Jen,
Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. Yes it is easy to use. Sorry Vista won't allow it. Time to move to Windows 7 ???? I have it running on my Win XP machine and an old Mac with OS 9.3. as well as - not too concerned having it out in the field.
I don't think being unregistered limits connection to a scope. New registration is USD 45. I copied the the following from the Astroplanner site (although you've probably read it by now):
Registration entitles you to:
- No more "nag" messages or unavailable/limited options.
- An alternate manual with higher-quality graphics, suitable for printing.
- The full catalogue collection (including the Tycho database) any future additions or updates. See below for a full list. Hubble GSC only available on CD-ROM. See below.
- The ability to request particular catalogues, where available (the conversion of catalogues to AstroPlanner format is currently only available through the developer)
- Future updates to the version you purchased at no extra cost (if such updates are downloaded. There is an extra charge for updates on CD-ROM).
- Unlimited e-mail technical support.
- Priority when suggesting new or improved features.
- The developer's undying gratitude.
- Bonus: Free upgrade to Version 2 when it is released (early 2009), including a licence number you can use now with pre-release (beta) versions.
Robert