- This is the first version of LottaNZB which is based on the Kiwi framework
(http://www.async.com.br/projects/kiwi/). Kiwi simplifies the development of
graphical applications by providing an extensive set of high-level tools,
which now replace our self-baked ones. Kiwi enabled us to significantly
reduce the amount of code required to do certain things and paves the way for
a faster implementation of new features, since we can concentrate on the
things that matter.
- Beside the graphical parts of the application, also the other parts have
undergone a major rewrite. This did not only improve the reliability and
maintainability of the code but also fixed a bunch of bugs.
- The categorization feature has been improved notably. Users that don't want
to categorize their downloads are allowed to disable the feature completely
in the preferences dialog. The others are rewarded with the possibility of
creating a custom set of categories and - even more exciting - with a
function that automatically moves a completed download to a directory named
like its category.
- The algorithm collecting HellaNZB's log messages has become way more
intelligent (LP: #245670).
- Thanks to this, we laid the groundwork for a mechanism that analyzes all
incoming HellaNZB log messages and extracts the interesting information.
HellaNZB's current interface for external application doesn't provide us with
much information. In future version of LottaNZB, you can expect more
information to be displayed about the state of your downloads and LottaNZB
will also know more about potential problems.
- The way how LottaNZB manages its configuration has completely changed.
Instead of an XML file an INI-style configuration file format is used.
Internally, LottaNZB uses a decentralized configuration system with support
for nested configuration sections, which makes LottaNZB more modular and
extensible. There are plans for a plug-in system which will make use of it.
Any existing, old-fashioned XML configuration file is automatically converted
to the new format.
- Scrolling should now be possible in both the download list and the message
log window and the lists won't flicker anymore when updated.
- Reordering the download queue using drag & drop has been made more
predictable and hence sleeker to use. Dropping a download won't unselect it
anymore.
- LottaNZB won't crash anymore if the Usenet server configuration contains an
optional property such as 'fillserver', 'enabled', 'skipGroupCmd' and
'bindTo'. (LP: #251798, #280302)
- Support for non-ASCII characters in HellaNZB configuration files, which makes
it possible to choose a download directory with a name like "Vidéos".
(LP: #305248)
- It's possible to enable or disable the automatic extraction of completed
downloads.
- Users are informed when something goes wrong downloading an NZB file from
Newzbin.
- LottaNZB 0.4 speaks several new languages. Thanks to the work of numerous
people, translations to Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian Bokmal, Polish
and Portuguese have been added.
- Upgrading to a new LottaNZB version has become much easier for those who use
the source package. The 'install' command will look for existing
installations and prevent annoying version conflicts.
- This list is far from complete. There are numerous other minor and major
improvements not mentioned here. Give LottaNZB 0.4 a try and see yourself!
