Filetopia is a Free Peer to Peer software that includes the following key features:

Instant Messaging, Voice Chat, File Sharing and Message Boards. Alongside with these functions it provides a powerful system to structure data. This system can be used for both organising files and folders on a local harddrive and for building lists of data to make available to other users. It also includes tools to easily compare one collection with those of other users.

The Messaging System allows for posting Instant messages to other users. Using these Message Boards, it is possible to communicate with other users without the need of being online at the same time. Filetopia provides a level of Security that is absolutely unique and unparalleled by any other programs providing similar functions. It uses a random choice of strong ciphers and various effective public key techniques for all communications including the data transfers. Additionally, it offers sophisticated techniques such as bouncers to protect your IP. This way, Filetopia can make you truly anonymous and safe from attacks while being in a Chat..

File Sharing
This term applies to programs that can turn a user's machine into a file server. This way, files can be shared among users creating a huge "virtual server" that grows as more users connect. In Filetopia, files can be shared in a one-to-one basis and it is also possible to search for all the files online in the "virtual server" using the Global Search function.

Context menus
Context Menus appear when the user presses the right mouse button over a certain area of the screen. At that time, a Popup Menu with options related to that part of the screen appears. In Filetopia context menus are used extensively, and will be referenced throughout this help.

Hints are also used very often in menus. If you are not sure what to do, just hold the mouse over the part of the screen you are in doubt about. Chances are pretty good you will get a hint popping up after a few seconds that explains the function.

Encryption
The process of encoding the information in such a way that it can only be read at the intended destination is called Encryption. If the information is not encoded in this way, it is relatively easy for it to be intercepted by someone while it is travelling to its destination. On the other hand, if the information is encrypted, it is infeasible to intercept. For the information to be read, it needs some data called the key. This key enables the destination computer to decrypt or decode the information.

There are two types of encryption: "Weak Encryption": where the method of encoding is known to have weaknesses or the key length used is 64 bits long or less: and "Strong Encryption": where the method of encoding has no known attacks and the key length used is greater than 64 bits. Filetopia uses strong encryption, which means: there is no way that any unauthorized person can read the message. For a more detailed description of the encryption algorithms used in Filetopia, visit the web.

Collection Managers
These are programs that help users to manage collections of files. However, when you are collecting files, there are some requirements that are not addressed by a "file manager" such as Windows explorer. The additional requirements include:

• Keeping track of files spread through different online and offline media (like CDs).
  
• The creation of lists of your files which can be shared with other collectors.
  
• The comparison of your lists with other collectors' lists to identify items missing from your collection.
  
• The finding of duplicate files based on content -using CRC-.
  
• The need to keep track of lists of files that you don't want in your collection or that you want to highlight.
  
• The need to select groups of files by different concepts (category, paths, content, etc) and do operations on them (move them among lists or media, describe or delete them, etc.)

Security - the Filetopia protocol has less weak points that can be attacked.

Privacy - the information travels encrypted.

Auxiliary features - are helping users to exchange files, making the chat experience more enjoyable.

Message boards
This way of communication dates back to the very early days of bulletin board systems ('BBS') and is still among the most popular ways for a group of users to communicate. The users can effectively share information by posting messages that can be read by other users at a later time. Unlike Chat there is no need for the users to be present at the same time. Filetopia hosts a Message Board, which is highly integrated with the rest of the components and which also shares the secure communications channel.

File clients and servers
If you want to retrieve files from the Net, you need some kind of 'File Client'. Web browsers are the most common kind of file client, but there are other kinds. Filetopia is a very specialized kind of file client due to its integration with a collection manager and its ability to use strong encryption. The files made available through the Internet need also some kind of software to 'serve' them to the clients. The 'File Server' is the component in charge of performing this function. Filetopia also includes a file server that 'speaks' the same language (protocol) as the client.

The Filetopia Community Hierarchy
Unlike some of the chat systems available on the internet, Filetopia is making use of a hierarchical system in order to try and maintain a common sense of orderliness. At first sight, the system might seem to some as one giving fertile soil to dictatorship. Yet, as long as Filetopia exists, the hierarchical structure has proven its ability to maintain a status quo generally agreed upon by Filetopia users. There are several levels to this structure:

Rules: As in any form of society, it is necessary to lay down rules, if total anarchy is unwanted. The rules are set by the owner of the channel and will typically be maintained by Operators in the first place. Sadly enough, sometimes rules need to be enforced and that is why Filetopia has a hierarchical structure at all.

There are two different types of channels: public channels and non-public ones. Public channels, commonly known as 'G-Rated' are highlighted with a blue background in the channels list. These are channels considered suitable for children and will be accessible even if the parental lock has been enabled. Normally, the same rules apply to all public channels: Bad language will not be tolerated. The harassment of other users no matter what way, is unwanted and will be punished by either gagging, kicking or a Kick & Ban procedure. In severe cases, users can be banned from the use of Filetopia in general. In public channels, pornographic material of any sort will result in at least a kick. Additionally, flooding is unwanted as it disrupts the chat flow and creates unnecessary line feed. The same applies to spamming.

Owners: Channel owners will set the channel topic and rules. Normally, these will be laid out in a welcome message, being displayed as soon as you enter the channel. Owners will typically be the first ones to assign Operator status to other users. Owners can always change the channel properties as they wish and they are the only ones always having access to these. The owner will be represented in the users list by a blue star next to his name.

Operators: These are people the channel owner exceptionally trusts. Apart from helping users with Filetopia, their job is to maintain an atmosphere the Owner wishes to create in the channel. In order to accomplish this, they are given a status of authority within the channel which enables them to gag, kick or ban users. Operators can also assign other Operators. Yet, their authorities can be limited by the owner via the channel properties. Operators will show a yellow star next to their name.

Helpers: A Helper is a person that had been given an official status in order to generally support other users that need help, but will not be able to perform any of the actions an operator can, such as gagging, kicking or banning. A Helper will display an orange star next to his name.

Users: The majority of people on Filetopia are users. They come here to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where they can meet friends from all over the world. Most of them come with a peaceful mind and wish nothing but to be here and make the best of their time. In order to not spoil the whole experience for these users who are the very heart of Filetopia, the above-mentioned structure has been established. It is not meant as a means to harass or annoy people who do not like the rules laid down, yet it proves to be an effective instrument when it comes to 'advising' people to behave in a way that is wanted by the majority.

If you want to search for files shared by other users, all you have to do is press the Search button and enter a search text. This can be one or more words that will be matched against the files name, path and description. The results can be limited to files that are currently online.

Additionally, the files can be filtered by types. For example, *.txt will only find files with the .txt extension. The result can also be trimmed in a way as to only show files available at a certain connection speed. Once the search has listed the results, the files can be sorted in various ways, such as by size, name or availability of slots at their server. Multiple files can be selected using the button, single files can be added to an existing selection using .

The selected files can then be downloaded using the Download button below or the Download File(s) option in the context menu. In case a file you want is not available at the moment, you can use the context menu to instruct Filetopia to Watch for File(s). The selected files will then be added to your Watch List and retrieved as soon as they are available.

It is also possible to restrict search to only one of the rooms entered at that moment. This can be done by either typing /search in the room, or by selecting the wanted room in the "search in" menu of the search window. In addition to that, the chat window has a little box below the users list that will also let you perform a search in the selected room.

Privacy note: Unlike many other programs designed for sharing files, Filetopia will not show the name of the user if files are retrieved via the search system. It is possible to send messages to the user using the context menu in either the search or any of the transfer windows. The message will also not be addressed to a specific person. Once the user replies, however, his name can be seen in the message header.

Filetopia has a powerful chat system featuring full voice support, a wide range of emoticons, a customizable system for Away Messages and User Profiles. Music and sounds can either be played within Filetopia or sent to an external player (even playlists can be started), and the direct use of URLs with the default system browser is only one click away.

There are two different ways of running Filetopia: Novice and Expert mode.

In Novice mode, all you have to do is press the Chat button to start chatting.To create channels or join more than one channel at the same time you only need to get the channels list by selecting: Chat->Get Channel List.

If you are in Expert mode you press the Connect button or use the Connect to Server option in the File menu. This will securely connect you to the Filetopia Chat Servers. When you are connected, you can press the Chans button to get a list of all the channels available. Alternately, you can press F4 or use the Chat->Get channels list function.

The channels list will show you all channels currently present in Filetopia. They will be listed with their proper name, their current number of users and the amount of messages on their boards. In order to make it easy for users to decide whether they are interested in the channel, the channel topic will be displayed. The Context Menu of this window gives you a few useful options:

• - Refresh list: This function will immediately request a fresh version of the channels list.
• - Filter empty channels: With this button you can make Filetopia hide empty channels from the list.
• - Update channel: Using this button on a channel will refresh the information given on it, such as number of users or messages.
• - View categories: If you unmark this option, the window will hide the category folders and present you a mere listing of all channels.
• - Add to favourites: If used on a channel, it will be added to your channel Favourites.
  

On the right side of the list, you will notice a few buttons:

• - Join: Using this button while a channel is highlighted will make you enter this channel.
• - Create: With the help of this button you can create your own channel.
• - Info: Like the Update channel function of the context menu, this will get the current information on a selected channel.
  - Refresh: The same function as the Refresh list button in the context menu.
• - Filter: This will do the same like Filter empty channels in the context menu.
• - Abort: Here you can stop the channels list request.
  

After you have joined or created a channel, a public Chat window opens. This is where you can chat with all the users on the same channel. Any text typed into the box located at the bottom of the window will be seen by all users of the channel after you have pressed. On the right side of this window there is a list of all users currently connected to the channel, including yourself. If you select any of these users you will have access to a Context Menu with the following options:

• - Information: This will fetch the users information. Here you can add a little about yourself, like a personal weblink or a picture.
• -Get List of files: The selected users will be asked for his file list, which will automatically be retrieved. If you wish so, it can then be compared against your master list.
• -Get server access: The selected user is asked for permission to his server. This is particulary useful in three cases:
  
  • -you have started a download which could not be finished. As you see the user logging on the next day, you will only need to Get server access in order to resume the file.
  • -a list of unfinished downloads has been saved and the user is logging on again. Using Get server access will enable the download button of the saved list, so the transfer can be resumed.
  • -if you are in Trade Mode, you will need to ask for every server access, no matter if it is a list or a file. At the same time, the other user must * grant you access to his server before the trade session can begin. In this case, Get server access will ask a user to allow you to his server.
    
• -Send file(s): With this option you can send any file or a number of files from your computer to the selected user. The other user needs to accept the transmission being displayed through a little box next to the File Transfer window.
• -Send Message: You can send a direct message to the user.
• -Sound alert: This is very useful in order to call the attention of the selected user with an audible sound.
• -Whisper: Using this option, you can tell a user something the others will not see.
• -Ping: This function will tell you whether there is a route to the user and if there is some time delay or 'lag'. You will send out a 'Ping', waiting for a 'Pong' to come back. Filetopia will then tell you how much time was needed for the whole operation.
• -Private Chat: A private chat window opens up where you can talk about matters privately.
• -DCC Multi Chat: This is an option that allows to start a chat with many people at once without being in a channel at all. The DCC Multi Chat cannot be viewed from outside and can best be understood as a channel that is alive as long as it is hosted by someone.
• -Edit Notes: This function allows you to take notes (e.g.: birthdays etc.) in connection with users.
• -Ignore User: The user is put on the ignore list. You can still see the user in the channel, however, all list or private chat requests will be ignored. You will also not see the chatting lines of this user.
• -Add to friends: The selected user will be added to your friends list. This will give you a more detailed control over the communication with this user if you access the Properties window in the context menu of the friends list.
• -Custom messages: Here, you can enter phrases you will most likely use very often. This function is great at sparing you the typing.
• -Invite to channel: If you are in more than one channel, you can invite other users to visit those channels.
• -Users list position: Here, you can choose where to put the users list: to the Left or to the Right of the window.
  

If you are the owner of the channel or have Operator status, then the Operator menu option will also be visible to you. This will give you access to the following commands:

• - Give Op Status: Gives Operator status to a selected user.
  
• - Take Op Status: Removes the Operator status from a selected user. If the user is the owner of the channel, this action is not recommended.
  
• - Give Helper Status: The user will be given Helper status.
  
• - Take Helper Status: Helper status is removed from the selected user.
  
• - Kick from channel: Kicks the selected user off the channel.
  
• - Kick & Ban: Kicks and also bans the user from the channel. It is always possible for the channel owner to remove a ban on a user through the channel Properties in the Users tab.
  
• - Gag: This will make it impossible for the user to chat. Messages can still be sent and received. Sometimes this option is very useful.
  
• - Ungag: Removes the gag.
  

The Friends list is a little window that can be switched on and off by pressing the Friends button or hitting F7. It shows you all your friends. Users currently online will be shown in blue colour, if a name is greyed out, it means that the user is offline. You can also tell the status of the user from here, as the window will display a little pink man next to the users name in case he is in Away mode. With the help of this little box you are able to perform a couple of very useful actions. Let us first examine the buttons n the window:

• - Chat: This will open up a private chat window for you and the selected user, which is very handy in case you see your friend being online but don't know what channel he is in.
  
• - Msg: With this button you can send a private message to the user.
  
• - Files: This will fetch the users list.
  
• - Add: Here, you can manually type in a users name in order to add him to your Friends list.
  
• - Online: This will set your status to Online
  
• - Invisible: If you press this button, you will be Invisible for your friends in this window. You will, however, be seen if you are in the same room.
  
• - Away: This will set your status to Away.
  

There are a number of important options hidden in the Context Menu of this window:

• - Remove user: The selected user will be removed from your friends list. This will not be noticed by the other user.
• - Add new user: You can add new users manually.
• - Alert me when online: If this option is used on one of your friends, you will be notified once he gets online.
• - Invite to channel: You can invite your friends to your channel using this button.
• - Send file(s): You can easily send files using this button.
• - DCC Chat: A Direct Cable Connection will be opened with this user.
• - Send Message: You can send messages.
• - Get Files: The users list is requested.
• - Server access: This is the same function like Get server access.
• - Edit notes: you can enter private notes in connection with friends, such as their birthday.
• - Keep window on top: If ticked, the friends window will always be on top.
• - Properties: The Properties button opens up another dialogue containing a number of settings that can help making your mutual chatting experience a lot easier and more enjoyable:
  • - You can associate a graphic with the selected friends events.
  • - The download speed you want to grant this friend can be adjusted.
  • - A special list can be selected that will be sent to this user alone.
  • Permissions:
  • - DCC Chats: You can choose whether you want to allow your friend to get into DCC Chats with you.
  • - Send me Files: If this option is ticked, all files from this user will automatically be accepted, so he can send you files while you are away.
  • - Allow access to my files outside the channels: This will grant access to your files, even if you are not in the same channel.
  • - Allow unlimited simultaneous connections: You will then grant your friend as many slots as he would like to have.
  • - Always allow Invites: If this is checked, you will automatically accept all invitations to other channels.
  • - Always grant a Slot: If ticked, you will always grant your friend a Slot.
  • - Visibility: You can choose to have the normal setting (default) or to be always or never invisible for your friend.
  • - Remove myself from their friends list: this will erase your name from your friends list. Just like the addition to a list, this action will result in a little popup window for the other user, telling him what had happened.

If you select Properties from the context menu on the background of any channel, the Channel Properties window opens. It is designed for viewing the channel settings or - in case you are the owner - for customizing your channel.

General:

• - Topic: Here, you can change the channel topic.
• - Secret: You can decide to make the channel secret, which means it will not be visible in the channels list.
• - Allow Log: The option for logging the chat can be enabled or disabled. When logging is disabled, it is also not possible to copy text from the chat to the clipboard, otherwise a chat log could be made by manually copying text and pasting it to an editor..
• - Disallow Outvites: You can choose to disable invitations out to other channels.
• - Only Ops can post messages: The channel can be configured in a way as to only allow Operators to post messages to the channels board.
• - Only Owner changes properties: You can decide whether you want to allow other Operators to change the channel Properties.
• - Password Protected: Channels can be protected by passwords, so only special users can get in. Choose a password below if you want this.
• - Allow Timed messages every ... minutes: The display of automated messages can be turned on or off and the frequency in which those messages appear can be set from 1 to 9 minutes.
• - Allow custom fonts/colours: You can decide whether you want to allow custom font and chat colour in your channel.
• - Allow voice chat for users not in direct mode: As using voice chat without being directly connected to the server (being firewalled, or using a proxy) will slow down the chat and create more traffic, channel owners can choose to restrict these users from voice chat.
• - Disallow Ops to Deop/Kick/Ban other Ops: This is a very useful feature to prevent annoyances among the channel Operators.
• - Delete channel: Of course, you can also remove your channel.

Users:

• - Operators: Users can be added to or removed from the Operators list.
• - Transfer Ownership: You can transfer the ownership of the channel to another user.
• - Banned Users: You can add users here. After that, they will not be allowed to the channel anymore.
• - Msg all Ops: All Operators of the channel can be messaged by hitting the Msg all Ops button

Welcome Message:

Here, you can choose a welcome text that will be displayed to every user upon entering the channel. Most widely it is used to describe the channel topic and set the rules.

Appearance:

• - Sample window: You can define the look of your channels elements by clicking on the parts displayed on this window.
• - Text font: Choose a font for the text displayed in your channel.
• - Restore default values: If you don't like your choice, the default values are just one click away.
• - Save these values as my defaults: If you are happy with your choice, you can save these settings as default for your chat.

The context menu of the channel background offers some interesting features to all users. Of course, they will not be used by other users. Unless you are the Owner of the channel, these settings will be your personal ones.

• - Log: The channels chat history will be saved to a text file that can be found in the Logs folder of the Filetopia directory. If the owner has disabled the Log function in the channel, it will not be possible to copy text from the channel to the clipboard.
• - Beep: A beep sound can be heard every time someone types.
• - Animated character: There is an option to make an Animated character speak out loud what is being typed in the channel. For this function, you need to have the Ms-Agent installed on your computer. Filetopia automatically detects if it is installed and offers to download the software (around 400k) for you. A text-to-speech engine will also be needed. Two small characters are included (thanks to Gumboot !) and more can be found at: www.msagentring.org
• - Auto Text: A text can be chosen that will be displayed at the frequency set in the channel properties.
• - Room Away: Here, users can choose to be away in the selected channel only.
• - Override customization: In case you don't like the font and colors chosen by the owner of the channel, you can set the aspect of the channel to the values you have chosen under Options->Chat colours
• - View Log: This displays the log of the channel. This option is only available if it is allowed by the channel and chosen by the user at the same time.
• - Clear screen: This will delete all conversation off the screen.
• - Sounds: The sounds you have chosen under Options->Sounds can be triggered from here.
• - Add to favourites: You can add the channel to your favourites. This will make it easier for you to find it and will also give you a number of options accessible through the Favs menu.

Favourite Channels:

The Favourite channels window can be accessed via a little menu under Chat->Favourites if you are in Novice Mode or - for Expert mode users - by pressing the Favs button. It gives you an overview of all channels you have marked as favourite ones.

You will notice several types of information that can be stored in connection with these channels:

• - Number: The number of the channel in the favourites list.
• - Name: This shows you the name of the channel.
• - Password: If a channel needs a password for entering, this can be stored here in order to save the typing. Note that it will be stored openly.
• - List: You can choose different lists for your favourite channels.
• - Custom Text: This text will be displayed when you enter the channel only if you have ticked the Timed box.
• - Auto Join: Once this option is ticked, you will always join this channel automatically as soon as a connection to Filetopia has been established
• - Timed: Tick this box to enable your Custom Text.
• - Beep: You can choose to hear a Beep at the beginning of every typed line in the selected channel. This setting will be overriding the appropriate setting under Options-> Chat. It will do so only for the selected channel.
• - Log: You can choose to log the chat in this channel.

To the right, you will see several buttons:

• - Join: You will join the selected channel.
• - Add: You can add a new channel.
• - Delete: You can delete a channel from your Favourites list.
• - Apply: This will save the settings in case you have changed something.
• - Close: This closes the Favourites window.
• - Arrow up/down: Using these arrows, you can move channels up and down in the list, thus also changing the order of appearance in case you have several channels you join automatically.

Last not least, the bar that separates the chat window from the line you type in has a few options, as well:

• - You can choose Text font, Font size and Font colour. Also, the emoticons can be triggered from here.
• - You can activate the voice chat in this channel by checking 'Voice', so you will be able to talk using your microphone as well as hear other users that talk in the channel.