Messages

51

General Software Discussion / Re: What makes an application "useful"?

« on: June 02, 2009, 01:37 AM »

app's requirements are right on the money, imo. I actually use a significant amount of shareware that I couldn't personally live without; I also install certain freeware apps on every box that gets into my hands. (A few of my friends are Luddites. I bury the program links in a separate folder.) 

DirectoryOpus gave me fits, too, in the beginning, but now I use it every day, it seems.

BTW, thanks for the mention of Filebox Extender. Looks very interesting.

2 penny Ron

52

Living Room / Re: Tell me what your software DOESN'T do... (a rant)

« on: June 02, 2009, 01:22 AM »

I think it will never happen. No one will ever point out all weaknesses of his software

which is why it's a good idea of a feature to look for on review sites.

-mouser (May 11, 2009, 08:09 PM)

Good point, Mouser. Most of my computer time is spent with graphic and audio software. Whenever I hear of something new, I look through the website for features, check the forums carefully (if there is one), and do a search for reviews and discussions. Newsgroups, from Corel and Adobe for example, have been valuable sources of information.

In certain respects, I'm like most users; I rarely explore all the capabilities of many of the programs I rely on. For the most part, that's because what I do use fits my needs so precisely, there's little reason to delve into them farther. <vbg>

2 penny Ron

53

General Software Discussion / Re: Would you recommend friends to use XP or Vista?

« on: June 02, 2009, 01:06 AM »

Sorry MrCrispy but no one should be using Win7 yet on anything but a testbed machine - it is time limited and you won't be able to upgrade to the final version when it is released (or downgrade to anything else). Only time will tell if it lives up to the current impressions in the final release and we have yet to see if they have really improved software compatibility (given that for most people XP mode won't work) and better hardware compatibility than Vista.

<snip>

Having now spent time with it I don't mind the new Windows Explorer - in fact it has many benefits over XP's. I also like the way common user folders have been broken up to make data storage both more easily organised and separable from the OS partition - not that many systems come installed that way or any helpful clues are provided within Vista for the average user.

-Carol Haynes (May 11, 2009, 04:15 AM)

NewsAndHistory...

I'm running XP Pro SP 2/3 on all my machines. When what was eventually released as Vista was first proposed by Redmond, it was an entirely new OS in enough ways to be a breakthrough. Vista as released was nothing like that, only slightly more secure, prettier to look at, and intensely demanding on hardware. Now, I'm glad I never switched over. Windows XP is getting long in the tooth, but it works and will do until Windows 7 is released and enough time has passed for the inevitable problems to settle out before I change.

So I would recommend you run XP unless you have a very new computer with at least 3-4 gigs of RAM. When Windows 7 appears as a stable release, that's the next step. If you want to try Linux, Ubuntu 9.04 is a good bet for a user-friendly experience. Whatever you decide, I encourage you to:

A - "Download" from a reliable (read legitimate) source and verify your download is not corrupted.
B - Burn an .iso disk in case a re-install is needed.

BTW, Bill Gates also said no one would ever want anything more than Windows 3.11, IIRC.

hth
2 penny Ron

54

General Software Discussion / Re: Local backup like "Carbonite"

« on: May 29, 2009, 03:29 AM »

OK, guys...

I've been using Genie Backup for a few years and haven't any complaints with it, but it looks like it's time to check out SFFS. Thanks for the mention.

Aloha

55

General Software Discussion / Re: "Fatal Error" when trying to register Evernote 2.2

« on: May 29, 2009, 12:26 AM »

Yeah, I don't care for the new web-based version either. Got the same php error tonight when I tried to download 2.2 from 3rd party sites. EN's home page says 2.2 is no longer supported. They're really pushing to get users to purchase the s/w. The free version allows 40 MB monthly upload allowance; sharewear gets you 500 MB for $5/mo. Free version also limits types of files.

hth
Ron

56

Screenshot Captor / Re: LATEST VERSION INFO THREAD - ScreenshotCaptor - 2.55.01 - May 18, 2009

« on: May 17, 2009, 10:16 PM »

Thanks!

I've been trying it a little, but I'm trying to make dinner at the same time! The size of the chm file explains a lot.

2 penny Ron

57

Screenshot Captor / Re: LATEST VERSION INFO THREAD - ScreenshotCaptor - 2.55.01 - May 18, 2009

« on: May 17, 2009, 04:27 PM »

Mouser,
The current version was reported on alt.comp.freeware this morning. The OP was mildly surprised at the size of the download (~9MB) for a "screenshot program". I'd like to offer an explanation, but I haven't used the program. (I don't generally use/want screenshots) I'm planning to check it out so I can clarify in a follow-up post to the newsgroup. Is there anything I should pay attention to?

2 penny Ron

58

General Software Discussion / Re: Uninstaller Roundup - Revo - Total - ZSoft & the less magnificent seven

« on: April 21, 2009, 01:56 AM »

Steven,

Thanks for such a fine article. I used to use the LFV of Total Uninstall, but switched to Revo over a year ago, if memory serves. I always had the same concerns about "snapshots" as you expressed in this statement:

"Then the bigger problem is when there is a time gap, and you have all sorts of new software installs using .Net or Visual C++ libraries with multiple dependencies.  Then you un-snapshot -- sounds to me like an oops waiting to happen.  Personally, I want any backwards modifications to those to be an official and/or dedicated uninstaller or an image reinstall, not a side-snapshot."

My concern was never about Java or .NET, but the difficulty removing a program after a significant interval from first installing it. I don't bother with virtual environments unless it's a massive program. I do check out a lot of software, but my habit is to install-evaluate-uninstall, then figure out what I want to integrate into my machines for the long term. Revo works to my satisfaction, and beats the pants of Windows Add/Remove. I still remember when, many years ago, I tried to uninstall Real Player (shudder!) with A/R, and spent what seemed like hours digging the leftover registry entries out manually.

59

Official Announcements / Re: April 2009 Discounts Posted

« on: April 21, 2009, 01:33 AM »

This Month's Special Discounts and Giveaways:

• Macro Express Pro (50% discount)

Discount codes are located in the member's only section of our forum: here

We might have some more coming up as well.

-mouser (March 29, 2009, 03:16 AM)

Say, is there some easy way to sift through and clean up the Shareware Discount Codes section? Most of the listings seem to have expired, the most recent at the end of March! It's nice to reminisce, but the oldest discounts were listed three years ago.
 

2 penny Ron

60

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Shape Collage - Free Automatic Photo Collage Maker

« on: March 29, 2009, 01:57 PM »

Just letting you know I've had a lot of fun with Shape. I can save to .psd as well as .jpg without problems, and open either with Photoshop. Got to watch the # of images in a folder, though. I got a little crazy and tried a folder with 2000+ files! Took quite a while. 

61

General Software Discussion / Re: Freeware Image Organizer (Especially Tags/Keywords)?

« on: March 29, 2009, 01:39 PM »

I think Photofiltre will work for you http://photofiltre.free.fr/frames_en.htm and Paint.Net is worth a look. http://www.getpaint.net/

I use Ifanview for a quick editor/viewer, and Photofiltre Studio ($ware) and PS for most of my work.

hth
2 penny Ron

-OldElmerFudd (March 29, 2009, 01:33 PM)

It occures to me there's another freeware you might be looking for; Amok Exif Sorter http://www.amok.am/e...re/amok_exif_sorter/

hth

62

General Software Discussion / Re: Freeware Image Organizer (Especially Tags/Keywords)?

« on: March 29, 2009, 01:33 PM »

I think Photofiltre will work for you http://photofiltre.free.fr/frames_en.htm and Paint.Net is worth a look. http://www.getpaint.net/

I use Ifanview for a quick editor/viewer, and Photofiltre Studio ($ware) and PS for most of my work.

hth
2 penny Ron

63

Living Room / Re: What's your favorite food snack?

« on: March 29, 2009, 12:55 PM »

f0dder - ooogh!!

Currently, it's Scottish shortbread bars, pita chips and lebneh, and Greek yogurt with blue agave syrup.
 

64

Site/Forum Features / Re: March 2009 Survey Discussion

« on: March 29, 2009, 12:49 PM »

Just finished. I didn't have much to say, but I thought I didn't say it eloquently. 

65

General Software Discussion / Re: Recommend Vista CD Burner

« on: March 29, 2009, 11:55 AM »

Seconded on the suggestion for Imgburn http://www.imgburn.com/ for data and .iso if you're looking for freeware. Burning Studio 6 is free, and like Imgburn, works on Vista. (Thanks to Carol Haynes and mwb1100 for the link) As mentioned, it's a better choice for music. Burning Studio 8 is the current version, and it does all of that very well, imho. There's a 30-day trial of the full version. It's cheaper than Nero and is free of the bloat of the later versions of Nero.
If you want to save $20US, check out Burning Studio 7 which is still available, although not featured on the home page.

Studio 8
http://www2.ashampoo...uct_2_1810___USD.htm

Studio 7
(Hit the "next" arrow at the bottom of the Studio 8 page.) Trial of this version is allowed. Both will need registration for free trial keys.

hth
2 penny Ron

66

Find And Run Robot / Re: Google launches possible FARR competitor for windows

« on: March 09, 2009, 01:44 AM »

Woo, "QuickSilver" for Windows, might give it a spin. Shame that it requires the Google Toolbar, that's a big con in my book.

-Lashiec (February 25, 2009, 08:49 AM)

It doesn't look like "Quicksilver" for Windows aka Skylight http://www.candylabs.com/skylight/ has had any updates since March '08. It's currently still in beta and requires .NET 3.5.

fyi

67

General Software Discussion / Re: Lower The Lights? Easier To Read Websites?

« on: March 09, 2009, 01:28 AM »

Maybe this might be of interest. It just showed up on Download Squad.

http://www.downloads...-to-the-time-of-day/

F.lux adapts your display to the time of day

by Jay Hathaway Feb 21st 2009


Let's face it: some of us don't get outside as much as we should. When you're working or playing in front of your computer all day, you don't always notice little things like a sunset. An ingenious little app called F.lux lets your monitor adjust to ambient lighting conditions around you, even when you're glued to the keyboard. It adjusts your display settings based on location and your current lighting setup, complementing the lighting inside your room or cube.

As time passes, F.lux checks the status of the sun in your zip code or latitude, and adjusts your display's color temperature accordingly. As a writer, I love the extra bit of environmental awareness it offers. As a designer, I would probably be utterly annoyed by shifting display settings. Good thing there's a handy "turn off for one hour" feature you can use to switch back to your regular whitepoint while you're working with color.

-40hz (February 21, 2009, 12:43 PM)

Okay, F.lux is an odd one. I didn't set the time or latitude, but the software knew where I was. Since it's midnight, the program defaulted to 3400K halogen light and turned my screen the color of orange sorbet!? Exiting restored the screen nicely, but I haven't figured out why the color was so distorted. I'll wait until daylight and try it again, but I have a feeling the results won't encourage me to hang onto it.

 

-OldElmerFudd (March 06, 2009, 02:14 AM)

Follow up: F.lux allowed normal screen brightness at noon yesterday, but as soon as sunset came, it went to that same weird orange. Turned it off and introduced the software to my buddy, Revo Uninstaller, http://www.revouninstaller.com/  Sayonara, F.lux!

hth

68

Living Room / Re: Another Silly Meme: Put your music player on shuffle!

« on: March 06, 2009, 01:49 PM »

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
It's Been A While - Stained
Yeah, since I made it home last night.

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Small Blue Thing - Suzanne Vega
!!!!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Landslide - Stevie Nicks
Avalanche personalities are fun.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Let Me Show You The World In My Eyes - Depeche Mode
Hmm, I am a photographer.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Blue Harmony - Zero Cult
Speaks for itself.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Fly Like A Bird - Boz Scaggs
I walk during hunting season.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Arsonist - Persephone's Bees
Not true; haven't set fires since I was a teenager, not counting camping!

WHAT IS 2+2?
Lovers In A Dangerous Time - Barenaked Ladies
You seen L.A. freeways?

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Upside Down - Simian Mobile Disco
She drives me crazy in a good way.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Still the best.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Jonah and the Whale - Lord Buckley
Hehe - I hope some of you know who this is.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Laura - Sissor Sister
I Never cross-dressed, honest!

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Hanging by a Moment - Lifehouse
More like in the moment

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
It's Nice Work If You Can Get It - Dinah Shore
It is...I did!

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Small Blue Thing - Suzanne Vega
Uh okay

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Better Days - Amos Lee
Got to admit...

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Walk away - Joe Walsh
But they liked me, they really liked me!

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Teardrop - Massive Attack
We danced later.

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Anything You Want, You Got It - Roy Orbison
Only applies to the original mermaid and bite-sized trouble.

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Sweet Potato - Sia
???

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
To Go Beyond - Enya
???

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
All I Have To Do Is Dream - Everly Brothers
Not bad, actually

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Dancing Shoes - Arctic Monkeys
Now THAT'S funny!

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Precious - Depeche Mode
Too true...

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
The Killing Moon - Echo and The Bunnymen
Oh, woe, woe, woe...

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
My bad.

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
The Drugs Don't Work - Radiohead
But they do, they really do!

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Where Is My Mind - The Pixies
Scared me senseless.

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Dreamer - Supertramp
???

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
I Know You By Heart - Eva Cassidy
Guess a couple of people do.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Where I Stood - Missy Higgins
Now that's spooky.

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Cesse la Pluie - Anggun
Yeah, that's the spot.

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Dinner On The Ground - Mose Allison
Proving again I have waaay too much time on my hands. <vbg>

69

General Software Discussion / Re: What's your mouse of choice?

« on: March 06, 2009, 10:33 AM »

how come there aren't more mice with small trackball wheels where the mousewheel normally is? doesn't this seem like a logical thing to build?

-mouser (March 06, 2009, 12:26 AM)

Agreed. My best friend has a Logitech trackball mouse because she get cramps from arthritis. I struggle with the size of the ball in addition to never using any other one. Closest I can come to the feel is a touch pad. I don't use that either (I use some kind of MS wireless laser notebook mouse), if I can help it.

70

General Software Discussion / Re: Lower The Lights? Easier To Read Websites?

« on: March 06, 2009, 02:14 AM »

Maybe this might be of interest. It just showed up on Download Squad.

http://www.downloads...-to-the-time-of-day/

F.lux adapts your display to the time of day

by Jay Hathaway Feb 21st 2009


Let's face it: some of us don't get outside as much as we should. When you're working or playing in front of your computer all day, you don't always notice little things like a sunset. An ingenious little app called F.lux lets your monitor adjust to ambient lighting conditions around you, even when you're glued to the keyboard. It adjusts your display settings based on location and your current lighting setup, complementing the lighting inside your room or cube.

As time passes, F.lux checks the status of the sun in your zip code or latitude, and adjusts your display's color temperature accordingly. As a writer, I love the extra bit of environmental awareness it offers. As a designer, I would probably be utterly annoyed by shifting display settings. Good thing there's a handy "turn off for one hour" feature you can use to switch back to your regular whitepoint while you're working with color.

-40hz (February 21, 2009, 12:43 PM)

Okay, F.lux is an odd one. I didn't set the time or latitude, but the software knew where I was. Since it's midnight, the program defaulted to 3400K halogen light and turned my screen the color of orange sorbet!? Exiting restored the screen nicely, but I haven't figured out why the color was so distorted. I'll wait until daylight and try it again, but I have a feeling the results won't encourage me to hang onto it.

 

71

Living Room / Re: makeuseof.com: The 10 Best Websites to Swap Books, CDs, DVDs and Games

« on: March 06, 2009, 01:51 AM »

I've used Book Mooch and Swaptree for a few book titles. My library is mostly geology, photography, and software books. Not a lot of takers on the geology items! Still, the sites work well enough. There are a few music titles I've never been able to locate on the Web. There may be a chance to get them here. Thanks for reminding me.
 
 

72

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Shape Collage - Free Automatic Photo Collage Maker

« on: March 06, 2009, 01:30 AM »

Shape Collage got mentioned in the ACF newsgroup a couple of days ago. I downloaded but hadn't gotten around to installing until now. What a lot of fun! Made three simple collages  in less than five minutes and saved one of them as a PSD. (79 images) Opened up easily in Photoshop. Haven't had time to muck around with it too much tonight, but I can tell it's gonna cost me some screen-sucking time tomorrow. Nice job!
  

73

Living Room / Re: Web Talk: Neat Technology Blog

« on: March 05, 2009, 09:49 PM »

Thanks, mouser!

Kinda reminds me of Lifehacker, but small and quick. I'll give it some time and see.

74

Living Room / Re: Why I Avoid Apple Products

« on: March 05, 2009, 09:34 PM »

While the very first computer I built in '75 used the same processor (6502) as the original '76 Apple-1, we sort of forked in direction after that. Still, I've watched Apple's progress a something of a horrified onlooker for years now. The OS had advantages when I started doing graphic work, but i found i was never comfortable with it. Each new development is interesting, though. This appeared in Windows Secrets a couple of days ago.
http://windowssecret...%26feature%3Dchannel

 

75

Living Room / Re: Watch PBS hour-long Inside the Meltdown on US economic crash

« on: March 05, 2009, 09:23 PM »

This situation is going to be with us for years. The fixes are still largely a mystery to every agency/government searching for solutions, so expect a lot of mistakes along with successes. I'm fortunate; my house is paid for and still worth a lot more than I paid for it 32 years ago. And, I never took out a loan against it. Work may be slow, but I can live on what I make. I feel very sad for those who have a lot of debt; this is not going to be an easy time for them.

Too many people just looked the other way while this all happened. Now that it's crashing  down around our ears, I hope we have the patience and wisdom to see and learn.