Marine Aquarium 3 Beta INSTALLER test - Page 14

Dale · 02-18-2009, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by Jav400:

So the best way to be notified of a new version is to subscribe to that thread, then when a new post is made you will be automatically notified.

Then perhaps all purchasers of MA3Beta should be automatically subscribed to that thread.

Jim Sachs · 02-18-2009, 02:22 PM

Can't send them email notifications. They'll turn us in to the spam cops.

Andrew Jenkins · 02-18-2009, 04:47 PM

I have tried downloading the new Marine Aquarium 3 BETA - Windows Upgrade (no issues) however when I put in my old keycode for 2.6 (purchased Oct 07) it doesn't seem to recognise it and asks me to input TESTFISH. Am I using the right keycode? (found in my original online purchase of 2.6)- a six digit code starting MA...

Jim Sachs · 02-18-2009, 05:43 PM

The official version does not accept MA2.6 Keys. The unofficial Betas probably won't either for much longer.

markknight · 02-27-2009, 07:47 PM

I have gone through and cleaned up most if not all the strange installer issues. MS just makes this all very difficult unless an MSI is used.

Josh, or Support person is getting the occasional call in Vista64 regarding:
MA3 installs but the desktop icon does nothing because "Windows has moved the file."

Has anyone else seen this? I cannot recreate this on any of my 64bit systems and it might take a fresh install for me to do so.

Dale · 02-28-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by markknight:

I have gone through and cleaned up most if not all the strange installer issues. MS just makes this all very difficult unless an MSI is used.

Josh, or Support person is getting the occasional call in Vista64 regarding:
MA3 installs but the desktop icon does nothing because "Windows has moved the file."

Has anyone else seen this? I cannot recreate this on any of my 64bit systems and it might take a fresh install for me to do so.

Perhaps file system redirection?

https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...d.php?p=111002

jmsquared · 03-03-2009, 02:07 PM

What would happen if your running the purchased copy of MA3 (9b) and replace the ma3.scr file with one of the newer files (9L)?

Jav400 · 03-03-2009, 02:20 PM

Basically just what you would expect, it will run, and you will have access to anything in the new version; but you're going to be turning off the stats display every time it comes on again.

Dale · 03-03-2009, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by jmsquared:

What would happen if your running the purchased copy of MA3 (9b) and replace the ma3.scr file with one of the newer files (9L)?

What he said - but the file name is not ma3.scr

Yodelking · 03-03-2009, 02:44 PM

jmsquared: Also that it will expire in 2 weeks, and you need to replace with a newer beta...

Ralph · 03-03-2009, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by jmsquared:

What would happen if your running the purchased copy of MA3 (9b) and replace the ma3.scr file with one of the newer files (9L)?

I would expect you could run both if you wanted to. Copy MA3Beta.scr to Windows\System32 and then select it from .... desktop > properties > display properties > screen saver.

The "beta" will then run with all the "beta" characteristics.. stats.. bugs..expiry.. etc.

Jim Sachs · 03-03-2009, 03:41 PM

By the way, the expiration has been 28 days for the last few "BetaBeta" versions. The official version on the SereneScreen site does not expire.

Dale · 03-03-2009, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by Ralph:

I would expect you could run both if you wanted to. Copy MA3Beta.scr to Windows\System32 and then select it from .... desktop > properties > display properties > screen saver.

The "beta" will then run with all the "beta" characteristics.. stats.. bugs..expiry.. etc.

Yes, of course you can. In fact, you can run many different (unexpired) versions by naming them differently, and/or placing them in various locations.

And, as long as you never see a bug or a problem, you won't have any problem figuring out what's causing it. And of course, if you never see a bug or a problem, you won't need to tell Jim exactly how to duplicate it.

Falz · 03-05-2009, 12:56 AM

PLEASE support vsync.... the tearing looks horrible.

Jim Sachs · 03-05-2009, 01:44 AM

So turn on vsync.

Dale · 03-06-2009, 11:43 AM

Two additional installer issues:

1. The installer helpfully places an updated readme.txt file in C:\Program Files\SereneScreen\Marine Aquarium 3\. That file contains useful information, including answers to usage restrictions, corporate licensing, etc. etc. However, that file is "invisible" to the average user, because there is no indication anywhere (in the program or the installation) that the file exists.

2. Generally, it's considered good practice to make available to the user, for reference, a copy of the "license" that the user "signed" when installing the software. As far as I can determine, the license is not present anywhere (except internally in the installer).

jimkraz · 03-06-2009, 04:46 PM

Dale, does the average person look through "read me", I know it's a rare thing for me to do so, and I don't know of anyone who makes a beeline to the read me, it's there, every game or bit of software I install, I click next, without reading, I'm sure the PC software police are not going to come knocking on my door if I don't, I have severe heart problems, so I hope I will not be carted off.

Dale · 03-06-2009, 08:11 PM

Originally posted by jimkraz:

Dale, does the average person look through "read me", I know it's a rare thing for me to do so, and I don't know of anyone who makes a beeline to the read me, it's there, every game or bit of software I install, I click next, without reading, I'm sure the PC software police are not going to come knocking on my door if I don't, I have severe heart problems, so I hope I will not be carted off.

I agree, the average person does not look through the "readme". (nor does the average person read the license, etc.).

However, my point was that the only way to know that the readme file exists, with MA3, is to go searching around through program files to find it.

That would be OK if the readme file didn't contain anything useful. [And in that case, why provide it at all] - so I would be saying that they should just save the 12 KB of download bandwidth, and not do it at all.

In other words, reasonable alternatives would be (1) make it reasonably easy to find; or (2) don't bother providing it.

But in this case, the readme file contains things like:

I. System Requirements
II. Troubleshooting
III. Licensing
1. Is there a site License available for my company?
2. Do you offer the product on floppies for distribution, or may we distribute the shareware demo version, without charge, to our customers so they can register the full version at a later date?
3. Can I get a custom version of Marine Aquarium, with my logo in the background, or on the fish?

IV. Customizing Your Marine Aquarium's Crystal
V. Marine Aquarium Hotkeys
VI. Program Settings
VII. Display Settings
VIII. Music Playlist

Part of this looks like the "help" file for settings. Part is supplemental information for potential corporate purchasers, and for "big box stores" wishing to use it for demonstrations.

Ralph · 03-06-2009, 09:09 PM

Perhaps the "installer" should drop a copy on the desktop.. or, better a short cut. It does seem to have information that could be beneficial... if one cared.. if not .. delete it

feldon34 · 03-06-2009, 09:17 PM

Usually the installer has a checkbox at the end of the process "View the Read Me file now?"

02-18-2009, 02:22 PM	#262
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,816	Can't send them email notifications. They'll turn us in to the spam cops. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

02-18-2009, 05:43 PM	#264
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,816	The official version does not accept MA2.6 Keys. The unofficial Betas probably won't either for much longer. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

02-27-2009, 07:47 PM	#265
markknight Prolific Team Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Burbank, Ca Posts: 21	I have gone through and cleaned up most if not all the strange installer issues. MS just makes this all very difficult unless an MSI is used. Josh, or Support person is getting the occasional call in Vista64 regarding: MA3 installs but the desktop icon does nothing because "Windows has moved the file." Has anyone else seen this? I cannot recreate this on any of my 64bit systems and it might take a fresh install for me to do so. Mark Knight MIS Specialist

03-03-2009, 02:20 PM	#268
Jav400 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,725	Basically just what you would expect, it will run, and you will have access to anything in the new version; but you're going to be turning off the stats display every time it comes on again. Michael Administrator of Inside:SereneScreen Aquarium Forum, Chatroom, Fan Site & *Gallery* DVD Collection

03-03-2009, 02:44 PM	#270
Yodelking yodeler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Staffanstorp, Sweden Posts: 294	jmsquared: Also that it will expire in 2 weeks, and you need to replace with a newer beta... Yodelking - För god att kolsyra!

02-18-2009, 02:16 PM	#261
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Originally posted by Jav400: So the best way to be notified of a new version is to subscribe to that thread, then when a new post is made you will be automatically notified. Then perhaps all purchasers of MA3Beta should be automatically subscribed to that thread.

02-18-2009, 04:47 PM	#263
Andrew Jenkins Registered Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 18	I have tried downloading the new Marine Aquarium 3 BETA - Windows Upgrade (no issues) however when I put in my old keycode for 2.6 (purchased Oct 07) it doesn't seem to recognise it and asks me to input TESTFISH. Am I using the right keycode? (found in my original online purchase of 2.6)- a six digit code starting MA...

02-28-2009, 09:26 AM	#266
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Originally posted by markknight: I have gone through and cleaned up most if not all the strange installer issues. MS just makes this all very difficult unless an MSI is used. Josh, or Support person is getting the occasional call in Vista64 regarding: MA3 installs but the desktop icon does nothing because "Windows has moved the file." Has anyone else seen this? I cannot recreate this on any of my 64bit systems and it might take a fresh install for me to do so. Perhaps file system redirection? https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...d.php?p=111002

03-03-2009, 02:07 PM	#267
jmsquared Registered Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Door County, Wisconsin Posts: 8	What would happen if your running the purchased copy of MA3 (9b) and replace the ma3.scr file with one of the newer files (9L)?

03-03-2009, 02:43 PM	#269
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Originally posted by jmsquared: What would happen if your running the purchased copy of MA3 (9b) and replace the ma3.scr file with one of the newer files (9L)? What he said - but the file name is not ma3.scr

03-03-2009, 03:37 PM	#271
Ralph Retired Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Edmonton Alberta Ca Posts: 2,454	Originally posted by jmsquared: What would happen if your running the purchased copy of MA3 (9b) and replace the ma3.scr file with one of the newer files (9L)? I would expect you could run both if you wanted to. Copy MA3Beta.scr to Windows\System32 and then select it from .... desktop > properties > display properties > screen saver. The "beta" will then run with all the "beta" characteristics.. stats.. bugs..expiry.. etc.

03-03-2009, 03:41 PM	#272
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,816	By the way, the expiration has been 28 days for the last few "BetaBeta" versions. The official version on the SereneScreen site does not expire. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

03-03-2009, 03:51 PM	#273
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Originally posted by Ralph: I would expect you could run both if you wanted to. Copy MA3Beta.scr to Windows\System32 and then select it from .... desktop > properties > display properties > screen saver. The "beta" will then run with all the "beta" characteristics.. stats.. bugs..expiry.. etc. Yes, of course you can. In fact, you can run many different (unexpired) versions by naming them differently, and/or placing them in various locations. And, as long as you never see a bug or a problem, you won't have any problem figuring out what's causing it. And of course, if you never see a bug or a problem, you won't need to tell Jim exactly how to duplicate it.

03-05-2009, 12:56 AM	#274
Falz Registered Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 118	PLEASE support vsync.... the tearing looks horrible.

03-05-2009, 01:44 AM	#275
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,816	So turn on vsync. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

03-06-2009, 11:43 AM	#276
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Two additional installer issues: 1. The installer helpfully places an updated readme.txt file in C:\Program Files\SereneScreen\Marine Aquarium 3\. That file contains useful information, including answers to usage restrictions, corporate licensing, etc. etc. However, that file is "invisible" to the average user, because there is no indication anywhere (in the program or the installation) that the file exists. 2. Generally, it's considered good practice to make available to the user, for reference, a copy of the "license" that the user "signed" when installing the software. As far as I can determine, the license is not present anywhere (except internally in the installer).

03-06-2009, 04:46 PM	#277
jimkraz Registered Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Troon, Scotland Posts: 125	Dale, does the average person look through "read me", I know it's a rare thing for me to do so, and I don't know of anyone who makes a beeline to the read me, it's there, every game or bit of software I install, I click next, without reading, I'm sure the PC software police are not going to come knocking on my door if I don't, I have severe heart problems, so I hope I will not be carted off. Something Fishy Going On

03-06-2009, 08:11 PM	#278
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Originally posted by jimkraz: Dale, does the average person look through "read me", I know it's a rare thing for me to do so, and I don't know of anyone who makes a beeline to the read me, it's there, every game or bit of software I install, I click next, without reading, I'm sure the PC software police are not going to come knocking on my door if I don't, I have severe heart problems, so I hope I will not be carted off. I agree, the average person does not look through the "readme". (nor does the average person read the license, etc.). However, my point was that the only way to know that the readme file exists, with MA3, is to go searching around through program files to find it. That would be OK if the readme file didn't contain anything useful. [And in that case, why provide it at all] - so I would be saying that they should just save the 12 KB of download bandwidth, and not do it at all. In other words, reasonable alternatives would be (1) make it reasonably easy to find; or (2) don't bother providing it. But in this case, the readme file contains things like: I. System Requirements II. Troubleshooting III. Licensing 1. Is there a site License available for my company? 2. Do you offer the product on floppies for distribution, or may we distribute the shareware demo version, without charge, to our customers so they can register the full version at a later date? 3. Can I get a custom version of Marine Aquarium, with my logo in the background, or on the fish? IV. Customizing Your Marine Aquarium's Crystal V. Marine Aquarium Hotkeys VI. Program Settings VII. Display Settings VIII. Music Playlist Part of this looks like the "help" file for settings. Part is supplemental information for potential corporate purchasers, and for "big box stores" wishing to use it for demonstrations.

03-06-2009, 09:09 PM	#279
Ralph Retired Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Edmonton Alberta Ca Posts: 2,454	Perhaps the "installer" should drop a copy on the desktop.. or, better a short cut. It does seem to have information that could be beneficial... if one cared.. if not .. delete it

03-06-2009, 09:17 PM	#280
feldon34 Forum Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Rock Hill, SC Posts: 10,947	Usually the installer has a checkbox at the end of the process "View the Read Me file now?" "Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations." - George Orwell "If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal." - Emma Goldman