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From: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: who's to blame? hardware or software?
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Date: 12 Aug 90 03:59:01 GMT
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[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 BK> Doug, I suspect that you sent that message in jest or tongue in
 BK> cheek. You know, the one about it always being a hardware
 BK> problem. However, frankly, that's why I haven't gotten my
 BK> courage up to ask the question, as I'm sure that's what I'll be
 BK> told. What do you think?

Bill,
  Unfortunatly, this problem has been around a long time.  It is extreemly
difficult at times to tell the difference between a bug in the software
or a hardware problem.

If someone comes to me and says they are having a problem with our stuff
that I have never hear of I try and duplicate it on my machine.  If I can
duplicate it then of course it is the software.  However, just because
I may not be able to doesn't mean it is the hardware.  Therefore I ask them
what is in their machine.  Both hardware and software.  Then maybe try
removing each piece until something different happens.  If that still does
not help I usually punt and dig in the code of the program and try and
figure out what could possible cause the problem.

Even when I know that it is a hardware problem I alway hate to tell the
user.  It sounds like I am passing the buck.  I am afraid there is no
good answer.

You may want to try Vocal-Eyes and see if you are having the same problems.
If you are not then it is probably Flipper.

Well, I am beginning to talk in circles.  I wish you luck.
     Regards,
         Doug

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