Topics

1

General Software Discussion / Text Expander for Windows

« on: March 31, 2019, 08:04 AM »

Greetings all, it has been quite a while due to lots of things going on over the last few years (personally, professionally, medically, etc.). That said, I know I can come here for honest and open recommendations so that is what I seek to aid my wife.

She has recently started her own business as a copy editor (much thanks to Stephen for his help in getting her launched) and I am looking for a text expander product for her for the Windows platform. I wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were in the area as I know this has been a long and discussed topic in the past. I use Keyboard Maestro on my MBP and am hoping for something as simplistic. I know there are free scripting tools such as AutoHotKey which is used by quite a few folks here, but I am looking for something with a nice UI she can use on her own.

What recommendations does the group have for this category of software?

Thanks in advance!

2

Living Room / 'We can't compete': Universities are losing AI scientists

« on: November 01, 2017, 10:23 AM »

It was the case of the missing PhD student.

As another academic year got under way at Imperial College London, a senior professor was bemused at the absence of one of her students. He had worked in her lab for three years and had one more left to complete his studies. But he had stopped coming in.

Eventually, the professor called him. He had left for a six-figure salary at Apple.

“He was offered such a huge amount of money that he simply stopped everything and left,” said Maja Pantic, professor of affective and behavioural computing at Imperial. “It’s five times the salary I can offer. It’s unbelievable. We cannot compete.”

Source

3

Living Room / Thank you Donationcoder!

« on: December 07, 2016, 01:52 PM »

Hi all,

As those who hang out on the IRC channel are aware, this afternoon I depart in order to undergo brain surgery. During a visit to the dentist in July for what I thought was an infected tooth requiring extraction (turned out to just be a bad sinus infection), a CT scan was done. As an incidental finding to this scan, a colloid cyst was found within my third ventricle. The cyst measures at 1.3cm x .9cm.

Tomorrow, I am scheduled to undergo the removal of this cyst. 99% of the time these are found to be non-cancerous, typically gelatinous in nature. The risk of not removing this cyst is a sudden shift which could lead to rapid-onset hydrocephalus and even sudden death if it blocks the ventricle.

I wanted to post a picture of a mug and letter I received from Jesse on behalf of DonationCoder and express my sincerest thanks for him taking the time to rush this to me prior to my departure for the hospital.

Melissa will be posting updates online and I am sure Stephen will be more than willing to transcribe the here.

Thanks again for the support from the DoCo team and I hope the procedure tomorrow is uneventful (minus the removal of my brain-born hitchhiker).

- Josh sends

4

General Software Discussion / Directory Opus 12 Released

« on: September 05, 2016, 11:01 PM »

Summary of major new features
Full support for high-DPI (e.g. 4K and 5K) monitors.
Redesigned Rename dialog, with new features like:
A unique macro recorder, which lets you perform complex batch renames without regular expressions.
Enhanced scripting capabilities.
Better handling of recursive renames and filename clashing.
An Apply button which lets you perform multiple renames without closing the dialog.
 
Improvements to the Image Viewer including:
Configurable toolbar and hotkeys, including the ability to run arbitrary commands on the current image file.
A new image marking system which makes it much easier to sort through a folder of photos to identify the ones you want to keep, print, share, etc.
A read-ahead cache for faster image loading.
An integrated metadata panel which lets you edit EXIF and other metadata from within the viewer.
 
Enhanced file and folder labels including:
The ability to assign more than one label at once (label attributes are combined).
Label categories (lets you organise your labels into groups).
Adjustable label priority (for when more than one wildcard or filter label applies to a file)
A new status icon system that lets you assign one or more status icons to each files (e.g. to track which files are ‘done’, ‘watched’, ‘urgent’ or ‘to-do’).
 
A manual sorting mode that lets you sort your files and folders exactly how you want.
An integrated dialog editor that lets scripts create their own complex user interfaces.
File display enhancements including:
Vertical folder tabs (displayed down the left or right side of the file display).
You can assign your own tab colors for specific folders.
Optional vertical as well as horizontal gridlines.
Relative size and age graphs displayed as the background of size and date fields (rather than requiring their own column).
A new “show everything” mode to quickly disable all filters.
 
Improvements to Folder Options including:
Configure column widths to expand and fill the usable space in the file display.
A column filter makes it easier to find and add the columns you want.
File and folder name filters can be configured using regular expressions if desired.
 
File copy improvements including a transfer speed graph in the progress dialog.
Toolbar enhancements including scrollbars and distinct labels in drop-down menus.
Lister layouts can now be arranged into folders and sub-folders.
… and as always, much, much more!

-What's New

Directory Opus 12 has been released

5

General Software Discussion / OSX - Replace Finder as default file browser?

« on: February 06, 2016, 04:28 PM »

I was wondering if there is a way in OSX to replace the default finder with another file manager (Commander One, Free Commander, etc.)? DirectoryOpus has a similar function in Windows in which it intercepts OS calls for explorer and instead launches the Opus executable with associated command line arguments. Any ideas?

6

General Software Discussion / Google Ads to move to full HTTPS as of June 2015

« on: April 20, 2015, 05:31 PM »

Google Ads to be "mostly HTTPS" by June

Thoughts?

7

Living Room / Regexp help

« on: November 04, 2014, 07:00 PM »

Alright, I am trying to create a regexp that performs the following:

Selects an IP address from a line but only if the line starts with a pre-defined text string. There will be text in between the text string and the IP address -- I want to ignore the entire line except for the IP address. I know this is do-able but it is driving me nuts.

Any ideas?

8

General Software Discussion / Mind Mapping Software - What are the current top players now?

« on: October 06, 2014, 11:00 PM »

Alright all, I know this is a topic that routinely comes up here, but i was wondering...what are the current top players in this realm of software now? I am looking for a way to diagram out my thoughts, and create relationships based on them or identify new trends or connections between various topics, for research I partake in as part of my graduate studies.

Any thoughts? Thanks again!

9

General Software Discussion / IP Address Assignment Manager - Does one exist?

« on: October 01, 2014, 08:00 AM »

Alright DC hive mind, I seek your wisdom.

I know there are several IP Address Management tools out there that allow you to manage your networks by detecting active addresses, performing scans for inactive hosts, etc. What I am looking for is something different. I want to be able to assign a higher level subnet, say a /23, and break out by location where each network is allocated. I would like the ability to search for an active subnet, say a /27, to issue out to a new device or mark a range no longer in use and available for issue.

Does such a product exist?

10

Living Room / An ode to my failed disk drive

« on: September 06, 2014, 08:36 PM »

A drive with bad sectors galore
Won't store data, not a bit more
So I attempt to format
And then toss in my hat
As I throw this damn drive out the door

R.I.P. Seagate Barracuda 3TB Disk Drive - 2013-2014

11

Living Room / Current web-based RSS readers - What is your pick?

« on: August 10, 2014, 08:54 PM »

So, with Google reader long gone, and many products having time to develop themselves, what are currently the top picks that everyone is using for news consumption? I am only looking at web-based solutions, not desktop.

12

DC Gamer Club / Defense Grid 2 - Limited Beta - *** HURRY - Free keys ***

« on: June 18, 2014, 09:30 PM »

Our good friends at Hidden Path Entertainment have hooked us up with a truckload of beta keys for their upcoming sci-fi tower defense game Defense Grid 2 to hand out to the Dtoid community!

Following on the success of the 2008 original, DG2 looks to expand on the original in many ways, including user-created content, an updated pathing system, and some very pretty visuals. To try the beta out for yourself, just head on over to our code giveaways page and click the button! (You must be signed in to your Destructoid account first, obviously.) Then, code in hand, just load up Steam and activate the code there. Easy peasy!

Have fun!

Source - Free Key Instructions Here

13

Coding Snacks / Binary Search Tree help

« on: February 12, 2014, 10:35 PM »

Hello all, let me preface this by saying that YES, this is for a homework assignment. That said, I have already completed 99% of the program and the only thing left is what I am about to ask for help on.

I have a function to display a binary search tree using in-order traversal. The function works fine (as does the rest of the program, but I am having some trouble in limiting the output to 10 numbers per line.

I.E,
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
etc.

The function looks like such

Code: C++ [Select]

1. void inOrderDisplay(bstNode *nodeToDisplay)
2. {
3.         if (nodeToDisplay == NULL) return;
4.         inOrderDisplay(nodeToDisplay->left);
5.         cout << setw(6) << right << nodeToDisplay->integer;
6.         inOrderDisplay(nodeToDisplay->right);  
7. }

Now, what I am trying to achieve, as said above, is 10 numbers per line followed by a newline, then the next 10 numbers, etc.

I have tried various things like having a static int counter inside of the function, I have tried using a standard local variable, I have tried passing in the counter as a parameter (reference). Once inside, I have attempted to use (if counter == 0), if (counter % 10 == 0), or if (counter > 10).

I am really at a loss here and this is the only thing holding up my submission of this program. How do you go about doing something like this inside of a recursive function?

Thanks in advance

14

Living Room / The nerd in me loves this - The sounds of Sorting

« on: February 01, 2014, 06:20 PM »

The inner nerd in me loves this. I stumbled upon this as I am currently enrolled in my final programming class (Advanced Algorithms) using C++.

Sounds of sorting source

15

Living Room / PROJECT: Children's home store server

« on: December 20, 2013, 04:09 PM »

OK, if you are reading this, then you must be immediately killed because this project is top secret...no, just kidding.

Anyways, this idea came to me after my wife and I implemented a "store" in our home to help reward our daughter for appropriate (desirable) behaviors. This allows her to earn fake money for things that we add to the store. It is based around a central catalog which we maintain. Unfortunately, maintenance and printing this catalog has become quite tedious and I have decided that I want to take a stab at digitizing the store.

Enter the new project. So, we have a media server running on an old dual core laptop. For what we use it for, it works well (DLNA to our PS3s). I have since installed a LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) suite on the laptop in hopes of setting up an "ecommerce" site for my daughter. This would help us by allowing us to more easily add items to the store, while also re-enforcing memorization of things like her address, birthday (birthday specials), family birthdays, etc.

The need: Here is what I am looking for. Right now, I have installed and have actively running a copy of Zen Cart, Open Cart, Presta, and soon oscommerce. I am looking for an ecommerce solution that is simplistic enough to where I don't have to edit every conceivable attribute for a "product" in order to add it to our catalog. I would like for her to be able to submit orders, payment type of "check", and check the status of these orders. This will not only help us re-enforce proper money use, but it will eventually allow us to involve "fake checks" and a "fake credit card" system that we want to implement as well.

So, I am looking for suggestions on potential open source products I can implement to help get this under way. One shortcoming I have found is the lack of page editing capabilities without having to modify TPL files. I would like some form of basic WYSIWYG editor.

Other than that, I am open to other ideas.

I am open to any and all suggestions. What does everyone think?

16

Find And Run Robot / FARR V3 Discussion

« on: November 05, 2013, 11:38 AM »

So,

I wanted to throw this out there and see what the thoughts were on FARR v3? Mouser, as we've spoken about, I think there are a few core features that should be thrown into the FARR v3 release.

1. Indexing for faster result display and searching.
2. Network Share Browsing (Not mapped drives, but UNC path such as \\SERVER\Share) while using file/folder browsing.
3. Incorporation of alias launches into the results window (So, if I launch a cpanel alias, I can see it in the recent history)
4. Integration into other DoCo tools (CH+S, SsC, LBC)?

For everyone out there, I am trying to help "persuade" mouser into starting on FARRv3. Indexing the biggest thing I see that could boost the speed with which FARR operates.

What does everyone else think?

17

DC Gamer Club / Worms Clan Wars 4 Pack

« on: August 14, 2013, 04:02 AM »

Worms Clan Wars (4 Pack)

Anyone want to purchase and participate? Count me in if someone wants to take this on

18

Living Room / Programming/Coder humor

« on: August 13, 2013, 07:32 AM »

Post your best jokes here:

An INT, a CHAR and a STRING walk into a bar and order some drinks. A short while later, the int and char start hitting on the waitress who gets very uncomfortable and walks away. The string walks up to the waitress and says “You’ll have to forgive them, they’re primitive types."

How many programmers does it take to change a lightbulb?
None, that is a hardware problem.

19

General Software Discussion / Opera Software Hit by 'Infrastructure Attack'; Malware Signed with Stolen Cert

« on: June 27, 2013, 03:19 AM »

Norwegian browser maker Opera Software has confirmed that a targeted internal network infrastructure attack led to the theft of a code signing certificate that was used to sign malware.

The company did not provide specifics of the breach or provide any details on the subsequent malware attacks that took advantage of Opera’s update service.

“The current evidence suggests a limited impact. The attackers were able to obtain at least one old and expired Opera code signing certificate, which they have used to sign some malware. This has allowed them to distribute malicious software which incorrectly appears to have been published by Opera Software, or appears to be the Opera browser,” Opera warned in a brief advisory.

The breach, which was discovered on June 19, 2013, was described as a targeted attack with limited impact.

“Our systems have been cleaned and there is no evidence of any user data being compromised. We are working with the relevant authorities to investigate its source and any potential further extent. We will let you know if there are any developments,” Opera said.

However, Opera warned that it was possible that thousands of Windows users who were using the browser between 01.00 and 01.36 UTC on June 19th, may automatically have received and installed the malicious software.

Source

20

Living Room / Looking for a launcher

« on: June 05, 2013, 05:58 AM »

OK Folks, I have a new tool I am trying to locate.

As an avid keyboard user, I love the ability to launch things via hotkeys, find documents I want by typing, and being able to customize different shorts to perform key functions. Autohotkey can do this, however I prefer something with a configurable GUI that doesn't require code to make work.

I have looked at various tools like Launchy and executor and FARR. I currently use FARR but need something with indexing due to the large number of files I search in some folders. Executor is nice but it lacks the ability use some form of regexp or other matching (for shortcuts like my mstsc alias that has pre-programmed servers in it for remote desktop connections). Launchy seems to be showing its signs of abandonment and I would prefer something that shows the promise of being updated if needed.

What recommendations does everyone have? I have checked out most of the tools listed on alternativeto.net. I really want something that is keyboard focused, supports some form of filtering per shortcut, and can do filesystem browsing.

I look forward to the responses!

21

Living Room / "Half of our users block ads. Now what?"

« on: March 10, 2013, 07:44 AM »

Relax. We're still friends.

Last month, I learned that the primary way we support Destructoid was quickly shrinking due to a browser plug-in: the ad-blocker. On the bright side, it brought some closure on why our ad checks never quite kept up with perky site traffic or growing bandwidth bills.

No, I'm not going to chainsaw your face for installing an ad-blocker. Chances are, though, you understand that blocking ads denies us some coffers and you probably feel a little bad about it, but all ads intrinsically annoy you. That's okay. Still, it is enough for me to say that it's a problem facing my site and other sites like it, and a few weeks ago, I started to appeal to readers to whitelist us -- that mostly failed.

Is asking for nickels the best way to future-proof a gaming site?

"Almost half of your readers block your ads. We don't think we're mistaken."

Read more here

To me, I think this is becoming a real problem for websites that rely on ad revenue. I feel this mentality of block all ads and force site owners to find new ways to generate revenue ties back in to the entitled generation, as I've called it in the past. People who believe everything should be free and that they are entitled to information, software, movies, games, music...all for free because it is their right or because they feel they are being "screwed by the big organizations/outlets".

Now, let me preface this with the fact that I am not referring to those who block ads on sites that are completely obnoxious, attempt to mislead with fake download now buttons, or require you to sit through 10-15 seconds of an ad before you can proceed. I am talking about sites that legitimately put up non-intrusive ads and adhere to a set of ethics with regards to how ads should be displayed to the users. I routinely allow sites to display ads to me that I support, that do not attempt to mislead or annoy me, and whose content I find to be reputable and valuable. That said, I will not unblock any site that performs any of the aforementioned things.

What do you think? Are the days of online ads numbered? Are we moving to a content-based society that will result in subscriptions for basic information? Yes, there will always be the free news site, but eventually, as they gain in popularity, the need for funding will arise and I am certain that the thought of ad-based revenue will be discussed. Heck, even donationcoder/mouser has experimented with ads.

What do you think?

22

General Software Discussion / Disabling Global Hotkeys (Useful for launchers, AKA FARR)

« on: February 16, 2013, 04:45 PM »

After discussing the possibility of having FARR hook into system-wide hotkeys (WIN+R, WIN+E, etc.), he came across a registry hack to disable global system hotkeys. Once enabled, you can now enable hotkeys that were once reserved, in any application. I am now able to launch FARR using WIN+R and make it completely replace the Windows Run Dialog. Perhaps now mouser can work on cleaning up the network share and drive browsing code (browsing network shares) within FARR.

I have attached a reg file inside of a zip file for those who are interested, as well as a link to the article which we found to enable this functionality

Just add each letter (no commas, just right in a row. EX; RE would disable WIN+R and WIN+E) to the registry key.

Disable global hotkeys

This is confirmed to work in Windows 8 as well.

23

General Software Discussion / Opera to move to webkit/chromium rendering engines

« on: February 13, 2013, 02:34 PM »

The Opera web browser has always been something of an also-ran in terms of its popularity on Windows PCs. Net Applications shows the current version of the desktop browser, Opera 12, has just a 1.47 percent market share, well behind Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. However, Opera has gained more users as a browser for mobile phones and smartphones.

Today, Opera Software announced both a major milestone as well as a huge change for the rendering engine that the browser uses. First, the company revealed that the various versions of the Opera web browser have now collected a total of 300 million users. Jars Boilesen, the CEO of Opera Software, added, "On the final stretch up to 300 million users, we have experienced the fastest acceleration in user growth we have ever seen."

Opera Software also announced that future versions of the browser will make the transition to the WebKit and Chromium engine, which is used for Google's Chrome browser and Apple's Safari program. Opera Software had previously been using its own Presto rendering engine for its browser.

Neowin.net Source

Opera press release

Does this mean opera will actually work now?!? No more broken pages?

24

Living Room / Are you good at reading flow charts?

« on: February 10, 2013, 01:56 PM »

Source

25

General Software Discussion / Best JAVA IDE

« on: February 10, 2013, 10:14 AM »

Alright folks, let the religious war begin!

I am looking to start a good discussion on what is currently considered to be the best available FREEWARE IDE for Java development. I know there are a lot of factors to take into account when selecting an IDE (Debugging ability, feature-set, etc.). To me, the most important aspects of an IDE are autocomplete, express evaluation (hover over to get current value or diving further), and debugging ability.

With that said, I would like some input as to what others consider and even suggestions. I use eclipse...well, because most suggest it as the "de-facto" standard. I am not sure if this is because it is free, or because most Android development takes place in it. Android support is important for me, but it is not a must. I am having fun learning Java right now but I find eclipse to be a bit "clunky" with common place things like auto-complete. JDeveloper is looking nice and I think that the ADF mobile tools might fit in quite nicely once I get through my first Java app.

Anyways, let he discussion begin. What features are important to you? What IDE do you use and why?