= FMAIL_HELP (2:280/464) ======================================================
 From : Wilfred van Velzen                  2:280/464       18 Feb 08  19:25:02
 To   : All
 Subj : Fmail: The past, the present, the future.
===============================================================================

Hi,


In short: I have the source code for FMail...


The past:

I am in the process of converting my system over to linux, and was wondering 
what was available regarding fidonet software. On the other hand it would be 
nice if I could keep using the tools I was used to under windows on my new 
linux system. So I wrote to Folkert Wijnstra if he was willing to release the 
FMail source code as open-source. Because he left fidonet several years ago, 
and wasn't doing anything with it, he agreed, and he released it to me under 
the GNU General Public License V3.


The present:

I was able to compile the source, using the same compiler as Folkert used 
(Borland C++ v4.52), with only very few changes. Basically only the version 
number and some lines of code where added to get the time to display properly. 
The Win32 version has been running on my system for a week now, and also on 
Michiel van der Vlist's system, without either of us noticing anything 
different, so I think it's time to widen the test.

If you want to try it out, you can download it here:

These are both hosted on systems connected to internet on ADSL lines, so don't 
expect top download speeds!

Or file request at 2:280/5555 with magic name: FMAILGPL

(Thanks go to Michiel for providing this service, and running one of the 
mirrors)

The files contain the three .exe files compiled by me, which are drop in 
replacements, for the original FMail 1.60 release by Folkert. Just copy them 
over your original files (maybe make a backup first ;)), and you should be good
to go.

The contents of the .7z file is exactly the same as the .zip, it's just 
compressed with a more modern (freeware) file archiver, which produces smaller files:

I was also able to compile the DOS and DMPI 16 and 32bit versions. So if you 
want to test those, just let me know, and I will put them online as well.


The future:

First I want to put the source, as it is now, on SourgeForge.net. So everyone 
who wants to contribute can join in. I have already applied for a project, but 
this will take a few weeks to complete.

Second, as my goal is to make FMail a native linux program, it isn't my 
intention to do much work on the current version to make it better or build new
features, nor do support for it. But if you have suggestions feel free to ask, 
you might get lucky ;-). But your better wait for the SourceForge.net page to 
be up, because it will have a nice system for tracking bugs, feature requests, 
etc..


Regards,

Wilfred van Velzen, 2:280/464

--- FMail/Win32 1.60.GPL
 * Origin: Amiga Offline BBS Lisse (2:280/464)