On the "Commands" page it will list connected devices at the bottom and also how they are connected.Nothing but blank windows
That means you are not connected.
and btw how am I supposed to have all this prior info above unless im a java nerd?
There is nothing Java related in my last post and very little in my other posts.
The difference between Java and many other programs is that you have to install Java and you may start programs slightly different, in usage there is no difference (Except same Java program works on Windows, Linux and Mac).
IMHO you need to do a lot more front-of house guidance and judging by 124 pages of comments on this board - that says it all
In the 124 pages there is very little about starting TC up and connecting, it is mostly about new devices, a few bugs and feature requests.
If you use the automatic setup it cannot really be easier.
My IO connection monitor says all ok My router has an IP address for the DMM
The automatic ought to work then.
There is one exception to that: The ID return when scanning for LXI is not necessary the same as the *IDN? id, TestController try to match them, but if they are too different it will fail and manual configuration must be used.
It is possible to do a LXI scan by typing #discover? on the TC command line, this will list the IP address, device and if it is supported (For automatic configuration).
What else have I not been told - You app is pretty unforgiving just like Windows Command line prompt stuff
The only unforgiving this is that you generally need to know the address of the device (i.e. IP address or serial port) and the device name, but you do not even need to know that when using the initial auto setup for LXI devices.
I have the Keysight version of the meter and have never had any problems connecting to it or using it.