Mosaic v2.7b2

This list is now divided into the following sections:

The developers who have done work on this version of Mosaic are:

Version 2.7b2 includes the following changes from version 2.6:

New Features

All Save Dialogs (SWP)
All save dialogs now have a default filename that is retrieved from the URL or somesuch other logical place.
FTP in General (SWP)
Ftp has been upgraded to use the NLST command if it can, failing that it will fall back on LIST. This should make ftp and its new directory listings much more compatible with a lot more ftp servers. If you happen across a ftp server that does not work right with X Mosaic, please send it in! VAX Multinet servers come close to working, but not quite. This should be fixed in the next 2.7 release.
FTP Login Password (SWP)
For a long time now, you have had to include your password in a ftp url to login on a ftp server you have an account on. This has finally been fixed. The old format (ftp://username:password@ftp_host) is still accepted, but not recommended. The new format (ftp://username@ftp_host) will prompt you for your password.
FTP Error Reporting (SWP)
Ftp now displays the error message returned from the server in the information box.
FTP Connections (SRP)
Ftp connections are now held open for multiple transactions. This has the same functionality as using a ftp client as it times out, as well. See the New Resources section.
FTP Messages (SRP)
Ftp requests now return the information listings provided by the ftp server. These are displayed at the top of directory listings.
FTP Directory Listings (SWP)
Ftp directory listings now provide all pertinent file information.
FTP Directory Filenames (SWP & DXP)
You can specify the length of the FTP filename displayed in the directory listing. This is done by using ellipsis (...). You can specify the length of the ellipsis and the mode for ellipsis placement.
FTP Redialing (SWP)
Ftp will now "redial" an ftp server if it fails when logging in anonymously. Inbetween tries, Mosaic will sleep 3 seconds which avoids a constant hit on the ftp server. See the New Resources section.
FTP Security Icon (SWP)
Ftp now sports a "login" security icon which shows up if you are logged into a ftp server. This serves as both a reminder that you are logged in and that you are authenticated.
MD5 Authentication (DXP)
A new authentication scheme called "Simple MD5" has been implemented. It works along the same lines as the other authentication schemes in Mosaic, but uses a different encryption method.
Kerberos 4 & 5 Authentication (ADC & SWP)
Kerberos authentication is compiled and running on the following platforms: 
 
	Platform -- Kerberos 4 - Kerberos 5 
	Alpha          Yes          Yes 
	Dec            Yes          No 
	Hp             No           No 
	Ibm            Yes          Yes 
	Indy           Yes          No 
	Linux          No           No  
	Sgi            Yes          No 
	Solaris-2.3    Yes          No 
	Solaris-2.4    Yes          No 
	Solaris-2.4x86 No           No 
	Sun            Yes          Yes

Note that the implementation of Kerberos works on all platforms. The above list reflects the platforms we have been able to compile the kerberos libs on.

Remember you must be a registered user in the realm you are trying to access to use kerberos.

Please see the New Resources section about AFS Klog.
Kerberos Login (ADC & SWP)
Although the functionality for Kerberos login to obtain a Ticket-Granting-Ticket (TGT) is automatic if your TGT fails, you can go to "File | Kerberos * Login" and do it manually. Please see the New Resources section about AFS Klog.
Domain Restriction (SWP)
We have implemented an Extension Header "Notify-Domain-Restriction" which is sent to the server. This notifies the server we want an extension header back when a document is domain restricted ("Extension: Domain-Restricted"). This is used for the security icon.
Security Icon (SWP)
The security icon (located in the lower-left corner of the Mosaic window) displays what type of authentication scheme was used to obtain the current document. Clicking on the icon will give more information. In the future, this will also have representation for encryption. Please see the New Resource section.
Source Modification Date (SWP)
The source modification date is now available for documents which the server you connect to return it. This can be activated by "File | Source Date...".
Postscript Printing (SWP)
The Postscript printing routines have changed. The features now supported are:
Print Command (SWP)
The print command Mosaic uses for printing must be the entire path to the print command (e.g. If "which lpr" returns "/usr/ucb/lpr"). There have been default settings put together from our systems here. Please see the New Resources section for information on how to set a default print command for your system.
Keep-Alive (BJS)
Keep-Alive connections allow the same connection to a http server to be used for multiple requests. This speeds up the loading process as Mosaic does not have to re-establish a connection with the server for every request. This feature is not yet supported with all servers and at present there is some debate on the actual method of implementation. Mosaic will work with all NCSA Httpd v1.5 or higher.
PNG Graphics Format (DXP)
The Portable Network Graphics format is now supported as an in-line image format.
PNG Screen Gamma (DXP)
A beta implementation of support for PNG's screen gamma is installed. Please see the New Resources section for more information.
Document Links Dialog (BJS)
This dialog will display all of the current URLs used to create the current page being displayed (with exception to the actual page URL). This lets you view the URLs behind everything, as well as saving and selection.
E-Mail and News Signatures (BJS)
E-Mail and News within Mosaic now allows for the use of signature files (they will be included automatically). Please see the New Resources section for more information.
E-Mail and News Insert File (BJS)
E-Mail and News within Mosaic now allow you to insert a file into your current edit window.
Load Meter (BJS)
In the lower-right corner, Mosaic now sports a load meter. This displays a completion bar of the current request. Note this is not the current document, but the current request being downloaded. At present this is only functional for most ftp sites and all http requests with a content-length specified. You can set a foreground color and/or a background color as well.
"System" Calls (SWP)
All of the "system()" calls have been replaced with our own version which obtains the output of the program executed for display. This eliminates "false" error messages as it displays the exact message from the program executed.
"Mv" Calls (SWP)
All of the "/bin/mv" calls have been replaced with a copy function internal to Mosaic. This functions first tried to rename the file. If this fails, it tries to copy the file using low-level system routines. If this fails, the errors are displayed to you in a dialog box.
Print Mode (SWP)
You can now specify which format you want to default to when printing a document. You have your choice of Plain Text, Formatted Text, Postscript, and HTML.
Save Mode (SWP)
You can now specify which format you want to default to when saving a document. You have your choice of Plain Text, Formatted Text, Postscript, and HTML.
Mail Mode (SWP)
You can now specify which format you want to default to when mailing a document. You have your choice of Plain Text, Formatted Text, Postscript, and HTML.
HDF Long Name (SWP)
All you HDF browsing people will be happy to know we now support the use of "long names" for anchors in HDF files. Please see the New Resources section for more informaiton.
Geometry Works! (DXP)
The -geometry flag will now start up Mosaic where you want it to!
Generic Proxy Support (SRP)
This is brand new for Mosaic and it makes proxy handling incredibly powerful. Essentially, you can define any HTTP-speaking program to be the proxy handler for any protocol, including completely new ones! No more setting X resources for your proxy info either. We've supplied an easy to use interface to enter all your proxy information. There are on-line help documents to help your through the user interface. Please see the New Resources section to find out how to specify your own proxy setup file. Please note the generic proxy support requires the proxy program to speak HTTP.
No-Proxy Support (SRP)
Allows you to specify which sites will not be proxied. Please see the New Resources section to find out how to specify your own no-proxy setup file.
Window Title (SWP)
You can now have the title of the current document appear in the title bar of the browser window. Please see the New Resources section.
Middle Button Traversal (SWP)
Middle button link traversal is nothing new, however we have added the option to turn it off. This helps people used to two button mice. Please see the New Resources section.
JPEG-6 (SWP)
IJG's JPEG v6 library has been updated from v5. This allows Mosaic users the capability of viewing progressive JPEG images...even though at present we do not display as we download, you still get the end product.
FreeWAIS (DXP)
We finally upgraded from FreeWAIS v0.202 to v0.5 which is the latest version from MCNC/CNIDR.

New Resources

Mosaic*ftpTimeoutVal (SRP)
Description
This is the timeout value (in seconds) for holding open an ftp connection.
Default Value
90 seconds
Example
Mosaic*ftpTimeoutVal: 95
Please see FTP Connections for more information.
Mosaic*ftpRedial (SWP)
Description
Allows you to set the number of redials. Zero will disable this feature.
Default Value
10 redials.
Example
Mosaic*ftpRedial: 5
Please see FTP Redialing for more information.
Mosaic*ftpFilenameLength (SWP)
Description
Allows you to specify how many characters long a filename should be in the ftp directory listing.
Default Value
18 characters.
Example
Mosaic*ftpFilenameLength: 10
Please see FTP Directory Filenames for more information.
Mosaic*ftpEllipsisLength (SWP & DXP)
Description
Allows you to specify the number of ellipsis (dots) to use.
Default Value
3 ellipsis.
Example
Mosaic*ftpEllipsisLength: 5
Please see FTP Directory Filenames for more information.
Mosaic*ftpEllipsisMode (SWP & DXP)
Description
Allows you to decide where you want the ellipsis placed in the filename that is too long to display. The mode can be one of the following: 1=left, 2=middle, or 3=right.
Default Value
2 (middle).
Example
Mosaic*ftpEllipsisMode: 1
Please see FTP Directory Filenames for more information.
Mosaic*useAFSKlog (ADC & SWP)
Description
This allows you to use klog from AFS instead of kerberos to obtain your ticket-granting-ticket.
Default Value
False
Example
Mosaic*useAFSKlog: True
Please see Kerberos 4 & 5 Authentication for more information.
Mosaic*securityIcon (SWP)
Description
This enables or disables the appearance of the security icon in the lower-left corner of the browser.
Default Value
True
Example
Mosaic*securityIcon: False
Please see Security Icon for more information.
Mosaic*printPaperSizeUS (SWP)
Description
This allows you to choose between using US paper size or A4 paper size.
Default Value
True
Example
Mosaic*printPaperSizeUS: False
Please see Postscript Printing for more information.
Mosaic*printBanners (SWP)
Description
This allows you to turn on or off the Banner printing default.
Default Value
True
Example
Mosaic*printBanners: False
Please see Postscript Printing for more information.
Mosaic*printFootnotes (SWP)
Description
This allows you to turn on and off the Footnote list printing default.
Default Value
True
Example
Mosaic*printFootnotes: False
Please see Postscript Printing for more information.
Mosaic*printCommand (SWP)
Description
This allows you to set the printing command. Note that you must give the full path to the print program.
Default Value
System Dependent 
  • alpha             /usr/ucb/lpr
    •  
		
  • dec               /usr/ucb/lpr
    •  
		
  • hp                /usr/bin/lpr
    •  
		
  • ibm               /bin/lpr
    •  
		
  • indy              /usr/bsd/lpr
    •  
		
  • linux             /usr/bin/lpr
    •  
		
  • sgi               /usr/bsd/lpr
    •  
		
  • solaris 2.3 SPARC /usr/ucb/lpr
    •  
		
  • solaris 2.4 SPARC /usr/ucb/lpr
    •  
		
  • solaris 2.4 x86   /usr/ucb/lpr
    •  
		
  • sunos             /usr/ucb/lpr
Example
Mosaic*printCommand: /usr/local/bin/lpr
Please see Print Command for more information.
Mosaic*screenGamma (DXP)
Description
This allows you to specify the gamma of your monitor. This is specified as a floating point number.
Default Value
1.0
Example
Mosaic*screenGamma: 0.8
Please see PNG Screen Gamma for more information.
Mosaic*signature (BJS)
Description
This allows you to specify a signature file to be used for e-mail and new posting. Please specify the full path to your signature file.
Default Value
NULL
Example
Mosaic*signature: /opt/home/spowers/.signature
Please see E-Mail and News Signatures for more information.
Mosaic*printMode (SWP)
Description
This allows you to set your default printing mode. You can choose from: "plain", "postscript", "formatted", or "html".
Default Value
plain
Example
Mosaic*printMode: postscript
Please see Print Mode for more information.
Mosaic*saveMode (SWP)
Description
This allows you to set your default saving mode. You can choose from: "plain", "postscript", "formatted", or "html".
Default Value
plain
Example
Mosaic*saveMode: html
Please see Save Mode for more information.
Mosaic*mailMode (SWP)
Description
This allows you to set your default mailing mode. You can choose from: "plain", "postscript", "formatted", or "html".
Default Value
plain
Example
Mosaic*mailMode: formatted
Please see Mail Mode for more information.
Mosaic*hdfLongName (SWP)
Description
Allows HDF users to turn on or off the use of long names for the anchors.
Default Value
False
Example
Mosaic*hdfLongName: True
Please see HDF Long Name for more information.
Mosaic*proxySpecfile (SRP)
Description
This is for setting up your own proxy specification file rather than the system-wide one. Note that if you want to use something from the system-wide proxy specification file, you should copy that into your home directory and modify it as your own.
Default Value
/usr/local/lib/mosaic/proxy
Example
Mosaic*proxySpecfile: /opt/home/spowers/.mosaic/proxy
Please see Generic Proxy Support for more information.
Mosaic*noproxySpecfile (SRP)
Description
This is for setting up your own no-proxy specification file rather than the system-wide one. Note that if you want to use something from the system-wide no-proxy specification file, you should copy that into your home directory and modify it as your own.
Default Value
/usr/local/lib/mosaic/no_proxy
Example
Mosaic*noproxySpecfile: /opt/home/spowers/.mosaic/no_proxy
Please see No-Proxy Support for more information.
Mosaic*titleIsWindowTitle (SWP)
Description
This allows you to turn on or off the title string appearing in the title of the Mosaic window.
Default Value
True
Example
Mosaic*titleIsWindowTitle: False
Please see Window Title for more information.
Mosaic*disableMiddleButton (SWP)
Description
This allows you to disable the middle button link traversal (when you click on a link with the middle button it spawns a new Mosaic window with the link document loaded).
Default Value
False
Example
Mosaic*disableMiddleButton: True
Please see Middle Button Traversal for more information.
Mosaic*enableTables (SWP)
Description
This allows you to enable or disable table support.
Default Value
False
Example
Mosaic*enableTables: False
Please see Tables for more information.
Mosaic*defaultAuthorName (BJS)
Description
This allows you to specify your own name, rather than using the name from the password file.
Default Value
GECOS Name from the passwd file.
Example
Mosaic*defaultAuthorName: Scott Powers
Please see Author Name for more information.
Mosaic*defaultAuthorEmail (BJS)
Description
This allows you to specify your own e-mail address.
Default Value
Username + @ + Machine
Example
Mosaic*defaultAuthorEmail: spowers@ncsa.uiuc.edu
Please see Author E-Mail Address for more information.
Mosaic*meterForeground (BJS)
Description
Allows you to set a foreground color for the load meter.
Default Value
#00000000b0b0 (This is a blue from the globe icon)
Example
Mosaic*meterForeground: #000000000000
Please see Load Meter for more information.
Mosaic*meterBackground (BJS)
Description
Allows you to set a background color for the load meter.
Default Value
#FFFFFFFF0000 (This is the yellow from the security icon)
Example
Mosaic*meterBackground: #FFFFFFFFFFFF
Please see Load Meter for more information.

Bug Fixes

Global History (SWP)
The global history no longer time stamps each entry in the history when it is saved. Instead, the time stamp is used from when the link was last accessed. Look for aging hyperlinks in the next release.
Author Name (BJS)
If the resource is not specified, this will be obtained through the GECOS passwd information. Previously, this returned the entire GECOS field, it now returns up to the first comma. Please see the New Resources section for more information on how to set your name.
Author E-Mail Address (BJS)
If the resource is not specified, this will be put together with the username running Mosaic and the machine name Mosaic is running on. This allows for some trust to be instilled with the user running Mosaic, but it alleviates a lot of problems with e-mail addresses. Please see the New Resources section for more information on how to set your e-mail address.
Tables (SWP)
Well, tables have kinda been fixed. You can turn them off and on via a toggle under "Options | Table Support". While this may seem to be taking the easy way out, we are actually re-writing the entire html widget library...the correct way to fix this problem. Please see the New Resources section.
Mosaic Globe Interrupt (SWP)
The globe interrupt crashing bug has been fixed.
16 Bit Display (SWP)
Yet another attempt at fixing all 16 bit displays instead of just some. Please report any problems ASAP. Thanks!
TCP/IP Bug (BJS & SWP)
Notice how some images and html files were being truncated in 2.7b1?? That has been taken care of.

Obsolete Features

no_proxy
The no proxy functionality is now taken care of through the generic no-proxy support.

Obsolete Resources

Mosaic*...Proxy
All resources for specifying proxies are no longer used. Everything is managed through the generic proxy support.
Mosaic*printHeader, Mosaic*printHeaderTop, Mosaic*printHeaderLeft
All replaced with new print functionality.

Other Information

Information on other versions of NCSA Mosaic is here.

General information on NCSA Mosaic is available here.