Messages

251

General Software Discussion / Re: soft and hard links in ntfs

« on: May 10, 2007, 06:46 PM »

OK, here's a visual representation of what I think Shortcuts (duh), Symbolic Links, and Hard Links (AKA Junctions) are... If it's not clear, the large gold/orange filled circle represents the hard drive, the blue ring is to represent the actual file.
The circle segment around the icon is to show that the file appears to be exactly the same.

Links Visualization 1.3.rar (60.34 kB - downloaded 345 times.) < This is the Paint.net file (with layers) that I used to create the images in case anyone wants to show what a Soft Link is/does...
[edit]Oh I see, both traditional shortcuts and symlinks ARE soft links...[/edit]

[modified]
- Added limitations to Hard Link image, updated rar to new "version 1.1".
- Changed Hard Link image a lil', updated rar file to 1.2.
- 1.3 (didn't mean to make so many changes...), changed icon on link of H.L.
[/modified]

252

General Software Discussion / Re: soft and hard links in ntfs

« on: May 10, 2007, 03:56 PM »

Whoa! This creates a whole new world of file management I'd never known about before!
I am still a little fuzzy as to what each of these links do and/or how they differ: Soft Link, Junction, Symbolic Link. I think I've got a pretty good grasp on shortcuts though!

As for *x: I'd say it should be written as: *n*x
Seems to work the best for

[Select]

*n*x
Linux
 Unix

I just don't like the fact that 1 of the asterisks must represent no characters if you use *u*x...

[Select]

       * u* x
L  i  n  u  x
         Unix

^ is not very elegant

253

General Software Discussion / Re: Symbolic Links in Vista - Like a playlist, but for anything!

« on: May 10, 2007, 04:54 AM »

...
hard links, junctions, reparse points
...

-MrCrispy (May 10, 2007, 04:10 AM)

What are all those? I've (now) seen them mentioned, but can you give us a dumbed-down explanation?

254

General Software Discussion / Re: Symbolic Links in Vista - Like a playlist, but for anything!

« on: May 10, 2007, 03:49 AM »

Yeah... but it's so easy to make one (I mean, currently the hardest part is typing the path) I'm sure it would be super easy to make buttons and toolbars and stuff. I bet someone could make one for Directory Opus using only the button editor.
[edit]Took out stuff about DO and size reporting...[/edit]

255

General Software Discussion / Symbolic Links in Vista - Like a playlist, but for anything!

« on: May 10, 2007, 03:24 AM »

Symbolic Links are something that I just found out about, but so far I think they're awesome!

From what I can tell, they transparently link a virtual file or folder with a "real"(?) file or folder and that's about it.


A little backstory, I'll try to keep it short...
I've finally switched away from TheBat! (god that program was driving me nuts!) and have started using Thunderbird for my e-mailing. What I've done is created a TrueCrypt volume to store all my mail, call me paranoid... whatever. I mount the volume before I open Thunderbird, do my mailing as needed, close thunderbird, then unmount the TC volume. This way all my mail is encrypted while not in use and is safe from prying eyes (I don't want people reading my eBay bid confirmations and dirty joke forwards from my neighbor). But, I then realized that my profile isn't being encrypted, so my address book, account settings, and passwords were all either unencrypted, or didn't require a password to decrypt. That seemed a little dumb to me (what's the expression? Something along the lines of "don't guard the front door if the back door is open"...).

Along comes Symbolic Links to save the day:
All I gots ta do is find my profile folder (which in my case was in: C:\Users\<my account>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles), copy it to my encrypted virtual drive, then create a symbolic folder link with the same name as my profile folder and link it to the copied folder in my TC volume.
It probably took about 2 minutes once I started, and now my whole Thunderbird profile is encrypted and Thunderbird is none the wiser.

I could probably come up with at least 5 more very useful uses for these right off the top of my head (especially when combined with TrueCrypt volumes)!
What the heck, I'll give it a try:
1. Don't stop with e-mail, encrypt your Firefox profile too
2. Move your "Documents" folder off the C: drive to a flash drive, then encrypt it! Make a new "Documents" folder link in your user folder.
3. Hmmm... Use a laptop and a desktop? Link the Documents/e-mail/bookmarks of each one to the same actual files on a networked drive. No more syncing! You always access the current files/settings.
4. Instead of audio/video playlists, make huge/multiple lists of symbolic links, Winamp will think you're playing a single folder... encrypt them too! (just kidding) -- this would be great for home-made compilation CDs! Store them on your computer without taking up more room.
5. Keep one "dictionary" or "thesaurus" file across multiple programs (this would require some kind of standard dictionary format, which I doubt exists right now). No longer would you have to click "Add To Dictionary" on EVERY new program you type your last name into...

There's tons of possibilities! I must admit I actually had trouble coming up with 5 useful and unique ideas for my list though.

256

General Software Discussion / Re: Irfanview4 released

« on: May 10, 2007, 02:10 AM »

I'm right there with edbro, I want to like IrfanView, but after installing it it doesn't take me very long at all to go back to XnView.
Also a while ago I did an independent, completely not-scientific test between IfranView and XnView and XnView opened noticeably quicker (I suppose that issue may now be moot with Vista and "Super Fetch" or whatever it's called though).

257

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: InfraRecorder

« on: May 10, 2007, 02:00 AM »

Sorry, didn't read this thread (I do have InfraRecorder installed though, I just haven't actually burned anything with it yet). But if you're looking to convert image formats, another option is to use a virtual CD-ROM, like Virtual Clone Drive (my current favorite) or Daemon Tools (there's also Alcohol 52% and surely a couple more). Mount the image, open your new favorite burning app and create a new image (or just do a "disc" to disc copy and burn it without changing file types). It probably wont be as fast as using a converting program, but virtual CD drive programs can be so useful you might just want to install one anyway.

258

General Software Discussion / Re: Backup my Dial Up Network Setting (DUN) in WinXP

« on: May 10, 2007, 01:43 AM »

Maybe you could use a form-filler app to just go through the settings for you. I'd personally use KeePass since I pretty much will not use a computer without it installed (well, unzipped as it were).

Setting it up the first time would be a pain, but you could store your DUN username and password in there without worry, which would be nice.
The final result would be something like this (which I use to log into FTP sites in Directory Opus using it's "Quick Connect" option)...
Auto-Type-Window: FTP Connect - Directory Opus
Auto-Type:{URL}{TAB}{TAB}{TAB}21{TAB}{SPACE}{TAB}{SPACE}{TAB}{USERNAME}{TAB}{PASSWORD}{TAB}{TAB}

You'd probably have to make a few entries to make it work, but after the first setup you could probably go through the DUN setup wizard in 30 seconds...

259

General Software Discussion / Re: Textaizer - free tool to make pictures out of text parts

« on: May 10, 2007, 01:37 AM »

Whoa, that's nuts!

260

General Software Discussion / Re: Uninstalling Norton products - Norton Removal Tool

« on: May 10, 2007, 01:30 AM »

I can't get over the fact that Norton had to make a tool to get norton off your computer...

261

General Software Discussion / Re: Utility to get one good copy from three corupted ones?

« on: May 10, 2007, 01:24 AM »

if there is a torrent of the original file...

-compn (May 09, 2007, 10:18 PM)

That sounds like a good idea.

You could also split all 3 files into small pieces (make copies first of course), maybe 2000 1mb pieces*. Then compare set A against set B using something like beyond compare. Copy one set of files that were tested to be exactly the same to folder D. Then compare A to C, copy another set of duplicates to folder E. Then compare B to C, copy one last set to F. Compare D to E, all the files that are in both D and E should be exactly the same with a few "orphan" files here and there. Sync the 2 folders so you have all the same files in both D and E, then delete one of them, say E. Then compare D to F, sync them, and delete one, say F.

Folder D should have one complete set of all the files, the best bet for accuracy since every file in it got downloaded at least 2 times exactly the same way.

Unsplit the files and check the MD5 again, hopefully it'll be correct.

If folder D is missing any files, I guess you're stuck with doing compn's idea (which might be easiest if you already have uTorrent or something and there is a torrent available) or I guess you could stick the missing files in from folders A, B, and C in a systematic manner (might get pretty complicated if there's more than like, 3 missing files).

*Although I haven't actually used this feature, I think Directory Opus will split files, if you don't have it there are tons of file splitter programs out there. I don't remember the reasons why now, but of the programs I've tried "The File Splitter" is the only one I've kept.

262

General Software Discussion / Re: Quicken Kids & Money Software

« on: May 08, 2007, 04:08 PM »

Oh goody! It's a subscription!? LOL
I only looked at the page until I saw a "$". Oh I see now:

Regular price for 1 year membership is $99.99; special discount expires March 31, 2007.

Lesson 1: If the sale has already expired but they're still advertising it, the company isn't taking the product seriously and you shouldn't give them your money.

263

General Software Discussion / Re: Quicken Kids & Money Software

« on: May 08, 2007, 03:46 PM »

HAHA... although I like the idea... sorta. It is very ironic that they want you to buy the software, for $70 frigging dollars no less.

"Teach your kids how to save money by spending some of yours!"

Here's some more financial advice.

264

General Software Discussion / Re: Directory Opus 9

« on: May 08, 2007, 12:34 AM »

oh, also is there a way to only open one instances of itself???

-reko100 (May 07, 2007, 10:17 PM)

Those 2 options on the left combined with the highlighted option on the right might be enough for what you want.

So far as I know, Directory Opus doesn't have any kind of timeout or anything.

265

General Software Discussion / Re: A NEW VERSION (v1.9) of ObjectDock just released

« on: May 07, 2007, 09:36 PM »

I'm going to check this out. If I can find the download link...

I used to just use a windows toolbar (like the Quick Launch Bar) that I docked to the left side of the screen. But for some wacky, unknown, crappy reason Vista wont let you get a custom toolbar off the start menu. Lame.

I'm about to cry! My dreams have been answered! After posting this, I decided to do a little research and found this page where the person found the solution we've (well, me and this guy at the very least) been looking for.
Just drag the folder to the side of the screen... SO SIMPLE!

266

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Super Flexible File Synchronizer Mini-Review

« on: May 07, 2007, 09:15 PM »

Discount is out now! A nice one too!...

Thar she is

267

General Software Discussion / Re: Intel Core 2 Duo + WinXP SP2 problem - only single core detected and used

« on: May 07, 2007, 09:01 PM »

When you slipstreamed SP2 did you "mess" with the CD or just do a slipstream? If you just did a slipstream I'd say it's very unlikely that there would be any problem with the disc.

Download SP2 and install it again. If you're going to format and reinstall anyway it might be worth a shot.

It seems pretty conclusive that it is only recognizing 1 core, but for shits and giggles you might try this one last test. Open the task manager, right click on a process, and select "Set Affinity...". A box like this should come up...

This is obviously a screenshot from Vista, but I think it should be the same in XP.

268

General Software Discussion / Re: Sumatra PDF Viewer is cool, thin, and open-source

« on: May 07, 2007, 08:48 PM »

I'm going to give Sumatra a good run on my computer. I LOVE software I don't have to install. I don't format that much, but I'm still stuck in the Win98 mindset of "prepare for Windows to take a dump on you".

Not adding anything new here, but here's my thoughts...
Sumatra opens insanely quick... awesome!
It opened the 1 PDF I've tried so far.
I have copied text out of PDFs a couple times. I also search every now and then. These would be welcome and seemingly easy additions.

Yeah, I hate PDFs too. I hated them when they were 'this cool Mac thing, now for PCs too', I hated them when people decided to put them all over the web (um... isn't that what HTML is for?), and I hate the idea that Adobe dominates the PC PDF reader market.
Sorry to go on a rant here, but Adobe sucks! They're the worst when it comes to planned obsolescence, they're the worst for insanely high prices, all their programs are excruciatingly slow to open, they seem to make their programs with a one button mouse in mind *cough* Macs suck *cough*, and they're the worst for bloat. If I remember right, they were one of the first companies to include Yahoo Toolbar with their program (Acrobat Reader) too. If money started raining from the sky Photoshop C4 (due out next month the way things are going) would still be $700.

269

General Software Discussion / Re: Directory Opus 9

« on: May 07, 2007, 01:19 PM »

Could this whole ADS not being copied business have anything to do with the following option in Opus?

270

General Software Discussion / Re: Anyone know any good cheap, easy to use software for interior design stuff?

« on: May 07, 2007, 12:35 PM »

I frequent the "deal websites"... here's a program "Total 3D Home Design Deluxe 9.0" for $0 after $25 mail in rebate from CompUSA...

Total 3D Home Design Deluxe 9.0

I don't know anything about the program, but if you're good at actually sending in rebates it's a good deal.

271

General Software Discussion / Re: Directory Opus 9

« on: May 06, 2007, 01:43 PM »

What is this ADS stuff I've heard so much about? Is it like ID3 tags for MP3s? But it's somehow not moved with the file?

272

General Software Discussion / Re: Flash Game of the Day: The Last Stand

« on: May 06, 2007, 05:44 AM »

Violent flash shooter, but quite nice and an element of strategy.

http://gamefudge.com/The-Last-Stand

...

-mouser (May 05, 2007, 11:22 PM)

Whew! that was fun!

What's the best gun?

Uzi is where it's at! Scratch that, the "Barrett" is da bomb!

Level 19 took me like 15 tries!

273

General Software Discussion / Re: Directory Opus 9

« on: May 06, 2007, 04:13 AM »

...
xPlorer2 V1.653 and DOpus V9 all offer the ability to add addtional columns: "Title", "Subject", "Author", "Category"
...
if added in DOpus as columns, they will simply be blank columns, nothing shown at all
...
if it can't extract the ADS info, why put those fields there...???
...

-tslim (May 06, 2007, 01:15 AM)

Sounds more like a bug or oversight than an intentionally missing feature.

274

General Software Discussion / Re: To Vista or not to Vista that is the ?

« on: May 06, 2007, 04:05 AM »

...various dialogues that tried to persuade you not too...

-Carol Haynes (May 06, 2007, 04:03 AM)

HAHAHA!

275

General Software Discussion / Re: Show both folders and favorites at the same time in windows explorer?

« on: May 06, 2007, 04:03 AM »

I can't remember a "favorites" in WE in any previous versions of windows, but in Vista it seems to be the default behavior.