Q64: Where did FlexFAX/HylaFAX come from (and other comments)?


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Q.
Where did FlexFAX/HylaFAX come from (and other comments)?

A.
From time to time it's worthwhile to remind folks of some things about the software that I give out and my involvement. I work full time for Silicon Graphics doing work (that's supposed to be) totally unrelated to fax software. HylaFAX (aka FlexFAX) is a project that I've been working on, and giving away, for more than 5 years. I use only SGI equipment. I do my best to make sure the software functions on non-SGI platforms solely because I believe that everyone (especially SGI users) benefits from the widest possible distribution and use of the software. In particular, I believe that the more users there are, the more cross-platform bugs that will be found, the more modems that will be supported, the more enhancements that will be contributed. That said, people should understand that I make an effort only to insure that the software functions correctly on SGI machines (and in particular, *my* SGI machines) and that it does what I need. I am sympathetic to folks with non-SGI environments and/or with needs that differ from my own. However, if you want something fixed or want something enhanced, then you should send me a complete patch so that I can easily understand the change and integrate it. Otherwise the problem/enhancement is likely to be ignored. Please note also, that if you send me something that I don't feel belongs in the basic software then I'll likely stick it in the contrib area on sgi.com.

In general I spend lots more time on HylaFAX than I should. I cannot promise that I will provide timely answers to questions or new distributions; though people that know me recognize that I try my best to keep people happy.

BTW, be sure to check out the acknowledgements section. You will see that many people have contributed to this software besides myself; many more than are listed there. I really do appreciate contributions, comments, critiques, etc. despite the brusk and/or curmudgeonly attitude that often comes across in my notes :-).


Sam Leffler / sam@engr.sgi.com.