Usage / License Notes
---------------------
This source can be distributed as long as none of the files that were
packaged in the whole original package are altered.
If you modify any of this code, or the README or well, ANYTHING at all,
do not distribute this code.
If you feel you have made a worthwhile addition to the code and would
like to see it implemented into the server, mail a description of your
changes to jblaine@ma.itd.com and I will ponder whether or not it is some-
thing I want to add. Do *NOT* send me changes that add some sort of
database to this code. I do not ever plan on forcing this server to
rely on a database to work. If your idea is something that I feel should
be stuck into the code, your name will be credited with the corresponding
part(s) of the code you submit.
Welcome to GCS (Generic Chat System 1.7)
----------------------------------------
Description and Intro
---------------------
GCS is designed to be a VERY stripped down chat-server that runs
in a very small amount of memory. For those who don't know what a
chat server is, it can best be described as:
"A multi-user environment which runs on a local machine
and lets local and remote users connect to it to converse in
a realtime manner"
GCS is ideally meant to be a small multi-user real-time chat
system for people who have a need to more than one person at once
with the other users in local locations or remote locations on
the Internet. It can be used for such things as:
- A continuous backup for social type MUDs
- A central location for system administrators and other
administrative people to discuss immediate pproblems
with local networks, etc
- A personal place to talk with friends without loading
down the machine it's run on (i.e. don't tick sysadmins off)
GCS Maintainer
--------------
One special person called the GCS Maintainer has special privileges
such as booting other users from the chat server. See the INSTALL
file for information.
Client Programs
---------------
Once you get the server compiled, installed, and up-and-running,
you'll need a way to connect to the server. More specifically,
you'll need a client program to connect to the server. You
have two options:
1. Raw telnet. (already installed, more than likely, but
it is poor for this use because it doesn't seperate
the server's output lines from your input (typed) lines.)
2. MUD Client. (you have to compile it. It gives you the
benefit of seperating input and output as well as some
sort of macro language, etc)
NOTE: Currently, some Unix telnet programs do not work all to
well with GCS. I believe this is my fault, and it should
be fixed soon.
If you decide to go with route #2, you can ftp a client program
from ftp.math.okstate.edu under pub/muds/clients. For a beginner,
I recommend using Tinyfugue (listed as tf.?????.tar.Z).
Move on to the file INSTALL now...
