ReadMe - a mine of information

What does the ReadMe file say?

Best Practice (Litmus Test)

Professionals: Always check the ReadMe file

Amateurs: Always ignore Readme files

Always check the ReadMe files

This Litmus test was sent in by Ian Stanley

A couple of minutes checking the Readme file could save you having to reinstall the whole package.  The best practice of skimming the Readme files will unearth any 'late breaking' information.  What you should look for is known incompatibilities, operating systems, other programs that will not work with your application. 

In the case of printers, the Readme files have a wealth of information on the latest drivers. The readme may also give you tips on installing the program.  Sometimes there are last minute changes in the specification of the hardware you need to run the program.

Variation of this tip

One alternative of the Readme file is the relnotes.htm file as used by XP or releasenotes.htm in Exchange.  These files contain information on system requirements and product support web URL.

Check for online support.  Make the companies website your first port of call if you do get any problems.  The FAQ are often a rich seam of advice and ideas.

Another of Guy's Litmus Tests - Performance Monitoring

Professionals install ipMonitor (40% off until Sept 26th)
Consequently they can see instantly which servers are short of resources, and which are running smoothly.  

Amateurs
Keep their fingers crossed that the servers have enough memory and disk space.

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