Recent Posts

1626

General Software Discussion / Re: Codeweavers - no good deed goes unpunished

« Last post by Dormouse on November 02, 2008, 08:27 AM »

Well, I registered etc etc.
But all I am offered is Mac downloads rather than Linux. No use to me at all.  Not quite sure how this happened, but it seems to have happened to a lot of other people too. I've requested a change, but am well aware that all the requests they are likely to receive from this will really overload a support system really intended for paying customers/other things.

1627

General Software Discussion / ASUS mobo dead

« Last post by Dormouse on November 02, 2008, 06:46 AM »

Carol, is there any chance of changing the title of the thread?

ie crossing out ImgBurn and plugging in Asus. So current readers recognise the thread and new readers don't think there's a problem with ImgBurn.

1628

General Software Discussion / Re: Kinook pulls the plug on Ultra Recall

« Last post by Dormouse on November 01, 2008, 08:50 AM »

Has been offered at substantial discount on bitsdujour (62%), so might be worth waiting.

The problem for Kinook, I suspect, is that as a commercial company without massive cash balances it has to make sure that income exceeds or equals related costs. I'm not sure how much difference multilanguage versions would have made as producing them would have increased costs.

I only scratch the surface of what it can do, and mostly use it as an info store - an alternative to Evernote etc. Web page rendering is good. Wouldn't have paid $99 for it; Evernote 3 is mostly free, though it doesn't have the same functionality and its continued development really depends on its web service model taking off; seems to have reasonable funding behind it though.

I'm not sure how much difference the lack of future development makes for me. I haven't been feeling the need of extra functions.

1629

General Software Discussion / Re: What would your ideal Operating System be like?

« Last post by Dormouse on November 01, 2008, 07:02 AM »

I agree completely with all the comments wanting no installation of software. I prefer portable and it makes managing it much easier.

Fast startup and fast/safe shutdown and OS secure because it is locked down. I remember the ROM based OS in the Atari St for example starting and stopping very fast. Could always have a HDD layer above that to handle look and feel and customisation. Of course, having it on ROM does mean that it has to work right from the start 

Organised/supported repositories. I find this aspect of Linux one of the most helpful, especially for the not very computer orientated peeps. For some reason, they seem to have no problem using these and researching the progs they want, but would never think of visiting download.com etc on Windows; I think there is a greater feeling of safety in these.

Facilitates multi-boot into other OSs with easy switching.

1630

General Software Discussion / Re: Kinook pulls the plug on Ultra Recall

« Last post by Dormouse on November 01, 2008, 04:37 AM »

I thought mlo used its Mobile version rather than Outlook as a conduit, though it can sync with Outlook.

I use OneNote, and Outlook when I can't avoid it (ie it's compulsory in a lot of offices and I will use it just as a conduit).

But just having the two? Well, Outlook doesn't even start to be a competent PIM. Lots of networking/group features you don't need as a single user. Awful Task Manager. No Year View in the Calendar. OneNote is a much better prog (for my uses anyway), but integrates with ie only and has limited layers in the hierarchy, though they are more useful with the addon to give a treeview. I tend to use it for organised projects rather than snippits. Having both really enforces Windows Desktop Search too, at least if you want native searching in them both. I find UR and EN better for snippits from the net; haven't used Surfulater; UR's ability there won't disappear even if it isn't developed.

It may be that SQLnotes/IQ will be the best solution in the end. But will still need Outlook available, I think.

1631

General Software Discussion / Re: Kinook pulls the plug on Ultra Recall

« Last post by Dormouse on October 30, 2008, 11:44 PM »

It's not quite pulling the plug, but it's hard to see that it will be worth their while restarting development if they will be waiting for the end of the recession. OTOH, it seems to me that lots of publishers let their progs quietly languish undeveloped (eg gemx) while still selling them and without saying what plans are; refreshing to have Kinook make this announcement.

Very sad, though  .
But possibly not for you Pierre 

1632

General Software Discussion / Re: What is the currently best Desktop Search software?

« Last post by Dormouse on October 30, 2008, 03:08 AM »

WinPatrol allows pretty much total control over startup delays. Right click on the startup prog and you have the option to delay it; move to the delayed startup tab and you can set the time of the delay in 10 second chunks up to 1hr+.

1633

General Software Discussion / Re: SQLNotes...what is it exactly?

« Last post by Dormouse on October 22, 2008, 09:19 AM »

Instead of the item being made into a folder, the item would have sub-items (1 sub-item for each dragged item), in keeping with the IQ concept

-PPLandry (October 22, 2008, 08:56 AM)

Sub-items are better - I just used 'folder' as an analogy really.

Sounds really good. I'd certainly use/buy IQ with this functionality.

1634

General Software Discussion / Re: SQLNotes...what is it exactly?

« Last post by Dormouse on October 22, 2008, 08:51 AM »

This is sort of off topic, but I've just made a wishlist for Calendar functionality HERE, and wondered whether IQ is likely to be able to do any of that. It seems to me to be the sort of databsase driven program that might.

1635

General Software Discussion / Calendar

« Last post by Dormouse on October 22, 2008, 08:46 AM »

As a creature with a preference for the Mouse and a belief that reducing activity is a good thing, I have been thinking about my PIM needs, specifically the Calendar function.

What I would like is a Calendar with a view that ranges from 1 day (split into 5 or 15 minute segments) to 2+ years (ie year planner view) with the option to select any period for display.

I would like the option to turn on or off the Dialog box when calendar items are added.
I would like the option (as in ToDoList2) to set the properties/settings for all items as a single process (one item after another) rather than constantly opeing/closing dialog boxes.

I would like to be able to drag and drop files, folders, images, URLs, emails etc on to the calendar (with options for doing this as links or as whole files) so that they automatically become calendar items. I would like to be able to drag new items on to previous items and have the previous item automatically made into a folder with the same name and containing the new item(s)).

And to be able to drag items and start/stop times anywhere on calendar.

And good export/import facilities to other tasklist etc progs.

As well as the usual tags/colour etc functions.

This would save a lot of unnecessary keyboard work and mean that all necessary docs etc were there automatically for meetings etc.

Does anyone know of a Calendar prog that is capable of working like this?

1636

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: * 3-in-1 Automation tool *

« Last post by Dormouse on October 19, 2008, 05:13 AM »

I looked at the website a while ago and was slightly interested in the described functions,but didn't quite get what they would do. I don't like looking at videos for that and saw no screenshots, so never looked any further. I kept a tab open on it though, thinking I would return and have a play some time.

One question though, would there be any conflict with a clipboard manager?

1637

General Software Discussion / Re: SQLNotes...what is it exactly?

« Last post by Dormouse on October 18, 2008, 05:42 PM »

I agree with a lot of what J-Mac and Superboyac said.

I was going to add my bit and I thought I'd have another look at the interface. I like all the settings/preferences in one place. I like to choose what buttons I have visible. With a new program I often have all the toolbars and buttons visible so that I amreminded of what might be possible. Having done that, I thought I'd look at the calendar. Clicked on one of the calendar buttons and the prog crashed. When I restarted the setting I had changed had reverted. Pressed a different calendar option and it crashed again. Presumably it's because it isn't really a calendar, just a filter for dated entries. Or that there were no entries. Or that no database was opened or set up. I'm sure I can figure it out (given sufficient incentive anyway - I do tend to use software that seems to fit comfortably from the beginning). But still not a good start. I do like the fact that it is portable though.

Having a clear idea of use or uses is important.
As is having a clear idea of how it works.
I agree it is easier for people to start a simple they understand and work towards greater complexity. But different people might want different simples. Could just present a number of pre-designed startup modes - notetaking, outliner, calendar, tasklist, information store, email client, file/image explorer, accounts etc. With options to set the layout for as many of these modes as wanted to be opened at once. The advantage of such an approach is that most people have a clear idea of what these modes do, and that appropriate buttons/menus would be available and visible in them. Once they are hooked many will gradually realise that they can see it better as a single database with many filters and windows; and those that don't can carry on using it regardless.

1638

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: ConceptDraw MindMap 'v5'

« Last post by Dormouse on October 18, 2008, 07:41 AM »

If you look around the net there seems to be lots of sources of free copies of v5 (and v4 before that). Looks as if offering free copies of the previous version is used by ConceptDraw as a way of drumming up demand for bought copies of the latest version. Have started to use v5 and think I might carry on using it. There are lots of import/export options and I do find switching between a text driven tasklist and a graphical representation of that list makes me more effective.

1639

General Software Discussion / Re: SQLNotes...what is it exactly?

« Last post by Dormouse on October 18, 2008, 06:46 AM »

I'm pretty sure SQLNotes can do anything a tree-based outliner or notetaker can do.  You just have to understand what's going on.

-superboyac (October 18, 2008, 03:00 AM)

Well, yes and no, I think.

It may well have most of the available functions, but the essence of most outliners/notetakers is the way they work. If you find one that works well for you it is the combination of necessary functions and being intuitive that does it. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that SQLnotes was intuitive for them; all the emphasis has been on how good it is when you have spent time learning how to make the most of it.

1640

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: ConceptDraw MindMap 'v5'

« Last post by Dormouse on October 17, 2008, 04:53 PM »

Maybe I read something wrong but idn't buying ov some PC magazine a must?

-fenixproductions (October 17, 2008, 04:36 PM)

Such a purchase is implied in the registration but not required, and you can just say 'other' rather than give one of the listed magazines.

1641

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: ConceptDraw MindMap 'v5'

« Last post by Dormouse on October 17, 2008, 04:26 PM »

ConceptDraw programs tend to be of very high quality and design.

-brett (October 17, 2008, 03:49 PM)

The one review on the site is pretty damning about it though.

1642

General Software Discussion / Re: Ten Tips for Windows users making the switch to Linux

« Last post by Dormouse on October 16, 2008, 04:19 PM »

My kids love Linux. They use Windows at school. but mostly use Linux at home. Prefer the depositories to searching for Windows software. Have to use Windows for some progs. Certainly not Linux gurus - but not Windows gurus either and are equally competent (or incompetent) in both.

For many people, I think the biggest problem is Linux gurus. They want simple places to go for simple answers to simple questions. Not complex answers that make them feel they don't understand, when they don't really want to understand, just to know what to do.

I've never really had any problems with Linux. Mostly because, if I can't make it work fairly easily, I give up and use another distro or use Windows for that task; and now I find Linux deals with most hardware and has progs for most of the things I do. Had lots and lots of problems with Windows because there has never been much alternative except to find a solution. So I'm less inexpert in Windows and still use it more. Looking forward to 8.10 though.

1643

Living Room / Re: My computer is older than YOUR computer!

« Last post by Dormouse on October 14, 2008, 02:47 AM »

I still have an original, fully functional, Atari ST - 1985.

1644

General Software Discussion / Re: Send some info of your PC!

« Last post by Dormouse on October 04, 2008, 06:14 PM »

yes   

... but not all software will run on 64bit 

1645

General Software Discussion / Re: Programs you can use during a financial meltdown!

« Last post by Dormouse on October 04, 2008, 04:23 PM »

I'm not sure that FLOSS is automatically better.

Lots of FLOSS is really dross, and a lot is not well maintained. Big "commercial" enterprises tend to be needed to maintain large and very complex apps (and I do include the 'not for profit' OSS groups here) and most of the apps I really like are developed and maintained by one (or a very small team) of programmers - and many of them like to keep control by maintaining ownership of their code even when they are committed to keeping everything free.

1646

Living Room / Re: digital photo frame & my pictures

« Last post by Dormouse on October 04, 2008, 01:10 PM »

Each photo frame will have a native display size in pixels. In theory, you can resize photos to that size and it will work perfectly. In practice, I've tended to see better results from using larger sizes and letting the frame work out how to do the display.

The software on each frame is something that you can only test out by trial and error. Many 16:9 frames aren't actually 16:9 when it comes to it.

It's worth testing a number of options, with one photo each.
Cropping and Resizing to the number of pixels the frame displays natively.
Cropping to the dimensions the frame displays natively (apparently 16:9).
Leaving the photo untouched.

Whichever is true, you will only fill the frame if all the photos have one orientation (portrait or landscape).

1647

General Software Discussion / Re: FinePrint vs. priPrinter

« Last post by Dormouse on October 03, 2008, 12:38 PM »

If I didn't already have a license for this kind of application, I'd be looking very seriously at ...

-Darwin (October 03, 2008, 12:15 PM)

Is it the credit crunch bringing on this newfound restraint ???   

1648

General Software Discussion / Re: A Special Recognition and Present for DC Member Eric Wong (VideoInPicture

« Last post by Dormouse on October 03, 2008, 05:22 AM »

The whole process and award reflect great credit on everyone involved. 

1649

Living Room / Re: Avoid DABS.COM for online shopping.

« Last post by Dormouse on October 01, 2008, 10:37 AM »

Well, they all have problems with their couriers. By and large, you are probably best off with one that uses couriers that deliver efficiently in your locality.

And they all have problems with support, from time to time at least. Ebuyer went through a very bad patch but then employed more people, got on back of their backlog and haven't been too bad since. Refunds are pretty automatic too.

Again, only online contacts. But then, phone numbers tend to be expensive 0870 numbers that leave you waiting (ie paying) for ages before answering.

1650

Circle Dock / Re: hide

« Last post by Dormouse on September 27, 2008, 03:57 AM »

I don't understand why this is a problem. There is the on top/hide toggle; I use a spare button on my mouse for this. So it is there when I want and not there when I don't want.

It also has the ability to autohide after loading a program/folder/file. This annoyed the hell out of me when it started to do this as a default behaviour, until I found the switch to turn it off.

I just don't see how it is useful to have it present on the desktop if it is below other applications. Surely you either want it on top so that you can use it or you don't need to have it on the desktop at all.