Have to jump thru hoops to get the software to come up does this seem correct?
Please describe the problem if you're having issues, and also tell us what kind of Mega 2560 you have (there are many clones available, in addition to the official one; the clones usually use a different serial chip, and hence need different drivers)
Installation of the Arduino Mega2560 should be no more complicated than any other standard Arduino board.
No, it isn't necessary to perform any circus tricks or stunts.
However, providing us with more details would help us to help you.
DrAzzy:
Please describe the problem if you're having issues, and also tell us what kind of Mega 2560 you have (there are many clones available, in addition to the official one; the clones usually use a different serial chip, and hence need different drivers)Installation of the Arduino Mega2560 should be no more complicated than any other standard Arduino board.
When i launch arduino 1.6.7 windows zip, then arduino .exe ,select extract all then extract compressed folder, then
run software, errror is your copy of ide is installed in a subfolder on sketch book, Please move the ide to another folder. sorry I am a first timer need help
You have extracted the IDE and placed it inside your sketchbook folder (your user folder)/Documents/Arduino, or some other location that confuses the IDE.
It needs to be located somewhere else. When doing installs from the .zip, I make an Arduino folder in the root of C: and put it there.
Is there a reason that you're using the .zip install instead of the installer? The .zip install is an advanced installation option for people who can't use the installer (due to permissions issues, usually) or who need to have multiple versions installed for testing and/or development.
Most users, especially those new to Arduino, are better off using the installer, which automatically installs to a location that is expected to work, and also does the driver installation for you (which would have to be done manually from the .zip install)