General usability of .txt files that come with downloads

kevin3442 · Post by **kevin3442** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 6:52 pm

Hi,

I have an issue regarding the general usability of the .txt files that accompany the RC and example downloads.

When I download a new RC or a Sample in .zip format, then unzip it, all of the "new lines" in the .txt files (howtobuild.txt, install.txt, license.txt, readme.txt) are linefeeds only (x0A). Maybe it's just me, but I suspect not... I suspect it's due to the difference in new lines between Unix (LF only) and DOS/Windows (CR+LF combination). For a Windows users, it's fine if the text viewer/editor treats the linefeed as a newline, so that the .txt file is legibly displayed. But let's face it: many if not most Windows users will still have .txt files registered for Notepad, which does not treat the linefeed-only situation very well. When such a user opens one of the Milonic .txt files in Notepad, they get a run-together mess of text, interspersed with little squares (the linefeeds), that's very difficult to read; most will not bother to continue.

These .txt files are very informative, and should be read by any user. In fact, I see many replies in these forums that refer a user to the various .txt files for additional informaion. But the poor confused user will probably give up if opening the file in Notepad. So, if we assume that each user should read these files, and that a user taking the innitiative to do so should be rewarded for that effort by a legible file, is it possible to make these files a little more user friendly across platforms?

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin

Hergio · Post by **Hergio** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 9:04 pm

I spoke to Andy about these a while back and it kinda never crossed my desktop again. But what I'm gonna do is put the help files in a .html file of some sort so that it allows us to have images in the explanations as well as more accurately control the way the information is displayed. And if a user doesn't have a browser to open up the file, then I don't know how they plan on using the menu or even downloaded the thing, hehe.

kevin3442 · Post by **kevin3442** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 9:11 pm

what I'm gonna do is put the help files in a .html file

Excellent idea Dave!

fredlongworthhighschool · Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:44 am

How about PDFs? Most packages these days let you write a document straight to PDF.

Straying off the subject a bit, did you know the latest version of Sun's Star Office (and Openoffice) lets you load and save Palm document files (PDB)?

Hergio · Post by **Hergio** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 6:12 pm

Definetly another alternative. Just the HTML I think allow for alittle more interactivity. We'd have javascript available to us. So if there was anything we wanted to show them, we could do it. FOr instance, we could have actual working examples in the HTML help file. It explains something and there is a 'show me' link next to the section, you click it and up pops the menu, stuff like that. But I think a PDF version for like the quick reference guides on the net would be better.

Maz · Post by **Maz** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 11:40 pm

Am I the only one who hates PDF files?
Give me text or raw code any day.

Web site link is always good.
maz

Post by **John** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 5:26 am

maz wrote:Am I the only one who hates PDF files?

They do have their place...

Hergio · Post by **Hergio** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 6:28 am

What dont you like about PDFs as a viable platform for data exchange?

Maz · Post by **Maz** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 2:55 pm

If I'm cruising along in my browser, then suddenly oh no its a pdf file, I have to sit waiting for the program to open. It runs so slow I want to kill it before it opens.

Then I only have the free version which means I can't use the darn thing. So if its a form I have redesign the form in word. What use is that? I could have been given an online form to complete and saved me a lot of time.

A url link you always get updated info, we hope. Maybe an update if necessary. So long as the pages aren't too long it would load quicker.

Regards,
maz

Post by **John** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 3:20 pm

maz wrote:If I'm cruising along in my browser, then suddenly oh no its a pdf file, I have to sit waiting for the program to open. It runs so slow I want to kill it before it opens.

That's not the fault of the program, hon (hint, hint!).

maz wrote:Then I only have the free version which means I can't use the darn thing. So if its a form I have redesign the form in word. What use is that? I could have been given an online form to complete and saved me a lot of time.

If I understand the reader correctly, you should be able to fill out a properly generated pdf form. The Pro version shouldn't be necessary for that. Otherwise, what sense is there in posting the form that way?

maz wrote:A url link you always get updated info, we hope.

Why? Can be just as outdated as a pdf.

fredlongworthhighschool · Tue Oct 28, 2003 4:10 pm

Acrobat Reader 6 is rubbish, especially the plugin for web browsers - it just makes your machine hang for ages the first time it's called.

kevin3442 · Post by **kevin3442** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 12:30 am

Wow... didn't mean to start a controversy over pdf files!

Maybe I should post a comment on NS4?... frames?

Cheers,

Kevin

Post by **John** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 1:39 am

kevin3442 wrote:Maybe I should post a comment on NS4?... frames?

Boy, are you askin' for it...

How 'bout a reply to my before-vacation question...