|
|
|
|
Help Center
Welcome to DirectContact's help page.
On this page you will learn how to setup DirectContact step by step. If you are having trouble, you can post a comment at the end of the page or use the individual "help request" page in the left menu.
Installation Guide
1. Be sure to have Java installed
DirectContact requires Java to be installed on your computer. If you don't have Java, you can install it in 2 minutes on this page: Install Java
2. Download DirectContact auto installer
Download DirectContact by clicking on this link: Download DirectContact
3. Install DirectContact
Once the installer is downloaded, you can run the installation. DirectContact will be installed on your computer.
4. Run DirectContact from the Start Menu
You can start DirectContact from its icon in Windows Start Menu. A splash screen should appear and DirectContact should be updated. After that the DirectContact windows should appear and an icon should be visible in the system tray.
If DirectContact does not appear when you click on the start menu, Java is probably not installed correctly on your computer (or out of date). In this case, please Install Java
5. Test DirectContact
Once DirectContact is started, you can test if it is working properly by typing the following address in Internet Explorer (or your default browser): http://localhost:8080/
If you can see DirectContact front page, the installation is successfull.
6. Enabling your friend to access DirectContact
If you are using a router to access the Internet (if you are on a private network), you need to configure the router so that it will forward DirectContact's port (8080) to your computer. In order to do it, you have to enter your router configuration, and find the menu titled "port forwarding" or "application enabling". In this menu, you should be asked to enter an external port (put 8080), an internal port (put 8080), a protocol (put TCP), and an IP address (put the IP address of the computer running DirectContact on your home network).
You can get your computer IP address by clicking on "start", then "run...", then type "cmd". In the black window, type "ipconfig". Your IP settings will be displayed.
Getting an address
Any of your friend should now be able to access your DirectContact front page! But you need an internet address to give them. The best way to do it is to install a DynDns service from no-ip.com or dyndns.com. But DirectContact provide a simple to configure address. Using DirectContact window, open the main panel (click on the top button on the left), and you should see your address. If no address is displayed, click on the "configure" button, and select a unique name for your computer. The address will appear and you can copy it and give it to anyone!
Done!
You are now ready to use DirectContact and share files & photos with anyone! Don't forget to add passwords to the web page that you want to keep private. And don't forget that you must keep DirectContact running so that people can access your pages.
Additional Help
If you are still having troubles, you can get individual help by filling the "help request" form from the left menu. You are also welcome to let a comment on this page with your email, and I will get back to you.
Created on 12/22/2005 03:17 PM by lreyero
Updated on 12/22/2005 03:56 PM by lreyero
|
|
|
|
