Connaction is a helper utility to make it dead simple for you to connect and disconnect from the internet quickly and easily. You can set up a limitless (if you register) list of tasks to perform whenever you connect or disconnect, such as opening or closing your internet applications, or disconnecting or re-connecting.
It watches your internet connection constantly, so that if the connection is dropped unexpectedly, or another program connects/disconnects, then the list of actions to carry out will still be carried out. It also provides the facility for you to connect and disconnect from within the main window, so you no longer need to visit the PPP or Remote Access control panel.
What does it require?
The program requires about 1.3 megabytes of memory (2 meg recommended), although this varies slightly depending on the number of actions you have assigned. The other requirement is OpenTransport or MacTCP, which will be used to connect and disconnect, and to monitor your internet connection. The latest version of OpenTransport is recommended, which is 2.0.2 at time of writing.
What don't I get in the unregistered version?
The unregistered version doesn't allow you to do more than 3 tasks. This should be adequate for you to test out the program and see if it's useful to you. Once you've registered you can put in as many tasks as you like.
You'll also be bugged each time you start the program with a Please Register dialog. Registration is only $10 US, and it really is important to us, so please do register.
How do I use it?
Using Connaction is simple. Simply double-click on it to open it. Once it's open, you'll want to setup which actions are performed on connection and disconnection. Select an action from the pop-up menu below whichever list. Depending on the action depends on what happens now. If it's a self-explanatory action, such as "Connect" or "Disconnect", then it will automatically be appended to the actions list. If it's something like "Open" or "Close" then the Select button will become enabled, and you can then choose the file or application you wish to open/close. It will be added to the list after you choose it.
To remove an action from the list, simply select it and press delete.
Once everything is setup, you're ready. Whenever you connect to the internet, all the actions you have specified will be performed, and the same goes for when you disconnect. This is of course provided Connaction is open when the connection/disconnection occurs. If you open Connaction after connecting, it will realise you're online, but won't execute any Connect actions.
If you don't mind having Connaction open permanently then simply make an alias to it in your Startup Items folder. Easy.
Tips:
If you have programs like ICQ or AIM, that only work when you're on the internet, then add them to your Disconnect list as programs to close. Other programs, like your web browser or email app, shouldn't be closed automatically unless you're sure that's what you want, as you may find that the web page or email you were still reading will be lost as the program quits.
If you have a permanent connection to the internet, simply put "Connect" as one of your actions in the Disconnect list. Now whenever the modem disconnects for whatever reason it will automatically attempt to reconnect. If you have this setup and you want to disconnect for a period, yet can't because Connaction will try to reconnect, then simply turn Connaction off, using the Operation radio buttons (or by quitting it), and then click Disconnect. Connaction won't pay attention to the disconnection, and your list of actions won't be carried out.
Contact Information:
You can visit 2100 Software's website at http://2100sw.virtualave.net/. You can email us using conn@2100sw.virtualave.net. Please feel free to contact us if any problems arise while using this program, or if you'd just like to ask a question, suggest a new feature, whatever.
