Topics

26

Living Room / What do you do at Donation Coder?

« on: June 21, 2006, 11:09 PM »

I was thinking about where I spend my time @ DC and it's 99.99% in the forums.  Is that normal?
Should we take a poll?

Just curious

27

Living Room / New Smiley Requests

« on: June 17, 2006, 09:15 AM »

As the "Master of Smilies" I am feeling the need for a couple that I can't find.

1)  The $0.02 smiley.  It's just "my two cents" or "just a thought" that I want to convey.
2)  After having recently seen the badger dance, I feel compelled to request an "Eek Snake" smiley.

If anyone has any mad skills at creating these things, please get right on it.

Thanks
 

28

Living Room / All your base are belong to us

« on: June 17, 2006, 12:02 AM »

There are so many "inside jokes" available on the 'Net today, I thought it might be fun to pool our resources in order to highlight some we might not all know about.

One of my favorites is this:  All your base are belong to us.

It comes from a bad Japanese game, that was so poorly translated, it became a cult classic.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_your_base_are_belong_to_us

29

Living Room / Seriously?!! I can't hardly believe this

« on: June 12, 2006, 10:43 PM »

As you can see from the graphic below, there was a serious lull in the posting activity here tonight.  Quite frankly, I am shocked 

Actually I was more just looking for some stuff to read 

Where is everyone?  Watching WCS w/ Mouser? 

30

Site/Forum Features / First Fabulous Forum Feature Request From Frover

« on: June 10, 2006, 11:14 AM »

I feel like Dr. Suess 

Anyway, there are many cool threads that I would like to keep track of for future reference.  Is there any way to bookmark these within the forum?   

I suppose I could create a folder and just bookmark the topics I want in my browser, but that seems kind of lame.

Thanks for your consideration 

31

Living Room / June 4 Podcast

« on: June 04, 2006, 09:50 PM »

Just finished listening and didn't see an existing topic.

That was fun.  Superboyac's rants/ramblings are entertaining.  The forum nickname origins were fun too.  Overall it was fun to listen to.  I like the programming blues tune too, although I had a hard time hearing it.

I always want to go record a snippet for the next show, but I don't have a mic installed on my system.  The mic I have is way down it the basement, and that would mean leaving my PC.   

One of these days....

32

Developer's Corner / AutoHotKey SUCKS! --- Or at least I can't make it work

« on: May 31, 2006, 06:56 PM »

Alright AHK fans, I tried, I really did.  I used Autoit 2.0 for automating some stuff a few years ago.  When I saw some of the cool things going on around DC with AHK, I thought I'd try to solve my little problem using it.
I am now going to have to rewrite it, in something a little more .... reliable, documented, debuggable!

All I wanted to do was parse a few strings, do some case statements and exec a couple of apps with parameters. 

Here is the actual, psudocode spec: 

Execute ipconfig | find "IP Address" > c:\ipaddr.txt
Execute %cmdspec$ /c type c:\zenworks\smbiosdump.log | find "Serial Numer" > c:\serno.txt

Read the first line of c:\ipaddr.txt  (IP Address .......... :  10.91.185.20)
Extract the 3'rd octet (185 in this case)

Read the first line of c:\serno.txt   (Serial Number:               'BX43299')
Extract the Serial Number (sans single quotes)

Based on the ip address 3'rd octet, assign a 3 letter building code
IP 182 -185 Code = MSW
IP 187 -189 Code = MSS
etc.

Use the Code and IP to create a unique PC name:
PCNAME=MSW-BX43299

Using that name execute a few commands
exec c:\program files\zenworks\zwsreg -unreg
exec c:\program files\zenworks\zwsreg -workstation PCNAME
exec c:\windows\system32\wsname.exe /N:PCNAME
exec c:\windows\system32\ipconfig /registerdns


THAT'S IT.  No Earth shattering discoveries here.  I will paste my final attempt at AHK for you review.  You can correct my thinking, etc.  I have moved on.  For the record, this is the butchered version that I was debugging with.  I finally gave up on trying to exec the first 2 commands from within AHK and created a 2 line .cmd file to deal with it.  The Run/Runwait commands WOULD NOT execute these statements.  Grrr...

Here's the ugly code

[Select]

FileReadLine, ipline, C:\ipaddr.txt, 1
FileReadLine, sernoline, C:\SerNo.txt, 1

; I don't think any of this part works. 
; Stupid ass way to run functions... what's wrong with ipaddr := stringtrimleft, ipaddr, pos

colon := ":"
StringGetPos, pos, ipline, %colon% ; started as IP Address ....: 10.91.10.20
StringTrimLeft,ipaddr,ipline,%pos% ; should leave 10.91.10.20

StringGetPos, pos, ipaddr, .   ; should find the first .
StringTrimLeft,ipline,ipaddr,%pos% ; and leave 91.10.20
StringTrimLeft,ipaddr, ipline, 1

StringGetPos, pos, ipaddr, .   
StringTrimLeft,ipline,ipaddr,pos   ; leaving 10.20
StringTrimLeft,ipaddr,ipline,1

StringGetPos, pos, ipaddr, .   ; find the .
StringLeft,ipline,ipaddr,%pos%     ; copy from left ... 10.
StringLeft,ipaddr,ipline,1
StringTrimRight,locationkey,ipaddr,1  ; kill the . leaving 10 in locatinkey

location := "none"
if locationkey between 213 and 215 location := "mse"
if locationkey between 217 and 219 location := "mss"
if locationkey between 209 and 211 location := "msw"
if locationkey between 233 and 235 location := "bes"
if locationkey between 221 and 223 location := "ges"
if locationkey between 229 and 231 location := "hes"
if locationkey between 225 and 227 location := "jes"
if locationkey between 237 and 239 location := "res"
if locationkey between 181 and 183 location := "les"
if location = "none" location := "lhs".

; can't get the damn thing to trim the crap before the  first '

StringGetPos, pos, sernoline, '
StringTrimLeft, serno, sernoline, %pos%
StringTrimRight, sernol, serno, 1
StringTrimLeft, serno, sernol, 1

sernolen := strlen(serno)
if (sernolen < 5) {
msgbox "Invalid Serial Number"
exit 1
}

wsname := location . "-" . serno
; insert high quality debugging device
msgbox %wsname%
runwait, c:\program files\novell\zenworks\zwsreg.exe -unreg, ,hide
runwait, c:\program files\novell\zenworks\zwsreg.exe -workstation %wsname%, ,hide
runwait, c:\windows\system32\wsname.exe /N:%wsname%, ,hide
runwait, c:\windows\system32\ipconfig /registerdns, ,hide

  Boo.

33

Developer's Corner / MOANTS Database Design

« on: May 13, 2006, 09:44 PM »

For those not familiar, Superboyac started a big "to-do" with his discussion on Note-Taking software. See the link: https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=2362.0

So I'm ready to start discussion database engines and database designs and this is where we'll do it.  Fire up your brains... it's time to work.   

34

General Software Discussion / Tons of Windows Tweaks/Tools

« on: May 09, 2006, 04:31 PM »

When I searched DC, I only found one little mention of this site and it was just a partial reference.  In any event, this is a pretty decent site for finding quick little reg-hacks, etc.  I found it, again, while looking for a way to change a computername from the command line.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Over 300 registry tweaks on this page. 
 

35

Living Room / Days online --- seems odd

« on: May 05, 2006, 09:18 PM »

I've always been a little curious at how you calculate the "Days online" as seen below.  Given that DC is just over a year old and I've seen days in the 400's for a while... I'm confused 

36

Developer's Corner / Python vs. Ruby -- what's your take?

« on: April 27, 2006, 09:11 AM »

I have the books, I have the project, I don't have the time... but I need to do something.

I've been trying to start a project for a few months... pretty simple web-based db type application.  I will be creating the first application/database that will be built upon and used for many things in the future.  I will be using Apache, MySQL and Linux.  I own the server.

So what do I want to learn, Ruby or Python?  Here are my basic thoughts... I'm interested in yours as well.

Python good:  Looks neat; I'd use Plone as a CMS to get started.  Lots of development.
Python bad:  Whitespace sensative!  Which freaking version?  I need Zope for Plone, but I can't use the latest because CentOS needs an older Python for yum, etc.  The new version of Python breaks the older stuff.  wtf?  no compatability?

Ruby good:  Looks neat, lots of momentum... rising in the top used languages a lot.  Has Rails framework.
Ruby bad:  OOP to the max.  Uses a lot of characters in language @ =>.  Non-strict rules for formatting method calls (can be puts ("some stuff") or puts "some stuff")

Thoughts anyone?

37

Developer's Corner / Software Development Times

« on: April 04, 2006, 11:41 PM »

I've been reading SD Times for a few years.  It usually has some very interesting articles related to Software Development... from a news perspective.  This is not Software Development Magazine.

I even like most of the ads I see in their stuff.

Anyway, you can apply for a free subscription from their website:  http://www.sdtimes.com/index.html

You can also read it online via PDF.  The online version tends to run week behind.

Enjoy!

38

Living Room / Out for a bit -- not a byte

« on: April 04, 2006, 08:14 PM »

I'll be out of the country for a few days 5 -17'th and not reading DC. 

Please don't think I've gone away mad 

Wait for me Cody....

39

General Software Discussion / WANTED: 2 small? applets

« on: March 30, 2006, 01:15 AM »

see the cute little clock flash program below?  I want to be able to pop it on my desktop somewhere without all of the IE Frame BS.  A little frameless flashplayer would be so cool!

2nd, how about a ping box?  My internet connection went down for a few minutes tonight and while I was diagnosing, I had to keep lookup up and typing ip addresses.  Would it be nice to paste an IP in a Ping Box and let it run until click it off?  I'd like to be able to have several IP's pinging and have a little button I could puch to cancel 1 or all.

Anyone?

40

General Software Discussion / Beware CentOS the new hack team / Spyware

« on: March 24, 2006, 10:59 PM »

OK, for those of you who do not know, CentOS is a Linux distribution. 

This exchange would be more funny, if it wasn't so pathetic.

http://www.centos.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=127

41

Living Room / Hooray, the server is back up

« on: March 24, 2006, 12:52 AM »

 

DC is back!!

42

General Software Discussion / CLCL Clipboardmanager - random discussion

« on: March 21, 2006, 12:36 AM »

(note from brotherS: split from https://www.donation...dex.php?topic=2866.0 )


speaking of off topic, can we vote on Lanux128's avitar.  I mean I like lanux's comments and style, it's just something about the smiling bag that gives me the creeps.

Burn the bag:  1
Love the bag:  0

43

General Software Discussion / Map a Drive via SFTP

« on: March 18, 2006, 01:31 PM »

Just found this, read some positive reviews and have not tested it myself.  The reviews I read pretty much say that "it just works."  Kind of a cool concept.  WinDrive seems to be the free competetion, but is not on par with reliability and speed.

Map your SSH server as a Windows network drive with SftpDrive. Our SFTP file system network enables all your Windows applications.

Don't drag and drop. Don't transfer back and forth. Just use your network files directly from your applications. Keeping track of which version of your project is on the server and on your PC is annoying. Ease the pain by just editing the project right on your server. Perfect for any web developer or programmer that runs Windows, but relies on Linux. SftpDrive network-enables all your Windows applications by enabling you to map your SSH server as a network drive.

- their site: www.sftpdrive.com

http://www.sftpdrive.com

44

Living Room / When you make your 100'th Post

« on: March 02, 2006, 06:59 PM »

In his 100'th Post in the DC Forums, Rover talked about his 100'th post.

"Well, it's like they say, 'Times sure fun when you're having flies.'" 

You can be sure about that... 

45

Living Room / Cody Clothes

« on: February 12, 2006, 04:38 PM »

I see Cody is sporting some new duds for the season of love. 

Tell the truth mouser, do you have a concrete goose that you dress up? 

46

Living Room / Just installed new hardware... ahhh

« on: February 10, 2006, 12:08 AM »

Way back in 1996, I bought a refurb 21" monitor for around $900.  I was looking at it all day, so I figured I'd save my eyes.  Around 2000, I found a better 21" monitor for $350 and bought it.  They both still work.  All of this to explain that I have had 1600x1200 resolution for a long time. 

Recently, in order to save desk space, I switched to dual 17" LCD's running @ 1280x1024 each.  I must say it has sucked every minute.  Although I should have more real estate available, I can't seem to use it effectivly.  I'm not sure if it's the divider in the middle or the lack of desktop height; 1200 vs 1024.  What ever the reason, I didn't like it.

A couple of days ago, I was feeling weak and bought a new 21" LCD.  It arrived today and I just installed it.  I really don't know what the big deal is, but I feel so-o-o much better now.

For those of you who think I'm just bragging...  I've been in the computer biz for 20+ years.  I'm allowed to have some nice toys and I'm allowed to share my happiness with my friends at DC.

If you are considering a dual screen setup, allow me to suggest that you try 1600x1200 first.  If I had $$ to burn, I donate some more to DC and buy a nice 2048x1536 monitor before I'd add a 2'nd 21". 

 

47

Developer's Corner / Best Programming Beer

« on: February 09, 2006, 11:18 PM »

I recently started enjoying Sam Adams Black Lager.   It's a nice dark beer with a creamy foam and clean finish.  It will probably be my programming beer of choice for a while. 

Anyone else have a favorite?   

48

General Software Discussion / JPSoft Take Command/4NT

« on: February 08, 2006, 11:21 PM »

Hey Mouser,

Any luck getting a DC Discount from JPSoft?  I just visited their site and am fairly interested in Take Command.

For the uninitiated reading this... here's the link:
http://www.jpsoft.com/

While the Windows graphical interface is useful for simple tasks, the command line is often the best tool for system management, scripting, and other similar needs. 4NT and Take Command replace the crude utilities provided with Windows, giving you the most flexible and powerful command line available anywhere. Each of our products is a comprehensive command line tool designed to make the C:\> prompt truly productive, easy to use, and far more powerful. Each offer similar benefits -- major productivity enhancements to standard commands like COPY and DIR, over 100 new commands, improved command line editing, and thousands of other features for work at the command prompt. In addition, they are powerful batch file programming tools, providing extensions such as DO loops, error and exception handling, block-structured logic, a powerful integrated batch debugger, third-party plugins, and over 300 built-in variables and functions.  4NT and Take Command offer similar capabilities and features. They only differ based on whether they are a Console Mode or a Graphical User Interface (GUI) application.

  (pasted from CH&S)

49

Living Room / Is this offesive?

« on: February 04, 2006, 05:51 PM »

I'm just going to include a link to this picture as you might not want to see it.  My concern is that it is inside a free flash games that to me is aimed at kids.  The game is squirrel squasher (squash?) and it seems to serve no purpose other than exposing kids to soft porn.

The picture is of an animae girl, posing with her underwear showing and pulling on/off her stockings.

Am I just being too easily offender or is this just wrong?

here is a link to the pick if you care to see it.

http://www.ez-as.net/why.jpg

50

Post New Requests Here / IDEA: GUD (BIG idea)

« on: January 16, 2006, 10:05 PM »

When I say big, I mean as in big project, big pain, etc...  It'd be really cool tho. 

Anyway, I was reading a thread about yet another desktop reminder program when it hit me... shouldn't this be part of the OS?  No, it should be an add on, but my calendar program can be a reminder, so can Act and 1/2 of my other apps.  Lots of overlap, nothing is quite right... you know how it works.

So the big idea is this:  The Grand Unified Desktop.  Basically it would just be the coordination point for many applets to do the things we all want.   

Then I Google'd GUD and found a couple.  Zope aims to do this via the web.  RedHat tried this with a KDE/Gnome combo, but I don't think it went very well. 

To do this on windows, you'd probably need to replace explorer.exe and start with something like blackbox.  There are lots of interesting GUI's to examine to see what works best.  AmigaDOS had REXX ports built into just about every app.  I think XML could server a similar purpose here.

At any rate, it's be a lot to take on... anyone intersted in starting a concept list... or is this just too... (insert your negative adjective here)?