What is TeXWeB?

TeXWeB is simply TeXBoX on your computer.

Whatever you can do in TeXBoX using the web browser on your mobile phone you can also do in TeXWeB by using the browser on your computer. If  you don't know what TeXBoX is, click here. Using TeXWeB you can send TeXBoX SMS's from your computer, enter your TeXBoX Sessions on your computer, and communicate with people around the world for free. TeXBoX enables private communication between computers and mobile phones, mobile phones and computers, and even between computers and other computers. The interface is just better on a computer, because it’s bigger!

Just like TeXBoX, TeXWeB is a free way of sending SMS's. But it is also more than that. After sending an SMS from TeXWeB, you can continue to exchange text messages, in a text message "conversation" which enables 2 or more people (there is no limit!) to communicate in what is called a TeXBoX Session. You make the choice. Chat to WHO you want, WHEN you want and as MANY as you want. It doesn’t matter if they are on a mobile phone or a computer! And of course, it’s all free!

Getting started with TeXWeB

TeXWeB is just like TeXBoX.

Anything you can do on your mobile phone with TeXBoX you can do on your computer with TeXWeB. And quite a bit more. To get started with TeXWeB use your computer web browser to navigate to http://www.texbox.co.za and choose TeXWeB using the menu buttons in the left hand column. You will be asked to log in with your mobile phone number and password. It’s just like logging in to TeXBoX on your mobile phone. If you have logged on to TeXBoX before (on your mobile or via TeXWeB) then use your existing mobile number and password. This is called your profile and is the same for both TeXBoX and TeXWeb. If you want to create a new profile that is separate from your mobile phone then choose "Create New Profile" from the left hand menu (of course if you create a new profile that is not based on your mobile phone number, then you won't be able to receive any SMS replies on that profile!).

Once you have logged in you are taken to your very own TeXHuB page. From this page you can access your active TeXBoX Sessions and send and receive messages. Just like TeXBoX on your mobile phone you should bookmark this page so you can navigate here directly each time and avoid the log in process.

How do I Send a TeXBoX SMS from TeXWeB?

Sending a TeXBoX SMS is quick and easy.

Go to your TeXHuB page in TeXWeB by simply using the Bookmark you've created for your own TeXHuB page. In your TeXHuB page click on the "Send TeXBox SMS" button. You will be taken to the TeXBoX SMS page. Compose your message and then enter the mobile number of the person you want to send the SMS to and hit the "Send" button. If the recipient of your SMS is a first time TeXBoX user they will receive a longer introductory SMS from TeXBoX with your message, and an explanation of how to reply to your SMS. The TeXBoX SMS arrives as a normal SMS, the only difference being that it includes an internet address linking them to your exclusive TeXBoX Session which TeXBoX created automatically when you sent your TeXBoX SMS. The other difference is that this SMS has cost you nothing! If they want to reply to your TeXBoX SMS (also for free), all they will have to do is follow that link and their phone will open its web browser and connect to your Session. Note that in order to leave room for the internet link on your initial TeXBoX SMS, it will be limited to 110 characters. However the whole message is included as the first message of your TeXBoX session, so you can write a message as long as you like! And all the following messages in your TeXBoX SMS Session can be as long as you want. Another useful feature of TeXBoX is that you will only have to enter the contact details of someone once. After that TeXBoX will remember them, and sending an SMS to that person is as simple as ticking the box beside their name, then clicking on "send".

Taking TeXWeB further: a TeXBoX Session

The great value of TeXBoX is not just in sending a single SMS, but in entering into a "conversation" of text messages.

After sending your Initial TeXBoX SMS from TeXWeB, select the "Go To Session" button and you will enter the TeXBoX Session which has been created for you. This is where you can keep exchanging messages for as long as you like, for free. This is also where the person you have sent your initial TeXBoX SMS to will post their replies if they choose to do so for free.  It is also possible to add more people to your TeXBoX session, and create a multiparty conversation. In fact you can add as many participants as you like. In the Session you and your guest (or guests) can send messages that are as long as you like. Really! As long as you like! FOR as long as you like!

How do I use a TeXBoX Session in TeXWeb?

How to compose and send your messages.

When inside your TeXBoX Session the box at the top of the screen is used to compose your message. When you're done typing a message, click on the "Send" button. It’s as easy as that. Everyone who is in the Session will see what you have written. Each person's message follows their name, and the time at which they sent the message. The most recent messages are at the top of the page, with the oldest at the bottom. You will also see TeXBoX "system messages" which will inform you when your TeXBoX SMS has been delivered, when people are writing a message (if they're on a mobile phone), and when people connect to, or leave a TeXBoX Session.

How to Add someone to your Session.

You add someone to a TeXBoX session simply by sending them an SMS from within the session. Click on "TeXBoX SMS" in the menu list to the left of the TeXBoX window.  You will then be able to create a TeXBoX SMS which you will send to the person you want to add to the session. The TeXBoX SMS of course includes the internet link to this Session. Remember you can add as many people to your Session as you wish. But also remember that anyone you add to a session can read the enitre session, even messages that were exchanged before they were invited to the session! So be sure you want to add someone to a session before doing it. If you would rather start a new session with someone, simply exit your session, and follow the normal process for sending someone a TeXBoX SMS.

How to Exit your Session

Click on the "Exit" button when you have finished and wish to leave the Session . The Session can be resumed at any time by navigating to your TeXHuB page and selecting the Session. Sessions that remain inactive for longer than 10 days will be deleted form the TeXBoX servers.

How do I Resume a TeXBoX Session?

One of the great features of TeXBoX is that you can resume a TeXBoX Session later, and pick up a conversation where you left off! To resume a TeXBoX Session navigate to your personal TeXHuB page in TeXWeB(the one you bookmarked when you first started). There you will find a list of your active Sessions displayed with the day and time of its original launch, and the people who are members of that Session (excluding yourself). Simply select the Session of your choice and start TeXBoXinG. If there are no Sessions visible on your TeXHuB page, there are no active Sessions available for you to resume! Remember, TeXBoX will automatically delete inactive Sessions from the server after 10 days.

What does TeXWeB cost?

TeXBoX costs nothing! It is completely FREE!

What format does TeXBoX use for mobile numbers?

TeXBoX uses a standard international format: the 2-digit country code followed by the mobile number without the leading zero, and without any plus sign. So for instance all South African cell numbers must be preceded by the country code 27, followed by the mobile number, like this: 27831234567.