Users Guide
Connecting to the Chat Site
To begin chatting, it is necessary to connect to a ChatSpace Server. A server can be easily located by browsing the ChatSpace Community Directory, highlighting the server's listing, and clicking on it. If you are not looking for a particular server, this is also a good place to browse the different chat servers that are currently available.
Connection Trouble
If you have trouble connecting to a chat site, there are usually several possible causes. These causes can be firewalls/proxies, poor internet connections or a problem in your Java environment.
Firewalls/Proxies
Firewalls and proxies are systems set up to protect your computer. Sometimes they can prevent access. While ChatSpace technology normally works perfectly well through firewalls and proxies, the ChatSpace site you are trying to access must be set up to use “firewall friendly ports” (i.e., port 80). If you are trying to access a site which is being blocked by your firewall, you should contact the owner of the chat site and ask if “firewall friendly ports” are being used.
Poor Internet Connections
Just as there are bad phone connections and noisy phone lines, there can be bad Internet connections. These can cause your downloads and chats to go slowly. They can also cause you to not be able to connect or to disconnect frequently. If you believe you are having this sort of problem, you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Corrupted Java
Java can sometimes stop working properly. This can be due to a number of reasons. Often the quickest way to resolve this is to download and install the very latest web browser software (Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator), and the latest Java “Virtual Machine”, which is the program that runs Java software. Microsoft Internet Explorer can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie. Microsoft’s latest Java Virtual Machine can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/java.
Alternate Interfaces
In addition to the normal ChatSpace Java Client interface, ChatSpace provides several “alternate” forms of access.
“3X Browser” Java Client
The “3X Browser” Java Client is an older interface which can run on systems running older web browser software. It has far fewer features than the standard Java Client interface, but may be your only option if you use an old web browser. If the standard Java Client fails to load on your system, ChatSpace will automatically try loading this interface for you.
HTML Client
Several flavors of “HTML Client” are available for your use. They range from a somewhat complex interface using both frames and Javascript, to an extremely simple interface. . If the standard Java Client and the “3X Browser” Java Client fails to load on your system, ChatSpace will automatically try loading the HTML Client interface for you. To reach this directly, add /HCLIENT/FRAMES/ to the URL you use to access the chat site. If you access the site by using its serial number URL (http://go.chatspace.com/XXX-XXX-XXXX), then use this address instead:
http://community.chatspace.com/go.asp?server=XXX-XXX-XXXX&url=Hclient/frames/
(Where “XXX-XXX-XXX” is the chat site’s serial number).
WAP (mobile device) Client
For users of mobile technology, a WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) client is provided. To access it, instead of browsing default.htm on the chat site you are trying to reach, browse login.wml.
If you access the site by using its serial number URL (http://go.chatspace.com/XXX-XXX-XXXX), then use this address instead:
http://community.chatspace.com/go.asp?server=XXX-XXX-XXXX&url=login.wml
(Where “XXX-XXX-XXX” is the chat site’s serial number).
Signing On
When signing on to a server for the first time, the login panel will be displayed. If you come back to this server, it will usually remember the nickname and password you used last time -- in which case you won't have to enter them again.
The following messages may be encountered when signing on or changing your nickname:
. "Nickname" is already in use. This nickname cannot be used until either the member leaves, changes nicknames or the reserved nickname is removed from the system.
. “Authorization required to use Registered nickname. “ The chosen nickname is registered; a password must be provided for use. If the password is unknown, please choose another nickname.
. “Registration Required”. If you have a nickname already created and the password is known, enter the nickname and password and click the OK button. If, however the nickname you are trying to use is not created on the chat site, then the “New Member Registration Request” and login page will appear. If you would like to create a completely new nickname, you must enter the following information in the fields provided;
Nickname
Password
Email Address
Forgotten Passwords
If you forget your password, you can use the “Forget your password” link on the login page to have your password emailed back to you. ChatSpace will email you your password using the email address in your profile.
If you did not enter an email address for yourself in your profile, or if the site doesn’t have the “Forget your password” link on the options section of the login page, then you must contact an Administrator (via email) and ask to have your password “reset”. A reset password is exactly the same as the nickname (including case).
Using the Interface
In order to understand the different buttons and their functionality, descriptions of each follow:
Top Toolbar Buttons
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Chat Options – This button allows you to change your profile, password, send files to other members, messages and e-mail. It will also allow you to change your nickname by changing the name in the “nickname” field and pressing enter. |
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Room Options (Moderator/Admin function) - Allows you to change your room welcome message, room options, the capability to ban or remove a member from the system, change server settings, add moderators and change passwords. |
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Profile – This allows you to change your profile for other members to view. |
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Person – to – Person Chat (P2P Chat) – Clicking on this button after highlighting a member’s name in the Member List will enable one to one conversation. This conversation is private and cannot be seen by the rest of the participants. You can also send a member a memo or a file. |
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Members List – The Member’s List button will open a new page that will allow you to look up information about other members, as well as send files, initiate a private chat, send e-mail, files or memos. |
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Send File - This function allows you to send a file to another member either while they are in the chatroom or after they have logged out. |
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Send Memo - To send a memo to a member, highlight the member’s name and click on this button. A memo box will appear for your text. |
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Ignore A Member/Un-Ignore/Clear All Ignores – By highlighting a member name then clicking on this button, you can ignore or un-ignore a member. You can also clear all ignores that you have previously set. |
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Leave the Current Room – Clicking on this button will allow you to exit a particular room. |
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Help Using the System – To gain help using the server and the software, utilize this button. |
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Quit – Using this button will log you off the server. |
Moderator/Admin Buttons
(Regular members will not have these buttons on their toolbar.)
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Remove a Member – In the event that a member is disruptive, highlighting his/her name in the room list and clicking this button will remove the member from the room. |
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View/Delete Room Bans – By using this function you will be able to view or delete any member bans on your system. |
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Assign/Remove Moderator Status – Should you need to add a moderator to a room, by highlighting the person’s name in the Member’s List, and clicking on this button you are able to assign him/her as a moderator to the room. The reverse is true should you want to remove moderator status. |
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Give/Take Voice – In a strictly moderated room, members are unable to speak. To give a member a voice or take one away, highlight his/her name and click on this button. |
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Give/Take Quiet – Should a member become disruptive, you can remove the capability for his/her text to be seen in the room. |
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Tour Member – Should you want to send a member on a tour of another area, room or site, highlight his/her name and click on this button. |
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Kill Member – Use this feature to remove a member from the room. |
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Add/View/Delete Server Bans – To add/view/delete the bans placed on the server, click on this button. |
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Server Configuration – To change any of the server configurations, using this button will take you directly to the General Configuration page. |
Message Option Buttons
(Bottom toolbar)
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Login Status – This icon indicates whether you are logged in (green), logged off (red) or in the process of connecting (yellow). |
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Sound – By clicking on this button and choosing a sound from the pop-up menu, you are able to admit that sound to the room. |
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Emotions – Should you wish to send a “face” icon to the screen, i.e. happy, sad, angry, click on this button. |
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Actions – To admit an action to the screen, click this button and type in your desired action, then hit enter. |
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Text Color – This button allows you to choose the color of your text that you would like to use. |
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Background Text Color – By clicking on this button you are able to set the background color of your text. |
Etiquette
When chatting, it is important to follow the etiquette and rules set for the chat site and that particular room. Normally, when you sign on, you will see this information displayed. If you are unclear about the rules and conventions in use in a particular room or site, contact the Room Moderators or the Chat Site Administrators.
Person-to-Person Chat (P2P)
P2P Chat is used for a longer, private conversation taking place in it’s own window along side the room chat.
To initiate a P2P Chat, right-click the member's nickname in the room's members list, and select the "Person-to-Person Chat" option, double-click the member's nickname or highlight the person’s name and click on the P2P Chat button.
If someone initiates a P2P Chat with you, a dialog box will be displayed. It will identify the message and provide four options from which to choose:
. Chat: Selecting this button accepts the P2P Chat. The person's profile can be viewed after selecting Chat.
. Cancel: Does not accept the chat.
. Ignore Member: Will not accept the chat, and refuse any correspondence from this person, either in the room or in private.
. Ignore Member's Domain: Choose this option if you have already ignored a member once and the member changed nicknames to avoid the ignore, and attempting to send another message. This will block any messages from this person or from this person's Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Note: You may also send
someone a file, email or a memo using this feature.
Actions
An action is when, rather than saying something, you display an activity. To perform an action, click on the Action button on the bottom toolbar. Type the word "waves" in the Input field (long white box along the bottom of the Java Client) and press enter. Everyone in the room will see:
* Nnickee waves
Sounds
Sounds can be used to get someone's attention, or to add to the chatting experience. To send a sound, click on the Sound button on the bottom toolbar. A pop-up menu will appear allowing you to choose a sound, and an "action" to accompany that sound.
Sending Email
If a member is not online currently, you can send him/her an email (if they have an email address in their profile). To do this:
1. Click the Members icon.
2. Find the member you wish to send email to in the list.
3. Click on the Email icon (if present) in the list “row” for that member. If there’s no email icon for that member, then he/she has not provided an email address in his profile and you cannot send email to him.
4. This will open your email program.
5. Type your message and send the email as you normally would.
Sending Files
You can send files to a member, while he/she is signed on or off. To do this:
1. Click the member’s nickname in the Members List which appears to the right of the chatting area.
2. Then click on the Send File button.
3. This will open a window that will allow you to choose the file you wish to send to the member.
In the event that a member is signed off, you can send the member an email (described above) and attach the file to the email.
Memos
Sending Memos
You can send a memo to a member while he/she is signed on or off. To do this:
1. Click the Members icon.
2. Find the member you wish to send email to in the list.
3. Click on the Memo icon (if present) in the list “row” for that member.
4. In the pop up window type your message and click OK.
The message will be waiting for him/her, and he/she will be alerted as soon as he/she signs on to the system.
Viewing Memos
When you sign on, the system will tell you if you have any new memos to read. While you are signed on, the system will notify you when new memos have arrived. If you wish to check (or re-read) any memos that may have been sent, perform the following:
1. Click on the Chat Options button.
2. Then click on the Memo button.
3. A field will be displayed that shows who sent the memo, the date and status of the memo. From there you are able to read, reply or delete.
Member Profiles
Changing Rooms
To enter a different room, click on the "Rooms" tab on the left side of the window. A list of available rooms will be displayed on the Rooms page. Double click any room that is displayed, and you will enter that room, while remaining in room you entered into initially.
The following line of text will be displayed:
*** Now talking in the <room name> ***
ChatSpace 2.0 allows you to be in several rooms at one time. Multiple room tabs will appear at the top of the chat screen, and when members respond, the tabs of the room will light up. This will allow you to keep track the conversations in each room.
Other Messages That May Be Displayed
“You cannot join #name-of-room. You have been banned (+b).”
Either you have been banned from the named room, or someone else from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has been banned from it.
Using ChatSpace 2.0, a private message can be sent to one of the Room Moderators to ask about the ban and to request that it be canceled. To locate the Room Moderators for that room, type /WHO #name-of-room. The following will be displayed:
“#name-of-room Sethra 127.0.0.1 (MODERATOR) :Sally #name-of-room Kiera dialup32.msn.com :Kathy”
Identify the line that contains the word (MODERATOR). The first word after the #name-of-room is the nickname. To send a memo to the moderator follow the memo instructions this manual.
“This room requires a password in order to join. Enter password to enter #name-of-room.”
Enter the password for that room in the box provided and press the OK button. Otherwise, press the Cancel button. If the password is unknown and you wish to join the room, send a memo to a Room Moderator and request the room's password.
“You cannot join #name-of-room. You must first be invited.”
When attempting to join a room that is set to "invite only," members will be given the opportunity to "knock" for entry. If any Room Moderators are presently in the room, they will receive the notification. If a Moderator wishes for you to join, you will be invited and a dialog box will be displayed. Clicking "Yes" will take you into the room.
“You cannot join #name-of-room. It is at max occupancy (+l limit reached).”
This room has been "locked" to a certain number of members, and that number has been reached. This room cannot be entered until someone leaves or a Room Moderator increases the number of people who can join.
Other Chat Options
The ChatSpace interface provides you with many options for controlling your chat environment and for interacting with other users.
Whisper
To send a quick, private message to someone else in the room:
1. Highlight the nickname of the person to whom you wish to send a message. A red box will appear around his/her name.
2. Type a message into the Input Field and press Send and hold the mouse button down.
3. A drop down menu will appear with the option to “Whisper to Member”.
Example:
To Sethra>: (Private) how are you today?
You will still see everything being said in the room, but only you and Sethra will be able to see the private message. The Message Routing control will automatically reset itself to "Message to room" after the message has been sent.
Colors
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Text Color – This button allows you to choose the color of your text that you would like to use. |
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Background Text Color – By clicking on this button you are able to set the background color of your text. |
Emotions
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Emotions – Should you wish to send a “face” icon to the screen, i.e. happy, sad, angry, click on this button. |
Registering your Nickname
To become a registered member of a chat site, you should register your nickname. Registering your nickname creates a profile for you and prevents other users from using that nickname, as the profile is secured by a password that you choose.
To register your nickname (which creates a profile), double-click your nickname in the list of nicknames that appears to the right of the chat area. This will allow you to choose a password. Some sites require you to fill out a form for registration. Other sites will choose a password for you and email it to you. It is essential that you fill out such forms completely and provide a valid email address.
Several items of information are usually provided when you register your nickname to create a profile:
. Nickname: Nickname of member. Spaces are not allowed in the Nickname and it may not begin with a number.
. Real Name: Member's real name. (Optional)
. Email: Email address of the member. If provided, members on the Java Client can click this email address from a Profile list to cause their browser to treat this like a "mailto:" URL. If this information is not provided, you will not be able to receive email from the chat site if, for example, you forget your password. (Optional)
. URL: URL for a member's home page (or company home page, or any other URL). If provided, members on the Java Client can click this URL from a Profile list to cause their browser to treat this like a hyper-link. (Optional)
. Info: Information the member wants displayed about himself to any member that looks at his profile. This can be a message, a list of interests, a favorite quote, or any other relevant text. (Optional)
Changing your password
While editing your profile, use the “Change Password” button to change your password.
Dealing with Bothersome Users
If another member is bothering you in a chatroom, by harassing you with inappropriate private messages or flooding (sending lots of private messages in a very short time), you have several options for responding to the problem. You can use the interface to ignore the member, or you can report him to the chat site’s staff.
Ignoring Members
You can ignore him/her by highlighting his/her name in the room’s list, and then click on the Ignore button on the top toolbar or right-click his/her name and select "Ignore Member". When you ignore someone, you no longer see anything said (either to you privately or in any room). To ignore someone in a P2P Chat press the Ignore button on the pop-up chat request box.
If the person changes nicknames and starts bothering you again, use the "Ignore Member's Domain" option.
Reporting Members to Chat Site Staff
If you feel this member's behavior warrants being banned from the room, contact a Room Moderator, who can, if they choose, ban this person from the room (kick the person out of the room and keep the person from reentering).
If you feel a member's behavior becomes so offensive that he/she should not be allowed to chat on the Server, contact an Administrator. If the Administrator agrees the behavior warrants banishment, the Administrator can ban that member from the entire server.
Note: In order to have
someone banned from the server, you should supply a copy of the dialog from the
member to support your request.
“IRC” Commands
ChatSpace is compliant with IRC Protocol. A list of useful IRC commands can be found in Appendix 1.