and choose the Exit option from the menu.

The second way to exit is to right-click on the Extreme Messenger icon in your system tray and select "Exit Extreme Messenger" from the menu.  For those that don't know, the system tray is the area next to your computers clock, and the Extreme Messenger icon looks like a yellow diamond.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Purpose of an Away Message Schedule

Descriptive away messages have developed for some into an art, and lots of people love seeing what people are doing when they're not glued to their computer screen.  Extreme Messenger lets you keep your friends and coworkers informed at all times, even when you have a meeting at 11 and lunch right after.  With the away message schedule, you can stay online and still notify people of what you are doing.

Jump to: Setting up your Away Message Schedule to learn how to set up yours.

Ways to use the Schedule

Work Week Daily Routine - If you have a regular work or class schedule, you can set your "away at work" message to appear when your work day starts, and have it shut off or change when your work day ends.  If you do something right after work, you can set up another message to appear after your workday is over.  If you don't want these messages popping up during the weekend, simply check Saturday and Sunday to be custom days, and leave the schedule for these days blank.

Schedule only for weekends - Check Saturday and Sunday boxes, and set up away messages for only those 2 days.  If you leave your "Every Day" schedule blank, your away messages will only pop up during the weekends.

Work Week Daily Routine AND a Weekend Routine - Set up your work week routine in the "Every Day" box, and check Saturday and Sunday.  Create a schedule for each day, and you now have a custom schedule for your entire week.

Pretend your doing something else - Nobody ever said that you had to be 100% honest in your away messages.  Want to sleep in and not tell anyone about it?  Set up your schedule to change your "Sleeping" away message to your "Busy Working" away message at the crack of dawn.  The people that view your away message will think you've been up since 7 AM! :)

Visit: Setting up your Away Message Schedule

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Setting up your Away Message Schedule

Setting up your Away Message schedule is a quick and easy process.  Read on for information on how everything works, and how to create your schedule.

Jump to:  How it Works

Jump to:  Creating your Schedule

Opening the Scheduler

You can open the scheduler several ways.  There is an option labeled "Away Scheduler" on the Buddy List Extreme Messenger menu.  We also added a button directly to the "Edit Away Message" window, and a button that floats under your actual away message window.

How it Works

Once your Away Message Scheduler window is open, your ready to set up your schedule.  First, read on for information on how everything works, and how to use it.

•	The first thing you should do is Activate the scheduler by checking "Use Away Message Scheduler."  This will allow you to begin creating and editing your schedule.

Extreme Messenger will only follow your schedule when the scheduler is activated.  You can activate it from either the main scheduler window you've opened, or when your away message is on, a small floating window appears under your away message that allows you to turn the scheduler on and off.

•	"Away Message Schedule - Every Day" - This is the area where you should put messages that you want to appear every day or most often.  If you don't want the message to appear on certain days, check them in the "Special Days" box.  On those special days, you can create special schedules that only appear on that day, or you can leave it blank.

•	Special Days - The days you check here will not follow your "Every Day" schedule.  You can either create a unique away message schedule for that day or you can leave it blank.  For example if you wanted to just schedule away messages for your work week, you'd create your schedule in the "Every Day" box, check Saturday and Sunday, and leave the days blank.

Creating your Schedule

Once you understand how everything works, creating your away message schedule is easy!

Creating your "Every Day" schedule

Under the first large box are a set of buttons that you use to create your schedule.  "New Away Time" opens a window where you enter the start time, optional end time, and select the away message you want to appear.  You can also edit and delete your schedule entries with the "Edit Selected Time" and "Delete" buttons.

Creating "Special Day" schedules

Checking the days in "Special Days" means that those days of the week will not follow your "Every Day" schedule.  When you check each day, the tab will enable below, allowing you to create an away message schedule for that day.  You can view and edit each special day by clicking the tabs and using the buttons below.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Using the Fader

Using the IM and chat room fader in Extreme Messenger is as easy as turning it on and typing!  While you won't see the effects while you are typing, Extreme Messenger fades your IM and chat text when you go to send the text, so it will appear as faded when you see it appear in the IM and chat room.

By accessing the fade designer, you can select a preset fade, create your own fade, and edit existing ones.  Click any one of these topics for more information on the fader:

Turning the Fader On/Off

Selecting a Preset Fade

Creating and Editing Fades

Fading Profiles and Away Messages

Sharing your Fades with Friends

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Turning the Fader On/Off

Extreme Messenger makes it easy to turn your IM and chat room fader on and off with one click!  On the IM window toolbar, near the bottom of the window, there is a button labeled  "Fader".  Clicking this button either presses the button down or raises it back up.  When pressed down, your IM Fader is on.  Otherwise, its off.

The chat room has a similar button labeled "Chat Fader" near the bottom of the enhanced window.  You can press this down to turn your chat room fader on and off.

The "Options" menu in both the enhanced IM window and the enhanced chat contain an option to turn the fader for the respective window on and off.

Finally, the third way to turn on/off the IM and chat fader is while using the Fade Designer.  Click the "Options" button in the fade designer, and you will be able to enable and disable the IM and chat room faders.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Selecting a Preset Fade

Extreme Messenger comes loaded with many unique color blends that you can use in your IMs and chat room conversations.  To view the many color presets that come with Extreme Messenger, simply load up the Fade Designer.  You can do this in one of two ways:

In both the chat room and IM windows, there is a button labeled "Fader" that has a drop down menu that will let you open the designer.  You can also load the designer by clicking on the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list and selecting the "Fade Designer" option.

Once the Fade Designer is open, all of the preset fades are loaded into the box at the top-left of the window.  Clicking the box will drop down a list of fades that you can then use in your IM and chat room conversations.  You can easily browse through them to see what your fade will look like.  Near the middle of the window, a colorful preview will appear as you browse through the fades.

If you would like to create your own fade to be included in the list, please view this topic: Creating and Editing Fades

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Creating and Editing Fades

Extreme Messenger allows you to not only choose from a preset list of fades to use, but you can also create your own!  With up to 16 million different colors to choose from for each color in the fade, the possible color combinations become endless!

Jump to: Creating a New Fade

Jump to: Modifying a Fade

Creating a New Fade

To create a new fade, you must first load the fade designer.  This is done from either of the "Fade" buttons in the enhanced IM or chat room, or from the Extreme Messenger banner on your buddy list.

Once the Fade Designer is open, click the Options button and select the "Create New Fade..." option.  You will then be asked to input a fade name.  Type in what you want to call this fade and press the "Create Fade!" button.  If successful, you will then be asked to input a number (1-99).  This is the number of colors that will appear in your fade scheme.

Once the fade is created, you can edit the colors to your liking - remember to hit the Save button to save your changes once you've edited it.

Modifying a Fade

You can modify a fade in one of two ways.  First, you can change the number of colors in the fade by changing the number in the blue box and pressing enter.  Second, to modify the colors, use the scroll bar to view the various colors in the current fade.  Then click the color box to choose a new color.  Once complete, be sure to hit the Save button to save your work.  You can either save it as a new fade (in which case you will be prompted to enter a new name for it) or save the changes to the current fade.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Fading Profiles and Away Messages

Using Extreme Messenger, you can give your AIM Profiles and Away Messages a little personality and color with our built-in fader!  No need to hunt for the features, because they're built right into the profile and Edit Away Message windows!

Fading your Profile Text

To access the AIM profile window, select the My AIM menu on your buddy list, and click Edit Profile...

From there, click the Next button twice to get to the More Info part of your profile where you can fade the text.  Type in your info and highlight the text you want to fade.  Find the "Fade Selected Text" button and click it - the highlighted text should now be color faded.  You can edit the colors of the fade at any time by selecting the Edit Fade button and selecting or creating your fade in the Fade Designer.

Fading your Away Messages

You can access the Away Message window from your buddy list by clicking the My AIM menu, selecting Away Message and clicking New Message.  From this window, you can create and edit your away messages.  If you want to fade your away message, you can highlight the text and click the "Fade Text" button.  You can edit the colors of the fade at any time by selecting the Edit button and selecting or creating your fade in the Fade Designer.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Sharing your Fades with Friends

Now you can easily share your custom fades with your friends!  By loading the Fade Designer, selecting "Options", and choosing the "Share your Fades..." option, you can send any one of your fades to any screen name.

Installing Shared Fades

Sharing fades actually just sends a fade file to the screen name of your choice.  In order for Extreme Messenger to recognize the new fade, you must first copy the fade file that you downloaded to your Program Files\Extreme Messenger\Fades folder.  The next time you open your Fade Designer, the new fade should be included in the list.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Acknowledgments

I would like to extend a huge thanks to everyone that has tried Extreme Messenger, registered with us, and then told a friend about us.  You are the ones that keep us motivated and the product releases going!  Thank you for all your support.

Below are a few people that assisted in some way to the creation of Extreme Messenger.

Sarah -  Thank you for (AGAIN!) coming up with a good name for this program, creating most of the Extreme Messenger banners, and for being my #1 cheerleader throughout the development process.  Love ya lots!! :)

The Beta Testers - Lots of Beta testers for this one!!  I sent test versions to nearly everyone on campus, so I guess you could say that this bug-free version is a product of the USF education system!!! Hahaha well.. I wouldn't go that far ;)

A very special thanks goes out to Sarah, Matt, Tom, Brett, Misha, Erin, Tyler, Cristy, Brian, Terry, Ren, and everyone that I sent a test version to.  Thanks for finding all those annoying little buggers that no one will ever see because of your help. :)

I would also like to thank my family for their support and just about everything else. Thank you all! :)

Copyright © 2002 Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Extreme IMs for AOL

Enhance your AOL Instant Messages with Extreme IMs! Replace AOL's boring IM window with our enhanced window that adds many new features to AOL!

Extreme IMs Home Page

Register Extreme IMs for AOL

 Extreme IM Features and Tools

Instant Message Skins!

Choose a background image or color for your AOL IMs. Extreme IMs comes loaded with 35+ excellent skins, but you can use any image on your computer!

IM Logging

Automatically record conversations and read them at your leisure!

IM Auto-Answering

Extreme IMs comes with a set of Auto-Answering tools. These are useful while you are away from your computer, but still want to respond to the people that IM you. You can use general away messages for the mass population that IMs you, and you can create personalized away messages for individual screen names, to give your replies that personal touch.

Play WAVs in IMs

Play audio files in your IMs just like you would in AOL chat rooms!

IMs Outside AOL

View your IMs outside the AOL window! Using this cool feature you can still chat with your friends while working on something else other than AOL!

Enter Sends IMs

No more awkward key combinations to send your IMs in AOL! (CTRL+ENTER, TAB+SPACE). With Extreme IMs, you simply hit the Enter key and your IM is sent!

Powerful Ignore Options

Automatically ignore those pesky "SPAM" IMs that you receive in chat rooms, turn off IMs from certain screen names, turn all IMs off when you don't want to be bothered, and permanently ignore screen names with just a few clicks!

Buddy Notes

Easily save and edit notes and reminders for the people you talk to!

Nicknames

Use our powerful nickname editor to rename the tabs of your friends. Instead of appearing as a screen name, you can assign an easily recognizable nickname!

And these are just a few of Extreme IMs features...

Download Extreme IMs Now!

Copyright © 2001  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Eclipse Fader for AOL

 Enhance your chat room, Instant Message, and Emailing experience with Eclipse Fader for AOL!

Eclipse Fader Home Page

Register Eclipse Fader for AOL

Fade your America Online text and enhance your Online Experience with this fun and powerful tool!

Eclipse Fader allows you to 'Auto-Fade' your AOL chat room text with up to 999 different colors, and also provides you with features to fade your Instant Messages and AOL email. Extra features include a Multiline Chat Room Enhancer which effectively removes the 92 character limit in AOL chat rooms, and much more! If you enjoy chatting, Instant Messaging, or emailing, you'll love this cool enhancement for AOL!

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


No More Ads! for AOL

Advertisements.  We see them everywhere, especially on the Internet.  America Online continually bombards their 30 million+ users with advertisements throughout their online content, completely disregarding the fact that you pay up to $23.90 a month to avoid the hassle of advertisement supported free Internet access.  This program gives you the advertisement-free internet access you pay for and deserve!

Download No More Ads! Today!

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


New AIM Today Tools

Now you can take full control of your AIM Today window!   Now, instead of being forced into viewing what AOL wants you to see, you can take your AIM Today window anywhere on the internet.  Extreme Messenger adds a browser-like toolbar to the AIM Today window, allowing you to navigate anywhere you wish.

The toolbar can be docked to the top or bottom of the AIM Today window, and you can also select a custom color for the toolbar if you wish.  For more information on these and other customization features, check out: AIM Today Options.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


AIM Today Options

You can customize your AIM Today enhancements using the "Opts" button on the new AIM Today toolbar.  This will open the AIM Today customization options.  From here you can change the position of the toolbar, change its color, and assign a custom page to the "Home" button.

Select Toolbar Position

Using this option you can select where you want your toolbar enhancement to appear.  By default, the toolbar will appear at the bottom of the AIM Today window, but you can easily set it to appear at the top of the window with this option.

Select Toolbar Color

This option allows you to completely customize the color of your AIM Today toolbar.  You can choose from one of the 4 selected colors (which commonly match the AIM Today window), or you can select any other color you want by clicking the "Custom" button.

Home Button Options

You can assign different URLs to the "Home" button on the AIM Today toolbar.

Assign AIM Today to "Home" Button - When you click the "Home" button on the toolbar, you will be sent to "http://aimtoday.aol.com".

Use Internet Explorer home as "Home" - Uses your IE home page URL as the home button URL.

Assign a custom home page: - Lets you type in any web address that you want for the AIM Today home button.

Clear AIM Today History

Clears any web addresses that you have previously entered in the AIM Today toolbar.  Your toolbar will remember the last 25 web addresses you have typed in until you decide to clear it.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.


Transparency Options

(Note: Only available for Windows 2000/XP users)

Make your windows transparent, or see-thru using Extreme Messenger.  You can access the Transparency features from any options menu (IM, chat or buddy list banner menu).  This feature is useful when you want to have windows that float on top of others, or you just want a cool effect. :)

Enable Window Transparency

By checking this box, you will enable transparency.  To select which windows you want transparent, check and uncheck the boxes below.  You can adjust how transparent each window is by moving the slider left for a more solid look, or right for a more transparent look.

Only Transparent when Inactive

This feature makes the transparent windows solid when you are using them, and transparent otherwise.

Copyright © 2002  Ignite Software.  All Rights Reserved.