The M-C-M Simple Family: Frequently Asked Questions Part II 
Including Installation, Uploading, Troubleshooting, and Miscellaneous

For updated information about the Simple Family, please visit: http://www.mcmtech.com/download/faq.html


INSTALLATION

For complete installation instructions, feel free to visit: readme.html or: For Simpson, http://www.mcmtech.com/download/s/readme.html
For Simpleton, http://www.mcmtech.com/download/sn/readme-sn.html
for Simpson Plus, http://www.mcmtech.com/download/s_p/readme-s_p.html
for M-C-M Lite, http://www.mcmtech.com/download/lite/readme.html

How can I upgrade an old version of my Simple software to the latest version?
Just click here...

On which platforms can I run M-C-M Simple?
M-C-M Simple is a truly cross-platform software. That means you can run it on any platform you want (as long as it can read Java - i.e. Netscape 3.0, MS Internet Explorer 3.0, HotJava, etc.) and update it from any platform with a text editor (for FTP updating) or any platform that recognizes "html forms" (everything since Netscape 1.1) (for cgi updating).

Can I place an image within my M-C-M applet so that viewers with browers that don't support Java can still see something?
Yes, you can! Just make sure you insert the image/test tag in the right way:

To insert a static image:

<applet code="ups_p.class"
 width="500" height="20">
<img src="fox.gif">
</applet>

To insert a text:

<applet code="ups_p.class"
 width="500" height="20">
If your browser supported Java, you would see M-C-M moving headlines here...
</applet>

Basically, whatever you choose to place between the applet-tag and the closing-applet-tag (as in the examples above) will show on browsers that don't support Java.

What are the system requirements for M-C-M Simple?
There aren't too many requirements. We recommend that you have the following: 8 MB RAM, Internet access via modem (SLIP/PPP), ISDN, or high-speed link.

What are the "up" files?
"up" files are Simple filenames that begin with the letters "up". This indicates that these are the files to be uploaded to your Webserver.

I downloaded your software, but there was no .exe file for setting up the program. Is there some mistake?
No, there's no mistake. Our program has no .exe file because it is (originally) a server-based software and because it was designed for NC's (yes, Network Computers) and the thin PC market. To install the software (on any computer), just follow the instructions at readme.html

How can I customize my M-C-M Tag (i.e. choose height, width, cycles, etc.)?
The easiest way to design and customize your tag is to take advantage of the M-C-M Tag Wizard(http://www.mcmtech.com/support/wiz01.html) on our Website. All you need to do is answer a short questionnaire and the Wizard will generate your tag for you with the parameters updated according to your preferences. Alternatively, you can update the parameters manually by following the instructions in your readme file.

Do I have to use all of the parameters? Can I skip some or write them in a different order?
You can write the parameters in any order you choose and you do not have to use all of them.

How can I register for technical support?
Please visit http://www.mcmtech.com/gasolineplease.html. Fill out the form and submit it to us (this is VERY important!) to let us know that you've successfully installed the software.  
 

HOW TO USE

Does M-C-M Simple let me update messages from my friend's or colleague's computer, even if it's located in a different office, city, or country?
Yes! That's one of the best things about it. As long as you know where to find the updating file, you can update it from any computer in the world with Internet/intranet access! See http://www.mcmtech.com/play/s/upsrd.html or: http://www.mcmtech.com/play/s_p/fe-or-west.html to see how it works.

Will users see my new messages when I update them?
Yes, when you update and post your new messages they will be immediately updated, in real-time (of course the frequency with which your messages are updated is dependent on the "CyclesTillRead" value you set for your software). This means that users won't have to do anything (such as click on the UPDATE/REFRESH button of the browser) to see your updated messages. It's unique!

How can I make my M-C-M more secure?
The best way to secure your software is to have the "upsrd.html" file (the update form - for Simpson and Simpson Plus only) password-protected and/or to move it to a different, 'hidden' directory or rename it. The "upsrd.html" file has sensitive information about your site in it. We strongly advise you to protect it in order to prevent strangers from accessing it and changing your messages.

How can I edit Simple from my Windows-based computer?
Easy! You can edit Simple directly from you computer using your Web browser. You do not need an HTML editor. 1) Extract all files into one directory. 2) Run Netscape/IE 3) Open the file source (In Netscape/IE, choose "File | Open" - open the *.html file). 4) Make the necessary changes directly from the source.
 
 


TROUBLESHOOTING

Will I get any technical support?
Of course. SNG provides 100 days of free tech support via e-mail for those who purchase Simple products. Just visit http://www.mcmtech.com/support/support.html and fill out the simple form. We will answer any questions as quickly as we can. We will also diagnose any problem you are having and give you the answer. Just answer the questions on the form and send us the URL where you have installed the software so we can take a look at your setup.

What is the patch update facility?
Please visit: http://www.mcmtech.com/getit.html for updates and patches.

I uploaded the files, as instructed, but the header/messages don't work - no message appears. What should I do?
In Netscape, open the Java console ("Options | Java Console",) or in IE open JAVALOG File, and check to see if there is a message that says that the "input file" (e.g. upsin.mcm") was not found. If there is, then you need to create such a file. This can be done by going to the html file which has the "Update Messages Form" in it and filling in a message or two and clicking on the "Update It" button. If you do not get the "Saved Messages Successfully" message after having done so, then your problem is probably in the installation of your *.pl file. In this case, please contact your Webmasters and instruct them to check it out for you on the server.

When I click on "Update It" nothing happens...
Make sure that the path for upsrd.html (for Simpson) (for Simpson Plus, ups_prd.html and for Lite, upltrd.html) is correct in all three places.

When I click on "Update It", I get a "server error"...
There are several possible problems:

  1. Make sure upsrd.pl (for Simpson) (for Simpson Plus, ups_prd.html and for Lite, upltrd.html) is in 777-permission (you can ask your Webmaster to assist you with this).
  2. Make sure that the path from upsrd.html/ups_prd.html to upsin.mcm/ups_pin.mcm is correct .
  3. Make sure that upsrd.pl/ups_prd.pl was uploaded in binary mode.
My Simple software worked fine on my site for a week, but then it suddenly stopped working...
There are several possible problems: I bought your Simple software and after one month - the software has stopped functioning. What to do?
 
You probably haven't read the readme.html. Please visit the following Web page, fill out the form, and we will immediately send you a 'fuel injection' that will have your software running again: http://www.mcmtech.com/support/gasolineplease.html
 

I noticed that since installing M-C-M Simple my server registers a dramatic increase in traffic/downloading from my site...
Great! M-C-M Simple software is known for attracting more visitors to Websites! However, just to be sure that's the only reason, check your Simple tag. The second line asks you after how many cycles you want the messages to be updated. If you have chosen "1", the software will check your server and re-download your headlines after each cycle, i.e. every time the header runs-through all of your headlines. This may be the reason for the increase in the number of bytes of traffic on your site. If you would like to limit the traffic, and/or if you only plan to update your headlines once or even several times a day, you can program Simple to check for updates after 5, or 100, or 1,000 (or whatever) cycles. This should solve the problem for you.

I've just updated my Simpson Plus messages. How come the messages don't appear immediately on my URL page?
When you update your messages, Simpson Plus must download the new information from your server. It does this in a particular order, with the headlines being the last thing downloaded. Downloading occurs as follows: 1) Browser makes room for *.class files (a gray rectangular area appears on your screen); 2) First *.class file downloaded and run; 3) "Initial Text" string (i.e. Headlines Loading...) appears; 4) Images (if included) downloaded; 5) *in.* file downloaded and headline messages start running. This whole process should take about 10-15 seconds.

 
 

MISCELLANEOUS

Do you have any general comments about M-C-M Simple? We'd like to hear them. Send us an e-mail to: MCM@sngchicago.com

How can I keep up with news about M-C-M Simple?
Bookmark our site and visit for frequent updates and developments: http://www.mcmtech.com/ To sign-up for our mailing list, e-mail us and type: "subscribe M-C-M" at the subject line.
 

I love your headers. How else can I make my home page look attractive and make it work for me?
The Simple family is strictly devoted to messaging headers and this is SNG's specialty. However, there are a lot of good html editors and software out there. Try http://www.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Software/Reviews/Individual/Internet/Web_Authoring_Tools/HTML_Editors/

 
 

CREDITS

The maintainers of this FAQ are Susan Gordon and Tal Katzir.

 
 
 

http://www.mcmtech.com/download/faq02.html
Copyright (c) 1995-97 SNG CHICAGO, 444 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 3600, Chicago, IL60611, USA.  All rights reserved.
M-C-M and The M-C-M Simple Family are trademarks of SNG CHICAGO