Overview
AmiPic ShareMaster has three basic modes of operation:
- Public projects (regular web sites) download mode
- Private project (hidden web sites) download mode
- Usenet binaries (message attachments) download mode
All modes are automated. Before downloading files in first two modes you may need to add web sites addresses (URL) to program database. For Usenet downloads you need to add a news server, get its groups listing and configure at least one interest group.
To add web sites addresses to program database:
- For Public project(s) query WWW "search engines" for sites of interest or import sites listing from text or html file.
- For Private project (hidden sites only) sites are imported from ddb files. Search for ddb files among files located on your PC or download them from WWW and/or Usenet.
Download modes
| |
Download origin |
Origin source |
Belongs to... |
|---|
| URL addresse(s) |
from DDB files |
Private project |
| URL addresse(s) |
web search results |
Public project(s) |
| URL address |
entered manually |
- |
| Newsgroup(s) |
server groups list |
Interest group(s) |
Download Tips:
- Use Partial Download options to speed up public projects download.
- Do not use Partial download options (also uncheck Do not re-enter partial content sites box on Advanced tab) if you want COMPLETELY download the most interesting (favorite) web sites.
- Use Do not follow dynamic links option on Advanced tab if you search mainly for home pages and want to speed up the process by excluding URL addresses generated by server programs (cgi and other scripts) used mainly for advertising, shopping, etc.
- Uncheck the above option if you search for mp3 files because they are almost always linked to server generated (active) pages.
Program options
AmiPic has simple intuitive interface which makes it easy to operate. You can use most of the options set by default. On the other hand, we recommend to fine tune some options for specific tasks, especially for automated Usenet browsing (Autoscan).
If you have access to several news servers open [Edit | Preferences | News Multiscan] dialog and configure them to be scanned in specific order or simultaneously.
Important: Do not forget to get newsgroups listing for each news server at least once, before you use it for the first time. Default newsgroups listing shipped with the program is not complete, so you may not find some of your favorite groups there and, therefore, subscribe or post to them. To refresh groups listing open [Edit | Preferences | News Servers] dialog, select the server from drop-down list and press "Get Groups" button. This operation takes a while and should not be interrupted or cancelled. If it does, repeat it again.
When newsgroups listing is up to date you need to configure Usenet "interest group" settings. Open [ Usenet | Interest Group Settings] dialog, choose directory for saved files and select one or several newsgroups to scan.
AmiPic can run unattended and execute scheduled tasks while you sleep, work, or play. In modern computers you can configure BIOS to wake up your computer at certain time. When scheduled tasks are completed or schedule time elapses AmiPic can disconnect from dial-up and shutdown your computer until next session. For unattended operations open [Edit | Preferences | Schedule] dialog, enable schedule, specify task(s) you want to execute and disconnection options. Check "Launch on system start-up" box to force AmiPic to run when your computer is powered on.
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