[Fwd: Re: [Elecraft] Alas, it is time for contest logging software]

Wed Apr 17 20:49:08 2002

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

OTOOH(Back to the left in my case, Hi!), I have a laptop(with a
floppy drive) setup to run DOS and Log-EQF for my needs.  I purchased
this laptop used for $25 and it is also set up to run Morse
Academy(for my wife) and can run the testing software we use at our
VE sessions here.  This is a cheap solution and frees up your main
computer(especially nice if it is RF noisy like mine)...

You are right in that there is no reason a Windows program can't have
a keyboard friendly interface, but most Windows developers
automatically develop with the mouse as the main navigation tool. 
Unfortunately, for someone doing structured data entry using the
mouse is a hindrance to speed as they constantly have to take one
hand off the keyboard to move to the next field.  As a programmer in
a multi-platform shop, I see this difference on a daily basis...

Anyway, sorry for the long post but I had to weigh in at this
point...

Scott D. Hernalsteen/W8CQD
FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator
(Amateur Extra Class)
Authorized Amateur Radio Volunteer Examiner
K1 #01105

- -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark J. Dulcey
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2002 16:00
To: Paul Erickson
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: [Elecraft] Alas, it is time for contest
logging software]

On the other hand, Windows 2000 is what he already has installed on
his 
computer, and running DOS-based programs in that environment can be 
awkward. First, there is the lack of long filename support. Second,
the 
interface with serial and parallel ports can be a problem on some
modern 
hardware; if you're depending on USB converters, they may not work 
correctly in the DOS box. Finally, some DOS software does not run 
reliably under Windows 2000, and even some programs that otherwise
work 
properly fold when faced with an NTFS partition.

One could argue that booting DOS from a floppy is an option. But
there 
are problems there, too. First, you have to have such a floppy; a
user 
who entered the computing world with Windows 2000 probably doesn't
own a 
copy of DOS, or even Windows 95 or 98, which can be booted to a DOS 
command line. And if your hard disk uses NTFS, DOS won't be able to
see 
the hard disk at all, so you'll have to do everything from the
floppy. 
Finally, of course, you have to have a computer with a floppy drive -
not all modern laptops have them.

There is no reason that a Windows-based program could not have a user
interface that equals or surpasses any DOS program. (Reliable sending
of 
CW is probably the toughest nut to crack, because the operation of a 
multitasking OS can interfere with the necessary timing. The right
way 
to do it would be to write a CW virtual device driver.) The ones that
I 
have seen aren't there yet, though they have other strengths. In 
particular, Windows makes it simple to display a lot of information
on 
the screen, if the user has a large enough display; DOS programs, by 
contrast, make you navigate between various information screens.

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: PGPfreeware 6.5.8 for non-commercial use <http://www.pgp.com>

iQA/AwUBPL4VWIE4m4DTZDUEEQLQOQCeJu5sXdM1xhHRIuQK9C4tdqRRscIAoPCe
EvK9+DbXPyoR+PAoTBKXv6SB
=JL0M
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----