PPPop is a shareware Macintosh PPP operator application which is useful to anyone who uses dialup PPP to connect to the Internet.
PPPop simplifies the process of connecting and disconnecting; it provides a visual indication of your connection status; it enables you to quickly change dialup numbers and Internet accounts; it keeps track of online time, and it launches applications and URLs.
When you use PPPop, you don't need to use another control panel to open or close a connection. Just click on PPPop's button. The arrow on the button shows the current state of PPP: up or down.
PPPop displays your time online in a separate little window. When a connection opens or closes, PPPop will play a distinctive sound. When you connect, PPPop can automatically run other applications or scripts, or open URLs. Likewise, when you disconnect, PPPop can close your applications and run cleanup scripts for you.
PPPop has many more conveniences including session logging, time limits, separate settings for different accounts, and selection of PPP, TCP/IP, and Modem settings directly from a menu. PPPop is also scriptable.
PPPop is aware of Mac OS 8.5 Appearance Themes as well as Kaleidoscope Color Schemes.
PPPop is designed to be fun to use and nice to look at. It is a Macintosh only application.
2. What is New in PPPop2
Floating Windows
• The single most requested feature. You can now make the Button and Timer windows float above all other windows.
Easy Internet Account Switching
• Server menu now includes PPP, TCP/IP, and Modem configurations. (Modem not needed with FreePPP 2.6.)
• Profiles added. Profiles are groups of settings including timer data, log file, and Launcher items.
• Apple Location Manager module added. Switches Profiles for you when you make a Location change.
Support for Mac OS Appearance Themes and Kaleidoscope Color Schemes
• PPPop has been rewritten to adopt Appearance Themes, as supported by Mac OS 8.5. It also responds to Color Schemes of the shareware program, Kaleidoscope.
Connection Status Window
• Your computer's IP address, the remote IP address, total bytes in and out, and bytes per second in and out are displayed in a separate window. (For OT/PPP, ARA, and FreePPP 2.6 only.)
Connect Via Application Option
• If PPPop is unable to open a connection for you by signalling directly to OT/PPP, it may be able to do so indirectly. When you click PPPop's button, PPPop can run an application (or a compiled AppleScript) which could be a startup command for your PPP software.
Other Changes
• Simple PPP support is gone. Sorry to any of you who use it...
• Previously, timer data was saved automatically every minute. This is now user-selectable to avoid unwanted disk accesses.
• ARA compatible.
• Option added to hide the Timer when you are offline.
• Log file always has same number of tabs per line (6).
• Application killing at disconnect no longer brings the dying applications to the front.
• PPPop itself can now be on the list of applications to be killed.
• Upgraded all parts of the program.
PPPop 2.0.4 - Bugs Fixed
• Crashes related to floating windows reported by some users:
• When quitting PPPop.
• When unchecking "Floating Timer".
• When quitting PPPop while a connection is open.
• When double-clicking a floating window.
• Crash when PPPop is in the Startup Items folder reported by some users.
• Several cosmetic bugs fixed.
Special thanks to Karl Antz, Dan Cottler, and Steve Flax for helping in the bug hunt.
N.B. At least one user still reports problems with the floating windows. Please send me a report if you experience any crashes.
3. Hardware and Software Requirements
• Hardware: Macintosh computer with a PowerPC CPU. This version of PPPop will not run on a 68k Macintosh. RAM requirement 600k, 400k with virtual memory.
• System Software: OS 7.1 or later with Appearance extension 1.0.3. OS 8.1 or later recommended. PPPop is optimized for OS 8.5.
• Network: OpenTransport or MacTCP with compatible PPP software. PPPop has been tested with the following PPP software:
OT/PPP
Apple Remote Access
MacPPP 2.0.1
MacPPP 2.5.1 (from Apple Internet Connection Kit, version 1.2)
FreePPP 1.0.5
FreePPP 2.5v3
FreePPP 2.6.2
Recommended Additional Software
• Internet Config 2.0 is very strongly recommended. With Internet Config 2.0, you can use PPPop to open URL items from the Launcher. Mac OS 8.5 comes with Apple's own version of Internet Config 2.0. You do not need to install it when you use OS 8.5.
The latest version is available from Stairways.
• Apple Location Manager. The version for desktop Macs is included with OS 8.1 and later. You can also download it from Apple.
Appearance Extension Note
PPPop2 has adopted the Appearance look . To avoid carrying a large backward compatibility burden, PPPop will not work without the Appearance extension. The good news, for those who don't have the Appearance extension, is that you can download it from Apple for free. Go to www.apple.com and use the Search function to find "Appearance 1.0.3".
4. Pricing Information
PPPop is shareware. Thank you for your support!
Single User License: US $20
Upgrade from Registered PPPop 1.4 or later: US $10
Site License (small company or computer lab): US $99
World Wide License: US $2000
Register your copy via Kagi <http://order.kagi.com/?RF&S>, by using the Register application, or by sending your payment directly to the author. For further information, look in the Help menu when you run the program.
5. Contact Information
Rob Friefeld, 4607 Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814
Email 1: frie@gte.net
Email 2: rob@kagi.com
WorldWideWeb: <http://home1.gte.net/frie/>
Anti-litigation Statement and Copyright
PPPop is distributed because it may be useful. It is not warranted to do anything, nor to be free of bugs. If PPPop causes you grave physical, financial, or emotional harm - you have my sympathy. Beyond that, the author disclaims any liability for any kind of damages whatsoever resulting from the use of this program. You use this software at your own risk. Do not use PPPop if you do not agree to these conditions.
