At 09:58 AM 9/29/2008, you wrote:
Windows software *many times* will fight other windows software or
other versions of the same software, making it impossible to have 2
versions of the same program installed. Microsoft (and Microsoft
Fans inside RB) tend to think this is perfectly acceptable behavior.
Admittedly, this is a generalized statement. The "why" of this is important.
The only issue involved here is shared files. Windows has a loose
system of system-type files that can be shared among applications.
Certain helper-files (DLL's on Windows, Shared Libs on Mac) can and
should be used with different applications perhaps made by different people.
Done correctly, or if intended, there's no reason multiple versions
of the same application can't be run. It's not that hard for a
developer to ensure this; he just has to avoid fairly-obvious
backward compatible things. He should put app-specific DLL's in his
own paths, and not publicly expose them. COM is actually written with
specific instructions about compatibility of interfaces.
But in real world situations, often the problem is that installers
are hastily made where dependency files are not updated (or
"downdated") properly, or the developer didn't bother separating
dependency files properly.
Perhaps Mac apps have an easier time at this is because most
app-specific libs get carried in the bundle/app itself, so it JUST
SEEMS there's not as much problem.
If two different apps are fighting over hardware, that's a different
issue altogether.
If I, as a developer, suggest that "please run only one version of my
app", it's because I'm protecting them from themselves. Many users
don't know how to manage multiple versions, although it is easy. The
best thing I can do is never get into a place where they want to run
an older version. So far, in many years of business, I've never got
into that situation.
In my (non-2008) experience, RB is quite compliant, on Windows and
Mac, to install and run different versions of RB. Because they follow
the "laws" about these things. I'm surprised if they goofed in
current versions.
RB is a good example. I find if I don't put proper MBS files in the
proper PlugIns folder, then RB may not work. I just have to do things
right - I don't consider that "fighting".
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