[SixClub] Client Software for Radio E-mail Users | Winlink 2000

[K8RI on six]

On 6/18/2011 11:43 PM, doc at kd4e.com wrote:
> I wrote carelessly - my intent was to say that authors of
> disaster/emergency-related apps should *always* write them
> an platform-independent.
>

The problem with writing platform independent, or rather for each 
platform requires the source code be compiled on each system.  This 
often means there will be differences in the source code as well. Then 
the programmer(s) will need compilers for each OS  as well as the 
hardware on which to compile it.  Most small operations do not have the 
resources to do this so they write for the most common system.

Even for LINUX the application *may* have to be compiled on the flavor 
of LINUX being used so you could end up with 4 or 5 compilations just 
for LINUX, but at least they would not have to have a separate machine 
on which to compile each.<:-))

73

Roger (K8RI)

> http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/Adapter.htm

> Proprietary apps are less-valuable when they demand specific
> operating systems and in some cases even specific hardware.
>
> Diverse-distribution and layered-redundancy is the best way to
> be sure that the network will remain intact under difficult
> circumstances.
>
>> On 6/18/2011 4:59 PM, doc at kd4e.com wrote:
>>> As I recall Winlink depends upon the installation of a
>>> Microsoft version of windows that is proprietary - which
>>> means it is worthless for Hams who run Apple or Linux.
>> Anything which runs on Windows or Apple computers is depending on a
>> proprietary system.  WinLink (IIRC) also depends on a windows component
>> which is also proprietary.  So, if it's going to run on Windows or an
>> Apple it will involve proprietary software that has to be written for
>> the specific Operating System (OS)
>>
>> Although LINUX is not proprietary and is open source, it may not run on
>> all flavors of LINUX without being recompiled.  However if a Ham is
>> running LINUX of one flavor or another they are *probably* capable of
>> recompiling the source code (which is required to be available).
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Roger (K8RI)
>>
>>> I agree that we need redundant-layers of communication
>>> networks in cases of disaster, but I don't think stuffing
>>> the solution inside of a proprietary Microsoft 'box' is a
>>> wise choice - it was merely convenient for the developers.
>>>
>>> Note here that they are now cooperating with APRS, which is
>>> non-proprietary:  http://www.winlink.org/node/2
>>>
>>>> http://www.winlink.org/ClientSoftware
>>>>
>>>> I dont know if this will go through or not.   but some of you might
>>>> want to lookinnto this program, its really kinda neat,
>>>>
>>>> its NOT 6 meters but it is about  emergency preparedness.
>>>> something we should all be thinking about.
>>>>
>>>> Joey
>>
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