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DonationCoder.com Software => Older DC Contests and Challenges => N.A.N.Y. 2009 => Topic started by: kwacky1 on December 11, 2008, 06:19 AM

Title: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 11, 2008, 06:19 AM
NANY 2009 (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?board=273.0) Entry Information

Application Name CrazyLittleFingers
Version 1.1.2 (25/01/2009)
Short Description Keep your computer safe, while letting your little ones, little fingers explore and discover
Supported OSes Windows XP and Vista
Download Link  CrazyLittleWebsite (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com)
System Requirements
  • A Computer (with Keyboard)
  • A Toddler
Author kwacky1 (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=166486)


Description
Bub's are curious, bub's like to imitate.  You're always amazed at the way bub copies the things that you do, and laugh when you see her with one hand one the keyboard and one on the mouse like a true fps'er, but at the same time getting quickly frustrated because 'nothing' is happening.  And then she hits the magic combination to hack into the fbi, delete some important files and shutdown your computer.

The solution, CrazyLittleFingers.  I don't want to deny my bub the simple pleasure of tapping away at the keyboard mindlessly, she may well write the next great OS, or simply become a DC member like her dad (and then write a revolutionary new program, that's donationware, of course).

The aim of CrazyLittleFingers is simple, lock out all the keys on the keyboard, except for one that lets you exit the program, and remap each key to provide a reward for bubs exploration. For example, pressing 'g' will display a goat and bleat, while pressing 'c' will moo at you and display a cow.

Features

Planned Features

Usage
Installation
Unzip to a desired location, run CrazyLittleFingers.exe

Configuration
CrazyLittleFingers.ini
Code: Text [Select]
  1. [Main]
  2. ;Specify the theme to use
  3. Theme=Default
  4.  
  5. [MyPictures]
  6. ;Change to True to source files from the default My Pictures folder
  7. UseMyPics=False
  8.  
  9. ;Specify the full path to an alternative pictures directory here
  10. ;MyPicsDir=

Using the Application
Smash keys until bored.
Ctrl-Alt-Delete to exit.

Known Issues
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Perry Mowbray on December 11, 2008, 07:56 AM
from personal experience?

I remember sitting with toddler at the keyboard, and it seemed to completely miss the point having to restrain hands and direct interest so closely  :D
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 12, 2008, 04:32 AM
Yeah my 18month old DD loves to sit in my chair and 'use' the computer.  I got an old PS/2 keyboard, cut the cable off and gave it to her.  That kept her interested for about 3 seconds, nothings as good as the real thing.

I did my first round of proof of concept testing today (just testing keyboard capture at this stage), and it was great.  Because I'm not capturing the mouse, I launched CrazyLittleFingers and used the mouse to start a slideshow in Picasa, we all happily watched the slideshow while bubs pressed random keys and the slideshow kept on playing.

So I'm thinking there might be 2 features, interactive mode where bubs interacts with the program, or silent mode, where the program just sits idly in the system tray swallowing keystrokes, so you can leave your computer unattended while burning a dvd or what have you.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Perry Mowbray on December 12, 2008, 07:59 PM
So I'm thinking there might be 2 features, interactive mode where bubs interacts with the program, or silent mode, where the program just sits idly in the system tray swallowing keystrokes, so you can leave your computer unattended while burning a dvd or what have you.
-kwacky1 (December 12, 2008, 04:32 AM)

For slightly older, mouse aware, children you may also want to restrict the mouse?  :P

For even older, OS aware, children you may also want to password protect closing the programme and access to the Task Manager?   :P :P
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Perry Mowbray on December 12, 2008, 08:02 PM
System Requirements
  • A Computer
  • A Toddler
-kwacky1 (December 11, 2008, 06:19 AM)

Will the Toddler be a download option?  ;)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 14, 2008, 07:27 PM
Did a round of beta testing with v0.0.0.1 and my daughter loved it, she instantly knew that the buttons she was pressing were changing the images on screen.

Perry, not sure if I need to restrict the mouse as the program runs full screen, always on top, but I will keep it in mind.

Currently Ctrl-Alt-Delete is the key sequence to exit the program, this also has the side effect of bring up Task Manager, but I guess I could use an AHK script to control the exit of the program, ie. by capturing those keys and prompting for a password.

Thanks for the ideas.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: app103 on December 14, 2008, 07:37 PM
One of the easiest ways to restrict mouse usage is to use a USB mouse and unplug it and put it in a locked drawer.

I was thinking how this would be good if it autolaunched after a certain length of system idle time, in case you step away and forget to run it.

If you would like to use it, I did create a utility for that awhile back: http://appsapps.info/idlestart.php
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Deozaan on December 14, 2008, 07:44 PM
Skrommel has a great similar utility called ToddlerTrap (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/index.html#ToddlerTrap) that locks the keyboard and the mouse (except for one tiny little place to close out the program) that you might be able to look at for some ideas.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Perry Mowbray on December 14, 2008, 07:49 PM
I was thinking how this would be good if it autolaunched after a certain length of system idle time, in case you step away and forget to run it.
-app103 (December 14, 2008, 07:37 PM)
:Thmbsup: This is such a clever and simple idea!!

Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 14, 2008, 10:17 PM
Thanks App, I was thinking of having some kind of ScreenSaver option as a feature, but I think I might incorporate IdleStart (http://appsapps.info/idlestart.php) as a configurable option within CrazyLittleFingers!

Deozaan, yeah I check out ToddlerTrap (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/index.html#ToddlerTrap), Skrommel hasn't done anything about Ctrl-Alt-Delete, and I can only assume this is intentional. ;)

Keep the awesome ideas coming people!   :Thmbsup:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: lanux128 on December 14, 2008, 10:30 PM
a great idea! another similar program is Toddler Keys (http://tk.ms11.net/).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: app103 on December 14, 2008, 10:32 PM
Thanks App, I was thinking of having some kind of ScreenSaver option as a feature, but I think I might incorporate IdleStart (http://appsapps.info/idlestart.php) as a configurable option within CrazyLittleFingers!
-kwacky1 (December 14, 2008, 10:17 PM)

Just make sure you add something to your application to ensure that only 1 instance can run, otherwise there is a risk that more than one will run if the previous instance isn't closed before the pc goes idle again.

This was an issue I had with using IdleStart to launch other people's applications. When my cat moved my mouse, I'd end up with more than 1 instance of Stellarium running, and that wasn't too good.

I am not sure what language you are doing this in, so I can't recommend any sample code/components to show how it's done, but in some languages it's pretty easy to do without having to do any actual coding yourself (with Delphi, you just drop a component on your main form and you are done).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Teaser: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: ewemoa on December 15, 2008, 03:10 AM
Another similar app is: Keyboard Pounder (search at: http://www.littlebitsmultimedia.com/littlebits/html/littlebits_downloads.htm).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 19, 2008, 11:21 PM
Hi Everybody,

I have uploaded a preview release of CLF, let me know how you go.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 20, 2008, 05:40 AM
Just a quick note to anyone who tried to download CLF in the last 6 hours (since my last post).  It's been a bit windy here and I hadn't noticed until now that my upload had failed. 

So v0.0.0.1 is definitely now available.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: ghacks on December 28, 2008, 03:03 AM
Kwacky nice program. I have one question though. You mention sounds in the introduction, is that something that you still need to implement? Another question, what about the directory structure, do you have plans to allow multiple image sets?
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: PhilB66 on December 28, 2008, 04:45 AM
Martin (ghacks) forgot to mention his blog post "Protect Your Computer From Crazy Little Fingers (http://www.ghacks.net/2008/12/28/protect-your-computer-from-crazy-little-fingers/)"
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 30, 2008, 11:12 PM
2ghacks

Sounds implemented, I just don't have any :)

Directory Structure completely customisable..  There's currently 2 modes
These will be configurable, so you will have the option to choose from different sets of media (currently only 1 but i would hope that the community will contribute their own over time) or MyPictures mode.

My implementation of MediaPack/Rewards mode works like this.
  CLF searches the assigned Key directory (eg. a) for all files, chooses 1 at random and ignores the extension, with that info, a second routine steps in and searches the key directory for all files starting with the found file.  So if aardvark.jpg is found, clf will search a\aardvark.* and display any other related files, eg aardvark.wav. (does anyone know what sound an aardvark makes?  :D )

and :-[ thanks you so much for the post on your blog!  I hope I can live up to your expectations!

Well the clock is ticking.  :tellme:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on December 31, 2008, 09:08 AM
Well there you go, it's done  :D

I hope you like it, it's not quite the finished product I had envisioned but it does what I set out to do and the future only holds promise for more options, more themes and better interaction (especially as my daughter gets older and more demanding  ;) )

Happy New Year everybody and I look forward to checking out some of the other NANY releases now that I've got a bit more time available.  :P
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: jocelyn on January 05, 2009, 03:52 AM
Unless I miss something, dual monitor are not really supported.
At least for me (win XP Pro x64), the second monitor is usabled with the mouse .. and thus it is possible to do bad things with the mouse.
Except this, this is really a useful tool.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Perry Mowbray on January 05, 2009, 03:58 AM
Unless I miss something, dual monitor are not really supported.
At least for me (win XP Pro x64), the second monitor is usabled with the mouse .. and thus it is possible to do bad things with the mouse.
Except this, this is really a useful tool.
-jocelyn (January 05, 2009, 03:52 AM)

Now you mention it I found that too, but thought it was a good thing: I thought that the second monitor could just be turned off, and if I'd moved any work I was doing to the second monitor, it'd be there safe and sound when I turned the monitor back on again (If I needed to do something quickly) !
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 06, 2009, 07:21 AM
Unless I miss something, dual monitor are not really supported.
At least for me (win XP Pro x64), the second monitor is usabled with the mouse .. and thus it is possible to do bad things with the mouse.
Except this, this is really a useful tool.
-jocelyn (January 05, 2009, 03:52 AM)

Hi Jocelyn,

Thanks for the feedback, Multi Monitor support definitely in the pipeline.
Glad to hear it works on x64 :)

kwacky1
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: koesper on January 06, 2009, 10:26 AM
Hi kwacky!

I know dualscreen isnt supported yet, but i understood that it should show kind-of-work on a dualscreen, except that it only works on the primary monitor.

I just want to let you know that on my vista x64 with dual-monitors, it behaves a bit more quirky...

Only my left (primary) monitor blacks out, but instead of showing the picture fullscreen, it compresses the picture into a +/- 100px high bar. that bar seems to be center-aligned over both monitors.

If this is already a know issue, then nevermind. :-)
Keep up the good work! it seems to have more potential/entertainment-value than babysmash (http://www.hanselman.com/blog/IntroducingBabySmashAWPFExperiment.aspx)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: eric_the_girl on January 06, 2009, 12:26 PM
I run Windows Vista (only on a 1 monitor thing though) and even though I run the app in compatibility mode it shows me a black screen with a bar halfway across it and makes noises when i press keys (i'm fairly sure the pictures change)
Is there any chance of Vista support?
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: koesper on January 06, 2009, 01:02 PM
So probably eric's and my situation are just vista related. Eric, are you running a 32 bit version? or 64 bit?
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: app103 on January 06, 2009, 01:36 PM
You have been featured on Lifehacker!

http://lifehacker.com/5124343/crazylittlefingers-rewards-your-toddlers-curiosity

Congratulations!
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: eric_the_girl on January 06, 2009, 02:37 PM
32 bit, 64 bit is too hard to find pre-installed.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: mouser on January 06, 2009, 07:20 PM
Congrats on the lifehacker writeup  :up:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: app103 on January 07, 2009, 05:34 AM
If you still need sounds for this, there is a whole bunch here: http://sounds.beachware.com/index.htm

And they have the entire alphabet (and numbers) spoken in English, French and Spanish, so you could make it multi-lingual.

About a year ago I had plans on making an application very similar to yours (but with various educational activities & games for older kids, too), and those are the sounds I planed on using for it. (I own the CD)

The sounds from the site are free to use for noncommercial purposes and you can get the full collection on disk with commercial usage rights for $20 (that's a bargain)

Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 08, 2009, 07:24 AM
unbelievable, i did not expect this in the slightest.. I entered NANY 2009 because I thought it would motivate me to finish (well start actually) a project that I'd been contemplating for 6 months or more!

My website (http://www.ethernest.com) is serving 15gb per day!

Check out these stats!
DatePage Requests
Jan 1275
Jan 239
Jan 385
Jan 447
Jan 590
Jan 6 (Lifehacker)3428
Jan 71834


Boy, I've sure got my work cut out for me now!
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 08, 2009, 07:47 AM
Ok, I've tested on Vista and I can see what you're talking about. :(

I'm currently on the road, so I won't get a chance to do any coding until the weekend, so I'll try to get an updated version out on Monday that will include Multiple Display Support and (hopefully) Vista support.

App, Thanks for the link, I used http://www.freesound.org/ for all the sounds in CLF.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 09, 2009, 08:15 AM
Well a promise is a promise, here's CrazyLittleFingers v1.1 (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com)  :Thmbsup:

Added Features

Support For Dual Screen Displays (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/esmileys/gen3/1Small/hot.gif)

Can someone with Vista please test to see if the 'squashed' image problem is resolved.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: buddha34 on January 09, 2009, 10:34 AM
Still squished in Vista... looking forward to a version that works with Vista (so's my 18 month old)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: SvartaUdden on January 09, 2009, 10:52 AM
Hi.
I have the same problem with the squished images, but I have XP! (pro, sp3). :huh:
The only Vista-like thing I have is QTTabbar and QTAddressbar - windows explorer addons.
Other things I have speculated about causing this is Picasa 3 and XnView Shell Extension.
And other things running on my system is flashnote, launchy, avg, comodo, mediadetect, rbtray and stickies.
I hope it is resolved - have at two-year old who is crazy about this keyboard.  :-\

Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 10, 2009, 04:49 AM
Still squished in Vista... looking forward to a version that works with Vista (so's my 18 month old)
hmm, I won't have access to a vista machine for a few days, might have to turn on some logging.

Hi.
I have the same problem with the squished images, but I have XP! (pro, sp3). :huh:
The only Vista-like thing I have is QTTabbar and QTAddressbar - windows explorer addons.
Other things I have speculated about causing this is Picasa 3 and XnView Shell Extension.
And other things running on my system is flashnote, launchy, avg, comodo, mediadetect, rbtray and stickies.
I hope it is resolved - have at two-year old who is crazy about this keyboard.  :-\
-SvartaUdden (January 09, 2009, 10:52 AM)

Now that is strange, because I'm using xp sp3, i also have picasa3, but none of the rest.

thanks for the feedback, I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 10, 2009, 08:53 AM
 ;D CrazyLittleFingers v1.1.1 - Minor Update  :Thmbsup:

Cross your fingers, I may have resolved the squashed image problem.

If you're still getting squashed images, please have a look at %temp%\CrazyLittleFingers.log and tell me a story.

Also in this release:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: dhc02 on January 10, 2009, 11:01 AM
When I try to unzip crazylittlefingers.zip, it asks me for a password, which I don't see referenced anywhere here. Am I missing something?
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: mouser on January 10, 2009, 11:08 AM
i think kwacky is having issues hosting the download..
i get bad zip file error..

in fact i have been getting bad zip for a while now.. come on kwacky!  maybe back a small zip version, and then an addon pack for those who have magic powers and can download it without corruptio.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: PhilB66 on January 10, 2009, 11:27 AM
Downloaded and extracted CrazyLittleFingers.zip with UniversalExtractor. Here's the error that I get for CrazyLittleFingers.exe:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: buddha34 on January 10, 2009, 02:49 PM
The squished pictures in Vista are fixed!  Thanks for the update (BTW, no problem downloading the update alone)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: SvartaUdden on January 10, 2009, 05:55 PM
Yes!!!
Now it works (on my xp) and its great.  :Thmbsup:
Thanks for a great program.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 10, 2009, 10:42 PM
When I try to unzip crazylittlefingers.zip, it asks me for a password, which I don't see referenced anywhere here. Am I missing something?
-dhc02 (January 10, 2009, 11:01 AM)
Hi dhc02, there's a good chance you were downloading while I was uploading the 1.1 release (my internet was very slooooow last night), please try again and let me know how you go.

in fact i have been getting bad zip for a while now.. come on kwacky!  maybe back a small zip version, and then an addon pack for those who have magic powers and can download it without corruptio.
-mouser (January 10, 2009, 11:08 AM)
how about I archive it to floppies and mail it to you  :D

Downloaded and extracted CrazyLittleFingers.zip with UniversalExtractor. Here's the error that I get for CrazyLittleFingers.exe:
-PhilB66 (January 10, 2009, 11:27 AM)
I think you might need to download it again too.

From now on I'll upload into a sub-directory instead of overwriting the live file  :Thmbsup:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: PhilB66 on January 10, 2009, 11:53 PM
Still unable to extract.

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 11, 2009, 04:25 AM
Still unable to extract.
-PhilB66 (January 10, 2009, 11:53 PM)

Just for your PhilB66, CrazyLittleFingers.7z (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com/CrazyLittleFingers.7z)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: PhilB66 on January 11, 2009, 05:31 AM
OK now. Thanks kwacky1  :Thmbsup:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: mouser on January 11, 2009, 05:43 AM
works great.. very nice  :up:
(ps only shows on my main monitor, others are left alone).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 11, 2009, 05:57 AM
(ps only shows on my main monitor, others are left alone).
-mouser (January 11, 2009, 05:43 AM)

Hi Mouser, that's by design, btw, how many monitors do you have  :D
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: PhilB66 on January 11, 2009, 06:42 AM
Pushing the [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] key 5 times turns on the Sticky Keys Feature Dialog Box. Also, right clicking on the secondary monitor activates the taskbar on the primary one. Other than that, it seems to work great  :up:.

Edit: Resized image.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 11, 2009, 11:56 PM
Pushing the SHIFT key 5 times turns on the Sticky Keys Feature Dialog Box. Also, right clicking on the secondary monitor activates the taskbar on the primary one. Other than that, it seems to work great  :up:.
-PhilB66 (January 11, 2009, 06:42 AM)

I haven't looked into disabled the accessiblity keys while the program is running, there's probably a reg key I can hit or something.

You shouldn't be able to right click on the secondary monitor, but I found a bug in my code (who would've thought)
The GUI is meant to be The width of Desktop 1 + Desktop 2 (eg 1280+1280 = 2560, or 1280+800 = 2080), however there was a typo and the current version is adding up the width of Desktop 2 + Desktop 2, so that's ok if you've got the same res on both monitors, but in my second example the GUI would only be 1600 wide and not cover the entire second monitor.

Thanks for your thorough testing PhilB66, v1.1.2 should be available in a couple of days.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: mouser on January 13, 2009, 06:16 AM
i have 4 monitors by the way -- and the full screen images and sounds are very nice.  might be nice to blank all the screens though.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: DizZa on January 13, 2009, 01:51 PM
I love your program very much, but unfortunately she loves it more and is apparently more passionate about it ... To the point where she has somehow figured out how to get the computer to shutdown, go into sleep/hibernate mode, or something ... I'm still not sure what she manages to do, but she just goes crazy on the keyboard watching the pictures change, and then suddenly the monitor throws up a No Signal and turns off, yet the computer is still running, and nothing short of a cold reboot seems to bring it back... Any ideas what she's doing and how to turn it off/prevent it/fix it?? I love letting her go crazy with it, but my computer also streams to my TV, and it's not possible to watch TV when she keeps resetting it... She also gets very upset when it turns off lol, she absolutely loves it!
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 13, 2009, 07:03 PM
I love your program very much, but unfortunately she loves it more and is apparently more passionate about it ... To the point where she has somehow figured out how to get the computer to shutdown, go into sleep/hibernate mode, or something ... I'm still not sure what she manages to do, but she just goes crazy on the keyboard watching the pictures change, and then suddenly the monitor throws up a No Signal and turns off, yet the computer is still running, and nothing short of a cold reboot seems to bring it back... Any ideas what she's doing and how to turn it off/prevent it/fix it?? I love letting her go crazy with it, but my computer also streams to my TV, and it's not possible to watch TV when she keeps resetting it... She also gets very upset when it turns off lol, she absolutely loves it!
-DizZa (January 13, 2009, 01:51 PM)

Awesome, great to hear it.  There's one button that I couldn't capture and if you have a keyboard similar to mine, you'll have Power or Sleep button that allows you to shutdown the computer.

Easy Fix, go to Control Panel - Power Options (assuming XP)
And make sure the appropriate option is set to "Do Nothing"

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 13, 2009, 07:14 PM
i have 4 monitors by the way -- and the full screen images and sounds are very nice.  might be nice to blank all the screens though.
-mouser (January 13, 2009, 06:16 AM)

v1.1.2 will be able to do that

I was considering for the next major release to actually utilise all available monitors, do you think that'd be a worthwhile feature?
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 14, 2009, 05:05 AM
Here you go Mouser and PhilB66, just for you v1.1.2 (attached)

In this version,

This was compiled after a glass (or maybe 3 glasses  :drinksmiley:) of wine, so let me know if it works for you and then I'll update the website.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: mouser on January 14, 2009, 05:27 AM
no change here -- still only shows on primary monitor.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: PhilB66 on January 14, 2009, 06:22 AM
Thanks kwacky1, but no change here either. Still managed to activate the taskbar and the Sticky Keys thing (and take screenshots).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 14, 2009, 06:44 AM
no change here -- still only shows on primary monitor.
-mouser (January 14, 2009, 05:27 AM)

And your remaining monitors are still active?

PhilB66, there's nothing I can do about StickyKeys, it's a lower level keyboard hook than mine and I couldn't find a way to disable the stickykeys hotkey on the fly (ie. without a reboot)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: lindy on January 14, 2009, 11:22 PM
Hi - I'm a new member and this is the first program I have tried.  When I unzip it I get an error when trying to open the application file.  Could I download this file only again?  The media pack unzips OK and I don't think it is necessary to repeat that download.
lindy

By the way, another kids program which my granddaughter loves is Baby Smash.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 15, 2009, 04:09 AM
Hi - I'm a new member and this is the first program I have tried.  When I unzip it I get an error when trying to open the application file.  Could I download this file only again?  The media pack unzips OK and I don't think it is necessary to repeat that download.
lindy
-lindy (January 14, 2009, 11:22 PM)

Hi Lindy, welcome to DC, thanks for trying my program, you can download just the exe here (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com/CrazyLittleFingers.exe).

I've definitely got to get thiis corrupt upload sorted out pronto!

kwacky1
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: alivingspirit on January 21, 2009, 11:19 AM
Its not working for me. I just get a black screen but no interaction.
Edit: Oh. Never mind! I didn't realize that you have to download the whole zip file. It is a little confusing or maybe I'm just an idiot.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on January 25, 2009, 04:04 AM
Its not working for me. I just get a black screen but no interaction.
Edit: Oh. Never mind! I didn't realize that you have to download the whole zip file. It is a little confusing or maybe I'm just an idiot.
-alivingspirit (January 21, 2009, 11:19 AM)

It's definitely confusing, I really need to put some effort into my website (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com).

Anyway, you'll all be pleased to know that I've finally fixed the "left monitor is not my primary monitor" bug.  So if you've got a dual/multi screen setup, you'll want to download the latest update (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com/CrazyLittleFingers.exe) (or click here for the full version (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com/CrazyLittleFingers.7z)).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: tomos on February 24, 2009, 07:44 AM
super work kwacky
tried it out on my 3%half yr old niece today - she loved it, me too :D
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on February 24, 2009, 10:51 PM
super work kwacky
tried it out on my 3%half yr old niece today - she loved it, me too :D
-tomos (February 24, 2009, 07:44 AM)

Awesome, glad you like it!  Make sure you check out Teddy by Scancode (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=16846.0) as well!
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: ayryq on August 11, 2009, 08:16 AM
I wanted to share my experience with this program - I downloaded (with your media pack) last night and let my 9 month old at it. He truly has "crazy little fingers." Anyhow, the first time he hit "d" (daddy) he saw the default picture and started screaming his head off. He's a happy baby, too--doesn't usually cry at all. He wouldn't go near the computer for the rest of the night.

Thanks for the program,
Eric

Edit: Tried it again today and he didn't seem to be bothered by the "d" key as much. Must have just been his mood last night. I'm still going to switch it for a picture of me :) Also, it's weird - when I'm using my computer he'll go crazy trying to press every button (he is right now!) but when this program is running he slows down and looks at each picture when it comes up. It's nice not to always have to say "No!" when he goes for the keyboard.

:Thmbsup:

Edit again: His favorite picture is the xylophone one. Maybe I should pictures of other babies in... actually I keep thinking of other things I could do with this. Musical instruments! Spanish words! The periodic table! If in a five years you hear about this six year old from Western Michigan graduating from college, you'll know why.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on August 21, 2009, 09:24 AM
Thanks for the feedback, glad to see you're inspired like I was!   :Thmbsup:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: Andad on March 10, 2010, 03:31 PM
I'd love to be able to use this program on my Vista computer with my grandson but have run into difficulties in getting the program to start.

I downloaded Version 1.1.2.11 and unzipped it with 7-Zip into a folder Crazy Little Fingers.   I then double clicked on CrazyLittleFingers.exe and a coloured screen came up but I cannot get any pictures to appear when I use the keys.   Some sounds (but not all) are present when I press keys but even then the sounds do not appear to be connected to the right key.

I must be doing something wrong and I'd be extremely grateful if someone could tell me how to proceed.

Thanks for any advice.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on March 13, 2010, 05:11 AM
Hi Andad,

Glad to hear your problem got sorted.  For anyone else who stumbles by in the future, looks like the exe in the main zip is still corrupted (even though I've replaced it a number of times).

After you download CrazyLittleFingers make sure you grab the update (http://kwacky.dcmembers.com/CrazyLittleFingers.exe) as well.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: karlandellie on June 29, 2010, 02:30 PM
dont know if im alone, imtrying to run the program on windows7 and it works fine for about the first 5 or 6 key presses then appears to freeze and no matter what button is pressed there is no sond or image, when exiting it shows on the task manager as not responding i have tried both the .exe in the zip and the update as well
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on July 25, 2010, 02:49 AM
dont know if im alone, imtrying to run the program on windows7 and it works fine for about the first 5 or 6 key presses then appears to freeze and no matter what button is pressed there is no sond or image, when exiting it shows on the task manager as not responding i have tried both the .exe in the zip and the update as well
-karlandellie (June 29, 2010, 02:30 PM)

Hi,

I haven't tested on Win7 as yet, but I will give it a go and see what happens.

kwacky1
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: jg4bus on April 02, 2011, 01:30 PM
Kwacky1,

I love the idea of your software--I've been meaning to search for something like this for some time.  Great idea with the photos.  The problem I'm having is that when I execute the program I just get a black screen w/ no images.  I'm running XP.  I downloaded both the large file and the exe file a couple times.  Do I need to specify where the photos are somehow?  Do I need a key?

Thanks for doing this.  My 16-mo old daughter is very interested in whacking away at the keyboard.  I can't wait to try it out with her.

Thanks,

James (Washington, DC)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: kwacky1 on April 03, 2011, 09:14 AM
Kwacky1,

I love the idea of your software--I've been meaning to search for something like this for some time.  Great idea with the photos.  The problem I'm having is that when I execute the program I just get a black screen w/ no images.  I'm running XP.  I downloaded both the large file and the exe file a couple times.  Do I need to specify where the photos are somehow?  Do I need a key?

Thanks for doing this.  My 16-mo old daughter is very interested in whacking away at the keyboard.  I can't wait to try it out with her.

Thanks,

James (Washington, DC)
-jg4bus (April 02, 2011, 01:30 PM)

Hi James,

Just make sure you've extracted/unzipped the files from the 'large' file so that you can see all the files inside. The exe is in there to, the standalone download was provided for people who'd already installed CLF.

You may also be interested in Babysmash by Scott Hanselman (http://www.hanselman.com/babysmash/).

Let me know if you need any more help.

kwacky1
 :Thmbsup:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: CrazyLittleFingers
Post by: jg4bus on April 06, 2011, 05:38 AM
Ah, got it!  I wasn't familiar with the 7z extension and didn't realize it was a zipped file.  Makes sense.  It works great.  Thanks for your help!

James