Welcome to the FCC Auctions Remote Access System
                            README.TXT File
               =================================


This file contains important information -- please read all of
it. 

Disclaimer
-------------

The Federal Communications Commission (the "Commission") makes
available this software package for the FCC Auctions Remote Access System.
Included in this package are the PPP Configuration/Dialer,
Announcements, Messages, Suggestion Box,and Round Results 
Viewer applications. 

The Commission makes no warranty whatsoever with respect to the
software package.  In no event shall the Commission, or any of
its officers, employees or agents, be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of business
profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or
any other loss) arising out of or relating to the existence,
furnishing, functioning or use of this software package. 
Moreover, no obligation or liability will arise out of the
Commission's technical, programming or other advice or service
provided in connection with this software package.   

Pursuant to Report and Order, WT Docket No. 95-69, the Commission
established a fee schedule for on-line access to the Commission's
wide area network.  A charge of $2.30 per minute will be applied to a
user's telephone bill when this software is used for the FCC Auctions Remote
Access System (this includes Announcements, Messages, Suggestion Box, 
and Round Results Viewer).

The FCC Auctions Remote Access System requires access to a 900
telephone line.  If your telephone system blocks access to 900
numbers, you will be unable to properly connect to the FCC
Network.  Please see your telephone administrator for assistance.


When you are finished using the FCC Auctions Remote Access System, you
MUST exit the PPP Dialer application to avoid additional telephone
charges.  It takes approximately 20 seconds for the PPP Dialer to
disconnect and unload, so do not be alarmed by the delay.


Table of Contents
---------------------

 1.   Hardware and Software Requirements
 2.   Phone Numbers
 3.   Creating Installation Disks from Downloaded Files
 4.   Installing the FCC Auctions Remote Access System
 5.   Configure PPP
 6.   PPP Dialer
 7.   Ping
 8.   Troubleshooting
 9.   Instructions for Using Remote Messages
 10.  Instructions for Using Remote Announcements
 11.  Instructions for Using Remote Suggestion Box
 12.  Instructions for Using Remote Round Results Viewer
 13.  Program Notes


1. Hardware and Software Requirements
-------------------------------------------------

    CPU: Intel  80386 or above (80486 or faster recommended)
    RAM: 8MB RAM (more recommended if you have multiple
       applications open)
    Hard Disk: 10MB available disk space
    1.44MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (to install the FCC Remote Bidding System)
    Modem: v.32bis 14.4kbps Hayes  compatible modem
    Monitor: VGA or above
    Mouse or other pointing device
    Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Microsoft Windows for WorkGroups v3.11*

* The FCC Auctions Remote Access Software has not been completely tested on a
Windows95, Macintosh, or OS/2 environment. Therefore, the FCC will
not support operating systems other than Microsoft Windows 3.1 or
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups v3.11.  This includes any other
emulated Windows environment.

If your Windows is in a networked environment, you should check with
your local network administrator for any potential conflicts with the PPP
software you will use to connect to the FCC Network.  This usually
includes any TCP/IP installed  network protocol.

The PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) software, when configured with
the appropriate parameters, will establish a direct (point-to-point)
connection from your PC to the FCC Network. This direct connection is
not routed through the Internet. 


2. Phone Numbers
----------------------

202-414-1250    - Technical Support for installing/using this software
                      The FCC Technical Support Hotline is generally available
                      Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
202-682-5851    - FCC Auction BBS
202-418-1400    - FCC Auction Hotline


3. Creating Installation Disks from Downloaded Files
----------------------------------------------------

The FCC-provided application software available through the Internet and the
FCC Auction BBS will be in a self-extracting compressed file format.  Once
the compressed file has been downloaded, you will need to generate the
installation disks.  You will need to have four (4) blank formatted 3.5"
1.44 MB disks.  To generate the installation disks, type VIEWER2.EXE /!
and press [Enter].


4. Installing the FCC Auctions Remote Access System
-------------------------------------------------------------

To properly install the FCC Auctions Remote Access Software, ALL components
must be installed.  After you create the installation disks, restart
Windows, place Disk 1 in the floppy drive, run SETUP.EXE from installation
Disk 1 and follow the instructions on the screen.  Enter the destination
directory (you may want to use a directory that does not currently exist).
Press the Install button and, if using a directory that does not exist, click
on 'Yes' when the message box appears asking whether to create the
directory.  Respond 'Yes' to all message boxes that ask whether to
overwrite an existing file.  You MUST update all the existing files.  If you
should receive a message stating the commdlg.dll file or the ddeml.dll file
is being used by Windows, press the Ignore button.

After the FCC Auctions Remote Access System installation completes, you will
have a new Program Manager group called FCC Auctions Remote Access System
with seven icons: Configure PPP, PPP Dialer, Ping, Announcements, Messages, 
Suggestion Box, and Round Results Viewer.

The PPP Dialer, when configured with the appropriate parameters, will establish
a direct connection from your PC to the FCC Network. This direct connection is 
not routed through the Internet.

You must verify/modify the parameters in the Configure PPP prior to using
the PPP Dialer. 

You must start the PPP software and be connected to the FCC Network
before you start any of the programs. For technical assistance in installing or 
using the FCC application software, contact the FCC Technical Support Hotline at
(202) 414-1250. The FCC Technical Support Hotline will be generally available
Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.


5. Configure PPP
---------------------

After installing the FCC Remote Bidding System, please check your
windows directory to ensure that the winsock.dll file is NOT there.  If the
winsock.dll file exists, we recommend that you rename it to winsock.oem.
If you need to use a previously installed PPP connection application,
simply rename the winsock.oem back to winsock.dll.

Make sure that no other PPP package is in your 'Path'.  This can be checked
by going to the DOS prompt and typing "path".  If any directory containing
a PPP package does appear in the path, edit the autoexec.bat file to remove
references to that directory, save, and reboot.

The default configuration provided should be compatible with most systems.
If you have problems connecting, refer to the Troubleshooting section for 
possible solutions.

The PPP Dialer software cannot be used without first running the PPP
Configure program.  To change the configuration of your PPP dialer,
double-click on the icon labeled "Configure PPP." The communications
setup window will appear.

Under the box labeled "Modem," select the com port to which your modem
is connected.

Under the box labeled "Speed," select the maximum speed available to
your modem; for a 14.4kbps modem, this is usually 57600.

In most cases, carrier detect should not be checked and flow control
should be checked.

If you experience problems getting the modem to respond, experimenting
with those settings may help. The remainder of the screen has default
values which should provide you with the optimal performance available.

The DNS should be set to 165.135.22.249.

Click on the "Script" button to bring up the Script Setup window.  This
window provides you with the ability to give specific commands to the
modem.

It may be necessary to change the command in the box labeled
"Modem Dial Prefix" to accommodate how you make calls.

For example:

long distance/900 service dialing, no dialing prefix used: ATDT1
long distance/900 service dialing, dialing prefix of 9 used: ATDT91
turn off call waiting, long distance dialing, no dialing prefix used: ATDT*70,1


6. PPP Dialer
----------------

Double-click on the icon labeled "PPP Dialer" to connect to the FCC
Network.  The status of your connection attempt will be displayed.  If you
are connected, you can switch to the FCC Auctions Remote Access System
program group and double-click on the Round Results Viewer, 
Announcements, Suggestion Box, or Messages icon to start the respective 
application.

To terminate the telephone connection, select the File | Exit menu option.  
It takes approximately 20 seconds for the PPP Dialer to disconnect and
unload, so do not be alarmed at the delay.

When you are finished using the FCC Auctions Remote Access System, you
MUST exit the PPP Dialer application to avoid additional telephone
charges.  It takes approximately 20 seconds for the PPP Dialer to
disconnect and unload, so do not be alarmed by the delay.


7. Ping
---------

If you would like to test the status of the PPP connection, double-click on
the "Ping" icon.  This will tell you if your computer is able to communicate
with (Ping) the FCC Network.  If the ping returns, then you have a good
connection. Under the Number menu option, choose the number of pings
you wish to send (one, continuous, or a user-specified number).  Under the
Specifications menu option, you can customize the type of request (e.g., icmp
timestamp request), the interval between pings and the timeout setting; the
default settings should suffice. In the host name box, enter 165.135.22.249.
Press the start button. The status and packets boxes will display information
concerning whether the ping(s) was returned.


8. Troubleshooting
-----------------------

Below are problems you may encounter and possible solutions for
resolving/isolating these problems.

*Modem does not respond
          Check COM port setting
          Change Carrier Detect
          Change Flow Control
          
*Modem connects but does not return an IP address
          Verify the DNS is set to 165.135.22.249
          Verify the MRU and MTU are set to 1500
          Turn off VJ Compression
          Change timeout to 40 (this is found on the Script)
          Check your modem IRQ for conflicts
          Unload network drivers

*SQLSERVER errors
          Turn off VJ Compression
          Unload network drivers
          Try using the PING


9.  Instructions for Using Remote Messages
-----------------------------------------------------

You must start the PPP software and be connected to the FCC Network
before you start the Messages program.  If you have not successfully
connected, you will receive an error message stating that you were unable
to connect to the server.

During the course of the auction, it may become necessary for the
Commission to provide bidders with important messages (e.g., the
extension of a round).  The Commission will place these messages on the
FCC Auctions Remote Access System, as well as the Bulletin Board 
System (BBS) and the Internet.

The Messages application will automatically be started (if it is not already
started) when you log in to the Round Results Viewer programs.

In the event there are simultaneous auctions running, you may use the Filter
option to filter out all messages (by Auction ID) that do not pertain to the
auction for which you are a participant.  In order to filter, click on the Filter
option in the menu bar.  A list of  Auction IDs will be displayed.  Click on
the auction for which you do not wish to see messages and place an 'X' in
the box under the word 'Filtered'.  This will filter out all messages pertaining
to that auction.  You may filter more than one Auction at a time using the
same procedure.  Click on the Ok button when you are finished filtering to
continue with the Auction Messages application.

You may choose to receive only today's messages or all previous messages
as well.  

Click on the 'Only Today's Auction Messages' button to view the Messages
entered on today's date.  Click on the 'Today's and Prior Auction Messages'
button to view all auction messages.

To exit the Messages application, click on the File option and then click on
Exit, but only do so if you are planning to log off the FCC Auctions Remote Access
System.  Minimize the Messages application if you are planning to remain
online.

Before you exit you will see the following message: 'The Message System
should only be closed when you are ready to terminate the PPP
connection to the FCC.  Do you want to close this application?'.  Click
on the Yes button to terminate the Message System.  Click on the No
button to return to the Message System.

10.  Instructions for Using Remote Announcements
---------------------------------------------------------------

You must start the PPP software and be connected to the FCC Network
before you start the Announcements program.  If you have not
successfully connected, you will receive an error message stating that
you were unable to connect to the server.

During the Auction it will become necessary to send announcements to the
bidders (e.g. schedule).  All announcements will be available in the
Auction Announcements application on the Bulletin Board System (BBS)
and the Internet.   You may also use the Announcements application to
view the auction announcements.

Enter the number of the auction in the box labeled Auction ID (the auction
number will be prefilled with the Auction ID used previously).

The Announcements screen will display a list of announcements by date
and time once you tab out of the Auction ID field.  Also shown is the
Auction ID which should be the same as the number in the box labeled
Auction ID.  The subject of the Announcement is in the last column. 

At any time you may click on the Refresh button to update the list of
announcements.  

Click on the Announcement that you wish to view and then click on the
Ok button, or double click on the announcement you wish to view.  

The Announcement text will then display on the next screen.  Use the
scroll bar to scroll through the announcement text.

You may print the Announcement(s) by clicking on the Print button.

When you are ready to return to the previous screen, click on the Return
button.

To terminate the Announcements application, click on the Cancel button.


11.  Instructions for Using Remote Suggestion Box
---------------------------------------------------------------

You must start the PPP software and be connected to the FCC Network
before you start the Suggestion Box program.  If you have not
successfully connected, you will receive an error message stating that
you were unable to connect to the server.

The Suggestion Box is packaged with many of the FCC's remote
applications.

The purpose of the Suggestion Box is to give remote users a chance to
voice any concerns or comments they may have.  Bidders participating in
FCC auctions may use the Suggestion Box to provide their suggestions for
a particular auction (e.g., how many rounds per day, start times, end times,
etc.).

Click on the Suggestion Box icon.

If your suggestion is related to a specific auction, enter the number to
identify the auction in the box labeled Auction ID.

Please Note:  The Auction ID field is optional.

Enter your name in the box labeled Name.

Enter your company's name in the box labeled Company.

Enter a telephone number where you can be reached in the box labeled
Phone.

In the next field enter any suggestions, comments or concerns that you
may have.

Click on the Submit button to submit your suggestion to the FCC.  If
successfully submitted, a message box stating that your suggestion was
received by the FCC will appear on your screen.

Click on the Print button to print your suggestion.

Click on the New button to clear the screen and begin entering a new
suggestion.

Click on the Cancel button to exit the Suggestion Box application.

The FCC will monitor all suggestions on a daily basis.


12.  Instructions for Using Remote Round Results Viewer
----------------------------------------------------------------------

You must start the PPP software and be connected to the FCC Network
before you start the Round Results Viewer program.  If you have not
successfully connected, you will receive an error message stating that
you were unable to connect to the server.

The FCC will provide round results at the end of each bid submission and
bid withdrawal period of each round.  All round results will be available
on the Bulletin Board System (BBS) and the Internet.  You may also use
the Round Results Viewer application to view round results and create
custom files.

Once you have successfully connected, click on the Round Results Viewer
icon to start the application.

Select A Report
---------------------

This function allows you to view the various Round Results reports in a
desired format.  This screen is initially displayed upon entering the Round
Results Viewer application.  It may also be accessed at any time by
clicking on the Select A Report icon in the tool bar at the top of the screen.

     Select An Auction
     ----------------------
     Enter the appropriate auction number by typing the Auction number in
     the Auction ID box.

     When you choose the appropriate auction and tab out of the Auction ID
     box, the Reports box will prefill with the available report selections.


     Select A Report
     --------------------
     Select the report that you wish to view by highlighting the report title
     found in the box labeled reports.  All Bids, Bidder Cross Reference,
     High Bids After Withdrawal, High Bids Before Withdrawal, Maximum
     Eligibility, Minimum Bid, and Withdrawals are the available reports.

     Select One or More Columns
     -----------------------------------

     After selecting the report you wish to view, the corresponding
     columns for that report will appear in the Columns box.  You may
     select one or more columns by highlighting the column names,
     depending on the information you wish to view.  To select all columns,
     click on the Select All button.  To select the default columns, click on
     the Default check box.  The round results file formats provided on the
     FCC Bulletin Board System (BBS) and on the Internet are the same file
     format as the default reports.

     Select Round Number
     ---------------------------

     Enter the round number in the Round No. box to select the specific
     round results you wish to view.  The round number is initially prefilled
     with the current round number of the specified auction.  (Note: The
     round number is not applicable to the Bidder Cross Reference Report).

     Select Report Style
     -------------------------

     Select the report style for the report you wish to review.  (Note: Tabular
     is the only available report style for the default reports).  Click on Ok
     to generate the report.

Note: Once the report is generated, you may alter the size of any column
of the report (this only applies to the grid style reports) by placing the
mouse at the left or right side of a column header and dragging the mouse.
For example, to increase the size of the bid amount column, place the mouse
at the right side of the column header labeled Bid Amt and press down the
left mouse button.  When the cursor changes to a cross bar, drag the mouse
to the right while still holding down the right mouse button.

Note: Be sure to use the scroll bars (both horizontal and vertical), if they exist,
to view all of the data.


Sort
-----

Click on the Sort icon in the tool bar at the top of the screen to sort any of
the columns that you selected to view.  You may also sort by clicking on
the right mouse button, or by double clicking on the screen, after you have
completed the Select Report function.

You may choose to sort all columns or just specific columns.  You may
sort one column in descending order while sorting another column in
ascending order.  Drag and drop the column names from the Source Data
box to the Columns box.  To drag and drop, click on the appropriate
column in the Source Data box then drag the column name to the Columns
box while keeping the left mouse button pressed down.  Once the column is
in the Columns box release the mouse button.

An 'X' will automatically display in the ascending box, if you wish to sort
in ascending order leave the 'X' in the box.  To sort in descending order,
click on the ascending box to remove the 'X'.


Export
---------

Click on the Export icon at the top of the screen to download the data to
a file in the desired format (e.g., .XLS, .TXT).  

Enter a file name in the box labeled Save Row As.  Click on your desired
file format.  If you desire headers in your file, click on the Include Headers
box.  Click on the Ok button to continue.


Print
------

Click on the Printer icon at the top of the screen to print the report.  You can
change the print setting to landscape by clicking on the File | Printer Setup.


Exit
-----

Click on the Exit icon located in the tool bar to exit the Round Results
Viewer application.


13.  Program Notes
------------------------

Disable any screen saver software before using the FCC Auctions Remote Access
programs.