SkinBrowser bugs & suggestions
Saturday, August 3, 2002 by Tarkus | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Been playing with SkinBrowser for a couple weeks and thought I would make my feelings known on a few issues.
Note that I really DO like the program overall, and I understand it's still beta, but I offer the following as constructive criticism.
Script Errors: I'm getting script errors all over the place in the browser. For example, at WinCustomize, I get a "Line: 2, Char: 7, Error: Invalid character" on every page. I get other errors on other sites, such as Yahoo. I have script debugging and notification off in IE6, so I don't see these errors when using IE or NetCaptor.
Web Browser: Speaking of the browser, why don't links use it? And worse, they use IE, even though NetCaptor is my default client. Also, the address box is way too limited as far as length of addresses it will accept. So most of the time you can't even cut and paste a link to use the browser for that link.
Comments: More often than not, they don't update on a new skin unless I do a mouse over or force a redraw some other way. And even then, the number often has no relation to the actual number of comments inside.
Display Libraries: It's nice that it hides unwanted categories in some areas, but I wish it would also extend to other areas, such as Newest Additions and Updated Skins.
Large Previews: This, IMO, is perhaps the weakest part of SB. The window is AOT and doesn't retain the maximized setting between sessions. If you have it minimized, it doesn't automatically expand when you click on a new preview link. So probably the most efficient use is to close it each time, but all too often I get into this habit and then accidently close the SB program itself when I'm merely wanting to get back to the skins. My personal preference would be for the large preview to be tabbed rather than in a separate window. Bonus points for the ability to automatically zoom out to fit the window.
Downloads: Okay, maybe this is really the weakest part. There needs to be a Queue button on the skins tab, and it shouldn't take you to the Downloads tab when you use it. There should simply be some type of confirmation (a bell or a note, but not a popup). It's a major PITA to have it keep telling you that a download is already in progress. (And I'm on broadband.) Also, half the install/applys don't work (exactly where does wallpaper go when you install/apply it?), and there is apparently no way to actually delete the file itself from within SB.
Aside from that, it's a great program.
Note that I really DO like the program overall, and I understand it's still beta, but I offer the following as constructive criticism.
Script Errors: I'm getting script errors all over the place in the browser. For example, at WinCustomize, I get a "Line: 2, Char: 7, Error: Invalid character" on every page. I get other errors on other sites, such as Yahoo. I have script debugging and notification off in IE6, so I don't see these errors when using IE or NetCaptor.
Web Browser: Speaking of the browser, why don't links use it? And worse, they use IE, even though NetCaptor is my default client. Also, the address box is way too limited as far as length of addresses it will accept. So most of the time you can't even cut and paste a link to use the browser for that link.
Comments: More often than not, they don't update on a new skin unless I do a mouse over or force a redraw some other way. And even then, the number often has no relation to the actual number of comments inside.
Display Libraries: It's nice that it hides unwanted categories in some areas, but I wish it would also extend to other areas, such as Newest Additions and Updated Skins.
Large Previews: This, IMO, is perhaps the weakest part of SB. The window is AOT and doesn't retain the maximized setting between sessions. If you have it minimized, it doesn't automatically expand when you click on a new preview link. So probably the most efficient use is to close it each time, but all too often I get into this habit and then accidently close the SB program itself when I'm merely wanting to get back to the skins. My personal preference would be for the large preview to be tabbed rather than in a separate window. Bonus points for the ability to automatically zoom out to fit the window.
Downloads: Okay, maybe this is really the weakest part. There needs to be a Queue button on the skins tab, and it shouldn't take you to the Downloads tab when you use it. There should simply be some type of confirmation (a bell or a note, but not a popup). It's a major PITA to have it keep telling you that a download is already in progress. (And I'm on broadband.) Also, half the install/applys don't work (exactly where does wallpaper go when you install/apply it?), and there is apparently no way to actually delete the file itself from within SB.
Aside from that, it's a great program.
Tarkus
Reply #2 Saturday, August 3, 2002 8:25 PM
Reply #2 Saturday, August 3, 2002 8:25 PM
Yeah, just what IS the purpose of those three buttons?
werewolf
Reply #3 Saturday, August 3, 2002 9:16 PM
Reply #3 Saturday, August 3, 2002 9:16 PM
the new version takes care of some of this stuff, especially the url address box.
I'm not getting *any* script errors unless the servers are running very slow (a common occurence these days)
For downloads... go to 'View'>'Settings' and click on download path...it is definable. All dl's go there. default is in the skinbrowser sub-folder 'downloads'
As for the preview window...if you're using WB...maximise the preview window when you're done, roll up the window with a right click or whatever; go to the next item, roll down the preview window. Keeps it out of the way. Also you can get a larger preview in the main SB area by going to 'View'>'Settings' and uncheck show thumbnail previews.
Newest version also auto dl's the comments. The comment button doesn't always reflect the correct number of comments but if you mouse over it will change.
I'm not getting *any* script errors unless the servers are running very slow (a common occurence these days)
For downloads... go to 'View'>'Settings' and click on download path...it is definable. All dl's go there. default is in the skinbrowser sub-folder 'downloads'
As for the preview window...if you're using WB...maximise the preview window when you're done, roll up the window with a right click or whatever; go to the next item, roll down the preview window. Keeps it out of the way. Also you can get a larger preview in the main SB area by going to 'View'>'Settings' and uncheck show thumbnail previews.
Newest version also auto dl's the comments. The comment button doesn't always reflect the correct number of comments but if you mouse over it will change.
Ogre66
Reply #4 Monday, August 5, 2002 9:39 AM
Reply #4 Monday, August 5, 2002 9:39 AM
The button changing is a Windows/WindowBlinds issue. For some reason changing the text of a button does not trigger a repaint of the button and use the new text 
. I see this happen in many programs, my own included
. I see this happen in many programs, my own included
keymastr1008
Reply #5 Monday, August 5, 2002 2:05 PM
Reply #5 Monday, August 5, 2002 2:05 PM
i hate being told my downloads are being queued. it should just queue it up, and d/l whenever possible. Also, there needs to be a multiple select function for downloads, instead of having to click everyone of James T's icon sets and then clicking through the warning about my download being queued..
How about a setting on how ofter to refresh the "Site updates data" and "library database"? Or at least refresh them on connect.
How about a setting on how ofter to refresh the "Site updates data" and "library database"? Or at least refresh them on connect.
Tarkus
Reply #6 Monday, August 5, 2002 2:24 PM
Reply #6 Monday, August 5, 2002 2:24 PM
keymastr - Brian just pointed out to me that you can right-click a file and tell it to download later. That will avoid that warning, though I agree that it should be smart enough to just queue something if a file is already downloading. That warning is extremely irritating. And I'm on broadband. It would be even worse for someone on a dial-up.
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
Reply #1 Saturday, August 3, 2002 7:39 PM