OT: Informative error messages (was "RE: YDL 2.2 install fails at transfering packages")

[Pete Peters]

Okay, let's not start a new thread on bad, useless error messages provided
by Apple, Microsoft, and others. We've all seen them. MacTech had a good
article recently with several classic examples from both camps.

My point was that the Linux community, and YellowDogLinux in particular,
should not fall into these traps. That said, I realize no one is perfect and
mistakes happen. This one where the issue "insufficient hard drive space for
the installation" generates the "error transaction set" message is one that,
judging from the numerous posts, appears to be happening too often. This
generates support calls that cost time and money.

Yes, the guidelines exist. No, they don't always get followed. It's usually
obvious when a developer has or has not done any tech support and listened
to irate customers.


Pete

-----Original Message-----
From: yellowdog-general-admin@lists.terrasoftsolutions.com
[mailto:yellowdog-general-admin@lists.terrasoftsolutions.com]On Behalf
Of cbsled@ncia.net
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2002 5:54 AM
To: yellowdog-general@lists.terrasoftsolutions.com
Subject: RE: YDL 2.2 install fails at transfering packages


On 04/17/02, at 09:53 AM, "Pete Peters" <ppeters914@attbi.com> said:

>...should read...Apple's guidelines about providing useful error messages.

You mean like;

"An error occurred because an error of type {useless random number}
occurred."?

Apple should read them if they exist.