Recent Posts

1076

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Remove duplicate files, folders and archives - DupeTrasher 2009

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 28, 2009, 01:40 PM »

As for default search locations, you are right there are only hard drives set for search by default, but that is not a problem to update with other locations for the next version. I just didn't have any complains so far about it as users usually search only the hard drives. On the other hand it is also really easy to add any other location just by "drag and drop" (in the custom search mode).

Anyway, I am putting this on the TODO list so let me ask you a question regarding this: would you suggest that all available drives should be checked for the search by default?
This question applies for the "One click search" feature too, do you think all drives should be included or just leave it as it is now (only fixed drives)?

-AsmDev (September 28, 2009, 01:09 PM)

My own vote on this is to make mapped drives available in any interface that lets you select drives, but they shouldn't be slected by default (though they should probably remember any previous selection).

I haven't tried yet, but the tool should also accept UNC paths ("\\server\share\etc") if the user types them in or navigates to them in a folder selection dialog (by way of  something like Network Neighborhood or drag-n-drop).

1077

General Software Discussion / Re: How "laplink" Win98SE and Vista Home Premium laptops?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 18, 2009, 06:09 PM »

He ... pointed out that if I used Ethernet or the router, I'd have to set both machines to the same workgroup, which sounded complicated

-rjbull (September 17, 2009, 03:46 PM)

If you're using dedicated transfer software like Laplink, it often doesn't need workgroups, network shares or mapped drives.  It will often use it's own connection setup and authentication which can simplify connecting over the network.  Software that does this will usually have the characteristic that you need to install the software on both machines to do the transfer.

1078

General Software Discussion / Re: How "laplink" Win98SE and Vista Home Premium laptops?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 18, 2009, 06:05 PM »

One thing to be careful of if you go the serial port route is that if the hardware and/or software limits you to old-fashioned serial rates (like 115Kbps), you'd be looking at it taking a full day - 24 hours -(or probably more) to move 1GB.

1079

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: WinPatrol PLUS $10 off through end of September

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 18, 2009, 01:28 PM »

I saw some references on the web, but not explicit on the site that I could find, that one license is good for all your home PCs, so I went for it.

-MilesAhead (September 18, 2009, 12:25 PM)

In a sidebar box, "Multiple computers?",  there's this:

Can I use my activation code on both my desktop and laptop?

Of course. You're the customer not your computer. You're welcome to use a single license code onany computer you personally own and use.

1080

Living Room / Re: How to use a parallel port printer on a PC without a parallel port?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 18, 2009, 01:17 PM »

I've seen but never used those USB to Centronics printer cables - I'd guess they work fine as long as you have a Vista driver for the printer.  Sometimes getting a working driver for an old printer can be a problem. Note that this situation was one of the reasons Richard Stallman started the GNU project way back when:

  - http://www.gnu.org/g...u/thegnuproject.html

1081

General Software Discussion / Re: How "laplink" Win98SE and Vista Home Premium laptops?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 12, 2009, 05:54 PM »

Ethernet would be the best way, but there are some 'NULL modem' USB cables made for hooking 2 computers up - I've never used one, so I don't know how well they work.  An example:

  - http://www.newegg.co...Item=N82E16812200198

1082

General Software Discussion / Tabbles on GAOTD - 11 Sep 09 (was Tabbles on BDJ on Wednesday)

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 11, 2009, 09:57 AM »

For anyone who had some interest in Tabbles but didn't pull the trigger on the BDJ deal, it's on Giveaway of the Day today:

  - http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/tabbles/

1083

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: WinPatrol PLUS $10 off through end of September

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 11, 2009, 12:54 AM »

I bought the thing too, but once he turned it into a method for trying to coerce governments by denying access to it for residents of that country I got rid of the thing.

-Grorgy (September 06, 2009, 10:08 PM)

What are you refering to?  I don't see anything about denying access to residents of certain countries, but I might not be looking in the right place.

1084

General Software Discussion / Re: alternative to filehamster?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 10, 2009, 12:47 PM »

FileHamster Plus (the old "Advanced" version) was 29.50 - I know cause I have it. The new pricing matrix looks a bit steep to me as well.

-paulobrabo (September 10, 2009, 07:24 AM)

Before the restructuring there were 4 levels of FH:

  - Lite (free)
  - +Plus ($30)
  - Dev bundle ($50)
  - Enterprise ($80) - I'm not sure if this was ever actually for sale, or if it was just 'pre-announced'.
 
+Plus included WatchTree filters & enhancements, network & removable drive support, and some other stuff over the free version.

The Dev bundle added the FTP, script and report plugins.  An blog entry (http://blog.mogware.net/?p=34) indicates that buying these plugins separately would bring the cost up to about $70 - the Dev Bundle's price was $50.

In the new pricing scheme, they have the following:

  - Basic ($30) - correspnds to the previous +Plus version
  - Advanced ($50) - corresponds roughly to the previous Dev bundle
  - Enterprise ($100)

The trial version give the Basic version's features, then drops functionality to a free version (that presumably corresponds to the previous Lite feature set).

Advanced corresponds roughly to the old Developer Bundle (not the +Plus version), but also includes replication, diffing and zip support (I don't think those plugins were in the Dev Bundle).

So, except for the Enterprise version the pricing is pretty much the same with a couple caveats:

  - for about a year or more there was a 50% off 'Anniversary' sale, so the +Plus version was $15 and the Dev Bundle was $25
  - the new 'Advanced' version is $50 for a 'Limited Time' - there was short period where the price was listed as $80, with the $50 price being an introductory special for the Advanced version.  The long-term pricing is no longer on the information page - so it may or may not come back at some point. Whether (and when) the price on the Advanced verison rises would be guess work on my part, though it seems that Mogware's intent is to raise the price at some point.
 
So, the bottom line is that the as of right now the pricing reflects the ending of the Anniversay Sale special more or less (though Enterprise did rise in price according to my notes). It's not particularly steep compared to the old pricing unless you're comparing it to the old Anniversary sale pricing (which may be natural because it was in effect for a long while).

1085

General Software Discussion / Re: alternative to filehamster?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 08, 2009, 12:04 PM »

I now have my own tiered backup scheme, using SFFS, DOpus, Powerpro and batch files. If you don't need a "tiered" system (I believe FH doesn't have one)...

-mwang (September 08, 2009, 11:31 AM)

FH does support a 'tiered' set of revisions (not sure if it's in the free version, though).  They call it "DynamicRevisionHistory" and it's buried in the options for a 'watch'.  It seems to be on by default (but maybe I set mine - all I know is that it's on right now for me), and "keeps all revisions from the previous 24 hours then only keeps the latest revision for each previous day, each week, month and finally year."

1086

General Software Discussion / Re: alternative to filehamster?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 07, 2009, 09:58 PM »

but if you read the AJC forum

-tranglos (September 07, 2009, 07:42 PM)

Do you have pointer to the AJC forum?  It doesn't appear to have a link from their website.

1087

General Software Discussion / Re: alternative to filehamster?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 07, 2009, 09:55 PM »

JP Software (makers of 4NT/Take Command) have a product call Cascade Point that is a a similar automatic backup that saves file revisions.  I haven't used it, so I'mm not sure how well it works, but may be worth a try:

http://www.jpsoft.co.../cascadepointdes.htm

1088

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: UltraEdit bundle on Bits du Jour 31st August 2009

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 06, 2009, 11:54 PM »

The UltraEdit bundle deal is back on the BDJ schedule (for Sept 14 - Sept 18).  As wraith808 said, the deal boils down to getting UltraCompare and UltraSentry for free.  Like mouser, I prefer Beyond Compare, but UltraCompare is definitely a worthy compare utility.  I have found little use for programs like UltraSentry.  But others may have different opinions.

If you're thinking about getting UE, it's probably a good idea to wait a couple weeks to get a couple other programs thrown in for free.  But I guess I'm stating the obvious.

And don't forget, if you'd prefer UltraEdit Studio, the IDM sale is still on (something like 40% off) and it apparently applies to upgrades, too.

1089

General Software Discussion / Re: Program Whose Time Has Come: virtual folders, collections, file baskets...

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 04, 2009, 09:41 AM »

For those using XYplorer and are interested in this Virtual Folders idea, it looks like DonL is starting work on adding it to XYplorer (http://www.xyplorer....&start=15#p36688), so you may want to wander over to that forum if you want to have a hand in shaping its development to your taste.

1090

General Software Discussion / Re: Status of Directory Opus development, does anyone know?

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 02, 2009, 05:27 PM »

Dopus v9 was released in April 2007.  According to Wikipedia, it looks like they do a major upgrade every 3 years (+/- 6 months).  Note that it's a pretty small sample size (and I think the v7 version number was skipped for some reason).  So if they keep with that history you can expect a v10 in about half a year.

I forget what kind of discount they give for existing users or how long the grace period is for recent purchases (or if there even is any).  Also, I can't recall if the DC discount could be applied to the upgrade price. Someone here with a better memory (or notes) than I have probably has that info and will hopefully post.

I wonder if you send a support request to GP Soft if they'll provide a way to reenable the trial. Some places are flexible with that, but some aren't.  Unfortunately, I'd guess that GPSoft is in the latter camp - but if you ask, the worst that happens is they say, "no", and you're no better but no worse.

All that said, the rate of minor updates to v9 has slowed, but that's to be expected as they've had a while to mature the product.  I would also imagine that as the need for updates to v9 goes down, the amount of work they do on an upcoming v10 ramps up.

1091

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: XYplorer File Manager

« Last post by mwb1100 on September 02, 2009, 12:18 AM »

For people who might be on the fence about XYplorer due to price, there's a new option - a lifetime "Home license" for $15.  According to http://www.xyplorer.com/homeedition.php:

It has everything the current Pro Edition (8.30) has, apart from the following advanced features:

• Catalog (Favorites Panel)
• Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
• Network Server Caching
• Portable File Associations / Portable Openwith Menu
• Scripting
• User-Defined Commands

Seems a pretty good deal if you don't need these (the feature I'd miss most from that list is the Catalog).

1092

General Software Discussion / Re: Add tabbed documents to MS Office

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 26, 2009, 01:33 PM »

http://lifehacker.co...oft-office#c14984642

Quote from SebastionP

From the Terms and Conditions:
* Third-party software
The software comes with other software as well as legal responsibility for the intellectual property of the free software providers to enjoy and commitment.

-edbro (August 26, 2009, 12:34 PM)

What does that sentence even mean?  It's mostly gibberish to me.

1093

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: UltraEdit bundle on Bits du Jour 31st August 2009

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 26, 2009, 09:13 AM »

For anyone who is more interested in UltraEdit Studio instead of the plain UltraEdit, UEStudio is on sale right now for $80 ($50 off the regular price of $130):

  - http://www.ultraedit...oducts/uestudio.html

1094

Living Room / Re: top secret: tech support cheat sheet (xkcd)

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 25, 2009, 11:14 PM »

The flowchart is missing my big-gun, magic bullet:  restart the machine.

This fixes 90% of the problems I get asked about.

1095

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: UltraEdit bundle on Bits du Jour 31st August 2009

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 24, 2009, 04:06 PM »

It looks like the deal might be postponed (or off) - it no longer shows on the BDJ preview page and if you go directly to the BDJ UltraEdit deal page the date of the offer is now "???".

1096

Living Room / Re: A Dog Goes Blind: It's nighttime always now. Huh. How about that.

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 21, 2009, 11:48 AM »

Joto:

Thanks for the great perspective - I think it's often tough to understand how other peole have to deal with different (and difficult) circumstances every day.  Stories like your go a long way to helping with that.

do you know how often i walk out of the house wearing different colored socks?

-JoTo (August 21, 2009, 04:18 AM)

I'm sighted and have a similar problem (just due to carelessness or whatever).  I largely solve this specific problem by having nothing but pairs of gray socks - or close to it anyway.

1097

General Software Discussion / Re: AJC Active Backup ---- at Bits du Jour

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 21, 2009, 09:55 AM »

And a free (but less functional) alternative is to use AJC Soft's "Revision Archive":

  - http://www.ajcsoft.com/AJCRvArc.php

This is the application that AJC Active Backup uses to store file revisions.  If you're willing to manually manage your revisions, you can use Revision Archive without the "Active Backup" application.  At this point it's no longer an automated backup solution, so it won't be too much help against accidents unless you're really dilligent. But just being able to keep and manage old revisions of file can be valuable. Software developers and others use revision control systems like CVS, Subversion or Perforce (which aren't automatic) for exactly this reason.  AJC Revision Archive doesn't have all the capabilities of those full-featured revision control software pacakges (so it probably wouldn't work for software developement), but it's much simpler and should work well for someone who just wants to keep old revisions of documents around and accessible, but out of the way.

A lot of people manage older revisions of documents using a folder or file name convetion that includes dates or revision numbers.  The free Revision Archive would you let you do away with that hassle.

1098

General Software Discussion / Re: AJC Active Backup ---- at Bits du Jour

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 21, 2009, 09:54 AM »

Also, I'd like to point out that there's some software - History Explorer - with similar functionality to AJC Active Backup, that's on sale for cheap ($4) right now:

  - http://www.exendo.se...version-control.html

However, I can't actually recommend it - my brief testing showed some 'crashiness'.  I also don't know what its Win7 or x64 compatibility story is.  But others might have better luck and it is very, very inexpensive, so I thought I'd point it out.

1099

General Software Discussion / Re: AJC Active Backup ---- at Bits du Jour

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 21, 2009, 08:52 AM »

(Possible) Cons

• "Auto purge system prevents the archives from growing too large." (do I get to control that 'purging'?)
• Hasnt been updated since 2007

-tomos (August 21, 2009, 08:29 AM)

I've used the demo a bit, and the auto purge can be controlled pretty well - from disabling it completely to adjusting the various parameters on what doesn't get purged (by age, # of revisions, etc).

As a few people have mentioned in the BDJ comments, if it's working and isn't lacking needed features, the rate of updates isn't too much of a concern.  Those current users indicate that the developer is pretty responsive. Hopefully that's true.

What I want to know is if it works on x64 systems, since I think I'll be moving on to one.  Does anyone here have experience with that?

1100

Older Newsletters / Re: --> Newsletter for August 20th, 2009 - Codename "Screencast Summer"

« Last post by mwb1100 on August 21, 2009, 12:02 AM »

Let's be honest, these aren't exactly assembly hall conventions, and it's usually just one or two people getting together.

-mouser (August 20, 2009, 06:58 PM)

I manage to get to a one person DC get-together nearly every day!