Messages

76

Living Room / Re: "Net Nanny" or other inappropriate content blocking programs

« on: June 06, 2012, 04:50 AM »

I use OpenDNS.  Set your router to use it instead of your ISP's DNS, password protect the router setup, and you are good to go.  You can create a free account and choose what categories to filter, and even do a bit of customizing the block page.  You could also just set her computer to use OpenDNS, however it is much easier and more secure at the router level.

If you need help, let me know and I can walk you through it. In the screenshot below, that is me, and my technologically savvy daughter on the OpenDNS block page.

77

DC Gamer Club / Re: Torchlight 2

« on: May 16, 2012, 04:51 AM »

I preordered a four pack as well, one for me and one for each of my kids. Diablo III looks a whole lot like it.

78

DC Gamer Club / Re: F.E.A.R. 3 (PC Download) $4.99 until 11:59PM PST on May 10

« on: May 09, 2012, 04:58 AM »

It won't accept my Paypal card, and I need to use some downloader application to get it.  Not worth the bother. Good deal though.

79

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free PC Games Database

« on: May 07, 2012, 05:02 AM »

Links?

80

Living Room / Re: SuperMoon Pictures - Post Them Here :)

« on: May 07, 2012, 04:58 AM »

From our backyard.  I actually sprung my wife from the nursing home for this 'Supermoon'.

81

Screenshot Captor / Re: Screenshot Captor DirectX Capture Addon - EARLY BUGGY BETA

« on: February 20, 2012, 10:30 AM »

82

Screenshot Captor / Re: Screenshot Captor DirectX Capture Addon - EARLY BUGGY BETA

« on: February 20, 2012, 10:27 AM »

I am able to get captures of "The Ball" and "Counterstrike:Source" but not Crysis2 or Skyrim. Rapid shots crashed Counterstirke. I pressed the key about 2 time a second.

83

UrlSnooper / Re: URL Snooper and Windows 7 = still broke?

« on: February 02, 2012, 05:04 AM »

It runs fine for me, although, the ways of hiding the video URL are getting smarter, and harder to find even using snooper. Windows 7 Ultimate.

84

DC Gamer Club / Re: Humble Android Bundle

« on: February 01, 2012, 04:40 AM »

My wife says last night:  "First you get an Android phone and start buying 99 cent stuff from the Market, now you are buying these bundles.  The Internet is nickel/dime-ing us to death" (I bought this)

EDIT: Congratulations to Deozaan for its five-thousandth post

-Lashiec (January 31, 2012, 01:18 PM)

It's?  He/She/It/They? 

85

DC Gamer Club / Re: The Serious Sam Pack - Indie Royale

« on: January 25, 2012, 04:31 AM »

I bought this on my cell phone yesterday.  

I just don't like using the Desura downloader.  I wish they were all Steam links.

86

Living Room / Re: Dreamhost Hacked - Password changes mandated

« on: January 21, 2012, 08:40 AM »

Well that was fun.  I forgot how many domains/users/passwords I had over there....

87

DC Gamer Club / Re: Humble Indie Bundle 4 is now live

« on: December 14, 2011, 04:58 AM »

I bought this one as soon as I got their notification email.  My kids love these...

88

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: New Humble Bundle: Introversion

« on: November 23, 2011, 04:51 AM »

Bought it as soon as I got the email!  My kids love these. 

Wait...there is an end of the year Steam sale? 

89

Adventures of Baby Cody / Re: United States of America visit 2

« on: November 22, 2011, 04:40 AM »

I have been waiting since day 1.  Cody has emailed me and let me know it is time for him to visit N.W. PA and get some Amish cooking. My turn....

90

General Software Discussion / Re: Complaint: Freemake

« on: November 20, 2011, 08:27 AM »

That's just it though...the software is not being offered for 'free', the author is attempting to generate revenue with adware installs. So while it is free to use, it is not free, it generates revenue porided by the user.

Yes, authors of software should be compensated. If this company who has stolen FFmpeg without credit, has installed a background service without notifying the user and cannot explain why it transmits data 24/7, if tutelage need compensation then ask for donations or charge a fee.  Otherwise, promote this software as advertising supported. Whether or not the user installs it, it is still there in an attempt to support the software with installs and is advertised to me.

I also agree that the user needs to pay attention, however that is just a justification for unscrupulous companies/authors who take advantage of the sheep who allow it.

91

General Software Discussion / Re: Complaint: Freemake

« on: November 20, 2011, 08:00 AM »

I would not be opposed to viewing static adverts with a link to the product during an install, or even an uninstall process.  However attempting to or even asking me to install software I know to be tracking and crapware is unacceptable. I like the Open Candy model, do not download the software until you accept.  On offer, one advert, and then just say no or accept.  Once the user accepts, the software is then downloaded.

The way Freemake has it set up is already downloaded and selected, ready to deliver it's crapware payload, hoping the user will hit next.  Most folks now do just that, not paying attention.

I think we, as users, should take a stand, and not accept this way of doing business.  If it is advertised as free, it should be free, no strings attached.  Especially if the program is built using Open Source, Free, Or GNU software.  If the program is advertising/adware supported, it needs to be made abundantly clear, and a new category should be created so that truly free and great software can be differentiated from it.

92

General Software Discussion / Re: Complaint: Freemake

« on: November 19, 2011, 12:54 PM »

I haven't seen that however, the bot thing.  I am more concerned that they are allowed to promote this as FREE, yet they are attempting to get money with an attempt to use my system to generate income for themselves.

Adware is defined as:

Adware, or advertising-supported software, is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer. These advertisements can be in the form of a pop-up.[1] They may also be in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process. The object of the Adware is to generate revenue for its author. Adware, by itself, is harmless; however, some adware may come with integrated spyware such as keyloggers and other privacy-invasive software.[2][3][4]

-wikipedia

As it is defined above, "..or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process" and "..the object of adware is to generate revenue for it's author".  This does both.  Adverts to install Startnow and Dealply are given during the install process, and the object of the advert to install this crapware is to generate revenue.

If this were free, they would not even request that I install adware.  I also think that they rely on the Novice for some accidental income, so to speak.

It is the classic bait and switch.  They offer it for a while, talk it up like it is the best software ever and try to make folks think there is no replacement, then drop the adware in there for some quick revenue.

They are displaying a pattern of underhanded dealings, combining the hidden service, the fact that they are on the FFmpeg hall of shame with the adware, not  company I would like to do business with or a software i would recommend.

-y0himba (November 19, 2011, 12:53 PM)

93

General Software Discussion / Re: Complaint: Freemake

« on: November 19, 2011, 12:53 PM »

I haven't seen that however, the bot thing.  I am more concerned that they are allowed to promote this as FREE, yet they are attempting to get money with an attempt to use my system to generate income for themselves.

Adware is defined as:

Adware, or advertising-supported software, is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer. These advertisements can be in the form of a pop-up.[1] They may also be in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process. The object of the Adware is to generate revenue for its author. Adware, by itself, is harmless; however, some adware may come with integrated spyware such as keyloggers and other privacy-invasive software.[2][3][4]

-wikipedia

As it is defined above, "..or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process" and "..the object of adware is to generate revenue for it's author".  This does both.  Adverts to install Startnow and Dealply are given during the install process, and the object of the advert to install this crapware is to generate revenue.

If this were free, they would not even request that I install adware.  I also thank that they rely on the Novice for some accidental income, so to speak.

It is the classic bait and switch.  They offer it for a while, talk it up like it is the best software ever and try to make folks think there is no replacement, then drop the adware in there for some quick revenue.

They are displaying a pattern of underhanded dealings, combining the hidden service, the fact that they are on the FFmpeg hall of shame with the adware, not  company I would like to do business with or a software i would recommend.

94

General Software Discussion / Re: Complaint: Freemake

« on: November 18, 2011, 11:39 PM »

I agree 100% with Deo.  Freeware is something that is given freely, no strings attached.  This has too many strings attached to it, and can now be classified as adware.  They are not giving it away for free if they are including adware with it, they are attempting to get money for it in a different way.  So it is no longer free.

They were installing a service in the background without the user's knowledge or permission, and it would run 24/7 even when the software wasn't running, transmitting data over the Internet.  

https://www.donation...ex.php?topic=27434.0

I finally got them to remove it, they claimed it was a 'bug'.  They then removed all references to the 'bug' and all Facebook discussions on it. Shortly after that, they start using this 950kb stub that connects, downloads the program and adware installers, rather than a direct download.

Also, there is the fact that they are using FFmpeg without credit, and trying to profit from it's use:

http://en.wikipedia....make_Video_Converter

Quote
FFmpeg has added Freemake Video Converter to its Hall of Shame. An issue tracker entry for this product, opened on 16 December 2010, says it is in violation of GNU General Public License as it is distributing components of FFmpeg project without including due credit. Ellora Assets Corporation has not responded yet.

-Wikipedia

The software is outstanding for what it does.  The folks behind it, not so much.  It is not so outstanding that there are not quite a few other TRUE freeware programs that do the same, or more.

95

General Software Discussion / Complaint: Freemake

« on: November 18, 2011, 06:38 PM »

Freemake, also known as "Ellora Assets Corporation", states on their website"

True Freeware of New Level

Freemake offers freeware in the truest sense of the word: no feature or time limitations, no hidden costs. Download and use our Free Video Converter, Video Downloader, and Free Audio Converter!

-freemake.com

Yet check out the attached screenshot.


The express install gives you the following wonderful pieces of 'software': The StartNow Toolbar and Dealply, as well as switching your search to Bing and setting your homepage to MSN.

To be fair, one can simply say no to this crapware, however, if you are going to foist your software as 'freeware', then should it not be truly free?

Maybe they should change their name to AdMake?

96

DC Gamer Club / Re: Indie Royale - the Difficult 2ncd Bundle

« on: November 12, 2011, 08:54 AM »

In for one.

97

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Afterfall: Insanity $1(US) Pre-Order Benefits Amnesty International

« on: October 30, 2011, 08:47 AM »

Sad state of affairs.  Either way it's a win however, the money they raise goes to Amnesty International. 

98

Found Deals and Discounts / Afterfall: Insanity $1(US) Pre-Order Benefits Amnesty International

« on: October 21, 2011, 08:04 AM »

Here is how it works:  You can pre-order as many copies as you like of the full game, even for gifting, for $1(US).  If they make 10 Million pre-orders, everyone gets their $1 full game. If they do not, then however much was raised on the pre-orders goes to Amnesty International, and you can buy the game full price, minus $1.

Either way, I bought 3 copies. Win-Win if you ask me.

http://www.afterfall...niverse.com/en/index

99

Found Deals and Discounts / Project Gratitude: Download Games For A Small Donation (Or Free)

« on: October 15, 2011, 09:20 AM »

This project benefits US soldiers.  No matter if you approve of the conflicts or the politics, those men and women are in harm's way doing as they are ordered.

There are $80 worth of games here, for a requested $15 donation, although you can donate less or even nothing, and get the games for free.

I recommend the $15 donation which will send a care package to the soldiers.

http://goodplay.org/

100

General Software Discussion / Re: The confusion about the term "lifetime license"

« on: October 08, 2011, 10:03 AM »

That is the tactic that PlayOn used.  When we purchased the first version we were offered a 'lifetime' license.  They did not post or disclose anywhere on the site that it was for a lifetime of that version only.  When they were called on it, and shown wayback archives of the site, the response was "Everyone knows that lifetime means major version only'. By the way, Playon/Medimall is another company to stay away from.

I prefer to purchase each major version, or pay an upgrade fee when the version changes. However, companies will abuse this as well, by releasing 'major' upgrades really fast and charging each time.

The only company I have ever trusted to pay a subscription fee to is Cerulean Studios, makers of Trillian IM.