# ==================================================================
# Gossamer Forum - Advanced web community
#
#   Website  : http://gossamer-threads.com/
#   Support  : http://gossamer-threads.com/scripts/support/
#   CVS Info :                     
#   Revision : $Id: README,v 1.5 2002/05/01 22:02:24 jagerman Exp $
#
# Copyright (c) 2001 Gossamer Threads Inc.  All Rights Reserved.
# Redistribution in part or in whole strictly prohibited. Please
# see LICENSE file for full details.
# ==================================================================

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    1. Welcome
        1.1 About the Script
        1.2 System Requirements
    2. Installation
    3. History
    4. Support

1. Welcome
=========================================================================

1.1 About the Script
----------------------------------------------------
Gossamer Forum is the ideal solution to create or enhance any online
community. With a flexible template system, and a powerful SQL backend
Gossamer Forum is perfect for any size discussion group.

For more information on Gossamer Forum and our other products, please 
visit:

    http://www.gossamer-threads.com/scripts/

Gossamer Forum is NOT freeware. Please read the LICENSE file for
more details.

1.2 System Requirements
----------------------------------------------------
Gossamer Forum is 100% perl, and has no o/s dependent code. System
requirements are:

1. A current version of Perl 5 (version 5.004_04 or better required).
2. Perl database modules: DBI and the appropriate DBD module loaded.
3. A database server. We recommend Mysql 3.23+ -- a lightweight, free,
   and very fast SQL server. It can be downloaded and installed from:

    http://www.mysql.com/

   Gossamer Forum can also run on Postgres, Oracle or MS SQL servers. 
   Other servers should be possible without major modifications.

2. Installation
=========================================================================
Our automated installer makes installing and setting up Gossamer Forum
very easy. To install, simply follow the following steps:

1. Copy the install.dat in BINARY mode to your webserver.
2. Copy the install.cgi in ASCII mode to your webserver.
3. Set the permissions of install.cgi to 755.
4. Set the permissions of the directory you want to install Gossamer Forum into 
   to 777.
5. Run install.cgi from your browser (for advanced users, it can also be
   run from shell. If you do this you can skip steps 3 and 4).
6. Upgrading? If yes:
        If you are upgrading from an existing Gossamer Forum installation, then
        enter the path to your admin.
   If no:
        Simply enter in the paths and urls outlined from install.cgi.

The program will now unarchive itself, and set the path to perl and file
permissions properly. To finish the installation simply go to the URL
mentioned in the install to enter your SQL information.

3. Support
=========================================================================
Email or phone support is only available to licensed users. Please
visit our online forum at:

	http://www.gossamer-threads.com/perl/gforum/

If you have any questions or comments. Registered users can get priority
support at:

	http://www.gossamer-threads.com/support/

Gossamer Threads Inc.