- This is the first version of RunScore produced with Microsoft Visual Studio VC++ tools built on
top of OWLNEXT which is an independent development based on Borland OWL (Object Windows Library). Almost all development before this point was produced with Borland tools.
- NOTE: This version of RunScore will not run on older Windows operating systems: Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows ME, or Windows NT. It will run on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
- What are the advantages?
- The largest advantage from the user’s point of view is that we have squashed the bug that produced those “Busy clipboard” pop-ups. The bug was traced to some Borland code. I reported this to the OWLNEXT developers who have fixed it. * There are no functional advantages and no perceived speed differences. * There are no longer DLLs that get installed in the Windows directory. Therefore, if you want to move RunScore from one computer to another, all you have to do is copy the RunScore folder to a thumb drive and then copy it into the new computer. For those technically inclined, this type of application is called a “static” application instead of the RSS/RSC which was a “dynamic” application since it depended on external DLL files. Note, however, that there are still some DLLs installed with RunScore (Summit timer DLL and Active.com DLL) but since they are in the RunScore directory, they will be copied to the new computer. * When I retire from supporting RunScore, it will be far easier to turn the development package over to another person since it will be using modern tools. * The Microsoft Visual Studio Interactive Development Environment (IDE) is far superior to the Borland IDE. It should be since it has had an additional 13 years of improvements. This helps me in development and in finding bugs. It is also much more fussy, warning me of possible problems. * For those Vista users that were having problems with the special functions of printers in Vista, like Back to Front printing, the VC version incorporates the new Printer Dialog box that works perfectly under Vista. Probably does the same under Windows 7.
- What are the disadvantages?
- While the install package will be about the same size, updates will be larger since they are static applications. But in this day of high-speed access, I don’t see this as a problem.
- At the suggestion of Steven Keith, add support for monospace fonts other than “Courier New.” In Preferences you can specify what default monospace font you want. It will be used in all listings. These fonts make for much better looking listings. In Help/Index/Preferences are examples showing the difference between an Arial monospaced font and the Courier New font. * Another new control in Preferences allows you to specify if you want the page number at the top or the bottom of each page of the printout. * Jeff Glaze pointed out that a person with a birthdate of 01/01/2000 did not have their age updated. Fixed. * Version control. As before, for RSClient to connect to RSServer, the first three numbers in the version must agree. For example RSClient Version 7.1.0.1 can connect to RSServer Version 7.1.0.3. Before, if the first three did not agree, it was not possible to connect. Now that is only true if only the first two numbers agree. If the first two agree but the third does not, you can connect but you are given a warning. Things will probably work but there may be some functions that do not agree. * A RunScore API (Application Programming Interface) has been developed. The purpose of the API is to allow programmers to access the RunScore database and results. This could be used to add entrants, to develop new results listings, or many other uses. It is only useful for programmers who can program in C++. * At request of Art Stockman, make change to allow changing of event in Initialize External Timer so that data can be directed to a different event without having to shut RunScore down.