[CQ-Contest] Contesting software and RTTY

[Eric Hilding]

Dave, K1TTT wrote:

 > Download a new FREE forever copy of N1MM Logger and see what you are 
really missing... for FREE!

BEWARE!!!

 From personal experience circa 7/16/05, the N1MM Installation Procedures 
are whacked-out vs. reality on an XP machine, and results in unnecessary 
CONFUSION to those like myself who have experienced that taking "logical" 
steps when faced with 180 degree out-of-sync instructions, can possibly 
result in having to reinstall a bunch of other software to get back the 
correct, current version of certain files ;-(

I reported this snafu to the N1MM folks directly on 7/16/05, and asked for 
clarification.  No response to date (7/24/05), and the N1MM install file(s) 
remain in a dormant status in my downloads sub-directory.

But don't take my word for it.  Here's what one of my fellow NCCCers had to 
say when I shared this with others contemplating a test-drive of the N1MM 
software:

 > Well I'll be, I just looked at www.n1mm.com
 > and their .pdf file instructions.
 > This is sheer madness!  Just as Rick said!
 > I am stunned.
 > Go Get 'EM Rick, these guys are clueless.

Once again, BEWARE!!!  My 7/17/05 email to the N1MM folks is below.  An 
end-user's first experience with any software program is during the 
installation processes.  Starting off with any CONFUSION with any software 
ALWAYS gives me a real Wedgie ;-(

FYI & 73...

Rick, K6VVA

<Below snipped from my multi-subject email of 7/16/05)

RE: (N1MM Installation Instructions)
===
Run setup to install the software in a directory. The default is 
'C:\Program Files\N1MM Logger'
Notice that when installing the N1MM basefile, your computer reports (over 
and over) that a certain file already on your system is newer than the one 
you are trying to install. It asks if you want to replace the newer, 
existing file with the old one in the base pack, which of course, you do 
not. The dialog gives you the option of clicking "yes", "yes to all", or 
"no". But alas, there is not a "no to all" option. You can trick windows 
into saying no to all by holding the shift key down while clicking on "no", 
and speed up your install. Works with XP, and probably former versions.
===

I'm running XP Pro.  Should I assume that the "VERSION CONFLICT" dialog box 
which comes up is an XP item, or is this an N1MM error-type dialog box?  If 
the latter, I can help you write text that will ABSOLUTELY enable an IDIOT 
to install without any mistakes or confusion.

When I read the N1MM install instructions about file version conflicts 
(above) BEFORE attempting the install, I will tell you I was still 
"squeemish" based upon past experience with other programs having poorly 
written, or completely inaccurate software installation text.  I proceeded 
ahead with my fingers crossed.

Regarding your installation instruction: "It asks if you want to replace 
the newer, existing file with the old one in the base pack, which of 
course, you do not."

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO...this is NOT what happens, and is UNNECESSARY 
CONFUSION, folks.

Here is "Reality":
============
VERSION CONFLICT

A file being copied is not newer than the file currently on your system.
It is recommended that you keep your existing file.

Filename: "blahblah\directories\RICHTX32.OCX

Description:  RichTx32.OCX

Your Version:  "6.0.88.4"

Do you want to keep this file?

Yes (or) No (or) No To All
============

Now, "Logic" would suggested clicking the "YES" button (which is really 
CONTRARY to your specific instructions).  But EXPERIENCE says: "Either the 
VERSION CONFLICT information is bass-ackwards, or the N1MM install 
instructions are bass-ackwards".  I have been BURNED BADLY by this 
situation several times in the past, and had to end up reinstalling 
previous software again UNNECESSARILY to correct the problems ;-(

Whoever designed the dialog box (maybe Bill Gates?) *should* have done 
something like this:

===
* We are attempting to install RichTx32.OCX file Version ?.?.??.? dated 
??/??/??

* Existing file RichTx32.OCX on your computer is Version 6.0.88.4 dated 
xx/xx/xx.
===

If the question being asked is: "Do you want to keep YOUR existing file?"), 
then the answer would be "YES".

If the question being asked is: "Do you want to replace the newer, existing 
file with the old one in the base pack?", then the answer would be "NO".

So, which way is it?  Your installation instructions appear to be 
out-of-sync with reality here.  I will not proceed until I get this resolved.

Thank you very much.

73...

Rick, K6VVA