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[DonB]

I ordered AHP on Friday, 1-6-06. Received
the links to the software via email.
Downloaded.(twice; the default file names
are a bunch of numbers, so no idea what the
file is without renaming during the save
process) Copied to flash drive.
Attempted to install on notebook. Internet
connection required!

Per X10 Support: "The ActiveHome Pro
software is currently only available as a
download.  This means that you will need to
have the computer online to install the
software.  If you need suggestions on how
that can be done, please reply to this
email.  Have a good day."

That's really lame.

At the very least, the 115k stub file I
downloaded should give me the option to save
the full installer for installation to
another machine.

I'm NOT installing the AHP software on my
primary computer, and I'm not going to the
hassle of connecting that notebook to the
network, just for AHP.

I agree that it's a good idea to not include
the CD, so that users get the latest
version, but preventing users from being
able to save/download the full installer is
very shortsighted.

It's also not uncommon for folks on slow
dialup to use a faster connection elsewhere
for large downloads...

Guess I'll be refusing the USB controller
when Fedex attempts to deliver it...

[frank]

DonB,

I received this reply when I wrote X10
asking the same question:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your inquiry. ActiveHome Pro
does use a web install like our other
software; a link to download the program is
sent to the email address used on the order.
If you have not received it, I can re-
forward the link to you. However, the
installer you download the first time can be
saved to a CD or floppy disk and used at any
time after that; you will only need to be
connected to the Internet to receive
updates. You can also call us at any time to
get the software again.

Regards,

Sara F.
X10 Customer Support
orders@x10.com

hmmmmm....?

[DonB]

Interesting...
When I run the downloaded file, it prompts
for an install directory, then pops up
the "can't contact server" message.
I don't get an option to save the files.

I wonder what the process is for saving the
complete installer?

Thanks for the reply Frank.

[frank]

I agree with you that it's pretty lame that
x10 doesn't offer the full program on a
disk, or at least as a download. THAT'S why
I emailed them about it in the first place.
I asked them to send me a copy on a disk,
but wait... I happened to save the email I
sent them...

Hi,

I obviously had the mistaken impression that
I would be mailed a "hard copy" (CD) of the
new Activehome Professional Software with my
order of the interface, etc...

When I originally ordered "Activehome",
years ago, I received a disc that I was able
to use and keep in case of future computer
problems.

If there is a disc available to use instead
of the download, I would like to have it. If
there is a nominal cost, please reply with
that information. Likewise, if the Smart
Macro Plug-in is available on disc, I would
like it, also.

Thank you,
Frank

...so, as you said, just the "installer" is
what they are referring to in the email that
they sent back to me, not the "program"
itself.
Maybe their reasoning has something to do
with the way the program was written.
HASTILY!
There HAS been updates and there SHOULD be
more, soon. (I hope!)
But I think the main reason that it's a "web
only install" is the fact that it keeps you
closer to the site where the stuff is sold.
Marketing, marketing, marketing!
To this day, when I open the program, it
automatically tries to connect to the
internet, even though I've "turned-off"
those options in the "preferences". (THAT
really bugs the hell outta me!)

[Dan Lawrence]

When I first got AHP, FedEx screwed up and I
didn't get the package 4 days after X10 said
it would arrive.  As soon as the e-mail
arrived I downloaded the software installer
and archived it to storage media.  Since I
had a hard drive crash after the intital
install of AHP, all I had to do to install
AHP to the new hard disk was get the archive
media out and "presto", AHP was back. Since I
archive my .ahp files to archive media, so I
don't lose my files.

So, regardless of what X10 said, you can
archive the installer.

[DonB]

Dan, I have the 115k "web install/stub
file", which when ran attempts to connect to
a server somewhere. It appears to be
attempenting to download the actual install
files.
When I run this it prompts for the install
location, but does not give me the option of
saving to a location for install on another
machine.
For the notebook on which I want to run AHP,
that 115k file is useless.
115k seems to be awfully small for a
complete installer.

Requiring folks download the latest and
greatest makes sense. Refusing to allow them
to download the full install doesn't.

[X10 Pro]

At present all purchased X10 software is
delivered as a streaming installation. We
understand the desire to have a full,
non-Internet based installer, though, and
will keep that need in mind if we revisit
this policy in the future.

[DonB]

Thanks, X10 Pro. Reply appreciated.