Recent Posts

1251

General Software Discussion / Re: How do you launch stuff?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 04, 2007, 08:16 AM »

What we need now is a careful mega review of all these launchers with a comparison table!

-Armando (October 03, 2007, 12:01 AM)

Tinjaw's Pico-Review of Launchers

FARR	Rox
DirectAccess	Rox
Everything Else	Sux

Yes, Tinjaw has had one too many energy drinks before 09:00. OK, maybe two too many. 

-tinjaw (October 03, 2007, 09:00 AM)

This is exactly what I was waiting for!

-Armando (October 03, 2007, 07:42 PM)

Since edbro has pointed me to Dash, I have to revise my review.

FARR	Rox
DirectAccess	Rox
Dash	ooooh shiny *
Everything Else	Sux
* I am evaluating further.

Stay tuned for an update.

1252

Developer's Corner / Re: Software Copy Protection Questions

« Last post by tinjaw on October 04, 2007, 08:13 AM »

I know, despite whatever I say, you will probably take this the wrong way. So, for that, I apologize in advance.

I am a gamer and have been since computer games were invented. I know the evils of StarForce, etc. I know how having to put a CD in the drive to play a game sucks. I know all about the evils of having to jump through hoops entering keys. I remember having to enter the fifth word of the third sentence of the fourth paragraph on page 18 to play games. Got it.

But that is not what I wanted to discuss in this thread. Ranting about how software protection is a load of shit, isn't answering my question.

[sorry, you are receiving the ass end of my slugging through dozens of off-topic rants and religious wars the past few days while doing lots of research online. Please accept my apology.]

I wanted to discuss the high level details of implementing software protection as a developer. What companies make products to implement software protection that are affordable and provide a reasonable amount of protection? What techniques have been employed in the past? i.e. protected blocks of code, checking for registration keys at random times in multiple places, etc.

I want to thank the posters that have provided me with links to products. I have downloaded several demos and I will be exploring them over the weekend. Some of them actually look reasonably priced, and if they work well, will probably end up being my choice going forward.

I did purchase one book on the topic, Crackproof Your Software: Protect Your Software Against Crackers. It has mixed reviews, but it seems to be the only book that provides a good overview of the subject matter.

I have an idea how you can get back at me for growling at you. Bug me about writing all of this shit up in some blog entries, or something like it, for the other newbies venturing into this territory. It will take you badgering me for a few weeks, but I will do my penance eventually and it will probably save more than a few noobs some aggravation.

1253

Living Room / Re: Podcast Clients....

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 06:28 PM »

Here is a simple idea. Use the disk manager to assign a special drive letter to your media player when it is plugged in. Something high in the alphabet that isn't likely to be chosen by daily usage. Say, 'Q' for example. Then set up a file synchronization program to synch you download folder with the media player when you plug it in. I think GoodSync will do that. Have it set up to move the files instead of copy, this way you can just delete them from the device when you are done.

1254

Living Room / Re: LLOOGG invites available

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 06:24 PM »

Two comments:

• Thanks for the invite.
• Here is an example of why I like signatures. The two images/links in Mark0's sig brought me to two websites I knew nothing about. Both useful to me. I have bookmarked them both and downloading software from one. And the bonus is that I have a much better expectation about the quality of all of that since Mark0 is an established member of the DC community.

1255

General Software Discussion / Re: Acronis charging customers for bug fixes

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 02:33 PM »

Unfortunately most of my email conversations with technical/customer support go something like this:

Me: I am having problems with X. Specifically, I am getting error number N when I do Y.

Their reply: Thank you for contacting us. We love you. It is currently raining outside in Peru. Please reinstall.

Me: Does it ever rain inside in Peru? And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

1256

Living Room / Re: LLOOGG invites available

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 01:29 PM »

Ooooo! Oooooo! Pick me!

I'd love to try it, and I am sure, if he hasn't already, Veign would like to as well.

1257

Living Room / Re: Podcast Clients....

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 01:22 PM »

Ziepod sure does looks perdy. I'll check it out. Thanks Dirhael.

1258

General Software Discussion / Re: Should I Move To (Gasp!) Microsoft Outlook As My Main Email Client ??

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 12:19 PM »

  Doh! My bad. I didn't explain why I based this post on the premise that MS Outlook is a "bad thing" (tm). Um, guilty as charged on, not one, but two accounts. First, for not mentioning it, and second, for basing my opinion of Outlook on the last version I used, which was probably seven or more years ago. So, I guess that I am being lazy here (well actually, since I am very very busy these days, let's call that exhibiting beneficial procrastination since my return on investment for playing with Outlook for hours when I need to be working is, well, small.) And thrice guilty for not practicing what I preach and knowing that workflow of Tasks/Events/Email is a very subjective thing and I should just try it out for myself.

So, I guess I was just whining that the path I have chosen to date wasn't the mostest bestest there is. Therefore, please allow me to rephrase my question to ask, "Are there any pitfalls you can help me avoid when I begin using Microsoft Outlook as my main PIM & Email client?"

1259

Living Room / Re: Podcast Clients....

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 11:47 AM »

I know is sucks to see a reply to your post and then find it doesn't answer your question. I'm sorry, but I want to just let you know that you aren't the only one. <version type="short">Years ago I was involved with podcasts.</version> And there were dozens of podcast clients being built every day. Then iTunes started to handle podcasts and all the podcast clients withered on the vine. Actually, I don't think it was all iTunes, but instead, I believe, IMNHO (In My Never Humble Opinion) that people were not tricked by the marketers. By that I mean that marketers invented "Podcasts". Up until then people called them.... wait for it.... "A u d i o   f i l e s"! People would make these "audio files" and put them on a "server" where people would "download" them. Marketers put and end to that and made sure people "subscribed" to "podcasts" that were "attachments". Umm, no. People rebeled, didn't "subscribe" to podcasts with podcast clients, but instead, went to websites, downloaded mp3 files and played them on their computer or portable music player. And when Joe Six-pack and Plain Jane don't buy into the marketing hype, stuff dies. And in this case podcast clients died.

I suggest you use your web browser's ability to subscribe to RSS feeds, subscribe to the podcast, download the mp3 file, put it on your player, and leave it at that. This is what I do after spending a few hours a few weeks ago looking for a good podcast client/player/radio (free or pay) and not finding anything that wasn't abandoned several years ago.

1260

General Software Discussion / Re: How do you launch stuff?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 11:27 AM »

I use the Jet Toolbar to launch my programs and browsers and find that having it at the top is the most convienient way to access it.  I also have it so it appears when moused over.  I find it to be very quick and convenient.

-deberett (October 03, 2007, 11:07 AM)

http://www.cowonamer...oolbar/features.html

Voice Recognition           jetToolBar supports any SAPI-compatible speech recognition engines, and includes Microsoft Whisper speech recognition engine by default. You can enjoy voice recognition if your computer has sound card and microphone. To launch program, simply talk the name of the button.

so do you actually talk at your computer ?  

-tomos (October 03, 2007, 11:12 AM)

Somebody could get their fifteen minutes of fame by mashing up some footage from Star Trek where Scottie talks to the computer mouse, and some screencasts of people using voice-to-text software. I am thinking Star Trek meets Strong Bad meets YouTube

1261

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Interview with Game Developer Gregg Seelhoff

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 11:22 AM »

Excellent! I have downloaded it to my mp3 player for the evening commute home tonight. 

1262

General Software Discussion / Should I Move To (Gasp!) Microsoft Outlook As My Main Email Client ??

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 11:16 AM »

The more I install useful software on my computer, the more I find that Microsoft Outlook seems to be the only thing developers integrate with in terms of email / PIM / Calender / etc. clients. I mostly use web-based mail clients, and run Thunderbird on my laptop so I can have access to some emails offline as well as write emails offline for sending later. However, I am seriously thinking about moving to Microsoft Outlook fulltime because everything else seems to integrate with it and only it.

What are your comments? Tips? Warnings?

Caveat:  I am looking for a serious discussion. Please don't turn this into a Windows vs. Linux/Mac/Whatever religious debate/war. There are plenty of other threads covering that territory. Thank you. 

1263

General Software Discussion / Re: How do you launch stuff?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 10:52 AM »

Dash does look pretty and pretty impressive. I'm sure Andrew will take a look at it and, um, borrow some ideas, as I am sure Dash's developers will do with Andrew's DirectAccess. Maybe I will put Dash on my other computer and see how I like it.

1264

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: StyleSpread - 81% Discount (03oct07) - Worth Purchasing?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 10:11 AM »

I just purchased StyleSpread using the Bits du Jour discount, and I opted for the optional lifetime upgrades for $19.95. Total bill was $39.94 USD. I'm a happy camper. 

1265

General Software Discussion / Re: How do you launch stuff?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 09:59 AM »

Tinjaw, I take it that you haven't tried Dash???

-edbro (October 03, 2007, 09:12 AM)

Nope. Link please.

1266

General Software Discussion / Re: How do you launch stuff?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 09:56 AM »

tinny, did you try the free Phrase Express. I am curious to understand why you would pay up for DA when you can have Phrase Express for free.

-sri (October 03, 2007, 09:24 AM)

I hadn't looked at Phrase Express, however, after taking a peek at it, I still prefer DA. First of all I view DA as both a launcher and an auto-typer. It looks like PE is focused on being an auto-typer. I like the GUI to DA and I like the support that it receives from the developer and the way the "corporation" behind the software acts. DA has many bells and whistles that make it easier and more of a pleasure to use.

1267

General Software Discussion / Re: How do you launch stuff?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 09:00 AM »

What we need now is a careful mega review of all these launchers with a comparison table!

-Armando (October 03, 2007, 12:01 AM)

Tinjaw's Pico-Review of Launchers

FARR	Rox
DirectAccess	Rox
Everything Else	Sux

Yes, Tinjaw has had one too many energy drinks before 09:00. OK, maybe two too many. 

1268

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Let's talk about software testing!

« Last post by tinjaw on October 03, 2007, 08:16 AM »

Kate,

Welcome to the forum. First off all, kudos for not being a coward and stating up front that you have a corporate affiliation. There is nothing wrong with that. IMNSHO, think it is a good thing, and several of my good buddies hold "evangelist" positions at large software companies. Corporate participation in forums is no different then showing up at user groups used to be years ago. But enough on that tangent. 

Let me combine my greed need for all testing software, my past experience as a QA engineer, and my desire to do another review for DonationCoder.

If you provide me with your company's software, I will use it to test the software I am building for my new indie game company. I will make postings here on DonationCoder in the Developer's Corner on how things are going and how I am using your product to test my software. I think this will provide DonationCoder members with a good idea of what testing actually requires. I have wanted to produce some screencasts for beginning developers here at DonationCoder (and ShowMeDo), and maybe this will be the impetus I need to get that project started. I am also an experienced beta tester and am always willing to provide accurate and complete bug reports and enhancement requests for upcoming releases.

Oh, and while I am at it, cthorpe is always looking for software vendors to participate in the DonationCoder discount program.  [added] It is often difficult to find tools for the indie game company budget, but we need to test, document, etc. just the same as "the big guys" if we want our software to sell well in the market.

1269

Living Room / Re: Update on member KenR health status: Surgery went well

« Last post by tinjaw on October 02, 2007, 08:01 PM »

Ken, I am so glad to hear things are going well. 

1270

Living Room / Re: Whats on your desktop?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 02, 2007, 02:07 PM »

I was going to answer Carol's post, using a drawing I remember from an old Calvin & Hobbes strip, but Google gave me some 2.8 million answers on 'Calvin' (because of Klein). So I am asking you all, how to search (images) for Calvin but not for Calvin Klein ??

-Curt (October 02, 2007, 02:03 PM)

[Select]

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=calvin+-klein

1271

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: StyleSpread - 81% Discount (03oct07) - Worth Purchasing?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 02, 2007, 01:48 PM »

I downloaded it and played with it. I must say that I am quite impressed. I am definitely going to purchase the program. I would also suggest that if you are thinking about learning CSS some day, that you grab this program. You can use it to WYSIWYG up your CSS and then look at what it generates.

1272

Developer's Corner / Flash Developers : Mobile Game Contest w/ $10K 1st Place Prize

« Last post by tinjaw on October 01, 2007, 03:00 PM »

The are giving away their SDK to contestants over at Playyoo.

Are you a Flash games developer? Whether you're a beginner or an expert, hobbyist or professional, you can put your Flash Lite games in front of a big audience, with the chance to build a following. Start now by entering the launch contest, and you can also win significant prizes.

Playyoo Game Contest
[attachthumb=#1][/attachthumb]


Spotted over at Mashable.

1273

Developer's Corner / Re: Software Copy Protection Questions

« Last post by tinjaw on October 01, 2007, 02:42 PM »

http://www.molebox.com/

-imtrobin (October 01, 2007, 02:01 PM)

Thanks imtrobin. I am downloading the demo right now and I will try it out. From the description, it looks like it should do what I want, and the price is reasonable.

[attachthumb=#1][/attachthumb][attachthumb=#2][/attachthumb]

Any experience with this product?

1274

Developer's Corner / Good Article For Beginners On Version Control (w/ Pictures & Examples)

« Last post by tinjaw on October 01, 2007, 01:39 PM »

There is a very good introduction to version control at BetterExplained.

A Visual Guide to Version Control
[attachthumb=#1][/attachthumb]

Found via Lifehacker.

1275

Found Deals and Discounts / StyleSpread - 81% Discount (03oct07) - Worth Purchasing?

« Last post by tinjaw on October 01, 2007, 10:13 AM »

  Bits du Jour is having StyleSread on sale October 3. It is $20 instead of $100. I am wondering if anybody has used it, and if so, how it compares to others. The video tour makes it look worth purchasing.