BrowserExpress Installation Guide

BrowserExpress Installation Guide
A Product of Progressive Software Solutions

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September 11, 2002

About This Program
Supported Operating Systems
System Requirements
Contents of the Zip File
Configuration File (BrowserExpress.ini)
Enterprise Version
POP3 Authenticated SMTP
Installation
Release History
Contacting the Author
License Agreement
Purchase BrowserExpress

About This Program

BrowserExpress(R) V5.0 EASY! Web-based Mail client with WebBook and LDAP Capability

Domain Version: Licensed for a single mail domain.
Enterprise Version: Licensed for a single server supporting multiple mail domains.

Software Product Description: BrowserExpress is a web based e-mail client. BrowserExpress web-enables any mail server in less than 10 minutes with only three files -- giving all your users web based e-mail from any web browser anywhere. BrowserExpress is customizable to support your branding, banner advertisements, language choice, and an optional group address book. BrowserExpress implements POP3, SMTP, LDAP and MIME standards.

FEATURES:

Runs on any CGI-capable Web Server
Clean, fast and simple Web-page interface
Send and Receive text and binary attachments
"Just-copy-it" installation
Does not require Perl or any Perl Program Modules
No client software
Automatic hot links to URLs and MAILTO:s in message text
HTML message handling
MIME attachment handling
Select multiple messages for deletion
User selectable ReplyTo: Address
Address look-up with LDAP in corporate or public directories
Fully configured with TEXT based .ini file
Multiple-language interfaces--you select the language
English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish included
Customizable user interface for Corporate Branding
Integrate your own Banner Advertisements
Include your own Header with CSS / Style Sheets and Footer
Insert your Text in all outgoing Messages
POP3-Authenticated SMTP
Support for Linux, Unix, and NT/2000 Web Server platforms
Firewall and Proxy/Cache compliant
SSL Web Server compliant
Absolutely NO maintenance
As Low As $60 one time cost
Own your own Web based e-mail service
No silly domain names in your e-mail address
No unsolicited e-mail from using BrowserExpress
No ads in your e-mail
Large (with selectable limit) attachment handling
POP3 password encryption
Support for slow mailserver and/or network
Selectable logout function
Enhanced Sorting of message list
Optional WebBook, a Group Address Book

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Supported Operating Systems

Don't see your OS - email us at support@progressivesoft.com

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System Requirements

NT Version Windows NT with IIS, PWS, Apache or other CGI-capable webserver.
Linux/Unix Version Linux/Unix with Apache or other CGI-capable webserver.

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Contents of the Zip File

BrowserExpress.exe or BrowserExpress.cgi The executable.
BrowserExpress.ini The customization file. This file is used to customize BrowserExpress to your site.
readme.txt Points the user to this file.
Address/address.txt The address file. This file is used to store the addresses for the WebBook feature. It is contained in the Address directory. This file and directory can be deleted if the WebBook feature is not used.

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Installation

Currently BrowserExpress has been compiled, tested and validated on Intel X86 or compatible platforms with the Supported Operating Systems listed previously.
The Solaris version requires a Sun SPARC or compatible platform. The Digital Unix and OSF/1 binary requires an Alpha platform. IRIX requires a Silicon Graphics platform. Cobalt Linux (MIPS) requires a MIPS platform. Compiled versions for other Linux or Unix versions are available upon request. No traditional installation is required.

You can open a window with just the installation instructions for printing. More help, including a configuration file wizard is available on the BrowserExpress Support page.

Follow this Step-by-Step process to set up BrowserExpress:

Step 1. Extract the distribution files into a temporary location.
Step 2. Copy BrowserExpress.exe or BrowserExpress.cgi, and BrowserExpress.ini to the location on your Web Server that has execution enabled.
- NT Version -- The default location on IIS v4.0 is "C:\Inetpub\scripts".
- Linux/Unix Version -- The default location on Apache v1.3.9 is /home/httpd/cgi-bin or /usr/local/www/cgi-bin. Don't forget to "chmod +x BrowserExpress.cgi" when you get BrowserExpress.cgi in the appropriate directory.
Step 3. Modify the appropriate portions in the BrowserExpress.ini file, as explained in the following section (BrowserExpress.ini).
Step 4. Generate 30 Day License Key. After you have configured your BrowserExpress.ini, the first time you run BrowserExpress, it will generate a 30 day license key and display the 30 day license key. You MUST copy this 30 day license key into the Key = field of your BrowserExpress.ini file.
Step 5. Give your users a URL that points them to the Server on which BrowserExpress resides, e.g., "www.mycompany.com/scripts/BrowserExpress.exe" or "www.mycompany.com/cgi-bin/BrowserExpress.cgi".
Optional Steps -- Customize the BrowserExpress Interface
Add your own GIF files.
- Replace the NULL value in following entries with name and path of your GIF format files.
  Logo = NULL
  Background = NULL
  MailBorder = NULL
- Based on your webserver configuration you may need to specify the full path to the GIF files. If you do not specify a path to the GIF files, the default location to place your GIF file in IIS and PWS is C:\Inetpub\wwwroot. The default location on Apache v1.3.9 is /home/httpd/html or /usr/local/www/data.
- To help you size your logo the "Logo" gif is displayed with "width=120" and "height=101." The logo width and height are customizable (see below).
Change the Displayed Title and URL. Replace the default value in the following entries with your own text and URL.
LinkName = BrowserExpress
LinkURL = http://www.browserexpress.com
Add your own Header and Footer to all dynamically generated BrowserExpress pages. Replace the NULL value in the following entries with your own files. These two files must be located in the same directory as your BrowserExpress script. All HeaderFile and FooterFile accept any type of HTML - including CSS / Style Sheets.
HeaderFile = NULL
FooterFile = NULL
Insert your text in all outgoing Messages. Replace the NULL value in the following entries with your own files. These two files must be located in the same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
TagLineFile = NULL
Enable the WebBook feature, if desired, as described below

See our BrowserExpress support pages @ http://www.progressivesoft.com/BE-Support.shtml for additional customizing examples and tips.

If you desire to rename BrowserExpress you may do so. You must also rename BrowserExpress.ini to correspond to the new name. For example, if you rename it MyMail.exe or MyMail.cgi you must rename the .ini file MyMail.ini. If you do this and it it still looks for BrowserExpress.ini then your OS is using a different source executable environment variable other than "SOURCEEXE" or "sourceExe." If this is the case simply continue to use BrowserExpress.ini, run "printenv" (most systems have this program) and email us the output along with the type of OS you are running.

From this we can add the new source executable variable and get a new executable to you that will allow you to rename BrowserExpress to whatever you desire. If your system does not have a "printenv" email us and we will send you one.

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BrowserExpress.ini

and

SortBy = Newest SortBy represents how you want your messages sorted. BrowserExpress will accept the following SortBy values:
- Newest (sort from newest to oldest)
- Oldest (sort from oldest to newest)
- Subject (sort by subject [case insensitive])
- Sender (sort by sender [case insensitive] [" are ignored])
MaxAttachment = 1000 MaxAttachment represents the approximate maximum size you will allow for an attachment in Kbytes. 1000 means you will allow attachments that are "slightly" less then 1MB. The word slightly is used here because the limit really applies to "all" the information being sent by the Browser. Exercise caution when increasing this number! The limit is a function of webserver and bandwidth resources available.
Exit = login Exit represents what to do if the "Exit" button is clicked. Valid entries include the following:
- login (return to the login page specified in the "LoginPage" entry in this .ini file
- close (close the web browser)
LoginPage = http://0.0.0.0/scripts/BrowserExpress.exe LoginPage represents the page that will be displayed if the "Exit" parameter is set to "login" Valid Entries include any valid URL.
DelayList = 0 The value represents the number of seconds BrowserExpress will wait before requesting a new list of messages from your POP3 server. Some mail servers are rather slow in deleting messages. After BrowserExpress sends the delete message command to your POP3 server, it then tries to get you a fresh list of messages still on the POP3 server. If you experience errors when you delete messages set this parameter to a value other then 0. The value represents the number of seconds BrowserExpress will wait before requesting a new list of messages from your POP3 server.
Option = 0 This defines the version of BrowserExpress you are running. For the Domain Version set this to a 0(zero). For the Enterprise Version set this to a 1. Note that the Option must correspond to the Authentication Key you purchased. The Domain Version key is, in part, based on your domain name and is valid for a single Domain. The Enterprise Version is, in part, based on the URL where you are running BrowserExpress and is valid for a single server. These versions are not interchangeable by simply changing the Option parameter.
Lang = EN BrowserExpress will accept the following languages:
- EN or blank (for English)
- SP or ES (for Spanish/Español)
- GE or DE (for German/Deutsch)
- IT (for Italian/Italiano)
- FR (for French/Française)
- BP (for Brazilian Portuguese) (Separate Product)
Xe-mailName This parameter is used to allow users to input their e-mail address when it is different from their e-mail login name. To enable this feature simply remove the leading "X" and BrowserExpress will prompt the user to input their e-mail address. For example MS Exchange users may login with your_name\NTdomain yet their e-mail address is your_name@maildomain.com.
POP3server = 0.0.0.0 Replace 0.0.0.0 with the IP address of your POP3 server--or the fully qualified name of your POP3 server, e.g., pop3.your_domain.com. Performance can be enhanced by using IP address. (Not used for Enterprise Version)
SMTPserver = 0.0.0.0 Replace 0.0.0.0 with the IP address of your SMTP server--or the fully qualified name of your SMTP server, e.g., smtp.your_domain.com. Performance can be enhanced by using IP address. (Not used for Enterprise Version)
LDAPserver = ldap.bigfoot.com Replace ldap.bigfoot.com with the IP address of your LDAP server--or the fully qualified name of your LDAP server, e.g., ldap.your_domain.com. The default port used is 389. If your organization uses another port for LDAP use :port. For example ldap.bigfoot.com:123. If you do not desire to include support for directory services, add a leading "X" to LDAPserver = ldap.bigfoot.com so it becomes XLDAPserver = ldap.bigfoot.com. This will remove the "Find" button from screen when composing new messages.
MailAttribute = mail Replace mail with the email attribute you use in your LDAP. If MailAttribute is missing "mail" will be used. Some organizations use "rfc822Mailbox". (Not used for Enterprise Version)
LDAPBase = NULL LDAPBase is the attribute used by your LDAP server to specify the search base. The entry for George Mason U. is o=gmu.edu. You would then have LDAPBase = o=gmu.edu.
DOMAIN = progressivesoft.com Replace progressivesoft.com with your domain name. This is very important since the key you purchase to run BrowserExpress will be based, in part, on your domain name. Also, the Reply To: portion of the mail header will contain, for example "your_name@your_domain.com" (Not used for Enterprise Version)
URL= http://0.0.0.0/scripts/BrowserExpress.exe (NT Version) This is the URL pointing to BrowserExpress.exe. Each command (button) executed in BrowserExpress will return to this URL for execution. This URL can include a fully qualified domain name or simply an IP address.
URL= http://0.0.0.0/cgi-bin/BrowserExpress.cgi (Linux/Unix Version) This is the URL pointing to BrowserExpress.cgi. Each command (button) executed in BrowserExpress will return to this URL for execution. This URL can include a fully qualified domain name or simply an IP address.
SMTPport = 25 The SMTP port is usually 25. However, if yours is different replace the 25 with the appropriate port number.
POP3port = 110 The POP3 port is usually 110. However, if yours is different replace the 110 with the appropriate port number.
Logo = NULL This is the name of the logo displayed at the top of each page when BrowserExpress is run. If this is the case simply replace NULL with the .gif file you would like to use. In general you should put that .gif file in your web server root directory.
Logo = mylogo.gif
LogoWidth = 120 This is the pixel width of the logo. You can customize the logo displayed in BrowserExpress by changing this value. If your logo does not appear quite like you would like it, replace 120 with the width of your logo.
LogoHeight = 101 This is the pixel height of the logo. You can customize the logo displayed in BrowserExpress by changing this value. If your logo does not appear quite like you would like it, replace 101 with the height of your logo.
Background = NULL This is the background that is used. The default is NULL meaning none. You can customize the background displayed in BrowserExpress by changing this value to the filename you would like to use. If this is the case simply replace NULL with the .gif file you would like to use. In general you should put that file in your web server root directory.
Background = background.gif
MailBorder = NULL Several of our customers have asked if they can modify the navy colored solid line we use to separate BrowserExpress output sections. This parameter can be used to replace that line with one you supply. For example, you might want to use a blue/red/white-striped line. If this is the case simply replace NULL with the .gif file you would like to use. In general you should put that file in your web server root directory.
MailBorder = mailborder.gif
LinkName = BrowserExpress This is the title displayed to the right of the logo. It is a "hot link" which points to LinkURL as described below. If you wish you can replace BrowserExpress with the name of your organization and provide a link by changing the "LinkURL" parameter below.
LinkURL = http://www.browserexpress.com This is the link pointed to by the "LinkName" You may change this link to point to your organization's web page. Simply replace "http://www.browserexpress.com" with your link.
HeaderFile = NULL HeaderFile allows you to specify a file containg HTML code that will be used between the >head< >/head< tags on each BrowserExpress page. If you do not want to use it leave HeaderFile = NULL. The Headerfile that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
FooterFile = NULL FooterFile is similar to HeaderFile except it's contents will be appended to each BrowserExpress page. If you do not want to use it leave FooterFile = NULL. The Footerfile that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
TagLineFile = NULL TagLineFile allows you to specify a text file containing anything you would like to appear at the bottom of all outgoing messages. You can use this feature to append a text advertisement on all outgoing e-mail. If you do not want to append anything to all outgoing messages simply leave
TagLineFile = NULL
The TagLineFile that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
Key = QnJvd3NlckV4cHJlc3M= This is your registration key. It must correspond to the "Option" parameter specified in this .ini file.
This is an example of the key used by BrowserExpress. When you purchase the registration key you must replace this temporary key. The temporary key will allow you to use and evaluate BrowserExpress free of charge for 30 days. During that time you will notice two "advertisements." One in the subject line and one in the message body. Rest assured these "advertisements" will not appear once you purchase your authentication key.
NOTE: After you have configured your BrowserExpress.ini, the first time you run BrowserExpress, it will generate a 30 day license key and display the 30 day license key. You MUST copy this 30 day license key into the Key = field of your BrowserExpress.ini file.

AddressBook = NO AddressBook indicates whether to use the WebBook feature or not. Yes indicates to make available to the user and No indicates you do not want to use the WebBook feature.
AdminPath = NULL This parameter is reserved for future use. It should remain unchanged.
MainHeader = NULL MainHeader allows you to specify a file containg HTML code that will be used between the <head></head> tags on each WebBook page If you do not want to use it leave MainHeader = NULL. The MainHeader that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
AddressPageHeader = NULL AddressPageHeader allows you to specify a file containg HTML code that will be used between the <head></head> tags on each WebBook page that displays the address table. If you do not want to use it leave AddressPageHeader = NULL. The AddressPageHeader that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
NewPageHeader = NULL NewPageHeader allows you to specify a file containg HTML code that will be used between the <head></head> tags on each WebBook page when the user selects to make a new entry in the Address Book. If you do not want to use it leave NewPageHeader = NULL. The NewPageHeader that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
MainFooter = NULL MainFooter is similar to HeaderFile except it's contents will be appended to each WebBook page. If you do not want to use it leave MainFooter = NULL. The MainFooter that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
AddressPageFooter = NULL AddressPageFooter is similar to HeaderFile except it's contents will be appended to each BrowserExpress page. If you do not want to use it leave AddressPageFooter = NULL. The AddressPageFooter that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
NewPageFooter = NULL NewPageFooter is similar to HeaderFile except it's contents will be appended to each BrowserExpress page. If you do not want to use it leave NewPageFooter = NULL. The NewPageFooter that you specify, must be in same directory as your BrowserExpress script.
[WebBookFields]...<EOF> The following represent the WebBook field names that define the WebBook content
- FirstName=First Name This is the text that will appear as the column label in the WebBook display. This is a simple text table of information. Therefore, you can use the WebBook to store any data you desire. The list is alphabetized on the LastName field.
- LastName=Last Name This is the text that will appear as the column label in the WebBook display. This is a simple text table of information. Therefore, you can use the WebBook to store any data you desire. The list is alphabetized on the LastName field.
- Email=Email This is the text that will appear as the column label in the WebBook display. This is a simple text table of information. Therefore, you can use the WebBook to store any data you desire. The list is alphabetized on the LastName field.
- Org=Organization This is the text that will appear as the column label in the WebBook display. This is a simple text table of information. Therefore, you can use the WebBook to store any data you desire. The list is alphabetized on the LastName field.

POP3 Authenticated SMTP

_POP3server = 0.0.0.0 Replace 0.0.0.0 with the IP address of your POP3 server--or the fully qualified name of your POP3 server, e.g., pop3.your_domain.com.
_POP3port = 110 The POP3 port is usually 110. However, if yours is different replace the 110 with the appropriate port number.
_SMTPserver = 0.0.0.0 Replace 0.0.0.0 with the IP address of your SMTP server--or the fully qualified name of your SMTP server, e.g., smtp.your_domain.com.
_SMTPport = 25 The SMTP port is usually 25. However, if yours is different replace the 25 with the appropriate port number.
_USERID = dummy This is the user ID of the hidden mail account. You may set up any account you choose. Simply replace "dummy" with the user ID of the account you setup.
_PASSWORD = password This is the password for _USERID. You may set up any password you choose. Simply replace "password" with the password you assigned to _USERID.

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POP3 Authenticated SMTP

Since your users will be sending mail from a site other than their own they may need to send mail through your SMTP server. Instead of having to allow any IP address relay access through your server, you can instead set up POP3 Authenticated SMTP access for your BrowserExpress users. Check that your Mail Server allows this access.

POP3 Authenticated SMTP will allow relay access for a specific IP address if there has been a successful POP3 access from that IP address within a specified amount of time. The time frame can be specified on your server anywhere from seconds to days. If your Mail Server is not already set up for POP3 Authenticated SMTP you will have to set it up for a specified amount of time. For example: 15 minutes.

Once you have POP3 Authenticated SMTP setup you must establish one hidden user account with a valid user ID and password. Before BrowserExpress sends mail through your SMTP server it will authenticate using this hidden account. If you do not do this, nobody will be able to send email from your server to remote sites!

_POP3server This is the IP address of your POP3 server--or the fully qualified name of your POP3 server. It is this server that BrowserExpress first authenticates before sending.
_POP3port This is the POP3 port used on your system. The default is usually 110.
_SMTPserver This is the IP address of your SMTP server--or the fully qualified name of your SMTP server. It is this server that BrowserExpress will use to send mail.
_SMTPport This is the SMTP port used on your system. The default is usually 25.
_USERID This is the hidden user account ID.
_PASSWORD This is the password for _USERID.

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Release History

Version 5.03 09-15-2002
	added WebBook feature, a group address book.
	improved handling for various MIME Content types.
	
Version 4.03 03-26-2001
	support for HeaderFile Include in all dynamically generated pages.
	support for FooterFile Include in all dynamically generated pages.
	support for CSS / Style Sheets in all dynamically generated pages.
	support for Text insertion in all outgoing e-mail messages.

Version 4.02 02-25-2001
	eliminated Bare LF in the forward msg and attachment sections
	implemented base 64 encode/decode routines into script
	enhanced support for Smail smtp server

Version 4.01 12-18-2000
	eliminated Bare LF
	enhanced support for QPOP pop3 server

Version 4.00 11-27-2000
	large attachment handling
	pop3 password encryption
	fewer required configuration elements  
	enhanced support for slow mailserver and internet access
	cleaner and faster interface 
	enhanced selectable logout function 
	enhanced selectable sorting of message list
	eliminated one time write to initialization file 

Version 3.31 08-14-2000
	used $ENV{'sourceExe'} for UNIX platforms
	and $ENV{'SOURCEEXE'} for NT platforms
	Added an "EXIT" button which exits the
	browser after warning the user.
	Fixed the missing "close" button on the 
	help window when using Netscape
	Fixed the "Bare LF" problem
	keyed .ini file to program name
Version 3.30 06-18-2000
	English, French, German, Italian, Spanish language interface 
	cleaner, faster, Netscape friendly interface
	automatic hot links to URLs and MAILTOs in message text
	enabled deletion of multiple selected messages
	removed TO, CC, BCC buttons and added "Find" if LDAP enabled, and 
	Cobalt Linux support added.
Version 3.20 03-12-2000
	Enterprise version
	added new .ini attribute to account for version 0 or 1
		Option = 0 or 1
	added new .ini attribute to allow user to replace the
		solid navy line - MailBackground = NULL
	added new .ini attribute to allow users to input their
		email name if different from their Login Name
Version 3.01 01-25-2000
	added better error checking on read .ini
	added new .ini attribute to allow user to add a background
	Background = http://....
Version 3.01 11-07-1999
	allow user to specify the pixel width and length of the 
		displayed logo 
	LogoWidth = 120
	LogoHeight = 101
Version 3.0 10-18-1999
	added LDAP search capability
	LDAPserver = yourLDAPserver added to .ini
	MailAttribute = mail added to .ini
	added BCC: capability
	added TO: line to message header information when
		reading, replying or forwarding
	added CC: line to message header information when
		reading, replying or forwarding
Version 2.51 09-11-1999
	allows user to display organization name
	allows user to provide a link
	increased logo size
	removed "Start Over" button on Login screen
	decreased title
	put PSS' name and link on the bottom of all pages
Version 2.50 03-01-1999 Original

Contacting the Author

We'd like to hear your questions and comments! You can reach us at:

Internet Email: support@progressivesoft.com
WWW: http://www.progressivesoft.com/

License Agreement

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software. Unless you have a different license agreement signed by Progressive Software Solutions, LLC, your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

Registered Version

Domain Version: A separate registered copy of BrowserExpress must be obtained for each domain on which BrowserExpress will be used even if such use is only temporary. This is not a "concurrent use" license.
Enterprise Version: A separate registered copy of BrowserExpress must be obtained for each server on which BrowserExpress will be used even if such use is only temporary. This is not a "concurrent use" license.

No registered user, nor anyone else, may alter or modify the BrowserExpress exe/cgi file. Nor can you give anyone else permission to modify the BrowserExpress exe/cgi file.

All rights not expressly granted in this license agreement are reserved entirely to Progressive Software Solutions, LLC.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Virginia, USA.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Because of the various hardware and software environments into which BrowserExpress may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Shareware Version

This is not free software. You are hereby licensed to use the shareware evaluation version of BrowserExpress for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 30 days. If you use this software after the 30 day evaluation period a registration fee is required. Unregistered use of BrowserExpress after the 30 day evaluation period is in violation of copyright laws.

Distribution of BrowserExpress

You are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the shareware evaluation version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original shareware version to anyone; and distribute the shareware version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above. You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission from Progressive Software Solutions, LLC., with one exception: Disk Vendors approved by the Association of Shareware Professionals are permitted to redistribute BrowserExpress subject to the conditions in this license, without specific written permission.

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A Product of Progressive Software Solutions, LLC