Is there a way to disable Open Rails writing a log file to the desktop every time it is started? This log file does nothing for me, and just adds to the clutter on my computer.
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It may not do anything for you but the ORTS team need it to analyze what does not work as it should when running some of the multitude of installed MSTS routes and their rolling stock add-ons !
I am sure that you have plenty of really unnecessary clutter showing on your desktop you can do without !
Programs which are not run every day should not have shortcuts on it at all !
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I don't believe the logging control (labelled "Warnings" in the menu) works in the latest release, but the next release has fixed this so no file will be generated when it is disabled (and nothing except initial settings will appear in the console - which actually helps with some cases of stuttering). There will also be a hidden preference to set the log file location, should you wish to keep logging but have it go somewhere more appropriate for you.James Ross
Open Rails Management Team
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The hidden preference is a good thing, and Otto's suggestion is a good idea.sigpicComment
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As I remember from my programming days anything looked for by programs or saved by them is done by default in the same folder they are in, unless a specific path to do otherwise has been specified !
I don't think that C++, VB++ or other compilers have changed that.
Why all these programs use the Documents folders to store their data in is a mystery to me !
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Its a change in programming model that occured with the concept of multiple users on a computer. The idea is to have only one copy of the program itself, but allow multiple users of it each with their own specific 'setup'. Your files are rooted in 'Documents and Settings\OTTODAD' . If you had another user of that computer their files might be in ..\OTTOBUDDY. Your game saves and his game saves would be kept separate. Also you would have a separate list of routes and miniroutes so you could customize it according to the routes you like. Further evolution of the concept defined additional spaces specific for data that would be shared by all users, and on later OS versions, spaces for 'Roaming' data ( to allow you to move from computer to computer and continue the game where you left off ) etc.
So Open Rails is just using good modern programming practice and following the programming guidelines put out by the OS manaufacturer.Last edited by wacampbell; 11-19-2011, 12:18.Comment
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Yes, some of that make sense with some programs, but following the guidelines of OS manufacturers like Microsoft who have long forgotten the meaning of KISS are the last I would follow !
If the OS goes down then so does everything it has stored on it's system drive relating to non OS programs installed into other drive partitions.
In 30 years of programming I have developed my own KISS guidelines of what is best for my commercial multi-user accounting programs to run efficiently and user friendly right up to VISTA.
A program like ORTS can be used by anybody on the same computer as can MSTS, BVE and Trainz, unless special rights as to their use have been created unnecessarily by the computer's Administrator.
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Under Unix it has always been the case that user specfic data including program configuration data is saved in the users home directory, Unix being from the beginning a true multi user system. So it is not just Microsoft. Logs in most cases handled differently a good portion off programs saving logs in /var/logComment
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It's been many years since I have used Xenix before switching to Novell Netware for DOS and in the end it is up to programmers to decide what their programs should do in the most efficient manner, which I hope is what the ORTS programmers will do too for the benefit of all it's users !
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With only 30 years programming you are just a young pup. I started programming in 1975 and am still writing commercial software, most recently in C++ using the Direct X 11.Originally posted by OTTODAD
Once you gain a little more programming experience, you'll learn that placing data in the proper user folder makes sense and brings benefit to the most users. Until then you'll have just have to adapt.Comment
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There is a solution that make make both points of view happy: A default to where Big Brother wants your files to go AND the means to configure an over-ride. That way the default works well enough in ordinary situations and when the unusual is at hand the person most familiar with the situation -- the end user -- can configure an alternative solution that works.Dave Nelson
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Seldom visiting, posting less often that that.Comment
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Yes, giving the end user option choices to customize whatever to her or his preferences, liking and ease of use is preferable without having to actually modify the source code to achieve it !
Below is how I would present ORTS and all it needs assembled in a self-contained folder which not requiring the OS Registry other than shown below can be ported to any drive.
Being 82 now still could hack the ORTS source code but found that some of the M$ programs to use XNA itself require Vista or WIN-7, I am not likely to get just for doing that and every time I do gets overwritten by the next release of ORTS.
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