Release notes for Visual IRC 2.0pre10
Jesse McGrew (Mr2001)
October 31, 2001

ViRC: THE VISUAL IRC CLIENT
===========================

I am proud to present this version of ViRC 2, a high-performance IRC client.
ViRC's strengths: multiple simultaneous server connections, a clean and
customizable interface, Turbo DCC file transfer, and powerful Versus scripting
with ObjectVersus (OVS) extensions.

ViRC 2.0 has been completely rewritten from ViRC '98 - of more than 70,000
lines of code, fewer than 2500 lines are still around from V98. This means more
stability, less memory use, and a faster, more consistent client. However, it
also means ViRC '98 scripts and settings may not work immediately with ViRC 2.

WHAT'S NEW IN THIS VERSION?
===========================

Many scripting updates, automatic update checking, window positions remembered
per-server, automatic reconnection, a tray icon popup menu, and several bug
fixes. See changes.txt for details.

PACKING LIST
============

You should have received the following files in the ZIP. Please make sure they
are all extracted to the same location.

- ViRC.exe
  The main client executable.
- virc.lib
  The default script, which provides many necessary features. ViRC 2 will not
  run without a script.
- toolbars.vsc
  The default toolbar script. This has been separated from virc.lib to make it
  easier to distribute your own toolbars. The file also explains how to define
  new toolbars.
- tb*.bmp
  These are bitmaps for the toolbars and menus.
- tiles.bmp
  A sample background image.
- winamp.vsc
  A sample script to control Winamp. See instructions at the top of the file.
- readme.txt, changes.txt
  The release notes (which you're reading right now) and change log.
- pre.txt
  A reminder that this is still a beta version.
- versus.txt, ovs.txt
  The scripting documentation. Please note that since ViRC's scripting engine
  is designed to work with other programs, these files are written in general
  terms and don't specifically refer to ViRC scripting - when you see "the host
  application", think "ViRC"; when you see "if the host application allows...",
  the answer is "yes". Also note that changes.txt may describe changes that
  haven't been reflected in these files yet.
- script.txt
  The ViRC-specific scripting documentation. This explains how ViRC handles
  aliases, events, and menus. It also has a list of commands, functions, and
  OVS classes that are used specifically with ViRC. As with the general docs,
  changes.txt may describe changes that haven't been put into this file yet.
- bconv.exe
  A utility to convert Delphi forms (*.dfm) into script code.
- vircdde.txt, vircdll.txt, vircwb.txt
  Documentation for ViRC's DDE interface, DLL calling conventions, and
  whiteboard scripting commands.
- fpu.dll, fpu.dpr
  A sample DLL and the Delphi source code, adding floating-point math
  functions and illustrating how to write DLLs for ViRC.

HOW DO I INSTALL A SCRIPT?
==========================

On the "Scripts" page in configuration, click "Add" to add your add-on script.
You can change the order in which they are loaded by clicking the arrows. Then
rehash (type /rehash or use the circular arrow on the main toolbar) to get
ViRC to load the script.

HOW DO I SCRIPT?
================

If you don't already have a file called local.lib, make a blank text file
called local.lib in your ViRC directory. (ViRC should create this file for you
automatically.)

Now you have two choices: you can edit local.lib with a text editor or you can
use ViRC's built-in script editor. If you use a text editor, simply reload the
script in ViRC to see your changes (type /rehash or click the circular arrow on
the main toolbar).

To use the script editor, click the "/A" button on the main toolbar (or choose
"Script editor" from the File menu), choose local.lib from the "This script
loads" drop box, then click Open. When you're satisfied with your changes,
click "Save & Rehash" to apply them, or "Cancel" to abort.

You can edit other files in the script editor, using the drop boxes or the
"Load" button. Keep in mind that loading a new file will not save your changes,
and the "Load" button only loads it in the script editor (to load it into ViRC,
type /load filename.vsc).

HOW DO I EDIT THE DEFAULT SCRIPT?
=================================

The default messages and behavior are controlled by virc.lib. You can copy
events, aliases, and menus from virc.lib into local.lib with a text editor;
that way, you can replace virc.lib when a new version is released and you'll
still keep your changes.

If you must edit virc.lib directly, be sure to make a backup copy first. The
script editor will prompt you to make a backup before overwriting virc.lib.

HOW DO I EDIT THE TOOLBARS?
===========================

Open toolbars.vsc with a text editor. 2.0pre10's script editor doesn't edit
toolbars, but the format is very easy to understand.

WHEN I DO (SOMETHING), ViRC GIVES ME AN ERROR!
==============================================

If you can reproduce the bug, and you can explain to me how to reproduce it, I
can do something about it. Post at the web board (see address below).

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER?
==================================

Don't let THE MAN fool you into thinking that great software has to cost money.
I have a job; I don't need to charge you to use software that I write for fun.

WHERE CAN I FIND SCRIPTS OR ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS?
====================================================

Scripts:
  http://www3.sympatico.ca/road1/v2scripts.htm

Answers:
  http://www.hansprestige.com/virc/board/
