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Chameleon NSF for Windows version 4.6 
by John Woody

Chameleon NSF, version 4.6, is a telecommunications program developed by Netmanage, Inc., as one of their commercial communication suites for use on the Internet. It is positioned in the Internet market by Netmanage as a local area network/Internet program. Other versions of Chameleon are price positioned to meet other individual and corporate requirements. As with all Netmanage programs, Chameleon NFS contains a suite of Windows based Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) user (client) and host (server) applications: fifty three to be exact. This program is self-contained, providing the Internet protocols for connection as well as the user applications. The package is complete with its own Winsock, WinSNMP, and Win ISDN utilities for making the graphics connection with one's network or dial-up Internet account.

 I attempted to do several things in this review. It turns out that it was two to many. The first was to install the program in my small business LAN. The computer on which this program is installed is a P-5 100 MHz, 16MB Ram, 1.6 GB HD, WFW 3.11, sound card, Ethernet adapter card system with a US Robotics internal ISDN I-modem. The second was to use the ISDN interface for my connection. Neither was successful in the time period of this review. The network OS had its own set of problems and the ISDN adapter card from US Robotics was faulty. The USR I-modem has been returned for repair and the LAN continues to be a source of amazement as it is sorted out. I moved my USR Courier over to this system and ran the review tests as a dial-up PPP account.

 The ISDN setup by SW Bell went reasonably well. The connection was made with no problems. Their tests to help sort out the USR problem went without problem and reconfirmed the connection. ISDN connections are not easy to program. The ISDN connection and the LAN TCP/IP connection will be covered in later reviews when I have more time to make them work.
 
 

System Requirements

The minimum hardware configuration for this program is IBM PC (or compatible) with 386 CPU or later, 4 MB RAM, capable of running Microsoft Windows in Enhanced mode, mouse, 1.44 FD, and hard disk with at least 20 MB free for program installation.

 One of the following are also required:

The minimums may be there, but like the Windows stated minimums, more is better. One would have to be a very patient person to use the minimum requirement for very long. Some of the programs such as the chat or in person voice or video may really require 32 bit system structure to work. For example, my sound card is unidirectional. To really chat, I need another sound card or replace it with a 32 bit bi-directional card.
 
 

Installation

The program is shipped on ten 1.44 floppy disks and is installed via the Windows Program Manager Run... command from File. Simply type :\setup (FD where the 1.44 disks are loaded). Follow the prompts in the installation utility. This part is easy. At the end of the program transfer and installation, Setup starts the Chameleon "Custom" application for program configuration.

 Configuration of the Custom .CFG files is done by following the setup program and filling in the commands from a prepared configuration list in the users manual. Complete this list so that the settings will be handy during the process. One needs to know the interface type (Ethernet, PPP, ISDN, etc); Internet address, assigned or host; computer or host name, subnet mask; LAN adapter name, type, IRQ, I/O base address; COM port; modem speed, hardware flow control, modem type, host telephone number; ISDN adapter type, IRQ Level, I/O memory location, SPID numbers; and optionally, Domain name; default gateway; Domain Name Server address. It is best to fill out the sheet in the users manual as completely as possible before the disk installation starts.

 Netmanage provides a License Record Card with serial number and Key code. Both are required in the installation process to initialize the software. Only one set of numbers may be used on one computer at a time. Netmanage claims that the software can detect License violations and will disable itself upon detection, even though it appears to be running properly. At any rate, these numbers are required when you talk to their Technical Help. Keep them in a safe place.

 My installation was a new start, configuring to ISDN/LAN specifications. I ran quickly into ISDN problems and had to call Netmanage Technical Help. There are NO 1 (800) numbers to either the California or East Coast Help desks. Dialing the Help number gets one connected very quickly, where an initial query determines which Chameleon product is to be supported. The first problem arises when you are not specific as to the product name and version. All Chameleon products are named Chameleon xx (version x.x) and are the same version, ie., Chameleon 4.6, ChameleonNFS 4.6, or Internet Chameleon 4.6. These are very different programs. Once the product and version are determined, you are routed into a phone wait queue which may be a while. The queuing operator usually tells you the wait time. Once the Technical Help engineer is on line, problems are solved in fairly short order. Complex hookups such as ISDN take quite a bit longer and can run up costly phone charges.

 The Technical Services help is first rate once you are connected with them. E-mail to Netmanage will also get help if you have the time to wait. Upgrades are downloadable within the first year from a FTP server at Netmanage.
 
 

Program Description

The applications are grouped in six major Chameleon Program Groups. Each Program Group is set up to reflect one of the major Internet functions. The Program Groups may be set on the Windows Program Manager to open or close individually or as tiles or as cascades. The program groups include Internet Access, E-mail and Messaging, Host Connectivity, Desktop Management, File and Print Sharing, and Group Collaboration. Additionally, there is a toolbar across the bottom of the monitor screen which provides Windows 95 style buttons for the most used applications. This toolbar is pre-set with Chameleon "NEWTShooter" (more later), Mail, NEWT News, Websurfer, Webspider, and Telnet.
 
 

Internet Access

This Chameleon Program Group contains applications which are used remotely access the Internet. These applications include client applications for Many of these applications require additional hardware such as sound cards, speakers, and video cards to be completely effective. This is the section where I question the minimum computer requirement statements.

 An application called "Automatic Internet" is included in this Program Group. This is a method of signing up for national service providers such as InterRamp, NETCOM, Portal, IBM Internet, Alternet, CERFNet, and others. NETCOM, IBM Internet and InterRamp have local San Antonio numbers. I did not try any of these as I had attempted to use "Automatic Internet" as the log on method with an earlier version using "Others" and took three days of long distance phone calls with Netmanage Technical Help to undo the problems.
 
 

Desktop Management

The majority of the setup procedure is accomplished in this Program Group. The "Custom" application contains the setup configuration files. This is accomplished by the Configuration.... pull down from the menu line at the top of the module. There are eight folders in the Configuration file. Chameleon is arrogant about changes to any of these configuration files. Any change immediately get a pop up screen which asks about saving changes made to the file.

 It is in the Custom application that the configuration process takes place. Once Custom is configured, it can be given a unique file name such as ISDN1.cfg. Several configuration files may be available for use. Using menu can set any of these configuration files as the operating file. I have done this with my laptop and the cellular PC Card. I have configuration files for land line and cellular connections.

 The remainder of the applications in this Program Group are

A neat application which I use in this and other Chameleon setups is "PC-Net Time" which can be configured to an atomic clock location such as the Naval Observatory in Washington D.C.
 
 

Host Access

NSF stands for Network File System. Much of this program is meant to be used in network environments. It also contains applications for becoming an Internet server in a LAN. It has host applications which provide remote log in as well as Windows terminal emulation applications for connection to main-frame computers. Emulation protocols for VT320, Wyse 60, and TVI 955 handle UNIX Telnet connections.

 The standard mainframe emulations for TN3270 and TN5250 are included. Keyboard mapping for all of these standards are included. Chameleon TN3270 handles access to model 2, 3, 4, and 5 mainframe computers. The TN5250 handles access to IBM AS400 machines. Terminal connections are handled through the Chameleon "Session Manager" application. This as other Chameleon applications have been developed to make these complex tasks easy for the average user.

 Another Chameleon application is called the "Visual Script Editor" and provides point and click capability to develop scripts to make applications run easier. The manual claims that this script editor makes scripting easy, however, in the few times I have used it in various versions, I have ended up calling for technical help.

 There is an optional application for Windows X in the ChameleonS and Chameleon NSFX server module. I did not use it.
 
 

E-mail and Messaging

The e-mail Program Group contains all of the applications and utilities to run a full blown e-mail with send, receive, forward, and reply with attachments via the Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME) standard. Applications for network "Phone Tag' and "Tag-it" are included. It also works with a calender program called "NEWTCal". There is a Spell-checker.
 
 

In-Person

This Program Group is for group functions. The major application in this area is the In-Person Authoring application. It requires a two way sound card. Provision is made for unidirectional sound cards by holding a hot key to talk and releasing to listen. Additionally, this application has the ability to design, draw, scan, write and view other media. An area called the "White Board" is used as the drawing board. It is a business tool for passing meeting data over the Internet without having to be at the meeting.
 
 

Results

Program results with the Courier analog modem were as good as expected. The e-mail is solid and connects every time. The FTP client works well and is easy to set up. Connections in each of the client applications are point and click. Most mistakes are made from entering bad data into the system. The pre-loaded modem configuration files cover nearly all of the main stream analog modems and ISDN terminal adapters. One would have to be careful using an off brand modem or TA.

 I moved my atomic clock URL over to this system, thereby making good use of the "PC NetTime" application. As everything is related to the accuracy of the URL source time, it is easy to have very accurate time continually on the system. Just run this application every so often and have very accurate computer time as it updates the computer clock.

 Netmanage have made improvements in this version of their Mosaic browser, "WebSurfer". It is hard to compare with my Netscape browser in the short time of this review. I had to relearn to use certain of its functions. Most of my problems were unfamiliarity. I have used earlier versions of "WebSurfer" and have been less than satisfied. I will probably load a late version of Netscape into this system once the TWO outside problems are sorted.

 The setup procedure in "Custom" is accurate as long as you follow the user manual and the on screen directions to the letter. Enough changes have been made between versions to make this procedure a bit difficult each time a new one is installed. For example, the earliest versions had a pre-done scripting utility which read and learned the dial-up procedure with little input from you. The script was written directly into the configuration files and it worked. I have had problems with the later versions. It may be that I am a slow learner or scripting impaired.

 The User Manual is extensive. 435 pages to be exact. It does not clearly explain some complex issues. It is no different from other computer industry user manuals as nearly all of them have the same problems. Certain issues are simplified leaving new and experienced users in the dark. And there is the age old computer interface problem that it is the other guy's problem, thereby doubling the phone costs.
 
 

Good and Bad

The good and bad in this program come from the same source. It is comprehensive in its assembly of user applications and is a "one stop" program for Internet usage by individuals and companies. This program is intended for network and advanced individual use. Its configuration is extensive enough to make individual applications work together. This comprehensive assembly of applications also can overwhelm many users.

 Support by Netmanage is good, but costly to the individual in that long distance telephone calls are costly when one has to wait for the help.
 
 

Where to get it

The product is ChameleonNFS for Windows, version 4.6.

 Netmanage Inc., 10725 North De Anza Blvd.,
Cupertino, CA 95014, West Coast sales, (408)
973 7171; East Coast sales, (603) 888 2800.
The cost is $495.00.