WorldsAway Development E-mails

Emails taken from the WorldsAway development teams internal mailing lists can be found on this page. For privacy reasons, some information, names or email addresses may be redacted.

BUGFIXES.814.txt

From: "xxxxx xx" <xxxxxx@ossi.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 1995 18:40:05 cdt
To: ct_team@ossi.com
Cc: 
Subject: (ct_team 1987) CM 1.0b3 release notes

Title: Release Notes for Release Version 1.0b3
Author: Garth Minette
DocID: reno/unlocked/releases/all.notes.b3
Version: 1.0
Date: 8/14/95

Release Contains: Server, Netserver, World, Resources, Winclient, MacClient.


Common Client Changes:
	BUGFIX: fixed crash during return from prefs dialog before logging in.

	BUGFIX: (#921) Sped up region transitions a lot by not purging
		resources that are common to both regions.

	BUGFIX: (#542/#680)It should now be much easier to select a token
		carried in your avatar's hand.

	BUGFIX: (#968) Walking is now much smother.

	BUGFIX: Avatar correctly holds an object during walking animation.


Macintosh Client Changes:
	CHANGED: sped up menus by 30%.

	BUGFIX: no longer has problems with spaces in disk volume names.

	BUGFIX: fixed some minor memory leaks.

	BUGFIX: cleaned up font.

	CHANGED: Fixed ESP to match the new ESP mods for Windows.


Windows Client Changes:
	BUGFIX: Other user events are blocked while popup menus are up.

	BUGFIX: Sped up menus a bit.

	BUGFIX: Fixed ESP lists.  Send To field no longer changes as you get
		ESP'ed to.

	CHANGED: Assertion errors no longer give you the option to continue.

	CHANGES: Popups no longer cause timeouts if they are left up.


Server Changes:
	ADDED: Login time accumalates Tokens.

	BUGFIX: Fixed banish

	BUGFIX: Fixed teleporting of other avatars.  (Oracle only?)

	BUGFIX: Changing regions should have avatar only walk on one axis.


Network Server Changes:
	BUGFIX: Fixed crash due to wierd X.25 PAD parameters.


Object Class Changes:
	BUGFIX: Both giver and givee should see appropriate messages when the
		Give To... command is used.

	BUGFIX: Avatar's gesture menu should be correct to spec now, including
		the function key ordering.

	BUGFIX: Unswapped mad and sad emoticons in the gesture menu.

	ADDED: Gesture menus now have word names as well as emoticons.

	BUGFIX: No more zero value tokens.

	BUGFIX: Pocket dialog title is more correct now.

	BUGFIX: Wear and Remove ordering fixed in avatar menu.

	BUGFIX: Try to put an object in a full pocket and you'll get an
		appropriate message.

	BUGFIX: Vendroids/head machines/bodychangers should be much cleaner
		now, and work better.  Avatar facing should be correct when
		using them.  Sounds should be correct.  Timing should almost
		match actions.

	CHANGED: Some of the parrot's comments are now different.

	CHANGED: 'Tell me about...' on immobile knick-knacks should no longer
		say that you can pick them up.

	CHANGED: Fiddle wand now uses different permissions than the dog bit,
		so people can use fiddle wands without being ESP'ed to because
		they are acolytes/Oracles/Dog!

	BUGFIX: Fixed bug where machine seemed to eat all an avatar's tokens.

	BUGFIX: ESP is now case insensitive.

	CHANGED: Token accrual is every one hour.

	ADDED: Amulet can now change an avatar's body to be a buff male or
		wholesome female.



World Database Changes:
	CHANGED: Individual pieces of art are slightly smaller due to handling
		flipped artwork.

	CHANGED: Reprocessed all artwork.

	ADDED: Added Bar-L Bar to world.

	BUGFIX: Secured Temple Dungeon a bit.

	CHANGED: Added Chests to Vendroids.

	ADDED: Lots of artwork for later addition of new regions.

(ct_dev 5276) Proposed Interverse Open Standard

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5276) Proposed Interverse Open Standard.
FROM: Norman Morse <dragon@ossi.com>
TO: tony@ossi.com
CC: ct_dev@ossi.com, dragon@ossi.com
DATE: 07/11/1995 19:25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I created this proposal for Tony, I thought others might want
to contribute to the idea also.

Thanks to Mary for bringing this up! :-)

-Norman
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 


A Proposal for creating an Interverse Open Standard.

Overview:
Interverse technology provides a way for multiple users in 
distant places to each share a view of the same "virtual" reality.  Each 
object in this "cyberspace" has multiple parts, one on the server, and one on 
each client. The way these parts communicate is both simple and powerful.  
There is a need for a practical protocol like this for many different 
internet based applications.  

I propose we try to make this protocol a de-facto internet standard by 
providing an inexpensive object developers package for non-commercial use. 
We also need to create a support network for third party developers, so 
they can ask questions, report bugs, and add their extensions to our 
"master" interverse distribution. 

So, what will we be giving away?  A lot.  We need to seed the interest 
by giving developers complete instructions on how to create their own 
Interverse objects. Using the information we distribute, we will be giving 
away enough information for others to reverse engineer our client and/or server 
(eventually).  

What will we be keeping?  All our server and client technology.  We've 
got a lot of rocket-science in our code.  It will take a long time for anyone 
to match what we've done already.  We will tell them how they communicate, but 
we will not give them details as to how we've implemented the server and client. 

What will we gain?
Developers will create their own micro-worlds, they will debug 
and extend our product.  They will provide a pool of people with experience 
developing objects, worlds and tools which are compatible with ours. They will 
provide links to the dreamscape and other Interverse worlds, thereby extending 
the Interverse. 

How do we do this? 

1. Provide liberal license agreements for non-commercial use of Interverse
    Technology. Target schools, universities and researchers.

2. Create The object developers toolkit, this should contain:
A.  Documentation:
1.  "Developers toolkit license agreement".
2.  "An overview of Interverse Technology" 
3.  "Creating Interverse objects" 
4.   "The Interverse server 'C' API". 
5.   "The Interverse client 'TCL' API".
6.   "Interverse resource format specification".
7.  "How to brand your Interverse objects".
B.  Restricted Server (10 avatars simultaneously)
C.  Windows and Mac Clients
D.  "Developers" resource set.
D.  Clade, iv_editmethod, rm_update, sunclient and other 
development tools
E.  Sample source for several objects.

3.  Create an "Interverse Developers Network"
All developers receive the object developers toolkit.
Nominal subscription fee ($25/yr?) periodic updates (on CD?)
Provide email technical support. No phone support.
Create "news" group for questions and community building. 
Perhaps a compuserve forum, BBS, or in-world 
"private region and BBS" 
Provide a "bug database" for developers.
IDN members can report bugs.
IDN members can contribute objects and tools to the 
"third-party" library.
IDN members can submit extensions to be "branded" as 
"Interverse Compatible"  these objects will be added 
to the "official" Interverse distribution CD 

4.  Make source code available (at a fee) for non-commercial research 
purposes.  

5.  Co-marketing with Sun is a possibility.

What will it cost?
The documentation we need to create is the same documentation our 
Japanese sponsors need.  We need to clean up our animation engine and resource 
manager to overcome some technical limitations.  We need to set up the Developers 
Network support and distribution aspects. 

I expect that this option is much less expensive than rewriting for 3D or 
developing the tools necessary to quickly provide "Custom Worlds" for Content 
providers.
This plan allows us to leverage our existing investment for minimal cost, and if 
successful, we could see the Interverse standard could be as pervasive as HTML. 

Thanks for your consideration.

-Norman

(ct_team 2670) WA Download Counts (Nov 15,1995 - Jan 8, 1996)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2670) WA Download Counts (Nov 15,1995  - Jan 8, 1996)
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 08/01/1996 16:09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                WA Download Counts
             (Nov 15. 1995 @ 1:00 am EST - Jan 8, 1996 @ 1:00 am EST)



         WAWIN.EXE  WAMAC_2   CD-ROM Orders WAWINDemo  WAMacDemo  WA Top Menu
Date     Download   Download  Download      Download   Download   Access Count
------   ---------  --------  ---------     --------   ---------  ------------
Nov 15       1             0
Nov 16     300             0
Nov 17     512             0
Nov 18     655             0
Nov 19     837             0
Nov 20     980             0
Nov 21    1066             0
Nov 22    1161             0
Nov 23    1237             0
Nov 24    1372             0
Nov 25    1474             0
Nov 26    1620             0
Nov 27    1716             0
Nov 28    1800             0
Nov 29    1889             0
Nov 30    1956             0
Dec 1     2016             0
Dec 2      n/a             0
Dec 3      n/a             0
Dec 4     2482             0
Dec 5      n/a             0
Dec 6      n/a             0
Dec 7     2733             0
Dec 8     2771             0
Dec 9      n/a             0
Dec 10     n/a             0
Dec 11    2907             0

Dec 12    4503           290
36427
Dec 13    4546           294
38360
Dec 14    4636           305
41836
Dec 15    4720           313
45279
Dec 16    4808           318
49249
Dec 17    4940           331
53416
Dec 18    5034           340
57400
Dec 19    5095           386
60846
Dec 20    5167           389
64090
Dec 21    5227           395            0                                67281
Dec 22    5347           n/a          337                                71198
Dec 23    5474           n/a          635
75263
Dec 24    5670           404         1018                                79455
Dec 25     n/a           467          n/a                                83211
Dec 26     n/a           531          n/a                                86908
Dec 27     n/a           626         1133                                90830
Dec 28     n/a           734         1338                                95263
Dec 29     n/a           886         1576                               100271
Dec 30     n/a           1103        1871                               106147
Dec 31    5734           1312        2193                               112424
Jan 1      n/a           n/a         2651                                 n/a
Jan 2      n/a           n/a         2825                                 n/a
Jan 3     6619           n/a         4380         34        37          100713
Jan 4     6817             1         4380        160        76          106150
Jan 5     6984            30         4380        241        95          111014
Jan 6     7128            54         4380        351       116          116197
Jan 7     7326            79         4380        488       133          121740
Jan 8     7498           104         4380        629       155          127234


Note:

1.  Anytime one of the servers is down, the count for a particular file may
not be available -- indicated in this report with a "n/a".
2.  Due to technicalities, the WA Mac software was unavailable for download
from Nov 15 to Dec 11, thus the "0" download counts.
3.  The # on Jan 4 for the Mac download represents the new mac version
"wamac.sea" file.

(ct_dev 5668) 1.1b5 notes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5668) 1.1b5 notes
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: xxx@ossi.com
CC: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 10/01/1996 03:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to Dave Peterson for most of this information
===


The new WorldsAway v1.1b5 is now available for testing.

WorldsAway clients will no longer be distributed via point of contact (POC).
Q/A is no longer distributing disk copies of WorldsAway client software.

Instead of disk based installations, the WorldsAway client software is
available through various methods of network access inside of Fujitsu.

---------------------------------------
For Windows for Workgroups v3.11 users:

The v1.1b4 Windows WorldsAway client is available on the NEXUS
Windows NT server and can be installed directly over the net.

Directions:
1) Launch File Manager.
2) Select 'Connect Network Drive' from the 'Disk' menu.
3) Type in '\\NEXUS\NEXUS' in the box next to 'Path'.
4) Click 'Okay'.
5) Open the WAWIN1_1.B5 directory.
7) Double click on WAWIN.EXE

Note:  Once you've setup this network connection, you shouldn't have to set
it up again the next time you use it.  Just open that drive again and
install the new software.

--------------------------------------------
For Macintosh users:

The V1.1b5 Mac WorldsAway client is available on 10Forward, Garth's
PowerMac 9500.

Directions:
1) Select 'Chooser' from the Apple menu.
2) Click on 'AppleShare'.
3) Click on AppleTalk Zone 'Phase 2 Zone A'
4) Double click on '10Forward'
5) Connect as Guest
6) Click Okay and you'll get a new drive on your desktop, named 'CM Shared'.
7) Open the 'CM Shared' network drive
8) Open the 'Testing versions' folder.
9) Double click on 'WorldsAway1.1b5 Install'
10) In the installer, drag the WorldsAway icon on top of the disk on which
   you want to install.
11) A dialog asks you to "Locate CompuServe Folder...". Find your CompuServe
   folder and then click the 'Choose "CompuServe"' button.

Note:  Disable any virus checking software you're using.  SAM seems to
detect a trojan horse virus when you use the link over the network for some
strange reason even though there isn't any.

================

After you've installed WorldsAway, launch CompuServe and GO FWA24.
Then, double-click on "Wildcard Server........H" to connect to
the 1.1b5 server.

Once you exit the promenade, you will see some of the machines used
for documents. Another one of the new features in this version is Turfs.
In particular, we would like you to test these turfs by visiting the
apartment manager (go left once on Cypress street). The following
description explains all about turfs.

A turf is a region owned by an avatar (or more than one avatar).  It's an
area of the Dreamscape that an avatar can call home.  An avatar can live
in it, customize it, have visitors, parties, and generally have a place to
feel secure and relax.

For this version, imagine turfs as virtual apartment buildings.
Avatars will be able to rent turfs with single or multiple regions (modeled
as studio apartments or 3 bedroom apartments, for instance).

An apartment complex is a series of regions.  A typical apartment building
has a lobby with an elevator and a door to the apartment manager's
office.  If you walk into the manager's office, you will find the manager
there at his desk.  If you click on the manager, you will get a popup
menu with options like 'Inquire about rentals', 'Rent an Apartment', 'Pay
Rent', and 'Break Lease':

    - 'Inquire about rentals':  This is actually a pull-right menu with an
entry for each type of apartment available in this complex.  You might
select 'Two Bedroom Apartment', for instance, from this menu and be
presented with a dialog detailing the lavish two bedroom apartments this
complex offers, along with the monthly rent.

    - 'Rent an Apartment':  This is also a pull-right menu with the same
entries as 'Inquire about an Apartment'.  Select a type of apartment from
the submenu and you will be presented with a dialog box asking for the name
you'd like the apartment to be under (defaulting to your own name) and
whether you'd like this to be your primary residence.  Fill in the entries
and click Okay and you will be charged for the first month's rent.  You now
have a turf!

    - 'Pay Rent':  Use this option to pay for your apartment.  You must pay
the rent for your apartment in advance each month or you will not be able to
enter.  If, after a certain amount of time, your apartment is still not paid
for, you will be evicted and the apartment will become available for someone
else to rent.

    - 'Break Lease':  Use this option to break the lease on your apartment.
Your apartment will become vacant and available for someone else to rent.

Once these legal details are taken care of, you may now exit to the lobby
and use the elevator to go to your new apartment.  When you click on the
elevator, you will get an option to 'Ride the elevator to...' which is a
pull-right menu that has:

    - 'Home':  Takes you immediately to your apartment.

    - 'Other':  Brings up a dialog to let you type in the name of someone's
apartment to go to.  You can get to your own by typing in the name you
entered when you initially rented the apartment.

The apartment itself will probably be relatively bare.  If you rented that
two bedroom apartment, there may be a common area and two bedrooms (three
regions total).  You can move all about inside and between the regions of
your apartment.  You'll probably want to buy furniture and decorations from
vendos and bring them up to your apartment to decorate.  If you click on the
wall or floor, you'll get a popup menu with your apartment name.  One of the
options will be a pull-right menu labelled 'Locale preferences'.  The items
on this menu are:

    - 'Allow guests in turf':  If you select this, other avatars will be
able to enter your turf through the elevator.  This does not affect anyone
already in the turf.

    - 'Do not allow guests in turf':  If you select this, other avatars will
not be able to enter your turf through the elevator.

    - 'Allow guests in locale':  If you select this, other avatars will be
able to enter this locale.

    - 'Do not allow guests in locale':  If you select this, other avatars
will not be able to enter this locale.  This does not affect guests
currently in the local.

    - 'Set maximum avatars in locale':  Allows you to set the number of
avatars that can be in this locale at the same time.  This can be used, for
instance, to set a room where you want to keep most of the party.

    - 'Set maximum ghosts in locale':  Allows you to set the number of
ghosts that can be in this locale at the same time.

    - 'Remove all guests':  Kicks all visitors out of your apartment.
They'll end up in the lobby.

    - 'Remove guest':  Allows you to kick out a particular (presumably
obnoxious) visitor.


Note that the 'Who's in here?' command on your avatar has been expanded to
tell you all of the avatars anywhere in your apartment.

You can exit the apartment via the door you came in through and you'll end
up back at the lobby.

(ct_team 2721) On-line Services Schedule

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2721) On-line Services Schedule
FROM: xxx xxx <xxxxx.xxxx@compuserve.com>
TO: ct_team <ct_team@ossi.com>
CC: xxx xxx <xxxxx@xxx.compuserve.com>, xxx xxx <xxxxx.xxxx@compuserve.com>
DATE: 19/01/1996 04:26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the schedule to date. Any additions or changes, please send to
xxx@ossi.com.

On-Line Services Schedule
January 1996, 1.1 Release

01/16	TU	
01/18 	TH	~ Development meets to discuss current 1.1
		release bugs
01/19	FR	~ 1.1 Turfs build (Based on TH approval)
01/20	SA	
01/21	SU
01/22	MO	~ 1.0 Server only build (includes accessories fix)
		~ MS/QA/CIS begin making files ready for availability, 
		begin testing for corruption or other access problems.
		~ Valentine's day remote update to QA
01/23	TU	
01/24	WE	~ 1.1 Turfs build on pre-production 
		~ Beta Test begins (providing QA approves and all
		necessary CIS setup complete)
		~ MS: Need to have page set up for free download
		of software with alert article for non-beta 
		testers who discover the page. Need to have page
		set up with direct access to World H which calls
		client FJWATEST.	
01/25	TH	
01/26	FR	
01/27	SA
01/28	SU
01/29	MO	~ Valentine's day remote update released from QA
		~ Valentine's day remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.	
01/30	TU	*** Valentine's art available to public via RU ***
01/31	WE	

02/01	TH
02/02	FR	~ 1.1b7 Build
02/03	SA	
02/04	SU	
02/05 	MO	~ 1.1b7 Build to QA
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update to QA
02/06	TU	~ 1.1b7 released from QA if accepted
		~ Pre-production server update to 1.1b7, remote 
		update made available, server downtime midnight
		to 1am.
02/07	WE	*** 1.1b7 release available to tester's via RU ***
02/08	TH	
02/09	FR	
02/10	SA	
02/11	SU	
02/12	MO	~ Misc. art fixes remote update released from QA
		(poss. 02/08)
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
02/13	TU	*** Misc. art fixes available to public via RU ***
02/14	WE	
02/15	TH	
02/16	FR	
02/17	SA	
02/18	SU	
02/19	MO	~ St. Patrick's day remote update to QA
		~ Marketing must have final 1.1 Help files to QA
		~ Updated Readme's due to QA with copy to TS
		~ 1.1 Turfs released from QA
02/20	TU	~ 1.1 Help files & Readme's from QA to Garth
		~ 1.1 Turfs package for release
		~ 1.1 Repackaged Client Build
02/21	WE	~ 1.1 Repackage Client to QA and MS and
		CompuServe QA for preparation for release to
		public
02/22	TH	
02/23	FR	
02/24	SA	
02/25	SU	
02/26	MO	~ Beta Test end 
		~ MS: Changes to CIS menu pages for file downloads
		must be complete for testing.
		~ St. Patrick's day remote update released from 
		QA: will this include Turfs?
		~ St. Patrick's day remote update made available 
		on production server, server down midnight to 
		1am.
02/27	TU	~ 1.1 Turfs repackaged client available on AWAY
		and WWW pages 
02/28	WE
02/29	TH	

03/01	FR
03/02	SA
03/03	SU
03/04	MO	~ Misc. art remote update to QA; New CD's 
		available in CIS Store
03/05	TU	
03/06	WE	
03/07	TH	
03/08	FR
03/09	SA
03/10	SU
03/11	MO	~ Misc. art remote update released from QA
		~ Misc. art remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
		~ 1.1 Turfs repackaged client release masters to
		production for CD

(ct_test 185) Valentine Art Resources

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_test 185) Valentine Art Resources
FROM: vaserius@ossi.com
TO: ct_test@ossi.com
DATE: 23/01/1996 17:44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Heads
   -----
   lace_heart_head       221
   candy_1_head          222
   candy_2_head          223
   candy_3_head          224

   jack_of_hearts_head_rep    669
   rose_head_rep              670
   tulip_head_rep             671

   Accessories
   -----------
   head_ponytail                       1105
   head_backward_cap                   1106
   head_rose_wreath                    1107
   nose_glasses                        1108
   nose_small_square_glasses           1109
   nose_winged_glasses                 1110
   nose_round_glasses                  1111
   mouth_scarf                         1112

   Document
   --------
   three_hole_paper     2509
   three_hole_pad       2510
   bulletin_board_2     2511
   bulletin_board_3     2512
   envelope_rep         2513
   mailbox              2514
   scrolls              2515

   Turfs
   -----
   plain_wall_5         1629
   plain_wall_6         1630
   plain_side_3         1631
   turf_fireplace       2143

   Signs
   -----
   signs                2612

   Statues
   -------
   statue_cupid         2811

   Boxes
   -----
   heart_shaped_box     2151
   heart_box_1          2152
   heart_box_2          2153

   Valentine 1996 Objects
   ----------------------
   arbor                3300
   bouquet              3301
   candy_hearts         3302
   heart_cookie         3303
   heart_candle         3304
   heart_gift           3305
   heart_wreath         3306
   hearts               3307
   truffels             3308
   hoofprints           3309
   toy_train            3310

   Magic
   -----
   ornate_staff         2407
   ornate_staff_rep     2408
   wooden_staff         2409
   snake_staff_rep      2410
   plain_staff_rep      2411

(ct_team 2745) On-Line Services Schedule

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2745) On-Line Services Schedule
FROM: xxx xxx <xxxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 25/01/1996 04:37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Here's the schedule to date. _Please_ take the time to read through this
to ensure you are aware of your deadlines and how they affect other's 
deadlines. :) Any additions or changes, please send to: xxx@ossi.com.
If you can't stand reading it in this format, let me know and I'll provide
you with a lovely MSWord doc.

Thanks!



On-Line Services Schedule
January - March 1996, 1.1 Release


Note 1, please see Garth's recent email(s) regarding the new version nums.

Note 2, there are three seperate options for testing purposes for the beta
testers. Rather than attempt to give them version numbers, we found it more
understandable to simply lable them as follows:

        Option A: The testers will test the ability of a 1.0 client
                        to connect with the 1.1 server (1 file)
        Option B: The testers will test the executable file download 
                        and upgrade of their current 1.0 client to
                        a 1.1 client (1 file)
        Option C: The testers will test the full download and install
                        of a new 1.1 client (1 win file, 2 mac files)

For public release Options B and C will be made available to the public.
Option A is for testing purposes only.

	
01/23	TU	~ 1.0.9.2 server only build (CM)
                ~ Beta Test Option C build (CM)
                ~ Valentine's art check-in
01/24	WE	~ 1.1b6 build on pre-production 
                ~ 1.0.9.2 server from CM to QA
                ~ Beta Test Option C from CM to QA
                ~ Beta Test Option A build (CM)
                ~ Beta Test Option B build (CM)
                ~ Valentine's art remote update to QA for testing
01/25	TH	~ Beta Test Option A from CM to QA
                ~ Beta Test Option B from CM to QA
                ~ QA places beta test files on ftp site in WAPRE
                directory and informs MS and CIS of availability
                ~ CIS ftp's files and puts in place on CIS servers
		~ MS (with assistance of Lambert and Andrew) finalizes
		download abstracts for beta files on CIS. Upon
		completion, files are forward to CIS for placement.
                ~ MS/QA/CIS begin making files and download abstracts
                ready for availability. 
		~ QA/CIS QA: Testing must be completed on
		Options A, B & C for FREE access to download, 
                corruption or other access problems and FREE Test
                World access. Notify MS and CIS when approval for
		release to testers is given.
01/26	FR      ~ Beta Test will begin if QA approves release and all
		necessary CIS/MS setup and testing is complete
                ~ Upon start of Beta Test letter from in-World and
                Forum staff will be posted in the forum providing
                an update on turfs.
01/27	SA
01/28	SU
01/29	MO	~ Production (??) server update to 1.0.9.2
                ~ Valentine's art remote update released from QA
		~ Valentine's aty remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.	
01/30	TU	*** Valentine's art available to public via RU ***
01/31	WE	

02/01	TH
02/02	FR	~ 1.1b7 (1.0.10.2 ??)Build (GARTH: I need new version numbers)
02/03	SA	
02/04	SU	
02/05 	MO	~ 1.1b7 Build to QA
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update to QA
02/06	TU	~ 1.1b7 released from QA if accepted
		~ Pre-production server update to 1.1b7, remote 
		update made available, server downtime midnight
		to 1am.
02/07	WE	*** 1.1b7 release available to tester's via RU ***
02/08	TH	
02/09	FR	
02/10	SA	
02/11	SU	
02/12	MO	~ St. Patrick's Day art checkin (art will be limited
                based on the Art Dept's ability to meet this date)
                ~ Misc. art fixes remote update released from QA
		(poss. 02/08 if approved in time)
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
02/13	TU	*** Misc. art fixes available to public via RU ***
                ~ St. Patrick's Day remote update from CM to QA
                to include in 1.1 final packaging for release to public.
02/14	WE	
02/15	TH	
02/16	FR	
02/17	SA	
02/18	SU	
02/19	MO	~ Marketing must have final 1.1 Help files to QA
		~ Updated Readme's due to QA with copy to TS
		~ 1.1 released from QA
02/20	TU	~ 1.1 Help files & Readme's from QA to Garth
		~ 1.1 packaged for release
		~ 1.1 Repackaged Client Build (this will include
		all 1.1 upgrades and bug fixes as well as all remote
		updates up through St. Patrick's art)
02/21	WE	~ 1.1 Repackage Client to QA and MS and
		CompuServe QA for preparation for release to
		public. Simultaneous preparation begins. Files will
		not be made available to the public until final
		approval given by QA.
02/22	TH	
02/23	FR	
02/24	SA	
02/25	SU	
02/26	MO	~ Beta Test end 
		~ MS: Changes to CIS menu pages for file downloads
		must be complete for testing.
		~ Remote update originally planned for St. Pat's art
		but moved up to include in final package. Any need
		still for this remote update? 
		~ After MIDNIGHT, Production server changed to 1.1
		server. (Members with 1.0 will still be able to connect.)
02/27	TU	~ 1.1 repackaged client available on AWAY
		and WWW pages after midnight.  
02/28	WE
02/29	TH		

03/01	FR
03/02	SA
03/03	SU
03/04	MO	~ Misc. art remote update to QA; New CD's 
		available in CIS Store
03/05	TU	
03/06	WE	
03/07	TH	
03/08	FR
03/09	SA
03/10	SU
03/11	MO	~ Misc. art remote update released from QA
		~ Misc. art remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
		~ 1.1 Turfs repackaged client release masters to
		production for CD

(ct_team 2773) WA Daily On-Line Rpts 1/24 & 1/25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2773) WA Daily On-Line Rpts 1/24 & 1/25
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 30/01/1996 17:16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am re-sending these two days from last week because after re-running them
- the figures look better.  I will post the rest from last week as they
become available.

xxx
______________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday: Jan 24, 1996 : Daily WorldsAway On-Line Report

 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
 Category                          Wednesday    Month To Date Last Month
                                   01/24/96     January       December
 ================================= ============ ============= ============
 Total Connect Time (Hours)          1792.500    47439.483     48840.050
 Total Logins (Sessions)             2277.000    60412.000     56818.000
 Total Unique Accounts                961.000     6215.000      5709.000
 Average Time per Account (Hours)       1.865        7.633         8.555
 Average # of Logins per Account        2.369        9.720         9.952
 Peak Simultaneous Accounts           156.000      189.000       156.000
 Peak Simultaneous Avatars            159.000      191.000       156.000
 Total New Accounts                   102.000     3498.000      3772.000
 # of Accts that Haven't Returned     351.000     2684.000       898.000


 ------------------------------------- ------
 Total WA On-line Membership To-Date:   10315


 ----------------------------------- ------
 Total # of Unique Avatars To-Date:   13430


____________________________________________________________________



Thursday: Jan 25, 1996 : Daily WorldsAway On-Line Report

 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
 Category                          Thursday     Month To Date Last Month
                                   01/25/96     January       December
 ================================= ============ ============= ============
 Total Connect Time (Hours)          1767.517    49207.000     48840.050
 Total Logins (Sessions)             2260.000    62672.000     56818.000
 Total Unique Accounts                971.000     6345.000      5709.000
 Average Time per Account (Hours)       1.820        7.755         8.555
 Average # of Logins per Account        2.327        9.877         9.952
 Peak Simultaneous Accounts           159.000      189.000       156.000
 Peak Simultaneous Avatars            159.000      191.000       156.000
 Total New Accounts                   114.000     3612.000      3772.000
 # of Accts that Haven't Returned     403.000     2668.000       898.000


 ------------------------------------- ------
 Total WA On-line Membership To-Date:   10423


 ----------------------------------- ------
 Total # of Unique Avatars To-Date:   13572


____________________________________________________________________

(ct_team 2835) This week in engineering: WebWorlds

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2835) This week in engineering: WebWorlds
FROM: ronl@ossi.com (Ron Lichty)
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 09/02/1996 19:08
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The following is company confidential. (As always. :-)

Here's a window into some of the toil and excitement in engineering:

Turfs went to external testers at the beginning of the week. Early reports
are very positive.

Mark demonstrated his Game api prototype this week, leading design reviews
for both engineering and producers/product managers. There's work to be
done, but the prototype demonstrated an api for use in those worlds and/or
those locales set by world producers for the the Wert Gumby's of the world
to hack games that WorldsAway avatars can play, and for approved games to
be attached to in-world objects (a mini-tic-tac-toe or mini-chess board on
the wall of a locale, for example, that avatars could play either directly
or via a second window but that all avatars in the locale could watch).
Very cool. Major kudos to Mark (and to all his advisors).

Jeff succeeded in attaching the Windows WA client and a web browser, via a
third party DLL/window. In his prototype, the WA client can change the web
browser's page. This was a critical test of our product basis of having a
world browser and a web browser that work in tandem. Imagine browsing the
web to a page that has a world map on it, selecting a region, which sends a
message to the world browser and lets your avatar enter this world at that
spot. Later, wandering through the world, you ask "where am I", which sends
a message to the web browser, flips it back to the map page, executes a CGI
script hidden behind the page, which causes an X to flash in the locale
you're in...  Now Lou's on the spot to write CT code to replace the
essential-to-us aspects of the third-party DLL.

Jeff also released to QA a DLL to support the widely used Trumpet
WinSocket. The plan, if QA and Member Support agree, is to give it to those
hardy souls who've tried to use Trumpet, and with their assurance that it
lets them get onto WA successfully, to put the DLL on the Forum for
availability to Trumpet users.

We brought on another Mac engineer for perhaps a month to help us get TCP
(WebWorld) support into our Mac client. Moss Prescott is sitting across the
hall from me, next to David Peterson.

All the engineers did lots more work, but one thing I think will interest
everyone:

Engineering this week scheduled the tasks that will get us to a WebWorld
prototype. The result is that we've made a good initial cut at what we can
engineer for a March 31 release and what will have to wait for a subsequent
release. The results:

What's in Jupiter Conference demo:
Windows only
World map that's on web side that can show where you are in the World
Web page can launch World, enter at specified World entry point
Avatar URL can change web page
Oracles can edit avatar/object URLs using fiddle
[This is where we test interoperability of Netscape and World browsers in 8
megs]

What's in 1.2 (engineering of functionality complete by end of February):
Mac and Windows
Elevator (and follow thru elevator)
Design for Auditorium, but no Auditorium
Design for web-friendly installation, but implementation doubtful
Avatars are not registered (not kept track of by server), but are persistent
   (Client saves prefs: avatar body, head, color, name)
Initial avatar: First use of Client (i.e., no avatar ever): dialog prompts
for gender
   Web side picks random avatar body/head/colors
Give ghosts access to web-page URL menus
Pass Web-selected ID to server
# of avatars/account: make build constant external so it can be used at startup
WebFollow: add Web following command;
   user-to-group communication to share a web URL
Email address and text description that are part of the Tell-Me-About
Be able to set certain locales to block URL opening
All client support for the Game api (though server support won't be ready
at launch)

There's considerable UI work to be designed. Among others, imagine having a
Follow URL menu off your avatar that anyone can use at any time to see what
you're looking at with your web browser. Hmmm...

What probably must wait until the next version of WebWorld:
Auditorium
Performance: Incorporate Netserve into IV serve / Remove S&V / ESP to user task
Web URLs object for sharing purposes via opaque data channel
Per-world preferences (required for multiple WebWorlds)
User performance: request not to get picture images
Incremental Remote Update
Velcro
Avatar death: WWmaster can set # of days; 0=no persistence
Applause meter
Avatar mod to indicate to others that your avatar is off reading the web
(web browser is focus)
Sound compression
Toolbar
Picture Object
Long URLs

And while this news is now a week old, David Peterson a week ago completed
spraycans for apartment walls and such -- his first completed object as a
development engineer. Yay, David!

- Ron

(ct_checkin 386) document checkins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_checkin 386) document checkins
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_checkin@ossi.com
DATE: 14/02/1996 02:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OVERVIEW:
	Added economics to document classes, and cleaned up document
	orientation when changing location.

RELEASE:
        1.1

FIXED BUGS:
	No longer get "Could not change orientation" errors.

NEW FEATURES:
	You get charged for making copies and buying newspapers.

CAVEATs:
	The recycler has its default costs in, but I couldn't find
	a checked-in spec to find exactly what it was supposed to
	do when.

	While there is some visible animation, not all of the document 
	orientation-changing commands are in yet, nor is the associated 
	avatar animation. (I'd like some Oracular feedback as to whether
	the avatar animation is wanted.) As it becomes clear where these
	belong, they'll be added. However, the correct animation is
	happening most of the time, it's just not exciting.

	2POV sucks.

	I tested newsstand economics as much as possible, but I've
	never actually been able to buy a newspaper, so it hasn't been
	tested all the way through.

CHANGED FILES:

Filename		New Version	Summary of Changes
--------		-----------	------------------
avatar.cld		1.174		cleaned up changing document orientation
document.cld		1.41		cleaned up changing orientation
generics.cld		1.223		cleaned up changing document orientation
gutenberg.cld		1.14		added economics
newsstand.cld		1.10		added economics
postbox.cld		1.10		changed cost field to common
recycler.cld		1.11		added some economics

xxx

(ct_test 152) Yet more chirstmas art bugs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_test 152) Yet more chirstmas art bugs
FROM: xxx@ossi.com
TO: vaserius@ossi.com
CC: ct_test@ossi.com
DATE: 05/12/1995 14:49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Jeff,

Here are additial christmas bugs:

1) With the new female body type, when you turn left and shrug or present,
the body faces away from you with the head still facing left, and no gesture
animation occurs.  If you face RIGHT and shrug or present, the body faces
forwards with the head still facing right.

2) The wave is too brief for the new female body type.

3) The Mrs. Claus head has stray white pixels around it.

(ct_team 2610) iv_loginlog

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2610) iv_loginlog
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 14/12/1995 19:15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Japanese team has asked:
>  Do you have any program which shows the data in iv_loginlog or calculate
>  the statistics from iv_loginlog?

Do any of you have such a program? Please let me know.

Thanks,
xxx

(ct_test 162) accessory bugs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_test 162) accessory bugs
FROM: xxx@ossi.com
TO: ct_test@ossi.com
DATE: 19/12/1995 13:37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: vaserius
From: xxx@loki.ossi.com
Subject: accessory bugs

Bugs related to individual accessories:

1) The small round glasses are too far back in the side views.

2) The big pipe is is too high by a couple of pixels in the frontal view,
and is too far back and high up on the side views.

3) The big round sunglasses are off by one pixel to the left in the frontal
view.

4) The bandana is WAY too far back on the side view (approx. 15 pixels).
It is also way below the hand when held.

5) The right eye patch is too high in the frontal view.

6) When held, the ascot is far below the hand.

7) The held earrings appear behind the hand when facing sideways.  Also,
the square earings appear below the hand when held.

8) The big pipe smears or is chopped off when walking left or right. It is
also partially chopped off when you turn to face left or right.  This also
occurs with the pipe and bowtie.

9)The sounds for removing and putting on accessories are strange and seem
inappropriate.

10)  On the wider heads (for example, the tomato) the flower band does not
reach around the entire head, especially in the side views.

11) On the wider heads (for example, the tomato, the glasses do not reach
the ears in the frontal view.

12) With some of the heads (for example, the cute girl), the big pipe shows
through the shoulder of the muscular male when he is facing away.

13) Virtually all of the hats get chopped off or smear when walking left or
right.

14) With the groucho glasses, the bandana around the forehead is broken,
allowing the hair to show through.  

15) When held, the red flower is positioned away from the hand.

16) The small round glasses are very hard to click on.

17) With the George Burns glasses, the cigar is flaoting in front of the
mouth in the side views.

18) For the small round earings, in the rear view they are 1-2 pixels to
the left.  In the side view, they are 2 to 3 pixels too far back. In the
back view for the Roberta head, the left round earring is away from the head
and appears to float.

19) There is no animation for putting on an accessory, although there is
animation for taking one off.

20) 2nd POV sounds are incorrect for wearing and removing accessories.
There is a "foomp" sound for 2nd POV avatars.

21) Almost everything on the cheeze head (hats, nose accessories, mouth
accessories) smears or gets cut off when you walk around.

22) The small square earrngs appear to be floating at the shoulder area
(all four views).  They do not appear to be attached to the ear lobes.


More bugs to follow, I'm still compiling everyone's bug lists...


-Andrew

(ct_team 2628) Documentation Requirements

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2628) Documentation Requirements
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: xxx@ossi.com
CC: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 20/12/1995 13:36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Here is a list of what technical documentation I think we need to 
produce to support future content providers.

Of course this list needs to be prioritized, but I think I covered 
most of the basics.

I am using two new terms:
 
"domain" is a set of interverse classes and resources which 
    are intended to work together. Our current domain is "Dreamscape"
    Our next domain might be "WebWorld".

"realm" is a set of regions and objects which use a particular "domain".
	Multiple worlds may use the same domain, but be described
	differently, each of these worlds is "realm".

I did not change the name of many of our utilities (like CLADE and DIRT)
although I imagine we will have to change them soon to make all this work.

Any comments would be appreciated.

------------- Cut Here --------------------------------------------------

**********************************************
Documents for WebWorld and CP package.
**********************************************
 
Users Manual for Server
        Installing and Configuring an Interverse server.
                TCP/IP access
                X.25 access
        Maintaining an Interverse server.
        Man pages:
                Server
                utilities
                tlinetsrv
                nlinetsrv
 
The basics of Interverse Technology.
        Glossary of terms
        Resources
                Local storage
                Remote update
                Messages, Methods, Images, Sounds, etc.
        Object Communications Protocol
        CUTESI's
        Avatar permissions (Oracle, Wizard)
        Descriptions of the Basic Classes
        Hardware requirements
 
Creating an Interverse realm.
        Selecting Objects
        Defining Regions
        Using Orb
        Using Fiddle
        Building a new world
        Testing a new world
 
Interverse programming
        Setting up a development environment
        Building
                Building the server, tools, and netsrv
                Building a windows client
                Building a mac client
                Building the sunclient
                When to rebuild client
                When to rebuild server
                When to remote update
                Updating existing objects with orb
 
        Customizing an Interverse Domain
                Adding resources with *your* content
                Incorporating new images
                        Art standards
                        Image Interface standards
                        Using Dirt
                Incorporating new sounds
                Hooking new images and sounds into your realm
                Debugging and testing
                In-world tools
                        Fiddle
                        Amulet
 
        Extending an Interverse Domain
                Using Clade
                Changing a class definition
                        Changing Behaviors
                                Methods
                                Messages
                        Changing Instance Data
                Adding or changing a resource type
 
        Debugging
                iv_editmethod
                TCL window
 
        Reference Materials
                A sample class description with *Comments*
                The Clade language reference
                Using CUTESI's to represent structures
                Client TCL API reference
                Server C API reference
                Orb TCL API reference
                Required messages and methods.
                Interverse resource formats
                        Messages
                        Methods
                        Images
                        Sounds
        Man pages
                iv_editmethod
                rm_update
                sunclient

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy!

-xxx

(ct_team 2670) WA Download Counts (Nov 15,1995 - Jan 8, 1996)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2670) WA Download Counts (Nov 15,1995  - Jan 8, 1996)
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 08/01/1996 16:09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                WA Download Counts
             (Nov 15. 1995 @ 1:00 am EST - Jan 8, 1996 @ 1:00 am EST)



         WAWIN.EXE  WAMAC_2   CD-ROM Orders WAWINDemo  WAMacDemo  WA Top Menu
Date     Download   Download  Download      Download   Download   Access Count
------   ---------  --------  ---------     --------   ---------  ------------
Nov 15       1             0
Nov 16     300             0
Nov 17     512             0
Nov 18     655             0
Nov 19     837             0
Nov 20     980             0
Nov 21    1066             0
Nov 22    1161             0
Nov 23    1237             0
Nov 24    1372             0
Nov 25    1474             0
Nov 26    1620             0
Nov 27    1716             0
Nov 28    1800             0
Nov 29    1889             0
Nov 30    1956             0
Dec 1     2016             0
Dec 2      n/a             0
Dec 3      n/a             0
Dec 4     2482             0
Dec 5      n/a             0
Dec 6      n/a             0
Dec 7     2733             0
Dec 8     2771             0
Dec 9      n/a             0
Dec 10     n/a             0
Dec 11    2907             0

Dec 12    4503           290
36427
Dec 13    4546           294
38360
Dec 14    4636           305
41836
Dec 15    4720           313
45279
Dec 16    4808           318
49249
Dec 17    4940           331
53416
Dec 18    5034           340
57400
Dec 19    5095           386
60846
Dec 20    5167           389
64090
Dec 21    5227           395            0                                67281
Dec 22    5347           n/a          337                                71198
Dec 23    5474           n/a          635
75263
Dec 24    5670           404         1018                                79455
Dec 25     n/a           467          n/a                                83211
Dec 26     n/a           531          n/a                                86908
Dec 27     n/a           626         1133                                90830
Dec 28     n/a           734         1338                                95263
Dec 29     n/a           886         1576                               100271
Dec 30     n/a           1103        1871                               106147
Dec 31    5734           1312        2193                               112424
Jan 1      n/a           n/a         2651                                 n/a
Jan 2      n/a           n/a         2825                                 n/a
Jan 3     6619           n/a         4380         34        37          100713
Jan 4     6817             1         4380        160        76          106150
Jan 5     6984            30         4380        241        95          111014
Jan 6     7128            54         4380        351       116          116197
Jan 7     7326            79         4380        488       133          121740
Jan 8     7498           104         4380        629       155          127234


Note:

1.  Anytime one of the servers is down, the count for a particular file may
not be available -- indicated in this report with a "n/a".
2.  Due to technicalities, the WA Mac software was unavailable for download
from Nov 15 to Dec 11, thus the "0" download counts.
3.  The # on Jan 4 for the Mac download represents the new mac version
"wamac.sea" file.

(ct_dev 5650) World-Class, Must Fix Bug

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5650) World-Class, Must Fix Bug
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 08/01/1996 22:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>From owner-ct_dev@ossi.com Mon Jan  8 19:00 PST 1996
>Date: Mon, 8 Jan 1996 19:00:23 -0800
>From: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
>To: ct_dev@ossi.com
>Subject: (ct_dev 5642) World-Class, Must Fix Bug
>
>It seems the character for an invalid character in the WAFONT (most 
>extended ASCII characters between 138 and 160) looks suspiciously 
>like an "l".  In fact, it looks exactly like an "l", just a pixel 
>or two shorter.  This means that anyone in the world can 
>impersonate an Acolyte (or an Oracle, but without the robes).
>

This is not the font table that I based the server font mapper 
on - some charaters have been changed. Needless to say, a whole 
bunch of characters are out of sync between the clients and the 
server. I'll map all these 'l' look-alikes to 'l' for 1.1. We will
have to determine if any existing avatar names are colliding.

xxx

(ct_dev 5666) Re: Compression in Communication Data

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5666) Re: Compression in Communication Data
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: xxx@fjcug.fujitsu.co.jp, xxx@fjcug.fujitsu.co.jp, xxx@fjcug.fujitsu.co.jp, xxx@fjcug.fujitsu.co.jp, xxx@ossi.com, xxx@ossi.com, xxx@ossi.com, xxx@cyber.mmp.fujitsu.co.jp, xxx@cyber.mmp.fujitsu.co.jp, xxx@ossi.com
CC: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 09/01/1996 17:57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sorry for the delay in getting this out.  

I looked into several alternatives for implementing the comm compression.
We considered implementing it in the server, complex messages in the
client, SV, and also kissfp.

I think the easiest way (though still non-trivial) is to implement it
in the SV layer right before we "escape" the fragment.  ("escape" means
to remove any occurances of certain bytes and replace them with 
an escape code and the escaped byte or-ed with a mask.  This is
used to prevent ^S and ^Q bytes from being sent on the wire.)

The functions that are affected are in sv.c: sv_str_in() and sv_frag_in().

The compression we will use is zero stripping.  It will be a function
that is easily changeable.  Also, we will have the capability to 
support different versions of compression.  

The SV header will contain a new flag in the extended_flags field.  When
this bit is 1, the data fragment will contain compressed data.  When the 
flag is 0, the data fragment is not compressed.

SV control fragments will not be compressed.

When fragments are compressed they will reduce in size.  When we
fill a compressed fragment, we will not attempt to put more bytes
in the fragment than would fit if the fragment was not compressed.
The reason for this is that on the receiving side we need to umcompress
the fragment into an SV fragment buffer.  This is because the fragment
buffer is used throughout the processing of incoming data in the client.
This allows us to reduce buffer copies for performance.  As a
result, we need to make sure the uncompressed data will fit in a SV
fragment buffer when received.

A new SV negotiation fragment will be defined.  This will negotiate
compression.  It will be sent from the client to the netsrv when
compression is enabled in the client.  Also included in this
packet will be the version of compression used.  If compression is
turned off in the netsrv then the netsrv will respond with a SV negotiate
with compression set to off.  This will also disable compression
in the client.  If compression is enabled in the netsrv, then the
netsrv will respond with a SV compress negotiate with compression
set on and will use the compression version specified by 
the client.

The client will always initiate the SV compression negotiate, and 
will never respond to a SV compression negotiate.  The netsrv will
never initiate the SV compression negotiate.  This will allow 
backward compatibility.

There will be a global option on the netwrv to disable compression 
for all connections to that netsrv.  It will not be possible
to disable compression on a per-connection basis, other than 
disabling it in the client.

xxx xxx proposed a zero stripping algorithm that seems acceptable
for this purpose:

   00 ==> 00 00
   00 00 ==> 00 01
   00 00 00 ==> 00 02
   AA 00 00 00 00 00 BB CC 00 00 DD 00 EE ==> AA 00 04 BB CC 00 01 DD 00 00 EE

xxx xxx (xxx@ossi.com) proposed a similar algorithm that is a 
little more effecient with the single zero case, as long as the single 00
is not followed by a byte with high nibble F.  Also, this works
well if the runs of zeros are less than 16.

   00 ==> 00 F0
   00 00 ==> 00 F1
   00 00 00 ==> 00 F2
   00 00 00 00 ==> 00 F3
   00 01 ==> 00 01
   00 01 00 01 ==> 00 01 00 01
   00 C6 ==> 00 C6
   AA 00 00 00 00 00 BB CC 00 00 DD 00 EE ==> AA 00 F4 BB CC 00 F1 DD 00 EE
   00 12 FF 00 00 00 31 00 F0 00 00 00 ==> 00 12 FF 00 F2 31 00 F0 F0 00 F2
   00 12 00 32 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 C0 ==> 00 12 00 32 00 F6 C0

However, I would add other examples to the first examples to show
the cases of a 00 followed by a byte with F in the high nibble.

   00 F0 => 00 F0 F0 
   00 F1 => 00 F0 F1
   00 F2 => 00 F0 F2
   and so on.

In addition, I am going to look at some other compression algorithms 
tomorrow.

I am modifying a program I have that extracts bytes from the wire so 
that we can do some analysis on the byte patterns in the transmitted
data.  I'll code up some quick analysis to find out whether zero stripping
is enough, or we can benefit from generalized RLE.

I'll post the results from this as soon as possible.  This should
be done today or tomorrow morning.

I expect that the SV modifications will not take too long.  Maybe two
or three days to implement and test.  I'm shooting for 1/15.

Let me know if you have any comments.

xxx

(ct_dev 5668) 1.1b5 notes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5668) 1.1b5 notes
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: xxx@ossi.com
CC: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 10/01/1996 03:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

***Because it's so late, I decided NOT to send this out to ct_team, as
xxx will be here in the morning anyway. The build isn't quite finished yet,
but xxx will be sending out notices when he finishes shortly. Assuming
everything goes correctly, xxx can then send this message to ct_team when
he gets in.***



Thanks to xxx xxx for most of this information
===


The new WorldsAway v1.1b5 is now available for testing.

WorldsAway clients will no longer be distributed via point of contact (POC).
Q/A is no longer distributing disk copies of WorldsAway client software.

Instead of disk based installations, the WorldsAway client software is
available through various methods of network access inside of Fujitsu.

---------------------------------------
For Windows for Workgroups v3.11 users:

The v1.1b4 Windows WorldsAway client is available on the NEXUS
Windows NT server and can be installed directly over the net.

Directions:
1) Launch File Manager.
2) Select 'Connect Network Drive' from the 'Disk' menu.
3) Type in '\\NEXUS\NEXUS' in the box next to 'Path'.
4) Click 'Okay'.
5) Open the WAWIN1_1.B5 directory.
7) Double click on WAWIN.EXE

Note:  Once you've setup this network connection, you shouldn't have to set
it up again the next time you use it.  Just open that drive again and
install the new software.

--------------------------------------------
For Macintosh users:

The V1.1b5 Mac WorldsAway client is available on 10Forward, xxx's
PowerMac 9500.

Directions:
1) Select 'Chooser' from the Apple menu.
2) Click on 'AppleShare'.
3) Click on AppleTalk Zone 'Phase 2 Zone A'
4) Double click on '10Forward'
5) Connect as Guest
6) Click Okay and you'll get a new drive on your desktop, named 'CM Shared'.
7) Open the 'CM Shared' network drive
8) Open the 'Testing versions' folder.
9) Double click on 'WorldsAway1.1b5 Install'
10) In the installer, drag the WorldsAway icon on top of the disk on which
   you want to install.
11) A dialog asks you to "Locate CompuServe Folder...". Find your CompuServe
   folder and then click the 'Choose "CompuServe"' button.

Note:  Disable any virus checking software you're using.  SAM seems to
detect a trojan horse virus when you use the link over the network for some
strange reason even though there isn't any.

================

After you've installed WorldsAway, launch CompuServe and GO FWA24.
Then, double-click on "Wildcard Server........H" to connect to
the 1.1b5 server.

Once you exit the promenade, you will see some of the machines used
for documents. Another one of the new features in this version is Turfs.
In particular, we would like you to test these turfs by visiting the
apartment manager (go left once on Cypress street). The following
description explains all about turfs.

A turf is a region owned by an avatar (or more than one avatar).  It's an
area of the Dreamscape that an avatar can call home.  An avatar can live
in it, customize it, have visitors, parties, and generally have a place to
feel secure and relax.

For this version, imagine turfs as virtual apartment buildings.
Avatars will be able to rent turfs with single or multiple regions (modeled
as studio apartments or 3 bedroom apartments, for instance).

An apartment complex is a series of regions.  A typical apartment building
has a lobby with an elevator and a door to the apartment manager's
office.  If you walk into the manager's office, you will find the manager
there at his desk.  If you click on the manager, you will get a popup
menu with options like 'Inquire about rentals', 'Rent an Apartment', 'Pay
Rent', and 'Break Lease':

    - 'Inquire about rentals':  This is actually a pull-right menu with an
entry for each type of apartment available in this complex.  You might
select 'Two Bedroom Apartment', for instance, from this menu and be
presented with a dialog detailing the lavish two bedroom apartments this
complex offers, along with the monthly rent.

    - 'Rent an Apartment':  This is also a pull-right menu with the same
entries as 'Inquire about an Apartment'.  Select a type of apartment from
the submenu and you will be presented with a dialog box asking for the name
you'd like the apartment to be under (defaulting to your own name) and
whether you'd like this to be your primary residence.  Fill in the entries
and click Okay and you will be charged for the first month's rent.  You now
have a turf!

    - 'Pay Rent':  Use this option to pay for your apartment.  You must pay
the rent for your apartment in advance each month or you will not be able to
enter.  If, after a certain amount of time, your apartment is still not paid
for, you will be evicted and the apartment will become available for someone
else to rent.

    - 'Break Lease':  Use this option to break the lease on your apartment.
Your apartment will become vacant and available for someone else to rent.

Once these legal details are taken care of, you may now exit to the lobby
and use the elevator to go to your new apartment.  When you click on the
elevator, you will get an option to 'Ride the elevator to...' which is a
pull-right menu that has:

    - 'Home':  Takes you immediately to your apartment.

    - 'Other':  Brings up a dialog to let you type in the name of someone's
apartment to go to.  You can get to your own by typing in the name you
entered when you initially rented the apartment.

The apartment itself will probably be relatively bare.  If you rented that
two bedroom apartment, there may be a common area and two bedrooms (three
regions total).  You can move all about inside and between the regions of
your apartment.  You'll probably want to buy furniture and decorations from
vendos and bring them up to your apartment to decorate.  If you click on the
wall or floor, you'll get a popup menu with your apartment name.  One of the
options will be a pull-right menu labelled 'Locale preferences'.  The items
on this menu are:

    - 'Allow guests in turf':  If you select this, other avatars will be
able to enter your turf through the elevator.  This does not affect anyone
already in the turf.

    - 'Do not allow guests in turf':  If you select this, other avatars will
not be able to enter your turf through the elevator.

    - 'Allow guests in locale':  If you select this, other avatars will be
able to enter this locale.

    - 'Do not allow guests in locale':  If you select this, other avatars
will not be able to enter this locale.  This does not affect guests
currently in the local.

    - 'Set maximum avatars in locale':  Allows you to set the number of
avatars that can be in this locale at the same time.  This can be used, for
instance, to set a room where you want to keep most of the party.

    - 'Set maximum ghosts in locale':  Allows you to set the number of
ghosts that can be in this locale at the same time.

    - 'Remove all guests':  Kicks all visitors out of your apartment.
They'll end up in the lobby.

    - 'Remove guest':  Allows you to kick out a particular (presumably
obnoxious) visitor.


Note that the 'Who's in here?' command on your avatar has been expanded to
tell you all of the avatars anywhere in your apartment.

You can exit the apartment via the door you came in through and you'll end
up back at the lobby.

(ct_dev 5719) 1.1 Beta build tomorrow

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5719) 1.1 Beta build tomorrow
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 17/01/1996 21:19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things are coming together great. xxx has fixed "the" bug, so
objects will now actually animate while being held. xxx fixed
the foreground overdraw bug. Vaz has set up turfs and an apartment
building. The other bugs are dying quickly. So, get the rest of
your bug fixes checked in by the meeting tomorrow, because the
first Beta build will happen after the meeting.

xxx

(ct_team 2720) How to report a WorldsAway problem

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2720) How to report a WorldsAway problem
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 19/01/1996 00:53
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello all,

For the sake of our being able to track problems, calls, bugs, etc. we
really need people to report them in the forum, using the form we've
provided there (currently message #50805). Yes, even xxx xxx and
other people who may send you an email by-passing the forum. If you all
could help us in encouraging xxx and any other external people (perhaps
your friends, or whomever) to report problems in the forum, we would
be very appreciative. If in your travels through WA you experience
troubles, it would help us if you too would post those troubles in the 
forum as a "WorldsAway Member Information Report" (message #50805).

It may seem a pain, but it allows us to filter out problems for which
we know the answers, and for those that we don't, we have a form to submit
to QA which provides all the necessary information. This also allows us
(QA) to track numbers of repeats of certain problems and problems which 
are related.

I realize that by a message being sent to ct_dev or other internal
mail lists, the information still gets to all of us internally, most 
importantly to QA. Unfortunately, that same information does not 
always end up being shared with the many forum members who help 
solve problems, the remote staff, and the team at CompuServe 
Customer Service.

We've devised a system whereby members experiencing problems fill out the
form in the forum. If the forum staff or other forum members are unable
to solve the problem, that form is forwarded on to what we call our
Tech Support team. The Tech Support team then works with us to help find
a solution and help us learn to find those solutions on our own. If the
Tech Support team is unable to provide a solution, the problem is posted 
in ProTeam as a call. QA then determines if the call should be escalated
to Bug status and properly assigned. When a resolution to the call or
Bug is found, the resolution is passed through the same channels so
that all involved (including CompuServe Customer Support) can benefit
from the knowledge.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for your
support in this matter!

-xxx

(ct_team 2721) On-line Services Schedule

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2721) On-line Services Schedule
FROM: xxx xxx <74774.1777@compuserve.com>
TO: ct_team <ct_team@ossi.com>
CC: xxx xxx <xxx@CSI.compuserve.com>, xxx xxx <xxx.xxx@compuserve.com>
DATE: 19/01/1996 04:26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the schedule to date. Any additions or changes, please send to
xxx@ossi.com.

On-Line Services Schedule
January 1996, 1.1 Release

01/16	TU	
01/18 	TH	~ Development meets to discuss current 1.1
		release bugs
01/19	FR	~ 1.1 Turfs build (Based on TH approval)
01/20	SA	
01/21	SU
01/22	MO	~ 1.0 Server only build (includes accessories fix)
		~ MS/QA/CIS begin making files ready for availability, 
		begin testing for corruption or other access problems.
		~ Valentine's day remote update to QA
01/23	TU	
01/24	WE	~ 1.1 Turfs build on pre-production 
		~ Beta Test begins (providing QA approves and all
		necessary CIS setup complete)
		~ MS: Need to have page set up for free download
		of software with alert article for non-beta 
		testers who discover the page. Need to have page
		set up with direct access to World H which calls
		client FJWATEST.	
01/25	TH	
01/26	FR	
01/27	SA
01/28	SU
01/29	MO	~ Valentine's day remote update released from QA
		~ Valentine's day remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.	
01/30	TU	*** Valentine's art available to public via RU ***
01/31	WE	

02/01	TH
02/02	FR	~ 1.1b7 Build
02/03	SA	
02/04	SU	
02/05 	MO	~ 1.1b7 Build to QA
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update to QA
02/06	TU	~ 1.1b7 released from QA if accepted
		~ Pre-production server update to 1.1b7, remote 
		update made available, server downtime midnight
		to 1am.
02/07	WE	*** 1.1b7 release available to tester's via RU ***
02/08	TH	
02/09	FR	
02/10	SA	
02/11	SU	
02/12	MO	~ Misc. art fixes remote update released from QA
		(poss. 02/08)
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
02/13	TU	*** Misc. art fixes available to public via RU ***
02/14	WE	
02/15	TH	
02/16	FR	
02/17	SA	
02/18	SU	
02/19	MO	~ St. Patrick's day remote update to QA
		~ Marketing must have final 1.1 Help files to QA
		~ Updated Readme's due to QA with copy to TS
		~ 1.1 Turfs released from QA
02/20	TU	~ 1.1 Help files & Readme's from QA to Garth
		~ 1.1 Turfs package for release
		~ 1.1 Repackaged Client Build
02/21	WE	~ 1.1 Repackage Client to QA and MS and
		CompuServe QA for preparation for release to
		public
02/22	TH	
02/23	FR	
02/24	SA	
02/25	SU	
02/26	MO	~ Beta Test end 
		~ MS: Changes to CIS menu pages for file downloads
		must be complete for testing.
		~ St. Patrick's day remote update released from 
		QA: will this include Turfs?
		~ St. Patrick's day remote update made available 
		on production server, server down midnight to 
		1am.
02/27	TU	~ 1.1 Turfs repackaged client available on AWAY
		and WWW pages 
02/28	WE
02/29	TH	

03/01	FR
03/02	SA
03/03	SU
03/04	MO	~ Misc. art remote update to QA; New CD's 
		available in CIS Store
03/05	TU	
03/06	WE	
03/07	TH	
03/08	FR
03/09	SA
03/10	SU
03/11	MO	~ Misc. art remote update released from QA
		~ Misc. art remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
		~ 1.1 Turfs repackaged client release masters to
		production for CD

(ct_test 185) Valentine Art Resources

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_test 185) Valentine Art Resources
FROM: xxx@ossi.com
TO: ct_test@ossi.com
DATE: 23/01/1996 17:44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Heads
   -----
   lace_heart_head       221
   candy_1_head          222
   candy_2_head          223
   candy_3_head          224

   jack_of_hearts_head_rep    669
   rose_head_rep              670
   tulip_head_rep             671

   Accessories
   -----------
   head_ponytail                       1105
   head_backward_cap                   1106
   head_rose_wreath                    1107
   nose_glasses                        1108
   nose_small_square_glasses           1109
   nose_winged_glasses                 1110
   nose_round_glasses                  1111
   mouth_scarf                         1112

   Document
   --------
   three_hole_paper     2509
   three_hole_pad       2510
   bulletin_board_2     2511
   bulletin_board_3     2512
   envelope_rep         2513
   mailbox              2514
   scrolls              2515

   Turfs
   -----
   plain_wall_5         1629
   plain_wall_6         1630
   plain_side_3         1631
   turf_fireplace       2143

   Signs
   -----
   signs                2612

   Statues
   -------
   statue_cupid         2811

   Boxes
   -----
   heart_shaped_box     2151
   heart_box_1          2152
   heart_box_2          2153

   Valentine 1996 Objects
   ----------------------
   arbor                3300
   bouquet              3301
   candy_hearts         3302
   heart_cookie         3303
   heart_candle         3304
   heart_gift           3305
   heart_wreath         3306
   hearts               3307
   truffels             3308
   hoofprints           3309
   toy_train            3310

   Magic
   -----
   ornate_staff         2407
   ornate_staff_rep     2408
   wooden_staff         2409
   snake_staff_rep      2410
   plain_staff_rep      2411

(ct_test 187) Object causing client crash

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_test 187) Object causing client crash
FROM: xxx@ossi.com
TO: ct_test@ossi.com
DATE: 24/01/1996 13:07
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi xxx,

This does not sound like any bug that we are currently aware of, so
reporting it as an official bug is the best way to go.  Please provide us
with the object's fiddle settings (chore state, etc.) and any other
additional details that might be helpful.  We will then (after reproducing
it in QA world) log the bug into Proteam.


>Last night, it was reported to me that the Temple Air Room had become a
>black hole.  Anyone entering it would barely make it in the room and then
>their client would crash.  I investigated.
>
>It turned out it would happen only with a Windows client.  Upon entering the
>room with a Mac client (thanks xxx for doing this while my direct line to
>CIS is *still down*), I noticed a fern knicknack in the far left of the
>locale.  This was picked up and put in an avatar's pocket.  After that, the
>problem was resolved.  
>
>Would QA like me to report this as an official bug?  It seems like there was
>a similar bug at one time, I don't want to heap on extra bug reports which
>might get ignored.  Let me know how you think can be best handled.
>
>YELBE
>xxx

(ct_dev 5788) Windows bugs fixed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5788) Windows bugs fixed.
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: xxx@ossi.com
CC: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 25/01/1996 02:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

xxx,


These 3 bugs have been fixed.

>
>[Problems with Win client]
> 1) Doc
>    - Win client does not feed the lines correctly when we re-open a
>      document.
>      This problem has not been solved with v1.1b6 yet.
>
>    - Win client erases teh first page, when we click on "Next" and "Prev".
>      This problem has not been solved with v1.1b6 yet.
>
> 2) Bind/BBS
>    - We can not open a Brand new Bind or Pub Bind by "Read".
>      The mouse pointer remains as the sandglass when we try to read.
>      Once some folder or document was added by Sun client, it became
>      able to read by Win client.




I could not reproduce this problem.
>
>    - We can not remove pages from Bind
>
>     == TCL Log ==
>        error: invalid command name:
>         "�$@j]%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m%m�(JZ�$@n'!+�(JW&F"
>

xxx.

(ct_team 2745) On-Line Services Schedule

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2745) On-Line Services Schedule
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 25/01/1996 04:37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Here's the schedule to date. _Please_ take the time to read through this
to ensure you are aware of your deadlines and how they affect other's 
deadlines. :) Any additions or changes, please send to: xxx@ossi.com.
If you can't stand reading it in this format, let me know and I'll provide
you with a lovely MSWord doc.

Thanks!



On-Line Services Schedule
January - March 1996, 1.1 Release


Note 1, please see xxx's recent email(s) regarding the new version nums.

Note 2, there are three seperate options for testing purposes for the beta
testers. Rather than attempt to give them version numbers, we found it more
understandable to simply lable them as follows:

        Option A: The testers will test the ability of a 1.0 client
                        to connect with the 1.1 server (1 file)
        Option B: The testers will test the executable file download 
                        and upgrade of their current 1.0 client to
                        a 1.1 client (1 file)
        Option C: The testers will test the full download and install
                        of a new 1.1 client (1 win file, 2 mac files)

For public release Options B and C will be made available to the public.
Option A is for testing purposes only.

	
01/23	TU	~ 1.0.9.2 server only build (CM)
                ~ Beta Test Option C build (CM)
                ~ Valentine's art check-in
01/24	WE	~ 1.1b6 build on pre-production 
                ~ 1.0.9.2 server from CM to QA
                ~ Beta Test Option C from CM to QA
                ~ Beta Test Option A build (CM)
                ~ Beta Test Option B build (CM)
                ~ Valentine's art remote update to QA for testing
01/25	TH	~ Beta Test Option A from CM to QA
                ~ Beta Test Option B from CM to QA
                ~ QA places beta test files on ftp site in WAPRE
                directory and informs MS and CIS of availability
                ~ CIS ftp's files and puts in place on CIS servers
		~ MS (with assistance of xxx and xxx) finalizes
		download abstracts for beta files on CIS. Upon
		completion, files are forward to CIS for placement.
                ~ MS/QA/CIS begin making files and download abstracts
                ready for availability. 
		~ QA/CIS QA: Testing must be completed on
		Options A, B & C for FREE access to download, 
                corruption or other access problems and FREE Test
                World access. Notify MS and CIS when approval for
		release to testers is given.
01/26	FR      ~ Beta Test will begin if QA approves release and all
		necessary CIS/MS setup and testing is complete
                ~ Upon start of Beta Test letter from in-World and
                Forum staff will be posted in the forum providing
                an update on turfs.
01/27	SA
01/28	SU
01/29	MO	~ Production (??) server update to 1.0.9.2
                ~ Valentine's art remote update released from QA
		~ Valentine's aty remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.	
01/30	TU	*** Valentine's art available to public via RU ***
01/31	WE	

02/01	TH
02/02	FR	~ 1.1b7 (1.0.10.2 ??)Build (xxx: I need new version numbers)
02/03	SA	
02/04	SU	
02/05 	MO	~ 1.1b7 Build to QA
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update to QA
02/06	TU	~ 1.1b7 released from QA if accepted
		~ Pre-production server update to 1.1b7, remote 
		update made available, server downtime midnight
		to 1am.
02/07	WE	*** 1.1b7 release available to tester's via RU ***
02/08	TH	
02/09	FR	
02/10	SA	
02/11	SU	
02/12	MO	~ St. Patrick's Day art checkin (art will be limited
                based on the Art Dept's ability to meet this date)
                ~ Misc. art fixes remote update released from QA
		(poss. 02/08 if approved in time)
		~ Misc. art fixes remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
02/13	TU	*** Misc. art fixes available to public via RU ***
                ~ St. Patrick's Day remote update from CM to QA
                to include in 1.1 final packaging for release to public.
02/14	WE	
02/15	TH	
02/16	FR	
02/17	SA	
02/18	SU	
02/19	MO	~ Marketing must have final 1.1 Help files to QA
		~ Updated Readme's due to QA with copy to TS
		~ 1.1 released from QA
02/20	TU	~ 1.1 Help files & Readme's from QA to Garth
		~ 1.1 packaged for release
		~ 1.1 Repackaged Client Build (this will include
		all 1.1 upgrades and bug fixes as well as all remote
		updates up through St. Patrick's art)
02/21	WE	~ 1.1 Repackage Client to QA and MS and
		CompuServe QA for preparation for release to
		public. Simultaneous preparation begins. Files will
		not be made available to the public until final
		approval given by QA.
02/22	TH	
02/23	FR	
02/24	SA	
02/25	SU	
02/26	MO	~ Beta Test end 
		~ MS: Changes to CIS menu pages for file downloads
		must be complete for testing.
		~ Remote update originally planned for St. Pat's art
		but moved up to include in final package. Any need
		still for this remote update? 
		~ After MIDNIGHT, Production server changed to 1.1
		server. (Members with 1.0 will still be able to connect.)
02/27	TU	~ 1.1 repackaged client available on AWAY
		and WWW pages after midnight.  
02/28	WE
02/29	TH		

03/01	FR
03/02	SA
03/03	SU
03/04	MO	~ Misc. art remote update to QA; New CD's 
		available in CIS Store
03/05	TU	
03/06	WE	
03/07	TH	
03/08	FR
03/09	SA
03/10	SU
03/11	MO	~ Misc. art remote update released from QA
		~ Misc. art remote update made available on
		production server, server down midnight to 1am.
		~ 1.1 Turfs repackaged client release masters to
		production for CD

(ct_dev 5817) Remote update problems

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_dev 5817) Remote update problems
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx@ossi.com>
TO: ct_dev@ossi.com
DATE: 30/01/1996 13:43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QA is blocked on the remote update problem.  From talking to
xxx it seems as though remote update for the new artwork
is just simply not working.

It works fine if he copies the mag files from the server to
the client and runs.  (Which is probably how all us guys tested this.)

However, if he **remote updates** the resources then the new art
crashes the client.  Also one of the NEW cdxxx.dat files is smaller
than the file in the mag dir on the server.

What's the deal?  We need someone to dump the resources and see what
the differences between the resources on the server and client are *after*
the remote update.  Can rm_update could do this? 

Who can track this down?

xxx

(ct_team 2773) WA Daily On-Line Rpts 1/24 & 1/25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2773) WA Daily On-Line Rpts 1/24 & 1/25
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 30/01/1996 17:16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am re-sending these two days from last week because after re-running them
- the figures look better.  I will post the rest from last week as they
become available.

xxx
______________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday: Jan 24, 1996 : Daily WorldsAway On-Line Report

 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
 Category                          Wednesday    Month To Date Last Month
                                   01/24/96     January       December
 ================================= ============ ============= ============
 Total Connect Time (Hours)          1792.500    47439.483     48840.050
 Total Logins (Sessions)             2277.000    60412.000     56818.000
 Total Unique Accounts                961.000     6215.000      5709.000
 Average Time per Account (Hours)       1.865        7.633         8.555
 Average # of Logins per Account        2.369        9.720         9.952
 Peak Simultaneous Accounts           156.000      189.000       156.000
 Peak Simultaneous Avatars            159.000      191.000       156.000
 Total New Accounts                   102.000     3498.000      3772.000
 # of Accts that Haven't Returned     351.000     2684.000       898.000


 ------------------------------------- ------
 Total WA On-line Membership To-Date:   10315


 ----------------------------------- ------
 Total # of Unique Avatars To-Date:   13430


____________________________________________________________________



Thursday: Jan 25, 1996 : Daily WorldsAway On-Line Report

 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
 Category                          Thursday     Month To Date Last Month
                                   01/25/96     January       December
 ================================= ============ ============= ============
 Total Connect Time (Hours)          1767.517    49207.000     48840.050
 Total Logins (Sessions)             2260.000    62672.000     56818.000
 Total Unique Accounts                971.000     6345.000      5709.000
 Average Time per Account (Hours)       1.820        7.755         8.555
 Average # of Logins per Account        2.327        9.877         9.952
 Peak Simultaneous Accounts           159.000      189.000       156.000
 Peak Simultaneous Avatars            159.000      191.000       156.000
 Total New Accounts                   114.000     3612.000      3772.000
 # of Accts that Haven't Returned     403.000     2668.000       898.000


 ------------------------------------- ------
 Total WA On-line Membership To-Date:   10423


 ----------------------------------- ------
 Total # of Unique Avatars To-Date:   13572


____________________________________________________________________
Contact Information:
 xxx xxx
 xxx@ossi.com

(wa_tech 98) fyi: known problem in-world

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (wa_tech 98) fyi: known problem in-world
FROM: xxx xxx <xxx.xxx@compuserve.com>
TO: wa_tech, INTERNET:WA_TECH@OSSI.COM
DATE: 02/03/1996 17:10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FYI...

I believe this information has gone out before, but I wanted to make sure
everyone knew, so here it is in very non-technical terms:

There is a known intermittent bug whereby if someone attempts to ESP someone who
is engaged in a remote update, this will cause almost all ESP's to hang until
that remote update is completed. Basically what happens is that the one ESP to
the person doing the remote update causes a blockage on the server so that no
other ESP's can go through. Usually, once the RU is finished the first and then
all consecutive ESP's go through and the problem fixes itself. With the recent
long RU of new information, we find that the chances of this problem occuring is
increased, especially mulitple consecutive occurances of the same problem (I.e.
three different people who ESP someone in RU and ESP's backing up).

Say user A tries to ESP user B who is doing a remote update. A's ESP is held for
delivery when the RU is complete. User C ESP's user X, but because of the hold
on user A's ESP's all other consecutive ESP's are held. Now, normally, user B
finishes RU and the problem clears itself. What we are currently experiencing,
however, is 1) lotso people in world and therefore 2) lotso people experiencing
remote update plus 3) lotso people ESPing. All those ESP's get backed up, the
clients can't take the wait, they think they've lost connection to the host and
BOOM, they crash out of WA. Then they come running to the forum thinking the
server is down. In actuality, the server never crashes, plenty of people are
still in, they're probably just not interacting via ESP or if they are, have
unknowingly timed it in such a manner that they aren't caught up in the dominoe
effect of the problem. 

Ok, so then the person who crashes tries to get back in world but cannot. They
are experiencing one of two problems. Either 1) the server has not yet
recognized that the user is no longer there (they probably have their WA timeout
set infinately) thus thinks they are still in-World or 2) all the previously
explained problems start causing other problems like with the connections. One
other potential problem I saw was that when CIM attempted to launched the client
on the user's computer, it was able to launch, but the connection to WA simply
isn't made - the user never sees the avatar selection menu. Everything you see
here is basically what we experienced today.  We had to completely restart the
World just to reset all the connection lines and the server then everyone could
again get in world. It's likely that until the server fix is approved by QA and
released we will continue to see this very same problem occur again and again.
We need to keep a close eye on the world until that fix has been put in place.

The fix for the ESP/Remote update bug has been checked in by development and is
now in Quality Assurance. As soon as QA has approved the release of this fix,
the current server will be updated.

We are hoping to have the server updated on Monday, but that all depends on QA,
so don't quote any dates to anyone. 

Understanding this problem is especially important this weekend, as we just
provided new art on Thursday night and everyone entering the world is going
through a remote update. We had to take down the world today at 1pm due to this
very same problem. I was in the Help Desk helping people out as much as
possible, and explaining to them what happened and how they can help us avoid
this problem until the fix is put in place. xxx will be posting a message in
the Help Desk telling the same. Please when talking to members who've
experienced this problem, refer to the message that xxx posts.

It's amazing how much time a problem like this eats up! I can't wait for that
darned fix! :-) If anyone who receives this message is in the World or forum and
recognizes that this is happening, please contact Member Support immediately on
our pager x-xxx-xxx-xxxx. xxx is working until at least 10:30 tonight and
xxx tomorrow 1:30 - 10:30. Any time other than that you can page me. The
sooner we find out that it's happening the sooner we can fix things. Today,
people were locked out of the world for over an hour, and the time was only that
shorty because I happen to walk into the forum.

Thanks,
-xxx

(ct_team 2835) This week in engineering: WebWorlds

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: (ct_team 2835) This week in engineering: WebWorlds
FROM: xxx@ossi.com (xxx xxx)
TO: ct_team@ossi.com
DATE: 09/02/1996 19:08
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The following is company confidential. (As always. :-)

Here's a window into some of the toil and excitement in engineering:

Turfs went to external testers at the beginning of the week. Early reports
are very positive.

xxx demonstrated his Game api prototype this week, leading design reviews
for both engineering and producers/product managers. There's work to be
done, but the prototype demonstrated an api for use in those worlds and/or
those locales set by world producers for the the Wert Gumby's of the world
to hack games that WorldsAway avatars can play, and for approved games to
be attached to in-world objects (a mini-tic-tac-toe or mini-chess board on
the wall of a locale, for example, that avatars could play either directly
or via a second window but that all avatars in the locale could watch).
Very cool. Major kudos to xxx (and to all his advisors).

xxx succeeded in attaching the Windows WA client and a web browser, via a
third party DLL/window. In his prototype, the WA client can change the web
browser's page. This was a critical test of our product basis of having a
world browser and a web browser that work in tandem. Imagine browsing the
web to a page that has a world map on it, selecting a region, which sends a
message to the world browser and lets your avatar enter this world at that
spot. Later, wandering through the world, you ask "where am I", which sends
a message to the web browser, flips it back to the map page, executes a CGI
script hidden behind the page, which causes an X to flash in the locale
you're in...  Now xxx's on the spot to write CT code to replace the
essential-to-us aspects of the third-party DLL.

xxx also released to QA a DLL to support the widely used Trumpet
WinSocket. The plan, if QA and Member Support agree, is to give it to those
hardy souls who've tried to use Trumpet, and with their assurance that it
lets them get onto WA successfully, to put the DLL on the Forum for
availability to Trumpet users.

We brought on another Mac engineer for perhaps a month to help us get TCP
(WebWorld) support into our Mac client. xxx xxx is sitting across the
hall from me, next to xxx xxx.

All the engineers did lots more work, but one thing I think will interest
everyone:

Engineering this week scheduled the tasks that will get us to a WebWorld
prototype. The result is that we've made a good initial cut at what we can
engineer for a March 31 release and what will have to wait for a subsequent
release. The results:

What's in Jupiter Conference demo:
Windows only
World map that's on web side that can show where you are in the World
Web page can launch World, enter at specified World entry point
Avatar URL can change web page
Oracles can edit avatar/object URLs using fiddle
[This is where we test interoperability of Netscape and World browsers in 8
megs]

What's in 1.2 (engineering of functionality complete by end of February):
Mac and Windows
Elevator (and follow thru elevator)
Design for Auditorium, but no Auditorium
Design for web-friendly installation, but implementation doubtful
Avatars are not registered (not kept track of by server), but are persistent
   (Client saves prefs: avatar body, head, color, name)
Initial avatar: First use of Client (i.e., no avatar ever): dialog prompts
for gender
   Web side picks random avatar body/head/colors
Give ghosts access to web-page URL menus
Pass Web-selected ID to server
# of avatars/account: make build constant external so it can be used at startup
WebFollow: add Web following command;
   user-to-group communication to share a web URL
Email address and text description that are part of the Tell-Me-About
Be able to set certain locales to block URL opening
All client support for the Game api (though server support won't be ready
at launch)

There's considerable UI work to be designed. Among others, imagine having a
Follow URL menu off your avatar that anyone can use at any time to see what
you're looking at with your web browser. Hmmm...

What probably must wait until the next version of WebWorld:
Auditorium
Performance: Incorporate Netserve into IV serve / Remove S&V / ESP to user task
Web URLs object for sharing purposes via opaque data channel
Per-world preferences (required for multiple WebWorlds)
User performance: request not to get picture images
Incremental Remote Update
Velcro
Avatar death: WWmaster can set # of days; 0=no persistence
Applause meter
Avatar mod to indicate to others that your avatar is off reading the web
(web browser is focus)
Sound compression
Toolbar
Picture Object
Long URLs

And while this news is now a week old, xxx xxx a week ago completed
spraycans for apartment walls and such -- his first completed object as a
development engineer. Yay, xxx!

- xxx