Help Topics for Filetopia

Filetopia is a Free Peer to Peer software that includes the following key features:

Instant Messaging, Voice Chat, File Sharing and Message Boards. Alongside with these functions it provides a powerful system to structure data. This system can be used for both organising files and folders on a local harddrive and for building lists of data to make available to other users. It also includes tools to easily compare one collection with those of other users.

The Messaging System allows for posting Instant messages to other users. Using these Message Boards, it is possible to communicate with other users without the need of being online at the same time. Filetopia provides a level of Security that is absolutely unique and unparalleled by any other programs providing similar functions. It uses a random choice of strong ciphers and various effective public key techniques for all communications including the data transfers. Additionally, it offers sophisticated techniques such as bouncers to protect your IP. This way, Filetopia can make you truly anonymous and safe from attacks while being in a Chat..

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• File Sharing
• Context menus
• Encryption
• Collection managers
• Chat, IRC
• Message boards
• File clients and servers
• The Filetopia Community Hierarchy

File Sharing

This term applies to programs that can turn a user's machine into a file server. This way, files can be shared among users creating a huge "virtual server" that grows as more users connect. In Filetopia, files can be shared in a one-to-one basis and it is also possible to search for all the files online in the "virtual server" using the Global Search function. 

Context menus

Context Menus appear when the user presses the right mouse button over a certain area of the screen.  At that time, a Popup Menu with options related to that part of the screen appears.  In Filetopia context menus are used extensively, and will be referenced throughout this help.

Hints are also used very often in menus. If you are not sure what to do, just hold the mouse over the part of the screen you are in doubt about. Chances are pretty good you will get a hint popping up after a few seconds that explains the function.

Encryption

The process of encoding the information in such a way that it can only be read at the intended destination is called Encryption.  If the information is not encoded in this way, it is relatively easy for it to be intercepted by someone while it is travelling to its destination. On the other hand, if the information is encrypted, it is infeasible to intercept.  For the information to be read, it needs some data called the key. This key enables the destination computer to decrypt or decode the information.  

There are two types of encryption: "Weak Encryption": where the method of encoding is known to have weaknesses or the key length used is 64 bits long or less: and "Strong Encryption": where the method of encoding has no known attacks and the key length used is greater than 64 bits.  Filetopia uses strong encryption, which means: there is no way that any unauthorized person can read the message.  For a more detailed description of the encryption algorithms used in Filetopia, visit the web.

Collection Managers

These are programs that help users to manage collections of files.  However, when you are collecting files, there are some requirements that are not addressed by a "file manager" such as Windows explorer. The additional requirements include:

• Keeping track of files spread through different online and offline media (like CDs).
• The creation of lists of your files which can be shared with other collectors.
• The comparison of your lists with other collectors' lists to identify items missing from your collection.
• The finding of duplicate files based on content -using CRC-.
• The need to keep track of lists of files that you don't want in your collection or that you want to highlight.
• The need to select groups of files by different concepts (category, paths, content, etc) and do operations on them (move them among lists or media, describe or delete them, etc.)

Chat, IRC

In Internet terms, a Chat is a service that enables several connected Net users to maintain a conversation, via the keyboard in real time.  One standard protocol used in chat networks on the Internet is called IRC (Internet Relay Chat). These chat networks consist of many interconnected servers and permit thousands of users to chat simultaneously.

Filetopia uses a different chat protocol and therefore it is not compatible with the IRC networks. However it provides many advantages over the IRC protocol:

Security - the Filetopia protocol has less weak points that can be attacked.

Privacy - the information travels encrypted.

Auxiliary features - are helping users to exchange files, making the chat experience more enjoyable.

Message boards

This way of communication dates back to the very early days of bulletin board systems ('BBS') and is still among the most popular ways for a group of users to communicate. The users can effectively share information by posting messages that can be read by other users at a later time. Unlike Chat there is no need for the users to be present at the same time. Filetopia hosts a Message Board, which is highly integrated with the rest of the components and which also shares the secure communications channel.

File clients and servers

If you want to retrieve files from the Net, you need some kind of 'File Client'. Web browsers are the most common kind of file client, but there are other kinds. Filetopia is a very specialized kind of file client due to its integration with a collection manager and its ability to use strong encryption. The files made available through the Internet need also some kind of software to 'serve' them to the clients. The 'File Server' is the component in charge of performing this function. Filetopia also includes a file server that 'speaks' the same language (protocol) as the client.

The Filetopia Community Hierarchy

Unlike some of the chat systems available on the internet, Filetopia is making use of a hierarchical system in order to try and maintain a common sense of orderliness. At first sight, the system might seem to some as one giving fertile soil to dictatorship. Yet, as long as Filetopia exists, the hierarchical structure has proven its ability to maintain a status quo generally agreed upon by Filetopia users. There are several levels to this structure:

Rules: As in any form of society, it is necessary to lay down rules, if total anarchy is unwanted. The rules are set by the owner of the channel and will typically be maintained by Operators in the first place. Sadly enough, sometimes rules need to be enforced and that is why Filetopia has a hierarchical structure at all.

There are two different types of channels: public channels and non-public ones. Public channels, commonly known as 'G-Rated' are highlighted with a blue background in the channels list. These are channels considered suitable for children and will be accessible even if the parental lock has been enabled. Normally, the same rules apply to all public channels: Bad language will not be tolerated. The harassment of other users no matter what way, is unwanted and will be punished by either gagging, kicking or a Kick & Ban procedure. In severe cases, users can be banned from the use of Filetopia in general. In public channels, pornographic material of any sort will result in at least a kick. Additionally, flooding is unwanted as it disrupts the chat flow and creates unnecessary line feed. The same applies to spamming.

Owners: Channel owners will set the channel topic and rules. Normally, these will be laid out in a welcome message, being displayed as soon as you enter the channel. Owners will typically be the first ones to assign Operator status to other users. Owners can always change the channel properties as they wish and they are the only ones always having access to these. The owner will be represented in the users list by a blue star next to his name.

Operators: These are people the channel owner exceptionally trusts. Apart from helping users with Filetopia, their job is to maintain an atmosphere the Owner wishes to create in the channel. In order to accomplish this, they are given a status of authority within the channel which enables them to gag, kick or ban users. Operators can also assign other Operators. Yet, their authorities can be limited by the owner via the channel properties. Operators will show a yellow star next to their name.

Helpers: A Helper is a person that had been given an official status in order to generally support other users that need help, but will not be able to perform any of the actions an operator can, such as gagging, kicking or banning. A Helper will display an orange star next to his name.

Users: The majority of people on Filetopia are users. They come here to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where they can meet friends from all over the world. Most of them come with a peaceful mind and wish nothing but to be here and make the best of their time. In order to not spoil the whole experience for these users who are the very heart of Filetopia, the above-mentioned structure has been established. It is not meant as a means to harass or annoy people who do not like the rules laid down, yet it proves to be an effective instrument when it comes to 'advising' people to behave in a way that is wanted by the majority.

 

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If you want to search for files shared by other users, all you have to do is press the Search button and enter a search text. This can be one or more words that will be matched against the files name, path and description. The results can be limited to files that are currently online.

Additionally, the files can be filtered by types. For example, *.txt will only find files with the .txt extension. The result can also be trimmed in a way as to only show files available at a certain connection speed. Once the search has listed the results, the files can be sorted in various ways, such as by size, name or availability of slots at their server. Multiple files can be selected using the button, single files can be added to an existing selection using .

The selected files can then be downloaded using the Download button below or the Download File(s) option in the context menu. In case a file you want is not available at the moment, you can use the context menu to instruct Filetopia to Watch for File(s). The selected files will then be added to your Watch List and retrieved as soon as they are available.

It is also possible to restrict search to only one of the rooms entered at that moment. This can be done by either typing /search in the room, or by selecting the wanted room in the "search in" menu of the search window. In addition to that, the chat window has a little box below the users list that will also let you perform a search in the selected room.

Privacy note: Unlike many other programs designed for sharing files, Filetopia will not show the name of the user if files are retrieved via the search system. It is possible to send messages to the user using the context menu in either the search or any of the transfer windows. The message will also not be addressed to a specific person. Once the user replies, however, his name can be seen in the message header.

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Filetopia has a powerful chat system featuring full voice support, a wide range of emoticons, a customizable system for Away Messages and User Profiles. Music and sounds can either be played within Filetopia or sent to an external player (even playlists can be started), and the direct use of URLs with the default system browser is only one click away.

There are two different ways of running Filetopia: Novice and Expert mode.

In Novice mode, all you have to do is press the Chat button to start chatting.To create channels or join more than one channel at the same time you only need to get the channels list by selecting: Chat->Get Channel List.

If you are in Expert mode you press the Connect button or use the Connect to Server option in the File menu. This will securely connect you to the Filetopia Chat Servers. When you are connected, you can press the Chans button to get a list of all the channels available. Alternately, you can press F4 or use the Chat->Get channels list function.

The channels list will show you all channels currently present in Filetopia. They will be listed with their proper name, their current number of users and the amount of messages on their boards. In order to make it easy for users to decide whether they are interested in the channel, the channel topic will be displayed. The Context Menu of this window gives you a few useful options:

• - Refresh list: This function will immediately request a fresh version of the channels list.
  
• - Filter empty channels: With this button you can make Filetopia hide empty channels from the list.
  
• - Update channel: Using this button on a channel will refresh the information given on it, such as number of users or messages.
  
• - View categories: If you unmark this option, the window will hide the category folders and present you a mere listing of all channels.
  
• - Add to favourites: If used on a channel, it will be added to your channel Favourites.

On the right side of the list, you will notice a few buttons:

• - Join: Using this button while a channel is highlighted will make you enter this channel.
  
• - Create: With the help of this button you can create your own channel.
  
• - Info: Like the Update channel function of the context menu, this will get the current information on a selected channel.
• - Refresh: The same function as the Refresh list button in the context menu.
  
• - Filter: This will do the same like Filter empty channels in the context menu.
  
• - Abort: Here you can stop the channels list request.

After you have joined or created a channel, a public Chat window opens. This is where you can chat with all the users on the same channel. Any text typed into the box located at the bottom of the window will be seen by all users of the channel after you have pressed . On the right side of this window there is a list of all users currently connected to the channel, including yourself. If you select any of these users you will have access to a Context Menu with the following options:

• - Information: This will fetch the users information. Here you can add a little about yourself, like a personal weblink or a picture.
• - Get List of files: The selected users will be asked for his file list, which will automatically be retrieved. If you wish so, it can then be compared against your master list.
• - Get server access: The selected user is asked for permission to his server. This is particulary useful in three cases:
  • - you have started a download which could not be finished. As you see the user logging on the next day, you will only need to Get server access in order to resume the file.
• - a list of unfinished downloads has been saved and the user is logging on again. Using Get server access will enable the download button of the saved list, so the transfer can be resumed.
• - if you are in Trade Mode, you will need to ask for every server access, no matter if it is a list or a file. At the same time, the other user must * grant you access to his server before the trade session can begin. In this case, Get server access will ask a user to allow you to his server.
• - Send file(s): With this option you can send any file or a number of files from your computer to the selected user. The other user needs to accept the transmission being displayed through a little box next to the File Transfer window.
• - Send Message: You can send a direct message to the user.
• - Sound alert: This is very useful in order to call the attention of the selected user with an audible sound.
• - Whisper: Using this option, you can tell a user something the others will not see.
• - Ping: This function will tell you whether there is a route to the user and if there is some time delay or 'lag'. You will send out a 'Ping', waiting for a 'Pong' to come back. Filetopia will then tell you how much time was needed for the whole operation.
• - Private Chat: A private chat window opens up where you can talk about matters privately.
• - DCC Multi Chat: This is an option that allows to start a chat with many people at once without being in a channel at all. The DCC Multi Chat cannot be viewed from outside and can best be understood as a channel that is alive as long as it is hosted by someone.
• - Edit Notes: This function allows you to take notes (e.g.: birthdays etc.) in connection with users.
• - Ignore User: The user is put on the ignore list. You can still see the user in the channel, however, all list or private chat requests will be ignored. You will also not see the chatting lines of this user.
• - Add to friends: The selected user will be added to your friends list. This will give you a more detailed control over the communication with this user if you access the Properties window in the context menu of the friends list.
• - Custom messages: Here, you can enter phrases you will most likely use very often. This function is great at sparing you the typing.
• - Invite to channel: If you are in more than one channel, you can invite other users to visit those channels.
• - Users list position: Here, you can choose where to put the users list: to the Left or to the Right of the window.

If you are the owner of the channel or have Operator status, then the Operator menu option will also be visible to you. This will give you access to the following commands:

• - Give Op Status: Gives Operator status to a selected user.
• - Take Op Status: Removes the Operator status from a selected user. If the user is the owner of the channel, this action is not recommended.
• - Give Helper Status: The user will be given Helper status.
• - Take Helper Status: Helper status is removed from the selected user.
• - Kick from channel: Kicks the selected user off the channel.
• - Kick & Ban: Kicks and also bans the user from the channel. It is always possible for the channel owner to remove a ban on a user through the channel Properties in the Users tab.
• - Gag: This will make it impossible for the user to chat. Messages can still be sent and received. Sometimes this option is very useful.
• - Ungag: Removes the gag.

The Friends list is a little window that can be switched on and off by pressing the Friends button or hitting F7. It shows you all your friends. Users currently online will be shown in blue colour, if a name is greyed out, it means that the user is offline. You can also tell the status of the user from here, as the window will display a little pink man next to the users name in case he is in Away mode. With the help of this little box you are able to perform a couple of very useful actions. Let us first examine the buttons n the window:

• - Chat: This will open up a private chat window for you and the selected user, which is very handy in case you see your friend being online but don't know what channel he is in.
• - Msg: With this button you can send a private message to the user.
• - Files: This will fetch the users list.
• - Add: Here, you can manually type in a users name in order to add him to your Friends list.
• - Online: This will set your status to Online
• - Invisible: If you press this button, you will be Invisible for your friends in this window. You will, however, be seen if you are in the same room.
• - Away: This will set your status to Away.

There are a number of important options hidden in the Context Menu of this window:

• - Remove user: The selected user will be removed from your friends list. This will not be noticed by the other user.
• - Add new user: You can add new users manually.
• - Alert me when online: If this option is used on one of your friends, you will be notified once he gets online.
• - Invite to channel: You can invite your friends to your channel using this button.
• - Send file(s): You can easily send files using this button.
• - DCC Chat: A Direct Cable Connection will be opened with this user.
• - Send Message: You can send messages.
• - Get Files: The users list is requested.
• - Server access: This is the same function like Get server access.
• - Edit notes: you can enter private notes in connection with friends, such as their birthday.
• - Keep window on top: If ticked, the friends window will always be on top.
• - Properties: The Properties button opens up another dialogue containing a number of settings that can help making your mutual chatting experience a lot easier and more enjoyable:
  • - You can associate a graphic with the selected friends events.
  • - The download speed you want to grant this friend can be adjusted.
  • - A special list can be selected that will be sent to this user alone.
  • Permissions:
  • - DCC Chats: You can choose whether you want to allow your friend to get into DCC Chats with you.
  • - Send me Files: If this option is ticked, all files from this user will automatically be accepted, so he can send you files while you are away.
  • - Allow access to my files outside the channels: This will grant access to your files, even if you are not in the same channel.
  • - Allow unlimited simultaneous connections: You will then grant your friend as many slots as he would like to have.
  • - Always allow Invites: If this is checked, you will automatically accept all invitations to other channels.
  • - Always grant a Slot: If ticked, you will always grant your friend a Slot.
  • - Visibility: You can choose to have the normal setting (default) or to be always or never invisible for your friend.
  • - Remove myself from their friends list: this will erase your name from your friends list. Just like the addition to a list, this action will result in a little popup window for the other user, telling him what had happened.

  If you select Properties from the context menu on the background of any channel, the Channel Properties window opens. It is designed for viewing the channel settings or - in case you are the owner - for customizing your channel.

  General:

• - Topic: Here, you can change the channel topic.
• - Secret: You can decide to make the channel secret, which means it will not be visible in the channels list.
• - Allow Log: The option for logging the chat can be enabled or disabled. When logging is disabled, it is also not possible to copy text from the chat to the clipboard, otherwise a chat log could be made by manually copying text and pasting it to an editor..
• - Disallow Outvites: You can choose to disable invitations out to other channels.
• - Only Ops can post messages: The channel can be configured in a way as to only allow Operators to post messages to the channels board.
• - Only Owner changes properties: You can decide whether you want to allow other Operators to change the channel Properties.
• - Password Protected: Channels can be protected by passwords, so only special users can get in. Choose a password below if you want this.
• - Allow Timed messages every ... minutes: The display of automated messages can be turned on or off and the frequency in which those messages appear can be set from 1 to 9 minutes.
• - Allow custom fonts/colours: You can decide whether you want to allow custom font and chat colour in your channel.
• - Allow voice chat for users not in direct mode: As using voice chat without being directly connected to the server (being firewalled, or using a proxy) will slow down the chat and create more traffic, channel owners can choose to restrict these users from voice chat.
• - Disallow Ops to Deop/Kick/Ban other Ops: This is a very useful feature to prevent annoyances among the channel Operators.
• - Delete channel: Of course, you can also remove your channel.

Users:

• - Operators: Users can be added to or removed from the Operators list.
• - Transfer Ownership: You can transfer the ownership of the channel to another user.
• - Banned Users: You can add users here. After that, they will not be allowed to the channel anymore.
• - Msg all Ops: All Operators of the channel can be messaged by hitting the Msg all Ops button

Welcome Message:

Here, you can choose a welcome text that will be displayed to every user upon entering the channel. Most widely it is used to describe the channel topic and set the rules.

Appearance:

• - Sample window: You can define the look of your channels elements by clicking on the parts displayed on this window.
• - Text font: Choose a font for the text displayed in your channel.
• - Restore default values: If you don't like your choice, the default values are just one click away.
• - Save these values as my defaults: If you are happy with your choice, you can save these settings as default for your chat.

  The context menu of the channel background offers some interesting features to all users. Of course, they will not be used by other users. Unless you are the Owner of the channel, these settings will be your personal ones.

• - Log: The channels chat history will be saved to a text file that can be found in the Logs folder of the Filetopia directory. If the owner has disabled the Log function in the channel, it will not be possible to copy text from the channel to the clipboard.
• - Beep: A beep sound can be heard every time someone types.
• - Animated character: There is an option to make an Animated character speak out loud what is being typed in the channel. For this function, you need to have the Ms-Agent installed on your computer. Filetopia automatically detects if it is installed and offers to download the software (around 400k) for you. A text-to-speech engine will also be needed. Two small characters are included (thanks to Gumboot !) and more can be found at: www.msagentring.org
• - Auto Text: A text can be chosen that will be displayed at the frequency set in the channel properties.
• - Room Away: Here, users can choose to be away in the selected channel only.
• - Override customization: In case you don't like the font and colors chosen by the owner of the channel, you can set the aspect of the channel to the values you have chosen under Options->Chat colours
• - View Log: This displays the log of the channel. This option is only available if it is allowed by the channel and chosen by the user at the same time.
• - Clear screen: This will delete all conversation off the screen.
• - Sounds: The sounds you have chosen under Options->Sounds can be triggered from here.
• - Add to favourites: You can add the channel to your favourites. This will make it easier for you to find it and will also give you a number of options accessible through the Favs menu.

Favourite Channels:

The Favourite channels window can be accessed via a little menu under Chat->Favourites if you are in Novice Mode or - for Expert mode users - by pressing the Favs button. It gives you an overview of all channels you have marked as favourite ones.

You will notice several types of information that can be stored in connection with these channels:

• - Number: The number of the channel in the favourites list.
• - Name: This shows you the name of the channel.
• - Password: If a channel needs a password for entering, this can be stored here in order to save the typing. Note that it will be stored openly.
• - List: You can choose different lists for your favourite channels.
• - Custom Text: This text will be displayed when you enter the channel only if you have ticked the Timed box.
• - Auto Join: Once this option is ticked, you will always join this channel automatically as soon as a connection to Filetopia has been established
• - Timed: Tick this box to enable your Custom Text.
• - Beep: You can choose to hear a Beep at the beginning of every typed line in the selected channel. This setting will be overriding the appropriate setting under Options-> Chat. It will do so only for the selected channel.
• - Log: You can choose to log the chat in this channel.

To the right, you will see several buttons:

• - Join: You will join the selected channel.
• - Add: You can add a new channel.
• - Delete: You can delete a channel from your Favourites list.
• - Apply: This will save the settings in case you have changed something.
• - Close: This closes the Favourites window.
• - Arrow up/down: Using these arrows, you can move channels up and down in the list, thus also changing the order of appearance in case you have several channels you join automatically.

Last not least, the bar that separates the chat window from the line you type in has a few options, as well:

• - You can choose Text font, Font size and Font colour. Also, the emoticons can be triggered from here.
• - You can activate the voice chat in this channel by checking 'Voice', so you will be able to talk using your microphone as well as hear other users that talk in the channel.

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Filetopia is an Instant Messanger that allows to send messages for users offline.   To see the messages associated with a given channel, get into the chat room and press the "Messages" button.   The "Messages window" will open and you will be able to see all the messages previously posted by selecting any from the list.  It is also possible to perform the following actions in this window:

• The New button lets you post a new message, it opens the "New message dialog" box.
• The Reply button lets you answer a selected message, by adding your new message to the thread.
• Using the Private button allows you to send a private answer to the author of the selected message.
• Close closes the "Messages window"

The "New message window" lets put a subject heading to your message. Your message can include a Subject, the text of your message and an expiration period, which can be from 1 to 30 days (it defaults to 7). After this period the message will be deleted from the server.

The "Actions" menu has a few options related to the messages:

• Send Message: To open the new message dialog and send a message to a user (like an internal mail in Filetopia).
• Private Messages: It opens the private messages window, where you read and answer to messages.

Private Messages

It is possible to send and receive private messages using Filetopia.  The 'Messages' button opens your private messages and lets you read and reply to other users.  The messages first shown are those stored at the server, if they're bold it means that they are new messages.  You can also click the 'Outgoing' tab and see all the messages that you have sent . The saving of messages can be disabled by un-checking  'Save personal messages encrypted in my hard disk' in Options->Security.  If the message files are stolen, the hacker must also know your connection password in order to access your messages.

Upon connecting to Filetopia, your new messages will be displayed automatically.

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The file Client is the part of Filetopia used for viewing other peoples Lists. It is integrated in the List window. 

When a list is opened, there are three tabs: Files, Properties and Download.

Files

Lists all files contained by the list. Depending on your settings, you either see the list as an Explorer-like list of items with a tree to the left and the files to the right. You can, however, switch to the old mode of display used by Filetopia versions 1.xx and 2.xx by using the Show/Hide folders option in the context menu. The Context Menu of this windows shows you another few entries useful for working with Filetopia. When it is your own list you are working with, you will have more options when it comes to dealing with files. Options that will not work with other peoples Lists will be marked with a (0)

When you see the tree structure of the current list, you can perform a few actions on it. You can Expand or Collapse the tree and you can choose to Hide folders in this view.

• - Open(0): will open the file.
• - Find: This is a search function related to the list currently opened. It will allow you to find files by entering keywords.
• - Delete: erases the file entry in this list.
• - Disk Files(0): This lets you work on the actual files on disk. You can Copy, Delete and Move the files.
• - Add to Hotlist: This will add the selected file to your Hotlist.
• - Add to Ignore List: The selected file will be added to your Ignore List.
• - Select will give you a couple of options to fine tune the selection of files within lists/folders:
  • - Files: lets you enter a pattern that will be used to select files (like *.txt or s.*).
  • - Path: allows for selecting files based on paths.
  • - Category: This option lets you choose files based on file types (*.txt will select all text files)
  • - Invert Selection: This will unselect the files currently selected and the other way around.
  • - All Files: selects all files.
  • - All Hotfiles: selects all files considered interesting (as defined under Options->Hot/Ignore).
  • - All Ignored Files: selects all files you're not interested in (as defined in Options->Hot/Ignore).
  • - All Duplicates: sorts out all duplicates that can be identified based on comparing the name, size and CRC checksums.
• - Assign Category: This will let you choose a category for the file, which makes it a lot easier for others to find the sort of data they're looking for.
• - Describe: lets you add a little description for the file.
• - Compare with...: This lets you choose another list to compare it against the current one.
• - Combine files with...: This lets you combine the selected files with another list.
• - Add Selected files to...: This will add the chosen files to another list.
• - Duplicate Analysis based on...: This function lets you run an analysis on duplicates with another list. This way it is very easy to find out what files are missing in your collection, as in this will find duplicates based on name, size and - if possible - on CRC checksums.

Properties

This tab will give you details about the list type:

• - List Name: The Lists name
• - Number of Files: The number of Files contained.
• - Total File Size: The total size of all Files in this list.
• - Creation Date: The date of creation.
• - Version: The version of Filetopia used at the time the list was created.
• - CRC Information: These checksums are generated by Filetopia when users create a static list. Using these checksums, files can be identified uniquely, which helps finding files no matter what names they have. The creation of lists using CRC-checksums takes significantly longer, however, it will enable you to identify identical files in 100% of all cases.
• - Description: The user can add more information about his list here
• - Directories: The total number of directories contained by the list.
• - Master List: You can define a Master List which is being used for list comparisons performed automatically.
• - List Type: The List type can either be static or dynamic. Dynamic lists will be generated upon request. The list only holds information about what folders will be contained. The content is sampled 'as is', which means: if files got added to folders in the list since creation, they will be contained by the list. A static List type will generate CRC-checksums, which uniquely identifies files. It will, however, not be updated through changes.
• - Ignored Files/Hot Files: You can choose Files to be un/interesting. This is done via Options->Hot/Ignore. Filetopia will then act as instructed on these files when lists are being loaded.

 

Download

This window contains a portion of the whole list you are working on. In fact, it's the list you create by choosing files from the list for download. The order can be changed by highlighting the files in the queue and using the Up/Down arrows to the right. Files can also be Skipped.

In case a user goes offline and the download is not finished yet, you can save the current state of this particular download list using the Save button. Filetopia will then generate a file called downloads-listname.cml in your Filetopia->Lists directory. This way, it is very easy to resume huge download lists at a later time without selecting each file anew. All you need to do, if you want to resume a list like this, is opening it, requesting access to the users server by using the Get server access function and then hit the Download button of the saved list.

As soon as you start using the List->Compare function of Filetopia, you will recognise two more tabs in the list.

• - Missing: sorts all Files contained by the other list that you don't have in your own, while
• - Missed: lists all Files the other list does not have. Both Lists can be saved like the Download Lists. By default, Filetopia adds Missing and Missed to the end of the Lists name. You will also see the results of your comparison being displayed on the Properties tab

The File Server

Is displaying all transactions taking place on your computer. You can open it by clicking on the mauve panel to the right bottom. You will notice five more, new tabs: Active Transfers, History, Watch List, Queue, and Users.

• - Active Transfers: Here, all transfers to or from your server are on display - both Up- and Downloads can be seen and their progress observed. At the bottom of this window, you can examine the history of the server. All actions will be noted here. This little window is very handy for tracking down bugs but it also contains information that can be used to find out why transfers don't start or lists don't come.
• - History: Here, all processes are listed that have come to a halt of some sort. This can be finished Up- or Downloads, but also aborted transfers. The context menu of this window lets you add items to your Watch List.
• - Watch List: This window shows all Files Filetopia is watching out for in order to automatically retrieve them as soon as they are available. You can use this function via the context menu of the History tab.
• - Queue: A list of all Files that are waiting to be uploaded to other users.
• - Users: Here, you can see all users that had contact with your server of some sort, meaning File transfers, Lists requests and such.

The Main Menu bar has a few more options for the File Client/Server category. Some of them can be found in the Tools menu:

• - The File Server window can be opened using the File Server Option (F9).
• - Make a List with new Files: This will generate a list containing all files recently downloaded (F10).
• - View all incompleted transfers: This generates a list of all transfers that have not been completed successfully (F11).
• - View my shared files: This option lets you quickly check all files shared on your machine (Shift+F10).
• - You can open your Downloads folder directly by using the Tools->Open Download Directory function (Ctrl+F9).
• - You can Configure your animated character.
• - The Options dialogue can be reached from here, as well (F12).

Options concerned with Lists, their creation and their further use can be found in the Lists menu of the main menu bar:

• - New List: This option will create a blank list that can be filled as you choose.
• - Open List: This will lead you to your default Lists directory (Filetopia->Lists). Here all your own lists and those you have downloaded are saved by default, so you can open them again.
• - Reopen: Here you will be presented with the lasts five Lists you have opened.
• - Save List: This will save a list under its current name.
• - Save List as...: This function gives you the option to save the current list under another name or as another file format. Filetopia can save Lists as .cml (Collection Manager List: this type of list is a compressed binary able to contain CRC-checksums and will not be updated as you add/delete files/folders to directories held by this list), .cmd (Collection Manager Dynamic: this type of List will always show the data contained by the folders you have chosen. It cannot, however, store CRC-checksums.), .cma (Collection Manager ASCII: a list designed for the exchange with other applications)
• - Compare: This process will let you compare one list against another.
• - Combine : This function is designed for joining two existing lists into one.
• - Clone: This is intended to make an exact duplicate of a List.
• - Dupe Analysis: This tool will help you finding duplicates in lists. The analysis is done based on name, size and - if possible - CRC checksums..

Trade mode

Some users might not want to share their files freely. This is why Filetopia has an option to function in Trade Mode. This mode can be enabled under Options->Server.

In Trade Mode, you can exactly determine at what exchange rate you wish to transfer bits of data. A ratio of 4 means you will send 4 bytes for every uploaded byte. You can give a certain amount of Initial Credit, which is meant to act as a sample, so people can check the content before deciding to upload to get the data from you.

You can automate the file exchange procedure with other users by entering a channel and selecting Unattended from the channels context menu. In this case, you will allow all users of that channel (except ignored or banned ones) to have access to your list and File Server.

Traders are subject to various limits as far as the file exchange is concerned. They cannot retrieve files from Search. Filetopia will kindly inform you about this and give you the option to change into Free Share Mode. Also, Traders cannot get files from other users as long as they are not Traders themselves. There are several settings that can be configured under Options->Server. However, as they are needed for all users and not only Traders, they will be explained in the Options section under Server.

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There is a large number of settings that can be configured in the Filetopia Client. They can be reached by pressing the Options button on the main button bar or hitting F12. This explanation will start listing them with the Connection tab. Be sure to take note of the hint system extensively used in the Options dialogue.

Connection

• - Login Information: Here, you can choose your nickname and password and decide whether you want your password to be saved. If you do not save it, you will have to enter it every time you log on to the Filetopia network.
• - Main interest: Here, you can choose a main filed of interest.
• - Connection speed: This allows you to enter how fast your internet connection is.
• - Connection method: You can choose whether you are using a proxy or a firewall to access the internet. In most cases, it will be best to choose the default option - Auto-detect- . The other options should only be used by advanced users.

  At the bottom, you see options only to be used by people that are connecting through a proxy server.

  Shared files

  Here you can choose the paths on your hard drive that you want to share or protect. The first little window will let you navigate to the path you want to choose. After you have chosen a path, you need to press one of the two buttons below (Make available or Protect) The second window displays all paths currently shared. You can erase paths easily from the shared list by highlighting them and hitting the Erase button to the right. The paths will only be deleted from the list, of course. The third window shows all paths protected. Note that you don't need to protect paths that are not contained by shared folders. This option is only used to protect folders within shared areas. (for example, if you share all files on d:\ you will not need to protect anything on c:\ as they are invisible to other users as long as they are not shared. If you want to protect files within your shared drive e:\, you can do so using the Protect function. There is an easy way of seeing all files shared by hitting View my shared files list.

  Paths

  This section lets you choose the folders for the files you download, and the lists you receive or create. A very useful option is the one offering to create subfolders for every user. It helps avoiding a file mess by giving a first instrument to organise matters. Additionally, you can choose to reproduce part of the original folder structure when downloading files. Filetopia will then generate the last x folders of the source computer (with x being the number of folders you have chosen to reproduce).

  Server

  With the options on this tab, you can configure all settings related to Filetopia functioning as a server for other users. - Sever port: Here, you can choose a fixed port that will be used by Filetopia. Alternately, you can choose to use random ports, which is considerably more secure. A backup port will help keeping contact to the Filetopia network in case of a weak connection. - Bandwidth control: Be sure to read the hints on these options, they explain all functions very well. - Trade mode: A more detailed explanation can be found here.

  Security

  This tab lets you choose the encryption method Filetopia will use for all communication. You can set the number of bits being used for generating the random seed. A higher number of bits will give more security. Feel free to follow the link to the internet to learn more about encryption. This section also contains the Parental Control. As some channels might contain material unsuitable for children, Filetopia has an inbuilt password protection to help preventing the unwanted access without restrictions. If enabled, the client will only allow for visiting G-rated channels. These channels are certified to keep out material considered harmful for children. In addition to the encryption, Filetopia makes use of a Bouncer system, if wanted. A bouncer is a bit like a proxy, it will take your requests and 'bounce' them to another server until eventually it will arrive where it should. The advantage of this system is that it will keep your IP address covered. The downside to it is loss on transfer speed and connection stability. To learn more about bouncers, feel free to visit the web.

  Lists

  Here, you can choose the lists you want to use. You can set the parameters for the automatic comparison of new lists with your master list and you can also determine Filetopias behaviour when it comes to the creation of new lists.

  Hot/Ignore

  This section can be used to fine-tune Filetopias alertness concerning certain file-types. You can tell the system what sort of files you are looking for and what file-types should be ignored. The lists you create using these options can be viewed from this tab, as well.

Chat

This tab combines a couple of options you might want to use for your chat.

Default channel options:
- Log Chat: This will save the chat of the channels you are in as a text file. The file can be found under Filetopia->Logs. Note that this option only works if the channel owner allows for chat to be logged.
- Voice activated: This is for using voice chat.
- Beep every new line: This option, if ticked, will produce a beep at the beginning of every line that is being typed.

Other:
- Disable Invites: This will effectively block all invitations to other rooms.
- Always use server for chat: This option can be useful if there are problems with lag in the chat. Using the server for chat will eliminate lag in most cases. This option is also useful in case you cannot see some of the people in the channel. If you are using voice chat, please note that the use of firewalls or proxys will generate extra traffic resulting also in a time delay.
- Show Joins/Leaves: This gives you a the simple choice of displaying or hiding the server notifications upon other users joining or leaving.
- Show Away/Auto Messages: If you don't want to see the Auto- or Away messages of other users, you can disable them here.

Character: These are settings related to the use of animated chat characters.

Chat colors

Here, you can adjust Filetopias visual experience to your personal likings. Click on any item listed in the window and a dialogue will pop up that lets you choose the colour of this item. The buttons below can be used to select the default chat font and the custom chat font. Default chat font will be used in channels that don't allow for custom chat colours/fonts, whereas custom chat font will be used in all channels allowing users to choose their own font.

Sounds

Filetopia uses sound notifications for certain events. Here, you can choose the sound files for these events. You can also disable the sounds and the /sound and /play commands in channels. Using these commands, users can fire up sound files during the chat. In order to hear these sounds, you will need to have them in your Filetopia->Sounds folder.

Profile

Some users might want to give information about themselves in the Profile window. You can put text in here or links to the web. You can also choose a picture that will be displayed in the Users information window.

Users

This tab is designed for the advanced handling of other users. You can see all your friends being displayed in the Friends window. Adding a user to the Ignore window will completely ignore anything such as list requests, chat and messages. If you decide to Ban a user, you can still see the user in the chat or receive messages, however, the user will have no access to your server anymore.

Advanced

Other Options:

- Save Debug information in log file: A function mainly used for debugging. As a normal user, you will not need this option.

- Start program when windows starts (as a tray icon): This will alter your registry in order to make Filetopia start as a system service, immediately after windows has booted. Filetopia will be sitting in the tray then, waiting to be used.

- Start program maximized: This will maximize the Filetopia window automatically as soon as the program is started.

- Set Away when minimizing to tray: Your status will be set to away as soon as you minimize Filetopia to the tray, if you tick this option.

- Allow function as a supernode: If you have a fast internet connection, you might want to contribute to the server network of Filetopia. You will be able to host approximately 400 users in exchange for about 4 kb/s upload traffic. If you disconnect from the server, the load will be balanced towards other servers.

-Tray icon left button operation: When minimized to the tray, the left mouse button can have different functions. You can choose to either show the main window again, a simple Information window, or your Friends list.

Other

Search:

Here, you can disable global search. If you do so, your files will not be found using the search engine. If you want to have a list designed for the Global Search, you can choose one under Options->Lists.

You can also choose to save all your search requests by default. They will then be available for future searches.

User interface:

- Go to tray to minimize: This will send Filetopia to the tray as an icon, as soon you minimize it.

- Allow two rows in taskbar: Using this option, you will be able to have two rows in the taskbar. This way you can have more windows open while still being able to read what they are.

- Auto hide file server: If you have a tick here, Filetopia will automatically hide the File Server window, as soon as you jump to another one. This way, you will never have the File Server on your taskbar.

- View folders in list: If you uncheck this, Filetopia will display all lists without the tree structure.

- Font used for messages: This determines the default font for the display of your messages.

File Client:

- Put failed transfers automatically in watch list: This option will automatically put all transfers that had been disturbed or aborted into the Watchlist. This way, you will never lose track of files you want.

- When receiving a file that already exists: Here, you can decide how Filetopia should act in case a file you're trying to download already exists on your harddrive. Restore will leave the file, resuming it in case the file you download is bigger than what you have. Overwrite will delete what you have and download the file anew. Ask will give you a popup asking for a decision each time.

- Rollback amount: You can set an amount of kilobytes Filetopia will overwrite at the end of the file in case of a resumed download. This will effectively prevent files to be damaged due to unwanted disturbances such as system crashes.

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The Getting Started Wizard is a very handy tool for all new users of Filetopia. It automatically opens up when you run Filetopia for the first time.

Three steps will help you to get Filetopia up and running.

Step One lets you to choose a Nickname and a Password to protect it. You are asked to confirm the password in order to make sure you avoid misprints. You should then press the Reserve Nick button. This is to make sure your nickname is not in use already. You can also choose your Main interest, Connection speed and Connection method. If you don't use a corporate firewall or a proxy, it is best to try the I have a direct connection setting. In case you cannot log on, you can still change this setting under Options->Connection. If you are using a Proxy, you can either manually enter the settings you wish to use or import the settings generally used by Windows.

Step Two will allow you to choose the parts of your computer you wish to share with other users. You can add or delete items from the Shared directories list using the buttons between the windows.

Step Three is asking you for a general choice. You can decide whether to run Filetopia in Free share or Trade mode. Free Share is by far the more widely used form giving you all freedom to share files both ways - up and down. If you opt for Trade mode, you will be able to handle file transfers in a more restrictive way such as using a down/upload ratio, yet you will be forced to sacrifice a bit of your freedom. You will not be able to download from the Global Search and you will also not be able to download from other users that are not traders. In fact, you will not even be able to send Free Share users any files at all. While being able to browse their files and view the results of your queries on Filetopia Search, you will be restricted from getting the goods you see with a friendly hint and the option to become a Free Share mode user.

The last window you will see after Step Three will let you decide to run the program either in Novice or in Expert mode. Novice mode will hide some of the buttons and options for beginners. Filetopia can also be run as a system service, starting up each time you boot Windows. Of course, you will be able to change all settings adjusted in the course of these three steps using the Options menu. In case of any difficulties, feel free to browse this Manual or ask the operators in the Public channels. Welcome aboard...We hope you will enjoy the show!.

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For updated versions and more information, please visit our web page at:

            http://www.filetopia.com

You can also contact Filetopia at the following email addresses:

• For Technical related issues: tech@filetopia.com
• For  Administrative issues admin@filetopia.com
• For  Web related issues: webmaster@filetopia.com

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