MinimServer complexity (was Configuration Backup)

[simoncn]

(29-09-2014 12:10)DavidHB Wrote:  As I look back, I don't recall that getting MinimServer working with the defaults was any more difficult than working through the ReadyNAS settings to activate ReadyDNLA. Of course I needed to install both Java and MinimServer itself, but these installations were entirely straightforward. More recently, when I set up the Kazoo server, it did not seem to be noticeably easier than getting MinimServer going. In the case of both of these servers, however, it quickly became apparent that they were less configurable and lacking in features compared to MinimServer. I have never been tempted to use them other than experimentally. So whatever deficiencies in MinimServer you are referring to have not been a concern to me.

I'm pleased to hear this, as it would suggest I have largely achieved my goal of providing an acceptable out-of-box experience when using the default settings.

Quote:I did wonder whether, if a 'backup and restore settings' feature were implemented, this could be used to give MinimServer pre-built standard sets of settings (I am assuming that the settings would be saved as a simple text file). Alternatively, users could share settings files on the Forum. That way, a new user who wanted to support, say, a library of classical music, could have default settings which were more directly linked to his or her needs. This approach would also be useful for the terminally non-technical user who gets a friend (or a dealer) to set up their system. What I don't know is whether this idea could work without creating further problems downstream.

David

To clarify, I haven't proposed providing any automated way to restore settings. If I can implement an automated way to produce a text file that is effectively a more convenient equivalent of making screenshots of the tabs in the Properties dialog, this would still require the user to enter these settings manually in the event of needing to restore.

Your suggestion of users sharing their settings is interesting but I think it would create major problems with users attempting to use someone else's settings without understanding what the settings mean. This would lead to frustration and confusion when things didn't work as expected (or just didn't work).