ADMIN: winamp FAQ[keep for later!]
- From: Chris Skarstad <toonhead5@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: winamp4theblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 08:35:54 -0500
>Ok all, here it is. The illustrious winamp FAQ. Now, I would advise
>everyone who doesn't already have this saved in the back corner of their
>computer, to save this for future reference, because it holds a lot of
>information. Here we go!
>The Winamp4TheBlind Frequently asked questions file.
>Please read this document all the way through before posting to the list
>because your question may already be answered here. If it is and you post it to
>the list, you will just be told to read the faq, or some people may tell
>you to RTFM and I think we all know what that means <grin>.
>
>1. Winamp basics
>
>Q: What is the latest version of Winamp?
>A: The latest version of Winamp is 5.03A, and can be downloaded from
>Winamp.com, or if you just want 5.03 you can get that from the list's
>website (see
>below)
>Q: I've got one of the 2.x versions of Winamp. Why on earth should I
>upgrade when this version is working just fine for me?
>A: Well, this is all a matter of opinion really. Like many people always
>say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. However, if you need technicle support
>from Nullsoft, the makers of Winamp, they will probably recommend that you
>upgrade to the latest version so they can better help you solve your problem.
>Plus if you ask a question on the list, we can better help you if
>everyone, or most everyone is using close to the same version.
>
>Q: What's new in the latest version? A: See the what's new file located
>in the c:\program files\Winamp folder.
>A: But I read it and it makes absolutely no sense to me. Q: Well, don't
>worry because it doesn't make a lot of sense to me either, those Nullsoft dudes
>are programmers, and you know programmers! They drink lots of caffeine,
>write code and use a language all their own. Basically, the newest
>version brings
>together all the good stuff from Winamp 2 and Winamp3, thus the Winamp 5
>series of releases. The media library has had some fixes, and you'll find that
>due to a few new versions of some plugins, that your mp3s will sound even
>better. Just try it yourself and see. After all it's free.
>
>Q: Is Winamp 5 accessible with my screenreader?
>A: Yes. As long as you choose the classic skin when installing Winamp
>5.x, you'll be fine. All the functionality you've come to enjoy is there
>because
>Nullsoft made very few changes to the look of the program, with the
>exception of a lightning bolt icon used for the media library, and the
>modern skin
>which unfortunately is not accessible with screenreaders...yet! But give
>it time.
>
>Q;: But I installed it and I got the modern skin anyway, is there anyway
>to revert back to the classic skin?
>A: sure. Just open the preferences with control plus p and arrow down to
>the skins portion of the tree view. This is a bit tricky since when you land
>in this area, you may find yourself getting stuck there and aren't easily
>able to get out. Before you do though, you'll see a list of installed skins,
>and all you have to do is make sure that classic skin is selected. Then
>to get out of it, simply tab until you hear tree view and then either press the
>home key to go to the top, or end to go to the bottom, either one will do.
>For simplicity's sake, I would recommend going to the top because if you arrow
>up from the bottom you'll end up in the skins portion again and you may
>have trouble getting out again.
>
>Q: I've got software speech, butI like listening to stuff on Winamp to.
>How do I control Winamp's volume independent of my software speech?
>A: To do this, go back to the preferences with control plus p. Arrow down
>in the tree view until you hear plugins and then arrow further down to output.
> Once there, tab to the list of output plugins and choose Nullsoft wave
> out. Your version number may varry but you're in the right place. Next,
> tab to
>the configure button and you'll be in a dialogue box. tab until you hear
>volume control enable. Check that checkbox. Tab once more and you should hear
>volume control alt. setting method. You can leave this one alone or check
>it if you like. I rarely use software speech but when I do I am perfectly able
>to regulate both volumes just fine. So that should do it for you. After
>you've checked these boxes, press ok, and then tab to the close button.
>Q: How do I get Winamp to play real audio files?: Is it possible? A: This
>is probably the number 1 question asked on the list, and the short answer
>is yes,
>but the plugin designed to do it only works with an older version of real
>player, version real 8.
>Q: i heard something about Real Codecs. What's all that about? A: This
>program, which is most likely a hack and is probably illegal, allows you
>to listen
>to real audio files without the real player even being installed on your
>machine. It's recommended for advanced users only, because if something
>goes wrong
>and you need to uninstall these codecs, you won't be able to because
>there's no uninstalation program. So only use this if you know what
>you're doing.
> As far as the plugin for this goes, it's still available but due to it
> being so old and due to the fact that it's long out of development, we
> aren't helping
>people with it anymore. Basically, if you download and install it and
>something goes wrong, you're on your own. It's called the Tara real audio
>plugin.
>ou can do a google search for Tara Plugin and you should be able to locate it.
>
>2. List stuff:
>Q: How long has this list been around, and how did it get started? A:
>This list has been around since January of 2001, over 3 years! We started
>at Topica,
>then we moved to Yahoogroups. Then we moved to Smartgroups, and now we're
>here at Freelists.org.
>
>Q: I just got my computer last week and I don't know much about
>windows. Is this list right for me? A guy on another list told me I
>should download Winamp
>and I did.
>A: Well, that's great! However, because Winamp's interface is pretty
>non-standard from your average windows program, this list is for those
>folks who have
>an intermediate to advanced knowledge of windows, but are either having a
>problem with Winamp or just don't know much about it and would like to
>make better
>use of it. Q: so I won't be able to chat with friends here or pass around
>recipes?
>
>A: Not here, I am afraid not. This list is for the discussion of Winamp
>in conjuction with your screenreader,and that's all. See the list
>guidelines file
>you got when you subscribed so you'll know what's on topic and what is
>not. and if you aren't sure, please please don't just post an off topic message
>asking if it's ok to post an off topic message. That just shows a lack of
>respect for the moderators and your fellow list members.
>Q: not even one little off topic message? A: Please, let's not go there.
>Off topic messages are strictly forbidden on this list and the guidelines will
>be strictly enforced.
>Q: You said something earlier about this list having a website. Is this
>true? A: Yes we do. The list's website is available at
>http://www.shannon.reece.net/Winamp4TheBlind.html
>and has subscription and unsubscription information, plugins for download,
>the latest version of Winamp and some important links that you should
>check out,
>even if you think you know Winamp inside out, you still might like to
>cruise around a bit and have a look.
>Q: Do I have to be a list member to download stuff rom your website?
>A: Absolutely not, we like to make this page available to people, wether
>or not you're a list member. We do hope you'll try the list out if you have a
>problem that's particularly vexing and we'll do our best to help you.
>Q: What if I've got a question for the moderators. How do I get ahold of
>you off list so I can see if my question is ok to ask? A: you can send us
>e-mail
>at
>winamp4theblind-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx one of us will answer your question
>in a timely manner.
>Q: I'm thinking of getting into broadcasting. Is that type of discussion
>ok here?
>A: As long as you're using Winamp to do it, ask away.
>Q: I've got a show but I'm looking to promote it somewhere. Can I promote
>it on your list?
>A: certainly! We all love using Winamp to listen to new shows and audio
>streams so please by all means promote your show or radio station on the
>list. The
>only rule we have regarding this is that you only send one post per day so
>people don't think they're being spammed. It only makes people mad, and if
>people
>are mad, they won't tune you in.
>Q: How do I unsubscribe or put myself on vacation mode?
>A: visit our website at
>http://www.shannon.reece.net/Winamp4TheBlind.html and you should see a
>form on the page that allows you to do your own administrations. If you
>prefer to
>do it via e-mail, you can unsubscribe from the list by sending a blank
>message to:
>winamp4theblind-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and put unsubscribe in the subject line.
>Q: What happens if I post an off topic message to the list on accident?
>A: nothing because everyone does it. I've done it, we all have from one
>time or another. However, if you repeatedly post off topic questions when
>you know
>full well what subjects are up for discussion, then that's when we must
>take some action. one post will result in a private warning from me, the
>list owner.
>A second infraction will result in a more stern note from me privately and
>your postings will be moderated, in other words, I must approve them before the
>entire list sees them. If you still insist upon posting off topic
>messages, you will be unsubscribed and banned from joining the list. So
>please stay
>on topic and you won't have to worry about all those warnings and things.
>Q: Is there anything else I need to know about list conduct?
>A: just be yourself. Don't feel like you have to act in a certain way or
>be all polite and formal. This is a technology list of course, so the
>main focus
>is Winamp in conjunction with your screenreader, but we do like to get a
>bit silly occasionally. Ultimately within the silliness, you will
>hopefully have
>a little fun and learn a few new things along the way. So ultimately,
>just be yourself and have fun.
>
>Q: will this FAQ be posted to the list occasionally?
>A: Yes, this file will be posted to the list every month and
>revisions/updates will happen when the list administrators deme it
>necessary to do so. You
>can also find this file at our website.
>
>Q: so who are these moderators you keep talking about? Are they mean, I
>mean will they slap me repeatedly if I make the slightest mistake or something?
>A: well, Rob can be a bit nasty with that whip...Just kidding! In all
>seriousness, let me run down the list admins for you so you know whose who.
>First we have myself, Chris, the friendly list owner. That should be
>pretty self-explanatory. Next we have our beautiful
>webmistress/co-moderator, Shannon.
> She looks after the website, helps folks with their Winamp problems, and
> helps keep me in line when the need arises. and last, but certainly not
> least,
>our most recent addition to the moderator position is Robert Robbinson.
>He's quite silly at times, but he knows his stuff. He's very helpful and
>will answer
>any questions you might have and he's a good guy besides. You can get
>ahold of all of us by sending an e-mail to winamp4theblind-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>and one of us will be glad to assist you.
>
>Hopefully, this FAQ has helped answer some of your questions. If it
>hasn't, or you feel as if this FAQ needs to be updated, please let the
>list owner know
>by sending a message to winamp4theblind-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>Sincerely,
>Robert Robinson
>robert.trj@xxxxxxxxx
>MSN Screen Name:
>robert.trj@xxxxxxxxx
>Canadian Amateur Station
>va3trj
>va3trj@xxxxxx
>Club Web Site:
>http://www.va3kvd.ca/vhara
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