System requirement: Perl 5; GDBM_File module; email utility (sendmail, blat.exe, or SMTP permission). Minimum 1MB disk space recommended. Please note this currentpackage contains some improvements over the previous builds, and some of the functions are different than those illustrated here and in the help file. The current build number is 000420.
Thank you using Forum Engine 2000! After unzipping this package, you should get a file structure like shown below. To help you organize your CGI programs, the files are placed in a folder called "forum"; however, you can move the four sub-folders (arc, dat, inc, and tmp) to the "cgi-bin", particularly if you are not upgrading an older version.
(Parent folder)
cgi-bin
forum
arc (vacant) -- for storing archives
dat (vacant) -- for storing forum database and other data files
inc (init.pl, localize.pl, treeop.pl, util.pl) -- internally used subroutines and definitions
tmp (index.htt, postnew.htt, search.htt, regset.htt) -- customizable template files
forum (fe.css) -- readme files, etc. Will be provided later.
img (many *.gif and *.jpg files) -- for use by the forum
Make sure the first lines in the "*.cgi" files reflect the correct location of Perl on your server. The default value is "#!/usr/bin/perl", which is the same on most servers. If it is different on your server, please correct them now (only the *.cgi files and NOT the *.pl files).
You should construct an identical folder structure on your server and upload all the files (except those sits in parent folder, i.e. this installation guide and illustrations) to the corresponding locations. All folders should be chmod-ded to 755 (except for cgi-bin/forum/dat and cgi-bin/forum/arc, which should be set to 766 or 777. Also note some servers require 705 for CGI scripts.).
The files need to be upload in ASCII mode are: *.cgi, *.htt, *.css, *.pl (and in the future, *.html). Other files should be in binary mode, which include all images.
The program was designed to guide you through setting up your forum step by step. If you are upgrading from an older version, it will fill out some form fields for you, and finally you have the option to import all exisitng messages.
Please run the setup program by accessing with your web browser. You will at first be assigned an installation number, which is for statistics only, and be asked to read the agreement. You have to accept it before setup begins to make files. You should indicate so by checking the box shown in the first screen. Then you can chose to use English, French, German, or Chinese to begin installation (the program will prompt in your own language). After your forum is up and running, please remove the setup program from your server
Some instructon is shown in the form. Please remember later on you should log in as "webmaster". A small JavaScript program will validate the form before it is submitted.
Please chose one or more from the languages provided. Users of your forum will be able to switch between different languages you selected. If you chose only one, you can check the box to tell the program to hide language buttons. You can always change, add, or remove a language later.
More detailed help info will be shown in the actual form (simplified here for illustration). You should be familiar with these parameters if you have installed the older versions of Forum Engine before.
This version has built-in multi-forum ability. You can chose up to three different topic at this time. New forums can be created anytime and anywhere during using, and the forums and messages can be moved at will. Please also type some description for each forum. You don't have to make there forums at once; for example, if you only types in topic 1 and 3, the program will recognize this correctly and make only two forums. However, you have to make at least one forum.
If you are upgrading, please check the box to import old messages (the box is disabled if the file "bbs.cfg", used in previous versions, is not found). The messages will be placed into standalone forum with a edittable title.
Please type in your name and other information (optional) to initiate the user database. You (the "webmaster") and the guest (anonymous) are special users. After you are done, please press the button to launch the forum you just created.
Please note the forum can only be viewed by accessing "index.cgi". All other scripts are not to be called directly. In stead, the "index.cgi" will call them at appropriate times.
The following screenshot (clipped for size) shows the appearance of the new message board after completing the steps shown in this illustration. You need to log in to get full access to the board.
You can click on the button 
to customize many of the forum settings. All functions should be working fine. In case there is an error, please remove all files generated in the folder "dat" can start over.
Should you need further assistance, please contact us at info@perlstudio.de. Thank you for your cooperation and hope to hearing from you soon.
