The Last Bug :-)

Well, it took some digging, but I finally got the fingerspeller flashcards to run properly on any speed internet line.

For the technically inclined, the FSFC now uses a Just in Time loading algorithm to load the letter images. It now checks that the image has been downloaded before attempting to display it. If it's not there, it waits until the image is loaded. So you don't have to wait for it to download the entire gallery, but the first time though the alphabet it may be a bit jittery.

If you're using a dialup line or broadband with less than 150kpbs and the effect is bothersome, you may want to set the speed to deaf, then click on 'A-Z' just after you start the program. Have a cup of coffee while it downloads the entire alphabet ;-). Then it should work just fine for you, whatever your internet connection.

Performance, Performance

I've been working on the initial load times and the Fingerspell Flashcard program should now start executing after about 4 seconds on a 128 Kpbs ISDN line (compared to 15 seconds or more before).

If you are having problems with some letters not displaying correctly, especially animated letters like J or Z, try:

1. Reload the page,
2. Set the speed to 'Beginner'
3. Display 'A-Z'.
   

This will load all the images. You made need to repeat this once or twice until all the images are properly loaded. I'm working on this.

The Flashcards should now work with a 128kpbs (with a bit of patience) line and work well on a 256K or better broadband line.

I am working on this problem and should have a better fix soon.

Performance Improvements

Based on some feedback I have been getting from my classmates, I have made some performance improvements.

The javascript is now downloaded as one file instead of 4 and is compressed. So the download is reduced from over 200Kb to just 60Kb.

Pictures are loaded on demand, rather than all at once at the beginning. So no bandwidth is wasted loading pictures you are not going to look at right away.

I plan to increase the compression on the pictures this weekend, which should help even more.

I would recommend using the Flashcards on an Internet Connect of at least 256Kb (DSL, Cable, other Broadband). I'm trying to get to the point where it works well on 128Kb ISDN. Stay tuned...