Confusing Windows Users 101...the download page is UNUSABLE. View as Markdown

I've been writing software for Windows in Visual Studio since forever
and also know user-land PHP like the back of my hand and, even after a
few Google searches, I'm still scratching my head over which PHP Windows
binary download I want to use. If I can't figure out which version is
appropriate, neither can the average web developer.

Fixing the Windows binary download page so that it is USABLE by the
average user should be priority #1.

If I want to download PHP, I usually go here:

http://www.php.net/downloads.php

Which in turn, because I want Windows binaries, now takes me here:

http://windows.php.net/download/

Here are the specific issues with the Windows binary download page:

• The "Which version do I choose?" box is confusing, out of date,
  doesn't actually address all the real questions users will have, and
  most users will just give up before getting to that box. Even if they
  do get to the box, the end result will be an even more
  confused/confounded user. The box should, at the very least, explain in
  clear English the difference between the Non-Thread Safe and Thread Safe
  builds. Also, assume that most users won't even know what Visual Studio
  even is. Hold the user's hand here and you'll have less cruft on the
  mailing lists later.

• The ordering of the downloads seems backwards. But until you get the
  "Which version do I choose?" box fixed, I won't be able to determine this.

• The "Select an option to direct access..." dropdown is completely useless.

• The previous page says "Windows binaries and installers". In that
  context, the user mentally asks: "Why is there source code on the next
  page? And why is source code listed first if I'm after binaries?"

And, last, but HARDLY least. Listed last because this item requires
rethinking and redesigning the entire Windows binary download page:

• The two column layout is confusing and not really necessary. If users
  are not going to know what they need (which they won't) and you are
  going to maintain a complex set of binaries (which it appears there will
  be for some time), consider making a "wizard" instead. First step:
  "Choose a version of PHP". This step is pretty self-explanatory but
  affords explaining which version the user should choose and why. Second
  step: "Choose a build type". In this step, explain the differences
  between the builds and then RECOMMEND A BUILD TYPE! Third step:
  "Download". In this step, include the links to the appropriate VC++
  runtimes and Apache in addition to the correct downloads for the
  previously selected version and build type. This approach also affords
  adding a "What do I do next?" section to be on the download page to get
  the user started on the right path if they've never used the PHP
  binaries or PHP before. Maybe also inject a short blurb somewhere on
  the download page discussing ZIP vs. Installer vs. Debug Pack.

--
Thomas Hruska
CubicleSoft President

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