 NoteWe assume that your connection is already set up and working properly. We only discuss how to tell FirstClass about your connection. If you don't know what connection type to use after reading this help, contact your administrator.
Types of connections
These are the ways you can connect to a FirstClass server:
• local network
Your computer is plugged into a high-performance local area network (LAN) that allows you to communicate with any other computer within the network. This is the most common method for people connecting from medium- to large-sized businesses. You may also hear the term TCP/IP applied to this type of connection.
• Internet
Your computer connects to the server through the Internet. There are several levels of Internet connections:
• high-speed Internet
An Internet connection that is fast and causes few problems. It may use a cable or DSL modem.
• Internet
A basic Internet connection that is not always reliable (you get errors and disconnects).
• dialup Internet.
A connection that dials up to connect to the Internet.
• modem
Your computer connects directly to the server through a modem. The modem used by your computer uses a telephone line to communicate with a modem at the server site. There are several types of modem connections, including ISDN and Comm Toolbox. You may also hear the term TAPI for your type of connection. Modem connections are not applicable to Mac OS X or Linux.
• AppleTalk
This is a form of LAN used in the Mac OS environment only.
• IPX.
This is a form of LAN used in the Windows environment only.
Where information is saved
Depending on your connection type, when you configure a connection, you supply information on one or two forms: the Service Setup form and the Configure Connection form.
The Service Setup form contains information such as the server address. This information is stored in your settings file.
The Configure Connection form contains information about your connection protocol (how your computer connects to the server). This information is stored in the appropriate .fcp file. There is one .fcp file for each connection protocol. Normally, all settings files that use the same connection protocol obtain their connection information from the same .fcp file. The .fcp files are located in the FirstClass FCP folder.
About settings files
FirstClass stores the information needed to connect to a server in a settings file. Settings files can also store resources used by FirstClass, such as forms, pictures, and sounds. In Windows, settings files always end in .fc.
FirstClass includes a home.fc settings file. If you downloaded FirstClass from your server and followed the instructions there, this settings file already knows your server's name.
NoteIf you just use home.fc to connect to your server, and this connection works well the first time you click Login, you will not need to configure your connection. You only need to read the information about configuring if you must change connection information for home.fc or you want to configure a connection to another server.
Your administrator may have provided you with a settings file that contains the necessary information for logging into your server. If this is the case, put this file in the FirstClass Settings folder.
Providing a shared home.fc settings file for multiuser computers
Not applicable to Mac OS
By default, all settings files created by a user are placed in the FirstClass Settings folder that is located in that user's personal user space. This includes the home.fc settings file that is automatically created when the user first runs the client.
If FirstClass is running on a computer with multiple users, the computer administrator (the person who logs into the computer as Administrator, not your FirstClass administrator) can create a home.fc settings file for use by all users of that computer.
To do this, the computer administrator must be the first to run the FirstClass client. This will place home.fc in the administrator's personal user space. The administrator saves connection information, but not a user ID or password. After home.fc has been created, the administrator can drag it into the FirstClass Settings folder that is located in the shared applications area.
If a user updates home.fc, FirstClass places a copy of the updated settings file in that user's personal user area. The shared settings file isn't changed.
Connections supported by default
By default, only local network and Internet connections are supported by the FirstClass client. If you want to use AppleTalk, IPX, or a modem connection, you must install files that support your protocol. These files are available from the Downloads section of our web site.
Download the appropriate .fcp file to the FirstClass FCP folder.
If you are going to use a modem, you must also download the appropriate modem file (.mdm) to the FirstClass Modems folder.
If you want different behaviors for the same protocol
When you configure a connection, you are updating the .fcp file that is used for all connections using this protocol (for example, all modem connections).
If you want to make a change that only applies to one settings file, and not to others that use the same .fcp file, you can create a new .fcp file. To do this, create a duplicate of the applicable .fcp file in the FirstClass FCP folder, then name the duplicate, using the extension .fcp.
ExampleYou have a modem connection for which you want the speaker on for some systems, but off for others. You copy MODEM.FCP and rename the duplicate QUIET.FCP to accommodate turning the speaker off. Then you can create a new settings file that uses QUIET.FCP, or just change the selection as necessary when you log in.
Information on specific connections
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