AIM FAQ

PLEASE NOTE MY AIM SERVER IS NO LONGER IN OPERATION. I WILL LEAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOPE THAT IT MAY RETURN SOMEDAY.

FAQ

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This FAQ was made to help people download episodes via my AIM server. It is a good alternative to those who don't want to learn the IRC way of doing things. It's relatively easy, and can also resume files if you lose your connection. There are some drawbacks though.

- You need to have a version of AIM. The latest right now is version 4.5.

- Downloads could be a lot slower than IRC.

- My server is not up 24/7. I do try to have it up most of the time though.

Now, after all of that is said and done, lets begin.

Rules:

- Dont "hammer" my server. Only download one file at a time. If I find you mis-using the server, I can ban you from using it.

- If you can't connect, its not my fault. This is usually a setting that is wrong at your end. Please check your settings before you contact me.

- And again, my server is not up all the time. I do turn if off occasionally. If you do get caught halfway during a download, you can resume if you put the file in the same spot as the one you downloaded before.

STEPS

1. Load AIM. If you do not have an existing account, make one. Its easy enough to sign up.

2. Go to list setup, and add my server name, "Plowserv" to your Buddy list. You can also click on the button below to add me automatically.

Download AOL Instant Messenger

3. Now we should make sure that AIM can receive files. Go to My AIM at the top, down to Edit Options, and go to Edit Preferences. Scroll down to the bottom and find the File Transfer settings.

This is where you can change the download location of the files you receive, among with several other settings. The default download location is usually in your My Documents folder in a directory that is the same as your AIM name. Under "Receive File Permission", I would just leave it on the "Display Approve Dialog" setting.

4. Now we are ready to get files off my server. Once back at the main AIM screen, right click on my name "Plowserv", and choose "Get File".

5. This is the point where its either going to work, or not work. Some of you might get a box that pops up saying to the effect that you can establish a connection, and that both sides should check your "firewall status". This means that my server can not send to yours. Check to make sure you don't have a firewall running on your computer. This can be either software or hardware. A Software example would be "Zonealarm". A Hardware example would be like a cable router (Linksys, etc). You will need to free up ports or take down the firewall altogether. AIM usually connects on port 5190. As to further instructions than that, I can not give them to you. There are just too many different combinations to try. I can assure you its not my end, because it has been working fine here for several weeks. If you cant get it fixed, you are going to have to find another place to get your episodes. (Our IRC channel is another good way.)

6. If everything works right, you should get a box popping up that looks similar to the one below. This is a directory of all the files that exist on my server. All the episodes are numbered, but if you need a episode guide, one can be found here. Any file that has a .m2v extension is what is known as a "MPEG2" file. You will need a DVD codec to play these files. One can be found on my Download page.

7. To download the file you want, just point and click. My server will then be accessed, and the two AIM's (yours and mine) will try to sync.

PLEASE NOTE: It does take a while for the two servers to sync. Wait times can be anywhere from 20 seconds up to a couple minutes. PLEASE BE PATIENT!!

It will connect...if you get a listing of the files, usually that means its ok.

The file will start downloading to your computer.

The speed you will get depends a lot on the conditions that exist at that time. If there are a lot of people on the server, then the speed will be lower. I can get speeds anywhere from 5k a sec to over 150k a sec. Usually, its anywhere from 30k - 75k a sec.

8. One last thing. I am not usually at this computer....so don't bother to IM to get help. To get help, you can try to find me in the IRC channel. My name is Plowserv.

That's the FAQ...let me know if there are any errors.

Version 1.1A

Last Edited 10/5/01