MicroGenius AntiTimer README file

AntiTimer 1.51

Contents:
1. Welcome
2. Explanation of AOL's Idle policy
3. Installing / Uninstalling
4. How to use AntiTimer
5. Options
6. Problems and where to get support
7. Recognition

1. Welcome

2. Explanation of AOL's Idle Policy

First off, AOL is not a regular ISP. Rather than a simple connection to the internet, AOL provides plenty of original content themselves. I am referring to their software, not the AOL.com internet site. Having their own software allows them to control their customers with far more precision. (That is the theory) Users who are not doing anything are prompted with two types of idle messages.

One is the normal "idle" message, informing the user that they aren't doing anything, and that they will kicked offline if they fail to do anything within a few minutes or so. The message appears around every 10 to 15 minutes or so (provided you haven't done anything during that time). It is actually a good idea in theory: it would remove users that are not using the service, thereby freeing up bandwidth and other services for people that are actually using AOL. The problem with this message is that it cannot accurately detect when someone is idle. Other ISP's simply determine if the user has transmitted any data within a certain time. AOL, on the other hand, can't do this. To be considered an active or non-idle user on AOL, you must be doing something through the AOL interface. Which, importantly, does NOT include any programs outside of the AOL interface or third party programs such as Netscape Navigator, mIRC, ICQ, etc. Neither does it include simple tasks such as typing email (although when you send the mail it will not consider you idle).

The other type of idle message is the dreaded 45-minute message. It occurs approximately every 45 to 47 minutes, informing the user that they have been on for 45 minutes (since the last message), and if the user does not respond to the message within a few minutes, they are kicked offline. The big problem with this message is that it occurs regardless of your "idle status." Nothing you do will keep this message from appearing. Using AntiTimer will remove this idle message from your screen almost immediately.

In light of these unfair idle messages, I have written this program. I feel that the idle messages from other ISP's are just. However, because AOL does not seem to have the power to truly determine if someone is idle, I feel justified writing this program. AntiTimer should take care of these messages as soon as they appear, within a second or two. AOL does not have to be the active (on-top) application for AntiTimer to work, as do some other antitimer-type programs.

3. Installing / Uninstalling

To Uninstall AntiTimer, do NOT simply delete the folder that you installed to! The AntiTimer install has taken use of VB6 and has added items to the registry, so if you just delete the folder you will be leaving all sorts of "junk" behind. This is true for almost all programs you install. So, to uninstall AntiTimer, open the Windows Control Panel and double-click Add/Remove programs. Scroll down to the AntiTimer entry, and then click Add/Remove. AntiTimer will ask you if you are sure that you want to remove AntiTimer. Click yes (if you are sure). It will then be uninstalled. AntiTimer might tell you that some items could not be deleted. This means that there are things in your AntiTimer directory other than the program files. This includes anything YOU put in there, such as the install file.

4. Using AntiTimer

Also, note that AntiTimer sits in the Win9x system tray (in the lower right hand corner next to the clock). Right click on the icon to bring up a context menu. To hide AntiTimer TO the system tray, just click the Hide button. To see it again, left click once on the icon in the system tray.

Also, new in this version is an AutoUpdate feature. The idea of this feature is to let you know when a new version of AntiTimer has become available, instead of forcing you to constantly check my site yourself. Each time you sign on to AOL, AntiTimer will check a certain file on my website to see if there is a new version. If there isn't, you won't be bothered. If there is, a new button will apear on the AntiTimer program window. A little yellow button with an exclamation point will be present. Simply click it and AntiTimer will wisk you to my website.

5. Options

• AutoUpdate: This option will give you control over the AutoUpdate feature. Either on or off, not too confusing. I would recommend leaving it on. I can't think of why you would want to turn it off. But, I feel that users should have the choice.
• Auto-minimize at AntiTimer startup: If this option is checked, AntiTimer will automatically minimize itself to the system tray when it is loaded.
• Load AOL at startup: If this option is checked, AntiTimer will load AOL when it is started (provided that AOL isn't already running). This is a great feature because now you can startup both AOL and AntiTimer at the same time simply by enabling this option and running AntiTimer. After enabling this option, you can simply run AntiTimer. Then, AOL will automatically be loaded, and you won't have to remember to start AntiTimer later.
• Audible 'Idle kill' confirmation: If this option is checked, AntiTimer will play a sound that you specify whenever it makes an idle-kill. This might give you a little more reassurance.
• Add Icon to: Also, AntiTimer can make links for you, just in case you lost yours. Either on the Desktop or in the Start Menu.
• Load these programs upon AOL connection: This function works much like ICQ's NetDetect function, except that it works with AOL (ICQ's doesn't). If you want some other program started whenever you log onto AOL, just tell AntiTimer where it's located and it will run the program the next time you sign on. AntiTimer has the ability to run three such programs. To make sure you don't receive errors for invalid files, be sure to leave a line blank if you aren't using it.

6. Problems and where to get support

I am also looking for suggestions. What would you like to see in the next version of AntiTimer? If it's a good idea, I'll put it in, and give you credit! I would love some suggestions!

7. Recognition

Many thanks go to Julie Id, who gave me many suggestions. To those of you who helped me with beta tests, I appreciate it. To those of you who downloaded betas but did not do what I requested, you will not be so lucky next time. Learning to follow directions should have been a step you took in kindergarten. I would also like to thank Otser, because he helped me with my VB coding. I would also like to thank the loyal users of AntiTimer, because they have provided many ideas for useful options in AntiTimer, including most found in the AntiTimer Options.

8. (Secret Chapter)