ĄPPP Connection v 0.2
Copyright ©1996 Joseph Santaniello. All Rights Reserved.
Who it's for:
This AppleScript is for PPP users with non-static IP addresses, i.e. dial-up modem users,
who would like a means of publicizing their current IP address while logged-on so they
can be contacted with Maven, PGPFone, Talk, or whatever, with minimal hassle.
What it does:
This AppleScript opens a PPP link. When it opens a connection it checks if you have E-mail.
It then uses Text-to-Speech to let you know how many messages you have, if any. Then it
ftp's an HTML file of your choice to your chosen directory substituting your current IP
address and the current time for certain special characters it finds in the text file. It
saves this file as "currentIP.html". You may name your file whatever you wish.
The script then ftp's a ".forward" file directing your mail server to contact your
machine on port "666" when new mail arrives. You may name your file whatever you wish.
This all usually takes about 10 seconds, during which time you may switch to or open other applications.
The script then proceeds to listen on port "666" for a connection, when a connection is
detected, Text-to-Speech advises you of the new E-mail (takes about 5 seconds).When you
wish to close your PPP connection, switch to "ĄPPP Connection" and quit from the File menu.
When the script closes a connection it first ftp's another HTML file, again substituting IP address and
current time for certain special characters. This way people can always get you current
log-on status. See below for more on configuration and sample files.
What it requires:
This script as yet has only been tested on with System 7.5.3 and FreePPP 2.5.
It does not work properly with OpenTransport. AppleScript v1.0 or later, Drag and Drop,
Scriptable finder, InternetConfig, and the following Scripting Additions are required:
MacPPP Control OSAX found in UMich mirrors such as:
ftp://mac.uio.no//umich/util/comm/macpppcontrol1.4.sit.hqx
TCP/IP Scripting Additions OSAX found in UMich mirrors such as: ftp://mac.uio.no//umich/util/script/tcpipscriptingadd1.12.cpt.hqx
Speech OSAX found in Info-Mac mirrors such as:
ftp://mac.uio.no//info-mac/cfg/speech-as.hqx
Jon's Commands OSAX found in Info-Mac mirrors such as:
ftp://mac.uio.no//umich/util/script/jonscommands1.36.sit.hqx
ICScriptor OSAX found in Info-Mac mirrors such as:
ftp://mac.uio.no//umich/util/script/icscriptor1.0b1.sit.hqx
InternetConfig may be found in Info-Mac mirrors such as:
ftp://mac.uio.no//info-mac/_Internet/internet-config-12.hqx
Be certain it is properly set up before trying the script.
(if you were really cool you would have the ICeTEe Extension which comes with IC installed)
How to set it up:
First make two HTML files named whatever you wish. The Script automatically names either
file "currentIP.html" when it up-loads it. "openingFile" & "closingFile" are logical choices.
These files can be as long as you wish (I think). The Script will substitute the current IP address
everywhere it finds the string "%ip%" and the current time/date everywhere it finds the
string "%clock%" (no quotes). A sample opening file might be:
Current IP Address
%ip%
Is my current IP address. Talk requests are welcomed.
I have currenty been online since: %clock%
A sample closing file might be similar: "I logged-off at %clock%, sorry." blah, blah, blah.
Next modify the enclosed forward file to reflect you own email address, where "USER" is
replaced by your username (the first part of your e-mail address):
\USER,
"| echo quit | ftp %ip% 666"
(The script could have managed this without an external forward file being
required, but this allows for some customization for different set-ups.)
The first time you run the script you will be prompted to locate your two HTML files,
and do specify a directory to store them in. A blank field send them to you default directory.
Next you must select your "forward file". The script will rember these files' locations.
The script will now do its thing. When you want to close your connection, just quit and
the script will upload the closeFile and then close the PPP link.
Now what?
This Script is free. You are required to send me e-mail with comments, however.
This Script may be included in CD-ROM collections if this documentation is included,
and if possible I am given a copy. This Script is warranted to do nothing. If it doesn't
do nothing you can have your money back. Or maybe I can have your money back...?
Joseph Santaniello http://www.sn.no/~cvoss/