What help for absolute beginner?

[terrypin]

Just discovered TodayPlus and impatient to know what it is and how I start using it. Maybe I've been looking in wrong place? But so far I've found nothing for such a beginner! Or is this plug-in only for programmers? (I'm not one - just an end user keen to improve productivity.)

I first tried the FAQ, but there are only 3 entries there, the first of which is "How do I change the weather to my city ?" Not exactly what I'm after

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK
Using iPAQ 2210 with WM2003.

[jhollin1138]

It is hard to sum up what TodayPlus is.  I guess if I had to describe what it is, I would say this.  TodayPlus is a Today screen plug-in that was created by "srs" and given freely to the world.  It can replace nearly ever other Today screen plug-in you are currently running.  It can display weather information and rss feeds from website.  It can also disply world time information, a calendar, tasks and scheduled calendar events just to name a few things it can do.

The look is completely user customizable.  Although programming experience is helpful to customize, it is certainly not required.  Simply get used to the format of the "skins" and review the Skin Reference information.  Play around with the position and settings in a skin.  I am sure you will pick it up quicker then you think.

[terrypin]

Thanks Jim. I had in fact already briefly read the starting sections of Skin Reference, i.e.sections headed
Configuration File
image Command
options-cleartype Command
etc

But I'd assumed there was something more basic somewhere. For example, a brief outline of the plug-in's aims, how to install it and get started, what various terms mean (what the heck is this POOM for instance?), and so on.

But it looks as if my suspicion was correct, and that TodayPlus has to be programmed from scratch, using those commands you referred me to, yes?

Wouldn't it expand its potential usage a lot if there was an initial default setup? Presumably, in your terms, a default configuration file that would work out-of-the-box. Users could then enhance/customise that based on the command syntax documentation.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK
Using iPAQ 2210 with WM2003.

[jhollin1138]

But I'd assumed there was something more basic somewhere. For example, a brief outline of the plug-in's aims, how to install it and get started, what various terms mean (what the heck is this POOM for instance?), and so on.

POOM: Pocket Outlook Object Model

But it looks as if my suspicion was correct, and that TodayPlus has to be programmed from scratch, using those commands you referred me to, yes?

Wouldn't it expand its potential usage a lot if there was an initial default setup? Presumably, in your terms, a default configuration file that would work out-of-the-box. Users could then enhance/customise that based on the command syntax documentation.

The only thing you really need to do, after installing that is, is edit the config file.  You need to enter your Weather code (see this post).  You only need to customize the skin if you feel like it.  Out of the "box," TodayPlus is fully functional.

[fishboy]

Out of the box, TodayPlus will run.  Changes to the configuration values such as city and shortcuts are all that is needed to have the application provide useful information.  Further changes to the configuration let you change the source of news feeds and so on.  

The default skin file serves as example of what TodayPlus can due.  The skin reference provides information for those people that would like to understand how it works and modify it for their own needs.

Right now, this web site serves as a resource to help with installing, skinning, reporting bugs, etc.  srs's main focus right now is providing enhancements and fixing bugs.  Maybe in time more complete document will be created.

[arbitrajeu]

Terry,

It's worth pointing out that, whilst we don't make a big play of it on the site, this software is still very much a beta and this forum is primarily here to support the beta-testing process.

That said, it's astoundingly robust and the default skin will satisfy most needs, or you can adopt one of the alternate skins which are becoming increasingly interchangeable as we get the "standards" worked out.

As a fellow Brit, I'm happy to give some pointers on "Anglicising" your TodayPlus... PM me if you like.

Cheers.

[ws]

I am a bit confused about rss.  What does rss exactly stand for?  I attempt to add my own, say, rss, 7,..... But it does not work!  Is it limited to 6 only?

Thanks a lot for all good efforts on this excellent plugin.

[Blazingwolf]

I am a bit confused about rss.  What does rss exactly stand for?  I attempt to add my own, say, rss, 7,..... But it does not work!  Is it limited to 6 only?

Thanks a lot for all good efforts on this excellent plugin.

Did you add another section to your skin? It should look something like this:
                               region,5,5,-1
      load,rss,6
      storevar,var2=4
      storevar,var3=0
      endregion,5,5
There are somethings you still need to change. Change the region #, endregion, var3 #, etc. to what you need. Hope this helps.

[Eitel]

I am a bit confused about rss.  What does rss exactly stand for?

This should help you going.

http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2002/12/18/dive-into-xml.html

[terrypin]

Sorry for delay in replying. Have been unable to log in for a couple of days, and have been working with Eitel to resolve that.

Thanks for the feeback and offer of help. I aim to find a block of time to study and experiment with TodayPlus soon. (That and the other dozen tasks on my PPC To Do List!)

One question meanwhile. Although it's still a bit crude in some respects, I rather like NotesToday, which lets me write notes freehand in coloured ink directly on Today. Could TodayPlus do that too?

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK
Using iPAQ 2210 with WM2003.