>(from David Mathog)
>I've got 9.0 sitting on my desk and am now about 99% certain that I'm never
>going to install it, but rather stay at 8.1.
I did a test install on one of the nodes in our VMScluster (as I
haven't had time to get license extension/config info from GCG, 9.0 only
runs on my test node - and that's standing in the way of having any users
get at it to help check it out). I was aware that moving to GCG9 would
require significant changes in the way we do things, but having a package
without source has given me pause (I couldn't have added EGCG 8.1 without
GCG source, for instance) and the sudden switch to HTML-only GenHelp will
inhibit any transition (because of having to deal with related config and
training issues). Overall, I'm more disgruntled than I'd like to be.
> :
>Reasons to install 9.0
> 1. Better editor in Seqlab
> 2. Some bug fixes
> 3. A couple of minor programs.
4. HTML-based docs
In principle, I like the idea of HTML-based help (especially since it again
includes the Users Guide and has Datafiles added). HOWEVER, experienced
users will be disappointed to discover that commands like
$ GENHELP BEST COMM and $ GENMANUAL MAP
don't behave like they have for years (the first totally fails, the second
sends you to the Map program docs instead of the Program Manual's Mapping
chapter).
5. enhanced sitedevices syntax
(at least potentially interesting)
6. a GIF graphics driver
(for which I have a use, so I don't mind paying extra if I get to
where 9.0 is our production package)
>Reasons not to install 9.0
> :
I generally agree with the downsides David listed. Overall, moving
to GCG9 probably involves more changes than I can remember. Dealing with
that is likely to require an attitude adjustment. I'm still working on
mine.
MJW
Michael J. Weise, Ph.D.
System Administrator
University of Georgia
Biological Sciences Computing Resource
email: weise at bscr.uga.edu
