Author: Mogens Larsen
Date: 06:08:40 12/20/01
Go up one level in this thread
When I consider the quality of an interface, I look at options and features. Preferably some of which can be customized by the user without spending hours. In general there are a lot of good GUIs depending on their purpose, eg. Chessmaster vs. Shredder (UCI)/CB to name one. If you add free options like WinBoard there are other considerations involved. The main problem IMO is the fact that you end up collecting numerous similar interfaces if you're a collector, which is one of the reasons I have for not buying chess programs (besides being a cheapskate). This problem is significant during this time of year. If you get Junior 7, Fritz 7 and Shredder 6, you'll have three identical interfaces despite only needing one. Not to mention the fact that the (generous) giver has paid for all of them. Somehow that could be a greater danger to the viability of computer chess software IMHO. It amazes me that so few question this approach by the software companies. There are free updates and cheaper upgrades available. But that applies to most software. In my opinion interface and engine should be separated, so that you could select between different GUIs for different purposes. But compatible with all available engines. When the GUI is selected (or if you have one already) you can select the engines you want. Similar to the Engines direct idea behind Young Talents. The problem would be protection against piracy. However, I feel confident that there are measures capable of securing software distributed by this method just as well as the method applied to the distribution of today's chess software. Regards, Mogens
This page took 0 seconds to execute
Last modified: Thu, 15 Apr 21 08:11:13 -0700
Current Computer Chess Club Forums at Talkchess. This site by Sean Mintz.