Recent Posts

10601

General Software Discussion / Re: Software to record in MP3 format

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 12:20 PM »

Actually, LAME has surpassed the Fraunhofer codec in some areas. It's top notch now. Years ago there were a few, but only LAME, the Fraunhofer codec, and perhaps some custom ones now remain.

10602

General Software Discussion / Re: Software to record in MP3 format

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 12:17 PM »

LAME

10603

General Software Discussion / Re: What's your music player of choice?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 12:07 PM »

...
Edit: I like free music, definitely going to have to give them a listen

-allen (August 05, 2007, 11:54 AM)

Kimo ROCKS!

I love his stuff!

But this is off topic... Yes - iTunes sucks! I only use it for podcasts (which it works for... usually...).

Edit: Correcting my drunk spelling errors.

10604

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: God Hate Penguins, But He Love Threading and Delegates!

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 12:04 PM »

the whole thing is extremely professionally done; nice job. 

-mouser (August 05, 2007, 11:58 AM)

Thank-you very much! It's nice to hear that! Much appreciated!

The episodes with code samples take about 1 hour per minute of audio to produce. The code samples are time consuming. I hope that they're useful for some people.

10605

General Software Discussion / Re: What's your music player of choice?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:51 AM »

Oh... One thing that I forgot to mention is that you can get some free music here. Some of the lyrics are in there. e.g. Closer, All Along the Watch Tower, Study Your Life, and a few more.

Music is very subjective, so you may like it or may not. I like every thing from Slayer to Bach so I'm not in much of a position to say what's good.

10606

General Software Discussion / Re: What's your music player of choice?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:44 AM »

I use ALSong for music. The deciding factor is the playlist because it's done RIGHT.

-Renegade (August 05, 2007, 08:21 AM)

It does have very good play list management.  It does not, however, support last.fm does it?  -- The other qualm for me was that its primary differentiating feature (aside from playlists) is the lyrics browser.  Unfortunately, thus far not a single song/artist I listen to is in the lyric database Be nice if one could configure it to use other lyric databases out there.  But that's asubject for another thread

-allen (August 05, 2007, 11:21 AM)

OK - It's very late on Sunday night... That means that I've got a few (or more than a few) beer in me and I'm not about to check on last.fm... But I will once I get back into the office! I'll post back - when I'm sober!

As for the lyrics thing... I've been really suprised to find some really esoteric music that I listen to in there.

If you try to search, you might just find it in there. There are well over a million in there, so there's a chance.

That being said, there's a LOT of music that isn't in there too.

10607

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: God Hate Penguins, But He Love Threading and Delegates!

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:38 AM »

lol 
hahahaaha i love the style and humility.

-mouser (August 05, 2007, 11:25 AM)

I'm not a programming language religious fanatic, but heck! It's a fun thing to play with!

The outro music for the podcast is pretty fun given the context.

10608

Developer's Corner / Re: Does my web page suck?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:34 AM »

BAH!

The truth is that a lot of very ugly sites actually WORK!

It's less about looks than it is about usability. That's the key. Looks are a HUGE bonus, but they don't make up for a site that isn't usable.

10609

Developer's Corner / Re: YouLicense.com - Site for finding and licensing indie music for your product

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:29 AM »

...which statistically speaking you probably aren't...

-mouser (August 02, 2007, 11:52 PM)

I use podsafe music, so that's a good find. Thanks!

10610

Developer's Corner / Threadpools and Delegates in .NET

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:24 AM »

I've got a new show available with a sample application on threading and delegates.

I hope it's useful for some people.

The code is commented extensively, so it should help there.

10611

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / God Hate Penguins, But He Love Threading and Delegates!

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 11:21 AM »

There's a new .NET Preacher Show available now.

This time we focus on threadpools and delegates. And a bit on how God Hates Penguins!

10612

General Software Discussion / WYFCA?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 09:34 AM »

What's Your Favorite Computer Acronym?

While I do like things like WTF and RTFM, I think I really like NTFH - Not That F***ing Hard.

So, what's your fav?

10613

General Software Discussion / Re: Do you use any Desktop Theme Software on Windows?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 08:55 AM »

I'm using the Royale theme on my Windows 2003 Server box. It's quite nice.

Other than that 1 box, I never use themes. I tried a few back in like 1998 or something like that, but never really got into it. The computer just does things for me, and I value the resources that it has...

10614

General Software Discussion / Re: What's your music player of choice?

« Last post by Renegade on August 05, 2007, 08:21 AM »

$%&*$%! AAARRRGGGHHH!

This is the 3rd time I've written this post! (Browser crashes & tabs closing... Grrrr...) I think it's time to write a browser rant here...

Anyways, I posted about this here.

I use ALSong for music. The deciding factor is the playlist because it's done RIGHT.

Disclaimer: I work for the company.

But that doesn't affect my choice. I don't use all our software. e.g. I use Opera, then FireFox, then IE, and ALPass only supports IE, so I don't use it.

VLC and Foobar2000 are good players technically, but aesthetically they're clunky at best and their usability isn't that great. There's good podcast on aesthetics and the user experience here.

But then of course, my absolute favorite music player is GDT! Ok - it's not really a player... A practise tool for musicians... But you can't blame me for loving it!

10615

General Software Discussion / Re: Can I uninstall .NET Framework 1.1 and 2.0 ??

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2007, 06:29 PM »

If the .NET world was like Java... although I heard this does have its share of compatibility problems as well, but the proofs I saw were only lots of talking and no real evidence.

I'm not sure what you mean there.

I've only ever heard of 1 vendor having compatibility issues with more than 1 framework installed, but that was a very low level utility for .NET programmers, and only for that one specific application.

Java on the other hand... If you don't have the correct version installed, then you may run into problems. At the dayjob one customer is locked into a specific version of Java with bugs that affect how it compresses files. They are then not compatible with anything except Java itself - a bit of a problem there. He can't upgrade Java either... Not a good situation. That simply can't happen in .NET. You can always install another version of .NET and then just keep on going.

10616

General Software Discussion / Re: Favorite ZIP/RAR application?

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2007, 06:19 PM »

Renegade:
I just downloaded the newest version of alzip, and i have 2 suggestions regarding speed extractor:
1 - the one i mentioned in this post, which i think i didn't express correctly.
2 - have an option for "don't open explorer after decompress", because i don't use explorer and find that a bit anoying

Regarding 1:
  Here's a better explanation for my problem.

-jgpaiva (August 02, 2007, 03:24 PM)

Regarding #2 - That preference is set in the regular extraction window. Just uncheck it there. (I need to double check on that though...)

I'll have a look at #1 again on Monday - sorry - a bit busy at the moment. Hell season is here.

10617

General Software Discussion / Re: Can I uninstall .NET Framework 1.1 and 2.0 ??

« Last post by Renegade on August 02, 2007, 06:25 PM »

To echo some of the above - Keep them.

One of the main points to .NET is that you can keep them all on the same machine, and that they can peacefully co-exist. This is in direct opposition to how Java works (or doesn't work as the case may be).

.NET really is what Java wanted to be (or is going in that direction as Mono matures).

10618

General Software Discussion / Re: Best search and replace software discussion

« Last post by Renegade on August 01, 2007, 09:27 AM »

I used to use Agent Ransack years ago - maybe I need to check it out again.

Lately I've just been creating one-off custom programs to fit what I need though. Often my requirements I can meet quickly with some simple RegEx and it takes about the same time to program as to figure out the RegEx expression.

As for PowerGrep... It's a mean beast with power out the wahoo. Jan is a really smart guy and has done a fantastic job there (but who wouldn't when they live in beautiful Thailand?). Though like others, I find it hard to justify the cost.

I'll be interested to hear how people evaluate different programs.

10619

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: ESTsoft Releases ALZip v7.0 Beta with New Speed Extractor Options

« Last post by Renegade on July 31, 2007, 06:27 PM »

Well known for its cute "Egghead" characters,

-Renegade

So, known for bloaty graphics instead of technical merits?

And speed extractor... that just means "double-clicking archive extracts"? I thought it would've been something cool, like improving decompression speed.

Sorry for dissing, but I get a bit annoyed with press releases that try to make basically nothing sound like it's something...

-f0dder (July 31, 2007, 08:03 AM)

You might want to listen to this podcast on the MicroISV Show on Channel 9.

Software is more than just pure functionality. Making it aesthetically appealing is important as well.

ALZip is already fast at decompression (moreso than many others at least), and the Speed Extractor is just one more way to make things faster. It's not going to appeal to everyone, but some people will enjoy it.

But really - c'mon - give me a break! I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't try to make things sound cool now would I? 

It really does increase the speed to extract files though. Try it and see if you like it. You can always uninstall it if you don't like it. I've got some videos available to explain it and show how to enable things. It's all pretty easy though.

Cheers!

10620

General Software Discussion / Re: Favorite ZIP/RAR application?

« Last post by Renegade on July 31, 2007, 06:15 PM »

Can ALZIP extract .exe file like Universal Extractor http://www.legroom.n.../software/uniextract
nXqd

-Nxqd3051990 (July 31, 2007, 09:58 AM)

No. That's actually a difficult one to add — not because it's techinically difficult, but because it's likely to cause confusion for people. You drag & drop an EXE into ALZip... Well... What next? Do you compress it? Do you try to list the contents? Add an option specifically for EXEs? No matter what you do, you end up with some kind of messiness.

For someone like me or you, it isn't a problem. But what about our technically challenged friends and relatives that have a hard time figuring out how to open a file, much less even coming to terms with what the difference between a compressed EXE setup package and a pure executable EXE are? They represent the largest portion of people out there.

Universal Extractor is focused on extracting setup packages, which isn't the job of a general archiver. However, setup packages are just a very special kind of archive. Therein lies the irony and the problem.

However, this is on my list of things to put into the Wish List for ALZip (ever since I first saw Universal Extractor - I love the program and use it regularly). I want to get some more done on the command line first before I start pushing for that though. I need to figure out how to make things as seamless and intuitive as possible before I take it to the PM and lead developer for consideration though.

The general problem that you've inadvertently touched on is the "breadth" vs. "depth" problem for an application. You need to focus on a direction, but not ignore the other. This is especially important for the smaller developers out there. Microsoft has a lot of resources, and can attack both directions. Windows Media Player is an excellent example. It's not just an audio player or video player — heck, it's a development platform! Similarly, you can see this issue in the difference between consumer level and professional level audio and video software. The professional level stuff often lacks some breadth, but has very great depth.

10621

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / ESTsoft Releases ALZip v7.0 Beta with New Speed Extractor Options

« Last post by Renegade on July 31, 2007, 03:25 AM »

It's here, it's improved, and it's faster than ever ~ ALZip v7.0.
The new ALZip v7.0 beta from ESTsoft brings extraction speed to new levels with the ALZip Speed Extractor, along with handy innovative improvements like overwriting features for updating projects and file sets as well as restoring backups.

Seoul, Korea – July 31, 2007 – ESTsoft Corp. today announced the release of ALZip v7.0 beta, the full featured zip archiving utility for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista, with new features for faster extracting, updating, and restoring backups.

The new Speed Extractor functionality in ALZip gives users one-click extraction, making ALZip the fastest way to extract files from archives. A second Speed Extractor option gives users a clean and simple menu, free from clutter that gradually creeps into Windows Explorer right-click context menus.

Further improving on archive extraction, new overwriting features let users freshen projects/file sets with just the newest files from an archive. Those looking to restore projects/file sets to a previously known good state can now overwrite files on disk with only the older, good files from their backup archives.

Well known for its cute "Egghead" characters, ALZip follows up with a robust set of functionality including support for extracting 36 archive formats and creating 8. Commenting on the Eggheads, a CNET editor wrote, "They show that aesthetics are still important, even in freeware."

v7.0 boasts other improvements such as full Windows Vista support including x64 editions and better compatibility with Microsoft Office 2007 file formats, as well as routine bug fixes.

ALZip is available in 25 languages and is now also available at ESTsoft's new ALTools Japanese web site at www.altools.jp.

Free for home users, commercial users can purchase licenses on the honor system for between $20 for a single license and $3 per seat for volume orders. Current licensees can upgrade for free. Free downloads are available at www.altools.net.

About ALTools

Named "AL" after the Korean word for "egg", ALTools are free PC utilities and multimedia programs that include ALShow, a DVD and movie player; ALSong, an MP3 live music lyrics player; ALSee, a picture viewer and photo editor; ALFTP, an FTP client/server; and ALPass, a secure web login and password manager.

About ESTsoft

ESTsoft is a leading Korean application developer located in Seoul. Other ESTsoft products include InternetDISK, a web storage solution, and CABAL Online, an MMORPG.


Contact:
Ryan Smyth
ESTsoft Research & Development Center
Bongcheon Dong, Kwanak Gu
Seoul, South Korea
151-836

Tel: +82-2-881-2352
Web: www.altools.net

10622

General Software Discussion / Re: Favorite ZIP/RAR application?

« Last post by Renegade on July 31, 2007, 03:18 AM »

Just to let you all know, I've just released the new ALZip.

Let me know what you think of the new Speed Extractor if you have a chance.

10623

General Software Discussion / Re: Favorite ZIP/RAR application?

« Last post by Renegade on July 29, 2007, 10:50 PM »

My pleasure entirely! I hope people enjoy ALZip and get some good use from it. 

10624

General Software Discussion / Re: Some HomeSite Replacement Help?

« Last post by Renegade on July 29, 2007, 09:27 PM »

I'm not sure when Nick is going to get back to TopStyle. He said that he's been away from it for a while but wants to get back to it as soon as he can.

At the moment I believe that he's been working on NewsGator primarily. You can drop by his blog at nick.typepad.com and see if he's mentioned anything about it.

10625

General Software Discussion / Re: Favorite ZIP/RAR application?

« Last post by Renegade on July 29, 2007, 05:45 PM »

Apart from that ad in alzip which keeps telling me its free for home users and flashing thru all the things, i think i could use it, but unless that is made to stay still at least i would only consider it as a last resort.

-Grorgy (July 28, 2007, 04:29 PM)

That's the ONLY differerence between the commercially licensed version and the unlicensed home user version - the product info banner disappears in the licensed version. I give out free licenses to DonationCoder members on request, so if you email me with your DonationCoder user name, I can PM you a license here. Licenses are personalized with 3 fields:

First Name:
Last Name:
Email:

I can use your DonationCoder username for first name, but I would need your email address. That's only ever used for update notices.