Technical Support

These notes provide guidelines for Winteracter users needing technical assistance.

Documentation

Ensure that you have reviewed all of the relevant Winteracter documentation. This is accessible via winter.chm (Windows) or winter.htm (Linux and Mac) in the help sub-directory. Alternatively, use the Help menu in any of the visual tools, on any platform. Also, Desktop "Documentation" shortcuts are set up on all platforms, where selected during installation. On Windows, the program group on the Start menu/screen also includes an equivalent shortcut.

Two documentation resources which are particularly recommended reading:

  • The FAQ may already provide a solution. It is located at the bottom of the Contents tab. It is also accessible from WiDE's Help menu.
  • Each Winteracter release includes new functionality, as described in the Release Notes.

Documentation search functions are also provided on all platforms. In the Windows version, there is a "Search" tab in the left-hand panel. On Linux and Mac select "Search documentation" from the launchpad tool or use the equivalent Desktop shortcut (where created). Linux/Mac users can also run wsearch from the command prompt.

Example Programs

Many example programs are provided in the demos sub-directory, illustrating a wide range of features. Examine and build these to learn more about Winteracter's operation. Each demo has its own WiDE project file, so it can be built in the development environment. A categorised list is provided in the Demos section of the Programming Reference.

Updates

Ensure you are using the latest release. Updates are posted periodically. Bug fixes are detailed in the release notes.

Forum

Questions can be posted in the Forum. This is the preferred first line of support. It allows fellow Winteracter users to interact with each other and provides a public record of answers to common problems. You will need your serial number and (16.0) licence ID to sign in, if you wish to post a question or comment on an existing topic.

Submitting Support Requests

If your question does not appear to be addressed by any of the resources described above (particularly issues where you need to supply supporting material), support queries can be submitted to . It would be greatly appreciated if you would follow these guidelines:

  • Do :

    Please be sure to use a subject line that is descriptive of the issue (i.e. not just "Question" or "Winteracter") and quote your:

    • Winteracter serial number.
    • Operating system version number or name.
    • Compiler type and version (e.g. "LF95 7.9" or "Intel Fortran 2022.0"). If you are using Intel Fortran on Windows, also indicate the associated Visual Studio version (e.g. "VS2022").
    • On Windows, the "bitness" (32 or 64 bit) of both the operating system and the compiler/libraries being used.

    When reporting issues concerning unexpected program behaviour please provide the following:

    • Complete source for a brief sample program which can be recompiled to reproduce the observed behaviour.
    • Example resource file(s). This is particularly important when diagnosing dialog/menu related problems or other resource related issues.
    • Data files required by sample program, if any.
    • The exact wording of any compiler, linker, visual tool or operating system error messages.
    • Precise instructions on how to reproduce the fault.
    • If the problem is hardcopy related, details of your printer type/driver.
    • The switches used to compile and link your code. If you are having problems compiling/linking in WiDE, send your project (.wpj) file and WiDE configuration file (wide.cfg).

    Supporting material should normally be attached in a compressed archive format (zip, 7-zip, .tar.gz or .tar.Z).

  • Do not :

    The following material is rarely useful and should not be sent unless specifically requested:

    • Program executables (Send example programs in compilable form.)
    • Large source codes (Send a short example which focusses on the problem.)
    • Source code as bitmap images or Word documents (Sources should be plain text.)
    • Screen images or videos, except where these illustrate an error message or machine-specific behaviour (Send a program which reproduces the effect otherwise.)

Technical Support : Conditions of Use

Support offered via the forum or email is subject to the following conditions of use:

  • Support is offered on an "as is" voluntary basis with no guarantees.
  • Support is only available for the current release.
  • This is not a general programming advice or program design service. Support is specific and limited to questions concerning development of Fortran code in combination with Winteracter's official specification as defined in the supplied documentation. Questions must address specific features of Winteracter's functionality.
  • Specifically excluded support topics are: Non-Fortran languages (e.g. C++), non-Winteracter calling interfaces (e.g. Windows API, Xlib) and third-party software (e.g. how to use Visual Studio).
  • Email support requests which fail to observe the "do"/"do not" guidance above may not receive a response.
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