--------------------------
x Chat 2.5 Readme.txt
--------------------------


If you are viewing this using Notepad, select 'Edit' in the toolbar and 'Word Wrap', and maximize the window. 


Install.txt  - Please read it before you install this program
Issue.txt    - Known issues, problems and bugs found in this version
Version.txt  - Version History
Vendinfo.diz - Vendor Information for Software Distributors
File_id.diz  - Simple program description 


About x Chat
------------
This program is called "x Chat". After the program was released previously, I found that there are a lot of programmes and websites with the similar name (Xchat, X-Chat etc). x Chat has nothing related to these programmes or websites.
 
x Chat has not been proved as a unique name. In addition, it has not registered yet. If "x Chat" is a registered trademark of Your/your Company's product. Please contract me by email dragonsix@bigfoot.com.


Agreement:
----------
This program is freeware. It can be distributed freely as long as it is not for resale purpose. The author does not have any responsibility of any damage to data, programmes and your computer. There is no software or program without bugs or errors. (Even the one you have to pay for) I will keep update to fix major/minor bugs and add some improvements. Please check the website for the update x Chat.


What is x Chat?
---------------
x Chat is a simple and easy-to-use chat program for network-ready Intranet.

This is a chat program for local network (not for Internet).

Before you install this program, make sure you meet the following:

- Already connected to a network.  
- It is a Microsoft Windows Network, Not Novell.
- Know the concept of IP address, Host, Port.
- You and remote user are using static IP address.
- Remote user also has this program (same version).
- You are using a fast and reliable network connection.
- You are using English version of Windows 95/98/NT.
- Your computer is Pentium, Celeron, Pentium II or higher class.

If you do not meet any conditions above, please DO NOT install this program.


Program Requirement: (Both Computers running this program.)
-------------------
OS          : Windows 95/98/NT
Memory      : 32MB
Processor   : Pentium 133, Pentium II recommended
Network     : TCP/IP protocol, Client for Microsoft Network
Network Card: Any Ethernet Cards


Installation
------------

==================================================================
To avoid duplicate x Chat uninstall in "Add/Remove Program".
Always uninstall previous x Chat program.
================================================================== 
Step 1: Uninstall any previous x Chat if you have.

==================================================================
It requires Visual Basic Virtual Machine 6.0 Dynamic Link Library
 (MSVBVM60.dll) and associated components. 
==================================================================
Step 2: Make sure you have VB Runtime 6 library (MSVBVM60.dll in C:\Windows\System Folder). Or download from Microsoft Website.
http://support.microsoft.com/download/support/mslfiles/Vbrun60.exe

==================================================================
Where is Setup.exe or Install.exe? This program use the new 
Windows Installer package to install.
==================================================================
Step 3: To check if you have Windows Installer in your system, simple Right-Click xchat.msi. If you see the "Install" option in the top, then you don't have to download Windows Installer. However, if you are not that lucky, download it from Microsoft Website.
http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/platformsdk/instmsi.htm


** During the installation, if there is a missing file error. Double-Click a hlp.bat file and retry.


New Features
============

 Network Tools

  Net Resolve - Convert IP address to host address or vice versa. 
  Net View - A utility to show the intranet computers.
 
 Security
 
  Encryption - Send data over encrypted connection.
  Password - Protect the identification of you and remote user from using x 
Chat.
  IP Blocking - Prevent some annoying users from disturb you.
  Confirmation- Prompt you before starting a session request from remote user.
 
 Auto Connect
 
  AutoConnect - Check specific users online and connect to them automatically.
  Command Line- Allow 3rd party program to launch x Chat with specific address as parameter.
 
 Connectivity
 
  Multi-Network - Supports multiple NICs, networks. 
  Error Recovery - Detect invalid destination address and port number and retry. 
  Session Log - Show you the time when there is a incoming connection while you are away. 
 
 User Friendly
 
  Simple Interface- Standard Windows95/98/NT interface with individual graphical help. 
  Few Clicks - Perform any function without more than 3 mouse clicks.
  Drag & Drop - Supports drag & drop features.
  System Tray - Save task bar workspace by storing in system tray while it 

Starts.
  Save Setting - Remember what you set previously (in real time) and the windows positions.
  Customize - Provide many customize feature through setting or edit ini file.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have problems, please see ISSUE.TXT for known problems.
----------------------------------------------------------------------



For more and updated information and troubleshooting, please select Online Help and visit the website. 
[ http://xstudio.bizland.com/digital/xchat ] or [ http://conect.to/xchat ]

Author Email: dragonsix@bigfoot.com


