startek EPC on mac?? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mobetta · #16 04-25-2008, 10:51 PM

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your inquiry. We regret that you are experiencing
technical
difficulties with our web site http://epc.startekinfo.com

We regret that the current version of EPCnet Online is incompatible
with
the Mac OS. We are unable to effect any change to this situation at
this
time. The only Operating System currently supported is Microsoft
Windows.

Some users have reported success logging in using a windows emulator on
the
Mac, but we have no experience with that.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

Don Rotolo
EPCnet Online Team

so there...........................

cphilip · #17 04-25-2008, 11:00 PM

you could try loading and running Parallels desk top. Having good luck running Microsoft applications with it. The only disadvantage is have to load Windows XP but you do not have to boot up into windows and you can just open it as a window while still in OSX. Sometimes a tiny bit squirrely shutting down Parallels window... but runs the programs themselves pretty well and stays stable doing it.

bustedbenz · #18 04-25-2008, 11:04 PM

I, for one, am not paying for a copy of Windows just to get an EPC.... or for that matter, for the privilege of running it on my Mac for any purpose. I've got VMWare which is similar to Parallels, but I only use it for Linux and other experiments. If I wanted Windows, Id've bought a windows-driven PC. I'll live without the EPC or just use the family computer or a lab computer.

mobetta · #19 04-25-2008, 11:16 PM

I dont reckon I'm running anything parallel on this ol' eMac. 700mhz, 512ram. maybe when I get the new garage built this summer, I will scrounge an ol' PC to run out there. make it a web and music special. It would be nice to not worry about greasy keyboards.....

iwrock · #20 04-25-2008, 11:26 PM

Doesnt work on my Macbook.

cphilip · #21 04-26-2008, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bustedbenz

I, for one, am not paying for a copy of Windows just to get an EPC.... or for that matter, for the privilege of running it on my Mac for any purpose. I've got VMWare which is similar to Parallels, but I only use it for Linux and other experiments. If I wanted Windows, Id've bought a windows-driven PC. I'll live without the EPC or just use the family computer or a lab computer.

Ah well... I wouldn't buy a copy either... but I get them free as we have a full license so I can get it for nothing.

Does work well though. I use it to go through a VPM tp operate a security system from home that will not operate on Mac. Gets the job done.

iwrock · #22 04-26-2008, 12:04 AM

I got an idea.... Let me try it out, and i will let you know.

Bill Ladd · #23 04-26-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesst

Whoever invented Java needs to be shot in the head.

It's only popular because it's easy to program. Other than that it's a slow, unreliable, and generally crappy language.

Amen to that. Java's a friggen' memory pig.

TropicalBenz · #24 08-06-2008, 03:52 PM

Same problems with my mac. Worked fine for the first few times, but now I'm getting the same errors as you guys are. People seem to be "programed" to go PC only - like they won't even consider another possibility. I've seen people in Best Buy drool over a new iMac, but once they realize it's a mac they turn up their nose and say it won't work for them. Reminds me of those who say they've always wanted a Benz, but they're too expensive (as they pay $300-$400 a month for their new car lease).

Rant now over. Back to work.

BabyBlueBenz · #25 02-26-2009, 10:34 PM

It really bothers me when I encounter the Windows-only mentality of some web sites.

I knew I was taking a chance yesterday in getting EPCnet to run on my PowerMac G5 w/ OS X 10.4.11...and I wasn't too upset when it failed.

But when I found this thread tonight and saw the number of other posters who can't access EPCnet because they want to use a premium-grade computing platform to access information for their premium-grade automobiles...well, now I'm pissed.

Just to make sure I didn't misunderstand the primary feature of Java, I consulted Wikipedia:

Java refers to a number of computer software products and specifications from Sun Microsystems that together provide a system for developing application software and deploying it in a cross-platform environment. Java is used in a wide variety of computing platforms from embedded devices and mobile phones on the low end, to enterprise servers and supercomputers on the high end. Java is nearly ubiquitous in mobile phones, Web servers and enterprise applications, and while less common on desktop computers, Java applets are often used to provide improved functionality while browsing the World Wide Web.

That's what I thought. So I'm going to paste this same text into another EPCnet contact message to let them know that I've got more premium-grade dollars to spend if they'll just make it easier for me to look up part numbers.

If you're a user of a non-Windows operating system, I urge you to voice your unhappiness over EPCnet's inability to support your needs.
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/contactus.jsp

Hell, a quick search for the error that occurs turns up plenty of helpful advice: http://www.google.com/search?q=java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException

BabyBlueBenz · #26 02-26-2009, 10:36 PM

...just moments ago:

Quote:

I must once again protest your web site's inability to support computer platforms other than Windows. Just to make sure I didn't misunderstand the primary feature of Java, I consulted Wikipedia:

"Java refers to a number of computer software products and specifications from Sun Microsystems that together provide a system for developing application software and deploying it in a cross-platform environment."

I'm not a Java expert, but a quick search for the error that occurs on my computer turns up plenty of helpful advice: http://www.google.com/search?q=java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException

Your web site's limitations reflects poorly on the Mercedes Benz brand. I am a vintage car owner prepared to spend money in maintaining my vehicle, and your short-sited web authors are costing you a customer.

Out of curiosity, I've started a poll on operating system usage at OT Poll: What computer platform do you use?

pawoSD · #27 02-26-2009, 10:45 PM

I'll bet you don't find a single MAC at any dealership or service center, so why would they bother supporting it? I wouldn't. Thats extra $$$ and their time to support a very small percentage of users.

Ahh, I love when things don't work for MAC people.

EPC net works great on all our PC's....even on Windows 7beta!

bustedbenz · #28 02-26-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Ahh, I love when things don't work for MAC people.

Enjoy it while you can. This is about the only time you'll ever see it happen on anything that matters.

And anyway, I'll put up with not having the EPC in exchange for being able to get through one hour of computer use without a blue screen of death, an infinite spinning doughnut of death, an annoying half-hour pause while the security software asks me if I really want to run that program that I just intentionally double-clicked on, or having to hit the restart button.

BabyBlueBenz · #29 02-26-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I'll bet you don't find a single MAC at any dealership or service center, so why would they bother supporting it? I wouldn't. Thats extra $$$ and their time to support a very small percentage of users.

You are correct, in the sense that MB provides EPCnet "...solely for use by service personnel properly trained and qualified to perform work on Mercedes-Benz vehicles", but it prefaces that with "this information can be useful for Mercedes-Benz owners and independent repair facilities". The fact that it is presented on the WORLD WIDE WEB for FREE using a CROSS-PLATFORM computing language suggests that I have a reasonable expectation to use this service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Ahh, I love when things don't work for MAC people.

Why would you say that? ...especially as a fan of a non-mainstream automobile brand. The Windows that you know and love derives many of its features from other systems. Remember, Microsoft doesn't innovate...it assimilates and then submarines any technology that threatens their monopoly. For example: Connectix's Virtual PC, before: http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/02/19/HNMiconnectix_1.html, and after http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Apple/Microsoft-No-Virtual-PC-for-Intelbased-Macs/.

With that kind of attitude, I guess you don't want me using my Apple computer on this forum to communicate my experiences in fixing and maintaining the automobiles that we share an interest in.

BabyBlueBenz · #30 02-26-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bustedbenz

...for being able to get through one hour of computer use without a blue screen of death, an infinite spinning doughnut of death, an annoying half-hour pause while the security software asks me if I really want to run that program that I just intentionally double-clicked on, or having to hit the restart button.

Well put. As a former network administrator, I cannot even begin to estimate the number of hours of my life that were spent waiting for MS Windows to reboot because I just altered some minor configuration item. Just one of the many bogus "security through obscurity" design flaws that Microsoft foists on its ignorant user base.