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Here we go again,
As mentioned earlier I have had quite a lot of experience teaching word
processing to beginners and there was always a question about Close v
Exit.
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Having followed this discussion because I also find this behavior annoying &
illogical, I think we need to think about the developer concepts underlying this
behavior. This, of course, is Single Document Interface (SDI), which is discussed
extensively in the AbiWord documentation. Since the developers seem committed to that
direction, perhaps there are design changes that would meet everyone's needs. And
considering that the general experience seems to be that all new users are confused by
Close VS Exit, it sure seems that there is some room for a better design no matter
what the interface model.
I suggest the following:
1. Change the Exit command name to Close All. This more accurately describes the
function under SDI & should remove the confusion as to the difference in functions
between the 2 commands.
2. Group the File commands in the following Manner:
New
Open
Close
Close All
-------------------
Save
Save As
-------------------
Page Setup
Print
-------------------
Import
Export
-------------------
File List (if any)
This seems the most logical order to me since it groups the Commands as to their basic
functionality. The relationship of Open/Close is self evident. Save is more of a
file update command and therefore separate. Printing is an obviously separate.
The Import/Export commands are a little different. Generally, Import/Export commands
have been used to bring non-native file types into a program. Native being any file
format which AbiWord can use in a functional manner (open/save, etc.) Therefore, it
seems to me that the file types between the Open/Save command should match & would
constitute the AbiWord native formats. Any other file format that AbiWord can open
(or translate) should be shown on the import menu only. For example the .doc (MSWord)
format should show only as an Import file type only since AbiWord cannot save in this
format. On the other hand, I don't see any harm, or real confusion, with having all
save files types also listed in the Export function, thus having the added
functionality of saving to a different file type without changing your document type.
Also, this might make things simpler for the developers in that, for instance, what is
most important is an import/export capability for the .doc format, but not necessarily
an ability to work in the .doc format.
3. When closing the last document, there could be a short dialogue informing the user
that the program is about to be exited. The user could then be offered two choices:
Either 1) continue with Close and exit the program or 2) Open another document (new or
existing). If the user chose the second option, the current document would then be
closed and the user would be offered the "Open File" dialogue.
It seems to me that these changes would be in keeping with the SDI model & would
eliminate the confusion with the Close VS Exit command (which apparently is
universal). It would also improve the functionality by adding the ability to more
easily open a new file when closing the last document.
Another 2cents worth (I'm up to 6 cents now).
J. Raines
--- You shouldn't have a closed mind because you never learn anything new. On the
other hand, your mind shouldn't be so open everything falls out!! ---
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