##############################################################################
#       ----------------------------                                         #
#          Auto-Upgrader component                                           #
#                                                                            #
#        for Delphi and C++ Builder                                          #
#              Version 2.0                                                   #
#       ----------------------------                                         #
#                                                                            #
#        Legal: (c) 1999 UtilMind Solutions                                  #
#        Email: info@utilmind.com                                            #
#          Web: http://www.utilmind.com                                      #
##############################################################################
# COPYRIGHT NOTICE                                                           #
# Copyright 1999 UtilMind Solutions.  All Rights Reserved.                   #
#                                                                            #
# This program is being distributed as SHAREWARE. This means that is you     #
# whould like to use this component in your applications, you should         #
# register it first. Please also send us an email, and let us know where you #
# are using this component. By using this program you agree to indemnify     #
# UtilMind Solutuons from any liability.                                     #
#                                                                            #
# Selling the code for this program without prior written consent is         #
# expressly forbidden. Obtain permission before redistributing this          #
# program over the Internet or in any other medium.  In all cases            #
# copyright and header must remain intact.                                   #
#                                                                            #
# Please check the README file for full details on installation              #
# and registration.                                                          #
##############################################################################

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    1. Welcome
        1.1 About the Auto-Upgrader component
        1.2 How to use Auto-Upgrader ?
        1.3 Registration
        1.4 Why should you buy it?
    2. Installation
    3. Information file
    4. Calculation of upgradings
    5. What's new in v2.0 ?
    6. Problems

1. Welcome
----------------------------------------------------
With TAutoUpgrade component for Delphi and C++ Builder
your programs will capable to auto-upgrade itself from
the Web in run-time.

How does it work ?
Once after detecting the Internet connection, TAutoUpgrade
will search the web for the newest versions of your programs
and, if the newest versions available, will download and
update itself "on the fly", without restarting of computer!

Once after downloading the newest version, TAutoUpgrade
terminate the execution, replace itself executable file to
the newest version and runs the upgraded version of itself !

1.1 How to use Auto-Upgrader ?

Please check out help file at Help directory...


1.2 Registration

Auto-Ugprader component is being distributed as shareware. Cost: $29.
If you would like to register Auto-Upgrader component and get 100% source
code and tools for it, you can do the registration online on the Internet at

  https://secure.element5.com/register.html?productid=106981

Alternatively, you can go to http://www.shareit.com and enter the program
number there: 106981. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can
register via phone, fax or postal mail.


1.3 Why should you buy it?

First, we work hard to give you high quality products and support.
In return, we simply ask that you register our software so that we
can continue create high quality products and support!

Second, it's a very useful program and it's also very cheap! It costs
ONLY $29 to register Auto-Upgrader component. For this you will
receive 100% source code, newest versions and priority E-mail support.
Also, once you register it, you can upgrade it at no cost forever!


2. Installation
----------------------------------------------------

  1. Run Delphi or C++ Builder IDE.
  2. Select 'Component/Install Packages...' menu item
  3. Press 'Add' button and open "autoupgrade.bpl(dpl)" file.
  4. Enjoy ;-)


3. Information file
----------------------------------------------------
Information file is the server side part which contains the
information needed for auto-upgrading of your software.
Info-file it's usual text (flat) file which should be stored
in the web and contains the information about the latest version
of the auto-upgradable application.

To see the info-file example please take a look at
"InfoFile/autoupgrade.info" file.

Path to the information file specified in the "InfoURL" property of
TAutoUpgrade component.


4. Calculation of upgradings
----------------------------------------------------
If you would like to calculate amount of upgradings
you can point "InfoURL" property to CGI script (take a look at
"InfoFile/cgi-bin/autoupgrade.cgi"). Please set up this script
to your server and configure it (set needed file attributes and
point local placement of .info file and "users_served.txt").
users_served.txt contain the number of users who upgraded the
latest version of your software.


5. What's new in v2.0 ?
----------------------------------------------------
MINOR IMPROVEMENTS
  1. LastUpdated property changed to VersionDate
  2. LastUpdatedAutoSet property changed to VersionDateAutoSet
  3. Added VersionControl (byDate or byNumber) and VersionNumber
     properties by users requests.
       a.) You can do version control byDate or byNumber, so if
           you do control byDate then VersionNumber ignored and
           vice versa (if VersionControl=byNumber then "VersionDate"
           ignored).
       b.) VersionNumber may be ANY string. If "#date" identifier
           in .info file on server is not equal to "VersionNumber"
           property then AutoUpgrader will try to upgrade program.
       c.) If you do control byDate, AutoUpgrader will upgrade
           program if "#date" identifier in .info file is higher
           (only) then value in VersionDate property.
  4. Date format changed from DD/MM/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY (US Format).
     Current registered users should not worry about this changes -
     when you will release new versions of your software, just set
     VersionDate (in M/DD/YYYY format) and "#date" identifier in .info
     file. All will works perfectly with this changes.

NEW FEATURES
  1. Since version 2.0 users (or developer) may find out how many
     times software was upgraded. You may point "InfoURL" to CGI
     script (included to package) which will calculate number of
     upgradings, so you will exactly know how many permanent customers
     you have. ;-)

     You can hook the number of served users at run-time at OnUpgrade
     event (new event).

     Note: If you would like to use this feature, your server must
     have CGI permission (optionally, permissions for Perl CGI scripts).

     To find out more about this feature - see Calculation of upgrades
     help topic.


6. Problems
----------------------------------------------------
If you have any problems during the setup or using this
component, please visit the support area of our website
at http://www.utilmind.com or contact us: info@utilmind.com
    
Good Luck!

Aleksey Kuznetsov,
UtilMind Solutions