The changes to Archie-M from 2.2.1 to 2.4.1

Over the past years, we have struggled with a range of problems. Some engineering and some software. As we developed Archie-M so the goalposts mived. Some movements (such as our developng understanding) we could set aside for later, but the changes to Windows and the programming environment could not be ignored.

The new version (2.4.1, download from the post below) comes with a manual that was updated nearly a year ago. We are now working on a fresh edition of that and a complete revamp of the web site. In the mean time, here is Zoltan's list of the changes since the last released versin 2.2.1. The intervening ones each fell foul of windows problems.

For those who still use the 2.2.x versions, the main changes are (starting
with v2.3.0):

- control panel in the graphical bridge window to speed up operation and
give visual feedback about current values
- the indroduction of effective lane width and the use of bridge/lane width
in the load files
- Obvis web page access and email sending functionality under the Help menu

From version 2.3.1:

- removal of the load editor (to be replaced with an improved one in the
future)

From version 2.4.1:

- support for Vista
- change of thrust calculation to clip thrusts at span boundaries
- change of software protection scheme (end of HASP HW protection, software
only protection requiring product activation)

I think these are the main changes. I assume everyone will upgrade to 2.4.1
and skip 2.3.x if using and earlier version than that.