
 RC5-DES CLI Client for Win32 (Win9x/WinNT) and WinNT service.

 Welcome to the RC5DES client for Win32.

    1.0  Getting started
         1.1 Installing the client as a Win9x/WinNT service.
    2.0  Win32 CLI specific notes
    3.0  Help! 

 1.0  Getting started ------------------------------------------------

    Just unpack the client in a directory of your choice and fire it up
    with [path]RC5DES.EXE

    If you have never run the client before, it will initiate the
    menu-driven configuration. Save and quit when done, the 
    configuration file will be saved in the same directory as the 
    client. Then, simply restart the client. From that point on it will 
    use the saved configuration.

    The configuration options are fairly self-explanatory and can be run
    at any time by starting the client with the '-config' option.
    A list of command line options is available by starting the client 
    with '-help'.

    A detailed guide to the various configuration options is available
    online at http://www.distributed.net/FAQ/


    1.1   Running the client as a Win9x/WinNT Service ----------------

    A Win9x/WinNT service is a process that starts running when the 
    computer is powered up, and does not stop until the computer is powered
    down. Unlike normal processes, services will continue to run even when
    a user logs out.

    To install the client as a service, run the client with the -install
    switch. This will cause it to register itself with the service handler,
    which will in turn automatically start the client the next time the
    computer is powered up. To deinstall a client previously installed as
    a service, start it with the -uninstall switch.

 2.0  Notes: ---------------------------------------------------------

    Beginning with v2.2702.419, the win32 CLI client no longer runs
    as a console session, but emulates a "console" in a GUI window.
    The advantages are numerous: (a) the client can be started "hidden";
    (b) conagent is not loaded which cuts down the overhead; (c) the
    client is more efficient. (d) the client can be shutdown with "close";
    (e) the client will shutdown automatically (if not running as a service)
    when Windows ends; (f) it gets rid of the "DOS box" and start bar.

    Most importantly, the client uses exactly the same source code base 
    as all the other clients on all the other platforms. This enhances 
    the client's stability since the chances that a bug will remain 
    undetected for long are greatly reduced.

    The new CLI client is also capable of asyncronously executing client
    "modes", ie -fetch, -flush, -update and so on. Clicking with right 
    mouse button on the client window will bring up a "mode" menu.

    Beginning with v2.2706.425, it is no longer mandatory to have 
    winsock.dll/wsock32.dll installed. 

 3.0  Help: ----------------------------------------------------------

    An immediate source of help is the IRC channel on EFnet. The 
    #distributed channel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    If you need further assistance with client use or operation, refer to 
    the the list of "Frequently asked Questions" (FAQs) available online 
    at http://www.distributed.net/FAQ/ Documents cover every aspect of 
    running a client including "The Complete Step by Step Guide to 
    Running Your First Client", "How To Join A Team", and the popular 
    "Statistics Server FAQ".

    If you prefer, you may also post a message to the mailing list at 
    <rc5@lists.distributed.net> (To subscribe to the mailing list, send 
    a message to <majordomo@lists.distributed.net> with "subscribe rc5" 
    as the message text).

    The distributed.net bug tracking system is at
    http://www.distributed.net/bugs/

    More user support is available from <rc5help@distributed.net> as well
    as from our regional support representatives listed at 
    http://www.distributed.net/regional/index.html
    
    If you believe you have found a bug in the client or would like to
    make a suggestion, please send a message to the coders at 
    <coders@lists.distributed.net>. Don't forget to specify which platform 
    you are running the client on. 
    
    If you believe you have found a bug specific to this port, or would
    like to make a suggestion specific to this port, send a message to the 
    port maintainer as listed on http://www.distributed.net/credits.html
    Don't fret if you don't get a response, right away.
    

