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sl23

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22/10/2021 Topic: SyMenu PAF Program Suite sl23	Just had a thought that may be helpful to those wishing to continue using PA.com apps. I know there's a mutual bad feeling between SyMenu and PA.com, so I understand why this may not be wanted, but here it is anyway. Previously, I suggested auto adding apps from your own Suite, but this can be problematic due to apps not always being in the root folder etc, but with PA.com apps, this is not an issue as they are always in the root of the app folder. So as an example, it would be helpful if you could specify a path within SyMenu to tell it where PA.com's PortableApps folder is. Then SyMenu could auto search, or maybe only on user command, this folder for folders containing their apps. At least this way it would be easier for users to use both menu's. Anyway, just a suggestion :-)
01/12/2022 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	A new thought on the side bar idea... More compact and just as functional way would be to remove this side bar entirely and have the Search bar and it's two buttons in a horizontal line to the left of the date and Update App Definitions button. i.e. where the Tabs are. It's unlikely to intrude on the Tabs section as the search bar isn't that wide and how many Suites are likely to be added? Also, the current list of search types listed in the side bar could be added to a drop down menu button. Maybe even have the option to save your own. This way the side bar could be removed or used for other purposes as it's using a lot of screen space for no reason. This makes so much more sense to me to do it this way. But the Search bar doesn't need to go there specifically, that was just a quick idea on positioning, but the idea of having a drop down menu with save options makes sense to save space. Personally, I think it would look a lot better to have apps to be added and/or removed listed in the side bar. I'm really not a fan of the current method. But just my opinion. edited by sl23 on 01/12/2022
01/12/2022 Topic: Autoupdate of everything on launch) sl23	Surely if there was an option in the Options form about making this fully automatic, then that is a users decision, is it not? Ticking that box to say you want fully auto, silent updates is as good as you single clicking a notification daily? What do you think?
02/12/2022 Topic: Autoupdate of everything on launch) sl23	I'm not a fan of notifications, but yes, it's a great compromise.
02/12/2022 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	I dislike search as in my own experience, it's rarely very good. Even in SyMenu, you make a search and often, many irrelevant apps appear. But yes, I have been forced to use it several times, so the option to hide/show it is good too. I was just trying to think of a way where you didn't need to hide/show and it was always easily accessible. Personally, I thought that the better option. But you and others may not I mean, it's like you said, search isn't used that often, so keeping it visible, yet compact with a dropdown menu is, imho, a neater way to go. What do other users think? Do they prefer hide/show or dropdown? Perhaps a poll is needed here? One Suite by default, but what about users configuring their own? Some may have several of their own Suites added, which was what I was referring to. How many Suites are likely to be added? But yes I see your point about private suites. How do we save a search? I didn't even know this could be done! \|o\| But I also see the point about saved searches requiring more space. I'll have a rethink and see if I can come up with a better option if you are open to suggestions? But that may require more work on your part!!! Ok, you think about it... Did you think enough yet? Seriously though, I just think currently it looks a little disjointed, like it doesn't fit and has been put there as there isn't any where else to go.
06/12/2023 Topic: SyMenu 8.00 sl23	Wow! New update! Thanks Gian... I didn't even know it was in the works. No issues so far my end. Just a standard HD TV. Except... I can't close the About window. Thanks for your continued work on this amazing app!
06/12/2023 Topic: SyMenu 8.00 sl23	Seems good now
14/12/2023 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	Hi, sorry for the long delay, I've just been revisiting some old bookmarks. Completely forgot about this! Just tried the Column hiding and... THANK YOU!!! So much better! Ok, so the way I see it, you need the grid to keep everyone happy, yes? But you want to try new avenues that are superior in finding and viewing apps, yes? I see the reason you are expanding the search now. and I have used it a few times, despite it's inaccuracy. But, it is useful. What if the grid was left, but, with only three columns... For example, on the left is the new Icon/Name/Checkbox Grid Column. With a search box to the right and under that, the details box. To the right of those two, show the update project pane, but as a vertical list instead of the current horizontal list. Users can then scroll the list still, the current columns info that would be removed in this process would then be added to the details pane. Nothing would be lost. So scroll the list or use the search to find apps. Then see the current selection in the details pane. Those selected for installation/removal would appear in the update pane. All exactly the same as it is. It's just a reorganisation and space management. You may notice, I said three columns to be kept, not four. Only the Icon, Name and Checkbox columns are required, I would keep the Icon column as well, it helps a lot! But now you're thinking. what about the Status column? Well, I think the best thing is to have a colour coding for each of the states: No Colour = Not installed Green = Installed Red = Update Blue = Discontinued Did I miss any? I think the best way to deal with this would be to have the background to the check box change colour depending on the status. Or, an alternative is to have a small circle to the left of each name that changes colour to show the status. Personally, I would reduce the amount of text in the descriptions. Some are just unnecessarily long. If you want help with stuff like that, let me know. What do you think? Two ideas for PANE layout spring to mind... GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCH \| DETAILS \| UPDATE or.... GRID \| SEARCHSEARCH \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCHSEARCH \| UPDATE GRID \| SEARCHSEARCH \| UPDATE GRID \| ------------------- \| UPDATE GRID \| DETAILSDETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| DETAILSDETAILS \| UPDATE GRID \| DETAILSDETAILS \| UPDATE Personally, I prefer the second layout. The first has too many columns! Any good? EDIT: Second thoughts, Maybe the first layout would be better as everything then works better for viewing. Personally, I hate the 'List' view in file managers due to the layout. But that's just my personal opinion. In the Details Pane, I would remove the button for 'Removing the app' as I think it's redundant. Least it is for me. Does anyone use that? As an aside... What about removing, or merging the titles and links for App Publisher, Contact Reviewer and Virus Total with the actual Names of each. Takes less space and can still be displayed as a link to show that there is a link, keeping the same functions as they have now. edited by sl23 on 21/12/2023
12/01/2024 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	Thanks for taking time to reply, sorry for the long list of suggestions! Well, I had to reread my post and then reread your reply a few times to get things in my head ready for a reply!!! Here goes... The three columns grid Here's what I think... So, ya know how the Grid is listed vertically: APP 1 APP 2 etc... Well, you scroll down to show more don't you. You can also enlarge the window vertically to see more at once, yes? Ok, so what about if all columns in the Grid are NOT hidden, but in view, you're saying you can't do it this way as it means there's not enough room. See where I'm going with this? lol You could make the Grid Pane a set width, by default, three columns. If the user wishes to show more/all columns within it, they can either scroll that pane horizontally or enlarge the window horizontally to view the extra columns. Is that a realistic way of getting around your issue? If, like me, you only want those three columns I mentioned, then it stays at the default size and scrolls only vertically, just as it does now. Checkbox having a Tooltip is a good idea, at least then it has info on what is going on there and people will hover it anyway. My only concern is that like the Category column, the tooltip gets in the way and stops you scrolling or clicking. I can see that getting annoying! Maybe certain things, like this, should be a RTFM situation? lol Another alternative, which would help alleviate the problem with combining links and descriptions, is to have a Tooltip Box. Just a small scrollable box that shows info about what your hovering over. Not sure if I like that personally as it tends to become obsolete once users know the app inside out. Moving the update project pane to the right Essentially, three columns NEED to remain. Icon/Name/Checkbox. That's as simple as it gets imo. No need to worry about hiding columns or if more are shown if you implement the idea above. Re: List view in the Update Pane... Is there no way to use a second Grid Pane with only one column header named "TO INSTALL" or similar? That way you can implement this in a vertical orientation without the restrictions you mentioned. Or does that mean too much coding? Details in vertical layout Maybe that same idea could be used for the Details Pane too? Not sure if that would work or be suitable??? When you mentioned this layout: SHRINKED GRID \| UPDATE PANE \| SEARCH I was wondering, where will the Details Pane go? Btw, did you want any help reducing the content of the apps details? Remove button in details pane Was just a thought, there's always one, right?! lol Women eh. Just tell your wife I said to stop being awkward! Just kidding! Condense the detailed information App Publisher, Contact Reviewer, VT I see what you're saying about that, it does mean you need a description and yes, I did mean to have a tooltip there. As they already have tooltips, all that is needed is to have a "BOLD TITLE" for each saying what that link is for. Problem solved! Hope those suggestions help you to realise the new layout better. edited by sl23 on 12/01/2024
17/01/2024 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	Horizontal scrolling - the point was that users could enlarge the window to show all the columns within the grid. But if you don't like the idea, that's fine. Click to show Tooltips - Isn't that how it's done in the SPS Builder app? Click the little info icon and it shows the currently clicked tooltip. Details in vertical layout - I realise there's some apps with a lot of text, hence why I suggested trimming this down. I did offer to help, with that, maybe you missed it? Many apps have overbloated descriptions that are totally unnecessary. The description pane should show info about what the app is in a concise but informative way.
17/01/2024 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	Aha! Shot yourself in the foot with that last one! lol That explains the extra hits I get when using Search!
07/02/2024 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	Love the new look! Well done, great work. My only criticism is the colour of the blue, it blends with the tick too much and should be a much more pastel shade I think. LIKE THIS FOR EXAMPLE? #0099CC Or maybe a more purple colour? I've briefly read the following posts and like the suggestions regarding naming for Status and Categories. Do you need any help with this? edited by sl23 on 07/02/2024
07/02/2024 Topic: Cleaning up the program categories sl23	From the sounds of it, this is a job for one person to plan and decide on a full list of categories that apply to all current and future apps.
10/02/2024 Topic: Who (the hell) are the SyMenu users? sl23	Hmm, well, I think you know my feelings Gian! I love this project. I really believe you need to ascertain it's potential as a Payware app. I for one think it a very worthwhile purchase, and I don't pay for many apps! I've only purchased apps that are unavailable for free, with one or two exceptions. But this is definitely one I would be willing to pay for. I recommend 20Euros maybe? For each major update. This would also mean no user distros and more control for you. It also means you would know how many users there are and possibly gives you a better idea of how to develop. It also gives you more incentive and gives you something back. You've been doing this for over 20 years now! You deserve to get something in return! As far as updates are concerned, I don't really think you need to update these apps as often as you do. I suggest going through the list and weeding out old useless apps that are rarely downloaded (are you able to check/monitor how downloads?), but also, categorise apps by importance. For example... Internet based apps are a security risk, so should be updated more regularly than say media players or notepads. Thing is, if there's an issue, the SPS gives a link to notify you of any problems or needs for an update if available. I know you have automated a large amount of this process for checking for app updates, but can it be automated further? Not for users, but for SPS Publishers. I really do find it strange that so many Developers of software aren't interested in adding a simple update to an SPS file to help out this great project! I contacted around fifty or so, and only two or three wanted to help. That's really sad!
10/02/2024 Topic: Custom apps folder? sl23	Is it too much to support this feature? I mean many apps can add a user defined folder and use that. But I assume SyMenu requires the SPSSuite to be the Parent? What if you changed that? Is there really a need for that SPSSuite to be a Parent folder?
10/02/2024 Topic: Cleaning up the program categories sl23	I agree that ONE WORD categories is the right way to go. If any help is required on this, let me know.
10/02/2024 Topic: A new approach to the installation of apps sl23	sl23 wrote: [a tooltip] to alleviate the problem with combining links and descriptions Another option would be to have a clickable icon to the left... GLOBE ICON - App Publisher - Click icon to visit the website. ENVELOPE ICON - Contact reviewer - Click icon to contact the SPS Publisher. VIRUS TOTAL ICON - View report - Click icon to see the VT report. Maybe have a tooltip when hovering the icons, just as you do with the other icons. edited by sl23 on 10/02/2024
12/02/2024 Topic: Custom apps folder? sl23	Ah ok, missed that!
12/02/2024 Topic: Who (the hell) are the SyMenu users? sl23	I see your point re update management. Perhaps the way you have it is actually the best way of doing it?! That was in my mind when I got the refusal from dev's, why do they not want to help promote their software? Very strange! I expect you've done something similar, but have you tried asking on forums such as PortableFreeware et al? Well, the suggestion to make it Payware was in fact a way of covering your time and effort. It doesn't matter what we as users pay for as long as you are getting something back. As a user, if you charged for SyMenu itself, I would purchase the Current/Next major build but app updates are free. If you charge for the update service, it becomes almost a subscription, one way or another, and that works in the fairest way I think. Because then Users get SyMenu free, can do what they want with the SPS system to install own apps etc, then can pay you for updating, if they choose to. The only downside? Subscription type charges tend to put people off. Go look at Akai unofficial MPC forum and search for subscription. One guy suggested it and every other user was against it!
16/02/2024 Topic: Who (the hell) are the SyMenu users? sl23	scentse wrote: ... What he said!