ReadMe - a mine of information

What does the ReadMe file say?

 

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Best Practice (Litmus Test)

Professionals: Always check the ReadMe file

Amateurs: Always ignore Readme files

Always check the ReadMe files

This Litmus test was sent in by Ian Stanley

A couple of minutes checking the Readme file could save you having to reinstall the whole package.  The best practice of skimming the Readme files will unearth any 'late breaking' information.  What you should look for is known incompatibilities, operating systems, other programs that will not work with your application. 

In the case of printers, the Readme files have a wealth of information on the latest drivers. The readme may also give you tips on installing the program.  Sometimes there are last minute changes in the specification of the hardware you need to run the program.

Variation of this tip

One alternative of the Readme file is the relnotes.htm file as used by XP or releasenotes.htm in Exchange.  These files contain information on system requirements and product support web URL.

Check for online support.  Make the companies website your first port of call if you do get any problems.  The FAQ are often a rich seam of advice and ideas.

Guy's Challenge - Download this free device backup utility

(CatTools)

CatTools is a free program for backing up configuration settings on hardware devices.  Here is Guy's challenge.  If you download CatTools, then it will not only take care of backups, but also it will show you something new about the hardware on you network. I could give you a money back guarantee - but CatTools is already free!  Thus, I just make a techie to techie challenge, you will learn more about your network if you:

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See more about Windows 8

• Install Windows 8  • When will Windows 8 Expire?  • Windows 8 Metro UI

• Windows 8 Task Manager