Using the FirstClass Client software on your computer now involves the installation of more than simply the application and settings files for individual systems.
FirstClass Client 2.5 also includes several folders that should remain in the same folder as the FirstClass Client application itself:
Settings - the first place the client looks for settings files when it starts
Modems - where modem configuration settings are saved as individual text files
FCP - where FirstClass scripts describing various connection methods are stored (do not edit the documents in this folder. They are for use by the client application only.)
Scripts - where the client looks for login scripts to connect to servers through SprintNet, etc.
Download - the folder FirstClass first suggests when downloading files from a server (note that this "folder" can be an alias to anywhere else in your system, even your desktop, if you're running System 7.)
The new FirstClass Client provides support for the enhanced e-mail features in FirstClass 2.5 and offers a number of exciting interface enhancements and even higher performance.
INSTALLATION
Installing the FirstClass Client 2.5 is easy. Drag the FirstClass® Client 2.5 folder, complete with all of its sub-folders, onto your hard drive.
OPERATION
You may use all of your old FirstClass settings files with the new client. When you double-click on them, the new client will convert them on-the-fly into a new format used by the 2.5 client (but will remain backwards compatible with old versions of FirstClass.) Copy them into the Settings folder, if you wish.
The 2.5 client allows customized login graphics (created by administrators of FirstClass systems) to float in their own windows. These splash screens may now be of any size. If you are using a non-2.5 settings file, these spash screens will appear in the top left hand corner of your screen by default. Both the splash screen and login window remember where you place them from session to session.
Setup of your connection method is handled slightly different in FirstClass 2.5. Press the setup button on the login window to choose the type of connection you wish to make to your server. Press the setup button beside the type of connection to set up the specifics of that connection.
NEW FUNCTIONALITY
The new client offers a number of major improvements. Among them:
• Overall faster speed
• Smaller RAM requirements
• Improved modem handling through separate text files
• Support for login scripting
• Faster downloads by network, modem and WAN
• MUCH faster uploads by network, modem and WAN
• Support for forms stationery
• Proper greying of icons when opened
• Icons do not flash when double-clicked on top of background conference pictures
• Revised default message forms
• New, easier to use palette
• Support for extra customization (logout sound, for instance)