The M-C-M Simple Family: Frequently Asked Questions

For updated information about the Simple Family, please visit: http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/faq.html






GENERAL QUESTIONS - What it does, what is it, what will it do for me?

What is the M-C-M Simple Family?
The M-C-M Simple Family is a family of software (members include Simpson, Simpleton, and Sima) for simple designing and posting of messages headers and headlines on Internet and intranet home pages. Visit the Simple Family home page at http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple

Who needs M-C-M Simple?
Anyone who wants to get the message across on his or her Web site in a compact, attractive, attention getting, efficient, and simple to use way.

How can I try-out one of the Simple family software?
To sign up for a fully-working (but time limited) trial copy, visit http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/getit.html To have fun trying to post a message of your own (without purchasing or downloading a trial copy), visit http://www7.homecom.com/host1207/simple/play/simpson/UPsimpsonRead.html

How can I purchase one of your Simple software?
Good Question! Just visit our Down-Load Store at http://www.sngchicago.com/dlstore or visit one of our Reseller's On-Line Stores (for a full list visit http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/wheretobuy.html). JUST DO IT!

Can we use the Simple Family software in our intranet?
Of course. Using one of our Simple software, you can post up to 30 messages for office/company staff from your home or office computer. The best part is that posting messages is easy and user-friendly - any company officer can learn to post messages and have fun doing it.

What are sub-headers and headers?
On M-C-M Simpson, for example, you can type a single word or several word header to announce your message and grab your audience's attention. Then you can add a longer sentence to get your message across. For example, TODAY (Header) Is Tuesday and it's cold outside (sub-header).

How does M-C-M Simpson differ from Simpleton and Sima?
For a full explanation, see http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/differ.html

I received the fully-operational evaluation software and want to convert it to an unlimited (non-time limited) version.
That's great! Just go to the store from which you downloaded the software and you will receive instructions how to purchase the permanent version. You can also make your purchase by visiting http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/wheretobuy.html

What do you mean by 'updatable' headers?
By updatable, we mean that users don't need to go to their Web pages and start doing HTML editing and uploading and all that mess every time they want to update a new messages/headline. All they have to do is to connect to the WWW (aren't we all there all the time, anyhow..) and input the new messages into a simple cgi form, click "Update It" and viola! That's it - fast, simple updating. It's much easier this way... To see an example, visit http://www7.homecom.com/host1207/simple/play/simpson/UPsimpsonRead.html






TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

(see Installation and Troubleshooting sections below for additional technical questions)

Do I need to install a special server to use M-C-M Simple?
Absolutely not. The Simple family will work on any server which supports Java and cgi.

Will the Simple family affect the traffic on my site?
Yes, it will definitely bring more hits... One more thing to note: Simple software has been developed to allow you to control how often the software checks your server to see if you have posted new messages. The third line of the updating form asks you after how many cycles you want the messages to be updated. If you choose "1", the software will re-download your headlines after each cycle, i.e. every time the header runs-through all of your headlines. If you choose "1", you may notice that this increases the 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 set Simple to check for updates after 5, or 100, or 1,000 (or whatever) cycles.

How can I change the rate at which Simple reads new data/checks for updated headlines?
Easy. There's a param-tag in Simple which you can edit. Just change the "CyclesTillRead" value on the updating form. A cycle means your software runs through all of the messages/headlines you have entered. Each headline is shown for 5 seconds, so that if you have 22 messages and you set the "CyclesTillRead" for 5, your software will check your server approximately every ten minutes (5 seconds * 22 messages = 120 seconds (2 min.); 2 min. * 5 = 10 minutes). That means if a user is plugged into your site for around ten minutes, your software will contact your server to see if there have been any updates and, if there have, will automatically update the messages on the user's screen.

Does M-C-M Simple support Java?
Of course. Our Simple software is written Java! That's why it m-o-v-e-s...

Will the applets in M-C-M Simple secretly send out e-mail, jeopardize my site's security, install viruses on my customer's computers, or connect back to your server and collect data on the people that visit my site?
No, of course not! Those are the kind of rumors that are usually spread by Sun's (the creator of Java programming language and Java applets) competitors... Don't believe the hype! M-C-M Simple's applets do what we say they will do and nothing more.

How can I find out about updates, patches, and new versions of the Simple software?
We are working constantly to improve The Simple Family. SNG has designed a special page on our Web site for this purpose. All updates and new product releases are located at: http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/getit.html (you can find a lot of free stuff there too!)

Does SNG have an upgrade policy?
Of course. Currently, all customers receive free upgrades for 6 months after purchase. For changes and updates to SNG's most recent upgrade policy, please visit: http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/uppolicy.html

Is M-C-M Simple designed to work specifically with Windows 95?
Yes, it can work with Windows 95, MacIntosh, UNIX, WebTV, etc. In addition, Simple is designed to work directly with the files on your Web site, using any Web browser you choose (Netscape, Explorer, HotJava, etc.).

Is M-C-M Simple a real software, or only an applet?
It is a full software product including cgi forms, etc. Applets include only .class files to be entered into any Web page and interact with your Web server. M-C-M Simple creates a whole environment, including perl-scripts, text files, etc.

What is the current version of each of the M-C-M Family members?
To check for the current version, please visit: http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/getit.html

What does the Simpson, Simpleton and/or Sima package include?

    Simple software packages include the following 12 files:

  1. SNG*.zip
  2. UPsimpson.class
  3. UPsimpsonItem.class
  4. UPsimpsonIn.txt
  5. UPsimpsonRead.html
  6. UPsimpsonRead.pl
  7. UPsimpsonIn.pl
  8. readme.html
  9. readwebmaster.html
  10. faq.html
  11. tagishere.html
  12. LICENSE.html

What is the difference between a JavaScript and a Java?

Java is an object-oriented language with classes and inheritance. To create software in the Java language, You write a Java program and compile it into a file of Java bytecodes. There are two types of software that can be written in Java.
a) applications, which are like regular software and include environment, etc.
b) applets, which are, in effect, tiny applications that handles all of their environment themselves. Applets can be easily used within HTML files, as they are totally independent. Applications need the 'environment' around them (i.e. user-interface, etc.).
In an HTML file, you include reference to an applet, and when a Java-enabled browser encounters the applet, the browser downloads the applet and runs it. M-C-M Simple software includes Java applets, among other things...

What's the difference between M-C-M Simple and common JavaScript?
There are several major differences:
a) To write with JavaScript, you have to have expertise writing programming; with M-C-M you don't. JavaScript looks like this:

       <HTML>
       <HEAD>
       <TITLE> Writing text on a document</TITLE>
       </HEAD>
       <BODY>
       <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT">
       <!-- Hiding the code
       document.write("Welcome to Chicago Web Site at
       http://www.sngchicago.com !");
       // done hiding -->
       </SCRIPT>
       </BODY>
       </HTML>

b) A headline created with M-C-M Simple can include subheaders, styling, color choice, alignment, etc. Creating such attractive features (and updating headlines) would be a complicated process using JavaScript and the average user would have no idea how to do this. M-C-M Simple makes creating and updating attractive headers and messages a simple task for anybody.
c) M-C-M Simple headlines can be updated anywhere, at any time, from any computer in the world with Internet access (you can update your headlines for people back home when
you're on vacation visiting your friend in Timbuktu, as long as she has the Web and a computer). d) Most important - M-C-M Simple runs more elegantly - messages are automatically and seamlessly updated on users' screens and do not require Reloading or Refreshing URL page. You don't need to ftp files to have them updated, you just go to your Web site, fill in the form (such as the one at: http://www7.homecom.com/host1207/simple/play/simpson/UPsimpsonRead.html) and post it... So elegant...

How much space will M-C-M Simple take on my server?
In average it will not take more than 20 K (i.e., 0.2 MB).

Why is M-C-M Simple software so 'light' - i.e. why does it contain so few files?
Actually, you can thank Sun, Inc. for that... They're the ones who invented the Java programming language, which is a great environment for developing new applications that are cool, platform independent, and light weight.' Why develop a program that takes up half of your computer's hard drive if we can supply it all to you in 20 K?

Is M-C-M Simple a 16 bit or 32 bit software?
It is a cross-platform software. This means that it will run on ANY platform that has Java capabilities...






LICENSING

What kind of agreements and warnings come with M-C-M Simple?
Read the agreement (LICENSE.html) on your screen (also available at http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/download/LICENSE.html). This agreement contains important information about the terms and conditions regarding your use of M-C-M Simple.

Can you tell me how your license agreement works?
When you purchase one of our Simple software you will be able to use it as many times, in as many ways, and on as many web pages as you like. The limitations are as follows: 1. Your license is per domain only. 2. You can upload Simple to one directory only (we don't recommend moving UPsimpsonIn.txt to another directort, as it might slow your site's operation.

Can I make multiple copies of M-C-M Simple?
Yes and No. When you buy a member of the Simple family, you are entitled to make as many copies as you want and place it on as many places on your Web site as you want. However, you can only place one set of headlines on your Simple software. That is, you can copy the same header several times, but the messages will be the same on each copy. If you want to be able to post more than one series of messages at a time, you will need to purchase more Simples. As a valued customer, additional Simples will be available to you at a very low price.






INSTALLATION

For complete installation instructions, feel free to visit: readme.html or http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/download/readme.html

What are the system requirements to run M-C-M Simple?
Any machine with Internet access and FTP capability can do the job. Isn't that wonderful?

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 and MS Internet Explorer for Win95 and, early in '97, IE for 3.1x too) and update it from any platform that recognizes "html forms" (everything since Netscape 1.1).

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

I noticed M-C-M Simpson comes in .zip format. Does this mean it is a 'PC' only application (I have a Mac)?
Absolutely not. M-C-M Simpson is cross-platform and our .zip file can be unzipped with any application which is compatible with PKZip 2.4. You should have no problem with ZIP files, using any unzipping utilities of your Mac computer (we recommend using Drop Stuff with Expander Enhancer and Stuffit Expander).

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 server.

How can I upload UP files to my Web site?
Using FTP. Or, just send the files via e-mail attachment to your Webmaster and ask him/her to upload them to the right directory. We have prepared a special file with instructors for Webmasters (readwebmaster.html). Note: It's very important that all files will be located on the same directory.

How can I insert The M-C-M Simple Family Java applet into a URL/Web-page?
All you have to do is copy and paste one of the tags to the Web-page where you want Simpson to appear. Choose an M-C-M tag from one of the locations listed below. "Copy" and and "Paste" it onto the Web page where you want the headline to appear. You can find a copy of the tag in several places:

    1. Go to the "tagishere.html" file (located on the directory to which you've extracted the SNG*.zip file - see numbers 3 & 4 above). Open the file from your HTML Author or from your Browser.
    2. The same "tagishere.html" file is also located at on SNG's Web site at http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/download/tagishere.html. You can copy the tag directly from the screen.
    3. Below please find two examples of the tag file. You can "copy" one of these tags exactly as it appears below.

TAG EXAMPLES:
1) The first example is called "simpson620one" and it contains :

<APPLET codebase="/simple" 
code="UPsimpson.class" width=620 height=20 align=center >
<PARAM name="CyclesTillRead" value="1">
</APPLET>
Or: 
<APPLET codebase="http://www.snglam.com/simple" 
code="UPsimpson.class" width=620 height=20 align=center >
<PARAM name="CyclesTillRead" value="1">
</APPLET>

This means that the width of your header will be 620 points and that the software will check your server for new messages every cycle (see number 17 for explanation of "cycles").

2) The second example tag file is called "simpson700thousand" and it contains:

<APPLET codebase=/pub/myprogs/
code=UPsimpson.class width=700 height=20>
<PARAM name="CyclesTillRead" value="1000">
</APPLET>

This means that the width of your header will be 700 points and that the software will check your server for new messages every 1,000 (one thousand) cycles.

Okay, I've uploaded everything. Now how do I update the new interactive headers on my Web site?
Simple! Just go to UPdateMessages.html and type in your messages. Then click 'Update It!' and that's it!


UPLOADING

I'm not that familiar with file transfers and programming. What can I do?
Don't worry, just follow the detailed transferring and uploading instructions provided by SNG at readme.html Instructions can also be found at http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/download/readme.html

What do I do after I've uploaded all of the UP files to my directory?
1. Ask your Webmaster to update the UPsimpsonIn.pl file (instructions for doing so can be found in readwebmaster.html or at http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/download/readwebmaster.html

2. Send us (sngsales@sngchicago.com) an e-mail with your company name, vendor purchased from, purchase order number, domain name, and URL directory where your Simple files appear.
3. That's it - you're ready to go to the UPsimpsonIn.pl file and type your messages on the convenient form.

What is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a way to send files from your computer to another computer or to a World Wide Web or intranet server.

What if I don't know how/cannot FTP?
No problem. Send the UP files to your Webmaster via e-mail attachment. Ask him or her to please:

Can I use my home/office computer to edit messages off-line?
Yes. You can edit messages using a simple form off-line. After you've edited and updated your messages, just plug into the WWW, go to the path of the form that you usually use to update your headers from (such as update.html) and... do the update.
Then to post it you just get on-line and click on UPDATE IT!.

How can I run the Simple program from my local computer station, without plugging into the net?
Just put all the files (2*.applet etc.) in one directory, and in, for example, Netscape Navigator press < CTRL > + O (As "File | Open") and choose the *.html file...

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. 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 easy!

Can I use my Simple software without connecting to the Internet?
You can definitely edit the messages/headlines from the form on your computer. However, you must be on-line, on the WWW, to post your messages. This is because you must update your header files on your server so that other people can see them.

How can I edit Simpson from my Windows-based computer?
Easy! 1) Extract all file into one directory. 2) Run Netscape, and "File | Open" the *.html file.

How can I change the font size of Simpson? What about the alignment?
Well, since Simpson is pretty stubborn, you can't change the font size and alignment. Simpson provides you with standard, ready-made templates to create you headers with. If you think you want more flexibility, you might want to consider purchasing Simpleton. Middle children are always more flexible.






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. Send your e-mail to: sngmcmtech@sngchicago.com 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 send us a 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.sngchicago.com/products/simple/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",) and check to see if there is a message that says that the "input file" (e.g. UPsimpsonIn.txt") 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 in the server.

When I click on "Update It" nothing happens...

Make sure that the path for UPsimpsonRead.html is correct.

When I click on "Update It", I get a "server error"...

There are several possible problems: 1) Make sure UPsimpsonRead.pl is in 777-permission (your Webmaster should have done this). 2) Make sure that the path from UPsimpsonRead.pl to UPsimpsonIn.txt is correct. 3) Make sure that UPsimpsonRead.pl was uploaded in binary mode.

Simpson worked fine on my site for a week, but then it suddenly stopped working...
There are several possible problems:
1) You have an expired version.
2) Some of the files have been corrupted.
Solutions:
1) Check the "Java console" (in Netscape - "Options | Java console"). You might see a message there that will indicate the problem.
2) If the message says "version expired" - Your time-limited evaluation version of Simple has expired.
3) If the message says "class not found," then some files are missing or were not uploaded well.
4) If the message says "couldn't open file : UPsimpsonIn.txt" - Try to run the "post messages" form and fill in a message or two.
5) Fill the form in http://www.sngchicago.com/products/simple/help.html

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 e-mail us your information (Purchase Order #, Vendor purchased from, Company name, URL path where you have installed the software) and we will send you a customized file to make it work permanently.

I've noticed that since installing M-C-M Simple my server registers a dramatic increase in traffic/downloading from my site? If it keeps going on this way, it could end up costing me a lot of money...
Check your updating form. This 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.






MISCELLANEOUS

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


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.