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[ @Gary] …just so I understand…if I have a bad experience with a software freebie, such as I had here…and P.S. I followed directions…I’m not supposed to record that here? …especially with a utility program that can, and many often do, crash a system???????
No; you certainly should post a comment, but make sure the comment is helpful, not accusing without a consensus of other users. Otherwise, it may make you look worse than you really are.
If you misunderstood my post, then I am even more inclined to think that you might have missed the directions to this software, but it is not a critical accusation. Anyone and maybe even everyone has done it at some point. I know I have, and only when I posted a comment questioning why the software didn’t do something (e.g., install, start, perform as expected, produce anything of value, etc.), have I been alerted to the possibility that I might not have followed the directions, or misunderstood the directions. I immediately think, “BUT I DID FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!” Probably in 99% of the cases, they were correct; I did misunderstand some directions. It is not a fault; it happens. We all do it at some point in our life.
The times that I did follow accurately but the software still failed, it turned out to be software errors. Therefore, I posted comments asking if others had the same experience, but I did not accuse the developer without any proof other than my own opinion or experience. After all, software programs are developed by humans, and an attribute all humans possess is the possibility of making mistakes.
If the software works for others, then it is an indication that anyone having a problem has not followed the same steps to get the software to work. If others have been experiencing the same problem, the comments will be evidence that the developer needs to get involved to resolve the issue. Regardless, the comments can be made in a civilized manner.
In pretty much every case where a user thinks the software is defective, it worked for many others. Therefore, if you experience any problems, keep in mind the comments section is for sharing and asking if others had the same problem. If everyone else is experiencing the same problem, then alert the developer, but in an as respectful manner as possible. Developers will respond to users pointing out a legitimate problem, but if the user did not follow the directions, it will be harder to get them to respond responsibly.
As far as “a utility program that can, and many often do, crash a system,” the “driver” programs are notorious for messing systems up. I install and test everything except installing one of their suggested drivers. It is imperative that you comment and report any issues with these types of programs.
There is one thing that developers often do not provide and that is the possibility that a previous version of the software program has already been installed, and as a result, the symbol to start an activation icon (often a key icon) is missing because the program thinks the software has already been activated. I wish ALL the developers would explain this scenario if it is a possibility with their software. It would be especially valuable to new users.
Another is when the software reports that there is no Internet connection. The user knows they have Internet access so they see the claim as a ridiculous comment. What users don’t often realize is that there are different methods of accessing the software’s home server. The Firewall allows access to browsers but it may not know about every software program out there, so they can get blocked. To the software, it looks the same as if there is no access to the Internet and so reports that as the error, but that same software does not have the ability to recognize that other programs (such as browsers) can access the Internet just fine. If the software program explained this, it would help users.
The software offered on SoS has pretty much always worked as predicted. There have been download issues due to the high load put on the developer’s server, and there have been problems with activation. These issues have been solved in most cases, or if not available in time, the offer has been removed.
In conclusion, the comment section is for making comments. Therefore, you should make a comment, especially if you have any trouble getting something to work. Just make sure you treat others the same way you would if you were encountering the other in a grocery store aisle.
