Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!bc
From: bc@Apple.COM (bill coderre)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.system
Subject: Re: Apple should let us e-mail System 7
Message-ID: <52962@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 16 May 91 18:27:16 GMT
References: <1991May15.185019.1395@eng.umd.edu> <52925@apple.Apple.COM> <1991May15.221944.2905@eng.umd.edu>
Organization: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA
Lines: 31

I said:
|>The attitude was definitely "better safe than sorry" -- especially
|>since precious data might be lost. 

Matthew Russotto:
|Some, like Silverlining, is obvious crap-- SilverLining works, except that
|you can't unmount volumes (DeskTop manager interferes).
|SUM Tools works.  Even HyperCard 2.0 works.

Once again, I want to point out the problem of definitions. Apple
defines "compatible" as "never malfunctions, always works at least as
well as before."

By that definition, SilverLining is obviously NOT "compatible." That
incompatibility seems to affect unmounting drives, but MIGHT JUST
POSSIBLY cause major data loss. I don't know, and neither do you, but
would it make sense to tell millions of users that it does work when
it clearly has problems?

Come on now. You and I are hackers, and are much more capable of
telling which programs "actually" work. We also know enough to back up
our data (90% of users DON'T!) frequently, don't we?

You should suggest that Apple provide more detailed compatibility
information next time. Or call the tech support for the software.

Incidentally, I do know some of the people who tested third-party
applications for the compatibility checker. WHY the checker claims
that the info is supplied by the manufacturer, I dunno. Probably some
lawyer involved. 

bill coderre