[CQ-Contest] Contesting software and RTTY

[David Robbins K1TTT]

Watch for big changes in this area soon.  A new basic installation and
automatic web update process are being tested that should make the whole
process much easier.


David Robbins K1TTT
e-mail: mailto:k1ttt at arrl.net
web: http://www.k1ttt.net
AR-Cluster node: 145.69MHz or telnet://dxc.k1ttt.net
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:cq-contest-
> bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Eric Hilding
> Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 20:39
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Contesting software and RTTY
> 
> 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
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