Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeyB
Andrew:
Barry:
The Stellarium directory system does not contain a file named config.ini, only default_config.ini (under /data). Renaming default_config.ini has no effect on the problem. Renaming the config.ini file that resides in C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\Stellarium, has no effect on the problem. Renaming both files prevents Stellarium opening.
If the problem can in fact be resolved by simple config file tweaks as suggested, then it appears to be more an issue of Stellarium programmers having problems writing effective installation/initialisation routines, than " ATI's inability to write good OpenGL drivers." Nevertheless, as an interim measure, I propose renaming OpenGL, to ClosedGL. 
Barry:
I cannot agree that any software feature is "highly desirable" when it leads to such widespread user problems. If a significant proportion of all PC's worldwide utilise ATI graphics technology, unless fully resolved, this compatibility issue will trouble many users for years to come.
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All the current variations to the operation and configuration of stellarium are held in the documents and settings/user area- application data\stellarium. Stellarium looks here for loading information that is user changeable. This includes the config.ini file and folders for stars, modules, data, landscapes, scripts etc.
Commercial programs written to make money usually use the Microsoft direct X graphics and because they all need to make money they make sure their programs work with these programs.
OpenGL is a free (open source) program that does the same thing and some extras. It is the way develpers of open source (free programs) can implement great graphics displays. New innovations are being added to graphics all the time and Stellarium tries to use them. Of course some of these innovations require special rendering routines that are not present in all video display drivers without updating.
One of the main aims of Stellarium is the development of new features that can be used in planetarium displays to great effect. These work great on most platforms but if your computer display cannot handle them it is not the problem of Stellarium but the short comings of your display system. The distributed package version of Stellarium is designed to run on the great majority of platforms without user input. However we would like as many people to enjoy Stellarium as possible so we try to implement work arounds to make the basic features work on computers that do not handle the new innovations.
I know there are many computers that run ATI cards and most of them have little bother. But if they do not work it is up to the user to solve using suggestions from various sources. Most of my computers are built from scrap parts and they all work great. The only pre-built computers I use are two of the cheapest (Acer) laptop/notebooks that I could find and they work without changes on XP and Vista.
Barry
