In the Classic and New View, the Settings menu allows you to select database options, configure email accounts, and change screen languages

Database settings

Only under very unusual circumstances should you need to go into the Database Settings menu (for example, to rename the database if you're running two copies of FrontlineSMS on the same machine). It is recommended that only system administrators make any changes to the database

Email Settings

FrontlineSMS is able to turn incoming text messages into emails (see the 'Email' Keyword Action on the Keywords help page). In order for FrontlineSMS to do this, it needs access to a registered email account. This is set up in the Email Settings screen (you may have to refer to your email provider to obtain the necessary settings)

Incoming number settings

A number of mobile networks use different number formats on incoming text messages. For example, some put in the full country code (with a +), some display the country code without the +, some display them as '00' and some don't display either. In order for FrontlineSMS to properly handle incoming messages, it may sometimes be necessary to edit incoming numbers so they begin with the correct country code prefix, or no prefix at all. This is particularly true if you are using the AutoReply functionality

SMS Internet Service Settings

Although FrontlineSMS was originally developed to allow group text messaging in places where there wasn't internet access, more recent versions allow messages to be sent through the internet if and when it is available. Messages sent this way are generally much faster and cheaper than sending through an attached mobile phone or modem, but you do need to set up an account and buy messages up-front using a credit card. FrontlineSMS currently comes with support for the Clickatell and IntelliSMS messaging services. Both providers offer similar services, but Clickatell has a slightly more complicated set-up and sign-up procedure. Novice users are recommended to try IntelliSMS first, although you can use both at the same time if you want to try them both

To start, click on SMS Internet Service Settings in the Settings menu. If you have existing accounts set-up in FrontlineSMS, they will appear on the next screen. If you have no accounts set-up yet, click New on the screen to give you an option to set-up a Clickatell or IntelliSMS account. You now need to sign-up for the service of your choice

NOTE: You will need to be connected to the Internet to register for either of these services

IntelliSMS

To use IntelliSMS you need to sign-up for an account on the IntelliSMS website. Once you have your user details you simply enter your username, password and the mobile number you used to register with the service - which should ideally be the number you plan to use in your FrontlineSMS system - into the IntelliSMS Account Configuration screen, below.

If you want to also be able to receive text messages through the IntelliSMS service - a helpful option if you don't have a phone or modem to attach to your computer - you need to edit your "My Account -> Preferences" options on the IntelliSMS website, adding your email address and setting the Forwarding type to Email (see below)

To finish, you now need to tell FrontlineSMS you want to receive messages via the service, and input your email account settings. You may need to consult your email service provider, or their website, to get some of this information, which needs to be added to the fields below in the IntelliSMS Account Configuration screen. Tick the Use for receiving box and enter your information (see example below)

TIP: It is recommended that you create a separate and dedicated email address for this service, and not use your personal email address

You should now be ready to go! If you have any problems, consult the Help pages on the IntelliSMS website

NOTE: 'Connections' to live Clickatell or IntelliSMS accounts show in the PhoneManager module on a HTTP port

Clickatell

To use Clickatell you need to set up your own Clickatell API Account (select the HTTP/HTTPS option on the sign-up screen). Once you have registered for the service you need to input your username, API number, password and the mobile number you registered with Clickatell into the Clickatell Account Configuration screen below. As soon as you have entered your details, assuming you remain connected to the Internet, you should see your Clickatell connection show as a HTTP connection on the FrontlineSMS PhoneManager screen

TIP: Messages can be sent out via Clickatell, but you can divert any replies to a local phone attached to your computer, and FrontlineSMS. If you insert a mobile phone number in the Sender Number field, when users hit "Reply" on their phones, their message will come directly back to you, and not Clickatell. Please note that all Sender Numbers need to be approved by Clickatell, who need to verify that the number belongs to you. Check out this Clickatell Help page for details

When using Clickatell you can also pass your organisation name along with the message, so it displays on the recipient's screen as, for example, "From: FrontlineSMS". This might be helpful if there are issues of trust, and your recipient might be wary of the authenticity of a message coming from a number they don't recognise. To do this you need to set an alphanumeric sender ID in Clickatell, who need to approve it first. Once approved you can type in the approved text in the Sender Number field in FrontlineSMS (as above). Check out this Clickatell Help page for details

NOTE: 'Connections' to live Clickatell or IntelliSMS accounts show in the PhoneManager module on a HTTP port

NOTE: You cannot set both a reply number and an alphanumeric name at the same time

Language

FrontlineSMS currently comes with language support for English, Chinese, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Swahili. Selecting one of these languages from the Language menu will turn all menu's and screen messages from the default English into the chosen language

TIP: Languages such as Chinese will only display correctly if your computer supports the additional character sets required. Refer to your Windows user manual for details