OE Classic discussions and updates

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by FanJ, Apr 10, 2017.

  1. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    - Previously, when the developers issued an update for the FREE version then a separate build was issued for the users of the PRO version. Now the FREE and the PRO version are integrated into one build and this will reduce the development time of a new build.
    - This update of today (november 17, 2020) fixes a number of bugs that were in the november 16, 2020 version. But (some of) these fixes were language related and won't be noticed by users of the english version.
    - This version also has improved support for multiple languages.


    More info (from the OEC Facebook page):
    The text below suggests (!!) that version v3.1 (with the integrated Free & PRO version) will be released soon.
    This release contains an important change, so please make sure you read these notes fully to ease your transition to this update.
    This is the last beta update of the version 3.1 and this version won't receive further updates unless there is some bug we've overlooked which will be fixed, of course. The next release will be 3.2. It has been tested well enough and it is now time to release it as a stable version so this is like a RTM version. It has been a long time since the stable version was updated.
    This version brings only one but major change which took us a lot of time to build - an activation.
    Instead of having 2 versions - Free and Pro - like we had so far, we will now have only one, so both versions are now merged into one. However, for the purpose of having a distinction, we'll still call it "OE Classic" (not activated) and "OE Classic Pro" (activated).
    If you've been using OE Classic's built-in updates window which requires putting in license name and key, you may not even notice the transition. As soon as the update is downloaded and installed, when you run it the first time, it will automatically activate itself from the saved license name/key. So the transition for those users will be very easy. In fact, our system already records over 30 silent activations even as we write this, and those users haven't even read this yet with zero support questions so far.
    For users who have been downloading the updates from our web page, there will be only one thing required - in the "Help" / "Activation" main menu, you only need to put your license name/key into the designated fields and click "Activate" button. Of course, you must be connected to the Internet while you do this.
    Once the program is activated and the license key is saved to the computer it remains activated indefinitely and can be used for as long as the system is not reinstalled. And if you install OE Classic updates, it will tolerate up to 60 days of updates without the need to reactivate itself. After 60 days have passed and if the version you install is newer than those 60 days, OE Classic will again automatically reactivate itself to this new version when you run it the first time. No additional work is required.
    So basically, very little has changed from the end user perspective and we've taken care to make it super-easy.
    However, now we have some advantages which this new licensing method gives us. Some of the advantages of having the activation instead of having two separate versions are as following:
    • Users can now upload OE Classic installation file to web sites like www.virustotal.com (a multi-engine antivirus scanning tool) and scan them, additionally reassuring themselves that our executables are indeed virus-free, like they have been for many years now, without worrying they would be violating license agreement terms (because they were sharing the Pro version then to a third party). So sharing the executable file is now possible (though, you still have to keep your license key private, that one must not be shared).
    • Free version users can download new updates and contribute to the antivirus reputation building for new versions in addition to the Pro version users. Previously, beta versions were always slow to build the antivirus reputation due to smaller number of downloads and faster release cycle showing nasty warnings on installation even though the file was completely harmless. In addition to that, we will soon add a code signing certificate to the program which will make it even faster to build reputation after a new version release and cause even fewer issues with antiviruses.
    • Having a Free/Pro was confusing for some users and caused some questions like - "Do I have to setup my folders and accounts again?", or "Will I lose data when I install the Pro?", or "What's the difference between Free and Pro"? Though it won't eliminate all the questions, it will make it simpler as we won't have to clarify that the 2 versions were in fact the same program, except for the limitations in the free one.
    • We can also link some free and optional paid additional services to your license name/key, to augment the program itself, which may be offered later in the future (some are planned already and you will love them!).
    • In addition to all of the above, some users could have accidentally downgraded their Pro versions to a free one. This won't be possible as the free one will be again the same program like the Pro, and the only thing different will be the license key which is saved in the system. Also, the old version had some limitations improperly implemented so if you would downgrade to the free version you might delete the blocked senders list and message rules (which were limitations in the free version). This should not happen with this update as the limitations have been carefully rewritten to ensure no data loss occurs even if the user accidentally downgrades, or even deactivates the program. All the data will be fully preserved in such cases.
    As always, we're ready to help you with any questions regarding the transition to make it easier for the existing users and as for the new users - they will be starting with the new version anyway so things will be clear right from the start.
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2020
  2. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    Thanks @Willy2 for the additional FB info!
    There is a little typo there (can happen to all of us ;) ).
    You mean the upcoming version is 3.2. We are currently in the 3.1 branch and that quote clearly says it also: The next version will be 3.2.
     
  3. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    - Yes, you're right. But the users of the Free version are still on v3.0 and PRO users are still using the "v3.1 Beta" version. So, it would make sense to make the next OEC (Free) version "v3.1".
    - But I don't intend to lose sleep over this. We'll have to wait and see what the next version will be.
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2020
  4. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    If nobody else is doing it, then I will post it:
    There was a new update on 19 Nov 2020 : OE Classic Pro beta 3.1 (19-11-2020)

    And of course once again no mention about what has been changed in their own changelog, the ReadMe file.

    And of course they are still using outdated third-party libraries.

    That's the situation, ladies and gentlemen. Whether you like it or not.
     
  5. Buddel

    Buddel Registered Member

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    Maybe your points are valid, but most ladies and gentlemen probably couldn't care less. Usability and new features are all that really matter to them. Don't get me wrong. This statement does not necessarily reflect my own opinion, but that's the way it is.
     
  6. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    I Always compare the files of a new build with the files of the previous build. One thing that changed were the language files. Makes sense because there will be a new FREE version soon.
     
  7. Buddel

    Buddel Registered Member

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    Yep, the language files have been updated, and this is probably more important to OE Classic users than up-to-date third-party libraries.
     
  8. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    Right now, I think the developers are still waiting for the french & croatian translation. Then all translations are up to date. I assume that then a new build will be released.
     
  9. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    - New version of OEC PRO released. More "nickel and dime" stuff. No sign of making OEC the default email client.

    [2020-11-25] Program and installer are digitally signed.
     
  10. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    Outlook Express Classic version v3.1 released. This build includes both the FREE and PRO versions program code. To unlock the PRO features in the program code the user needs to have a (paid for) license key.

    Source: https://www.oeclassic.com/news

    OEC''s Facebook page still needs to be updated.
     
  11. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    - Outlook Express Classic PRO v3.2 (Beta) released. (@FanJ: No, NOT a typo).
     
  12. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    - The december 12, 2020 update for OEC PRO still contained a bug in a feature that was introduced in this version. The new feature simply didn't work. But this bug now has been fixed. The new updated version is available from the OEC website. The size of the installation file is slightly smaller that the previous version. But there is no indication that a new release was available. It still says "december 12, 2020".
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2020
  13. honey46222

    honey46222 Registered Member

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  14. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    If nobody else is posting updates here anymore then I will do it for now.

    For OE Classic Pro 3.2 beta (6 Feb 2021) :

    [+] = New feature
    [b] = Bug fix

    [+] [2020-12-12] Options/Advanced: Warnings are made optional for permanent message delete, empty "Deleted Items" and empty "Junk Email"
    [+] [2020-12-12] Message rules editing - Double click to edit, right click menu, enter keypress to add a new text value into the list
    [+] [2021-02-06] Options/General: Choose how often the errors will be displayed when checking for messages automatically (Always/After n errors/Never)
    [+] [2021-02-06] Main window status bar can be clicked to open Send/Receive window (if not shown) to monitor details of the ongoing Send/Receive operation
    [b] [2021-01-28] IMAP fixes for unrecognized message lists
     
  15. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    11 Feb 2021

    [+] [2021-02-09] Safety Options (Safe/Blocked senders): Load/Save/Copy/Paste/Select All buttons and popup menu for lists, enter keypress to add a new text value into the list
    [b] [2021-02-11] Safety Options window no longer deletes blocked senders if OK is clicked without list modification
     
  16. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    15 Feb 2021

    [b] [2021-02-12] Standard folders (Inbox/Sent/Deleted...) were not localized in the Copy/Move window
    [b] [2021-02-15] Save as Stationery used incorrect filename
     
  17. jaapoe

    jaapoe Registered Member

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    Still no default email client, it's more than a year now since it is on the prioritylist.
    Don't think it will ever happen, I have lost faith.
    Not good for a payed version.
     
  18. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    OE Classic Pro 3.2 beta (28 Feb 2021) :

    [+] = New feature
    [b] = Bug fix

    [b] [2021-02-28] IMAP fixes for unrecognized message lists (2 fixes)
    [b] [2021-02-28] Right click in the Message Editor did not activate Paste button
     
  19. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    Based on what I have read on their Facebook page, I draw the conclusion that the developers are working on making OEC the default email client. Will it happen ? We have to wait and see.
     
  20. honey46222

    honey46222 Registered Member

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    This has been on the to-do list for about 3 years, I think. The developer has said it should come in the one of the 3.2 updates. I think he might have said hopefully by the end of March. But we shall see....
     
  21. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    - The developers have dedicated too time implementing other minor improvements. And I also know that IMAP has caused A LOT OF headaches because not all emailservers did (fully) comply with the standard IMAP protocol.
     
  22. FanJ

    FanJ Updates Team

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    OE Classic Pro 3.2 beta (09 Mar 2021) :

    [+] = New feature
    [b] = Bug fix

    [+] [2021-03-08] Improved "mailto:" URI scheme parser supporting UTF-8 characters and the fields To/Cc/Bcc/Subject/Body/In-Reply-To

    [+] [2021-03-09] Percent-encoded URLs are decoded to show international characters in the status bar when hovering over links using the mouse pointer
     
  23. Willy2

    Willy2 Registered Member

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    @jaapoe :
    I agree. This is my personal top 10 list of things that should be done/implemented in the next version of OEC:

    #1 Being able to make OEC the default email client.

    For the numbers 2 through 10 I am not sure what the next priorities should be. Improving & fixing bugs in the IMAP program code are certainly among them.

    And there are A LOT OF smaller things that need to be fixed/addressed but these bugs are not - what I would call - "fatal bugs" and therefore it's not clear how soon these bugs will be fixed.
     
  24. Buddel

    Buddel Registered Member

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    Here we go:
    OE Classic 3.2 (Latest Pro version update)
    New feature: [2021-03-14] Set as default program for "mailto:" links and "Email Link" option in some web browsers
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2021
  25. honey46222

    honey46222 Registered Member

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    I don't think that's it. I have the PRO. OE Classic still doesn't show up in file associations for mailto protocol and trying to set it with Open With throws an error. Making it the default is still in the developer's to-do list.
     
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