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2326

General Software Discussion / Re: Working with (display+format+restructure) big amount of data (text+graphics)?

« Last post by Armando on September 02, 2007, 07:37 PM »

(this is the sequel of an exchange between TomColvin, Darwin and Armando started at https://www.donation...index.php?topic=9503)

Armando, thanks for referring me to your other thread -- lots of interesting commentary there.  The problem you describe there is EXACTLY the one I've been struggling with for over a year -- along with the additional requirement to track my growing bibliography.

I use askSAM myself, but now only for a database about Philippine monuments.  I just couldn't get it to do what I wanted, when it came to my book research project.  I'm now working with the new version of Biblioscape 7 -- now up to version 7.14, which seems to have fixed the bugs that were bothering me a few weeks ago.  And, as a result of this forum, I've just started using WhizFolders, which I hope will allow me to bring countless word, pdf and data files together.  We'll see...

Darwin, CbC isn't just for book start up.  I was already well into my project when I discovered it.  I cut & pasted all my chapters done up to that point into CbC.  I've discovered that even at the advanced stage of my work, I still move things around a bit -- and CbC makes that simple.  Also I like the chapter-by-chapter word count, which gives me a good sense of how far along I am.  Perhaps the most useful feature is one I haven't yet needed -- the ability to meld lots of separate chapter files into one single document, available for serious work -- pagination, headers-footers, endnotes, indexing, etc.

I am still searching for an easy way to save "versions" as I move along with each chapter.

Mouser, will be very interested to read your evaluation of CbC after you've had a chance to play around with it.

I'm amazed at how little information there is available about the various approaches to the problems Mouser describes.  Certainly, many writers face the same challenge -- but no one seems to have explored this problem and come up with several well-outlined options writers might follow.

Tom

-TomColvin (September 01, 2007, 11:24 PM)

As far as I'm concerned, this (the organizational problem at the hearth of this thread) is an unfinished issue... Of course, I've come up with some intermediary solutions, but I'm not completely statisfied yet. I will check the software you’re proposing (not immediately… I have some urgent stuff to take care off before. I’ll have more time in a week or so.)
Chapter by Chapter looks like it has great potential. I haven’t tried Biblioscape 7 (I’m using EndNote — provided by my university), and I’ve never tried WhizFolders either… Wow. Some new programs to evaluate!
I’ll report ASAP!


PS. By the way, you mention

I'm amazed at how little information there is available about the various approaches to the problems Mouser describes. 

-TomColvin (September 01, 2007, 11:24 PM)

I wonder what post you're refering too; or did you just mix up some names?

2327

General Software Discussion / Re: Top 3 programs you use

« Last post by Armando on September 02, 2007, 07:21 PM »

Thanks for the comments, Tom. Interesting stuff!

Maybe we could move this discussion to https://www.donation...dex.php?topic=9205.0
(If you want to, you could even copy and paste your post over there?...) (Edit : don't bother, Tom : I'll just quote you and link your quote to this thread!)
I will continue my reflexions over there.

2328

General Software Discussion / Re: Settings backup software?

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 10:19 PM »

App, out of curiosity, and if it's not indiscreet to ask : why do you want to backup Windows settings? (Sorry if it seems like a stupid question...)

2329

Living Room / Re: Whats on your desktop?

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 10:12 PM »

Oh... Sorry. Yes : 2046, Crouching Tiger...
I can never remember actor/tress.
So...I see. That's why she looked familiar. 

2330

Living Room / Re: Webfind: How to hire and treat your own hacker

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 10:08 PM »

This confirms one thing : Hackers are INTJs. Or are they?

2331

Living Room / Re: Whats on your desktop?

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 08:17 PM »

Is Zlyl Zhang one of your, ahem, friend?

2332

The Getting Organized Experiment of 2006 / Re: Getting Organized in 2007

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 08:09 PM »

I think I’m in too… 

I already have many goals on my plate. But I,ll listen to what happens here and participate.

I am still recovering from last year's experiment...trying to get the old me back. This past year has been the least productive in my whole life. It hasn't been easy to reverse and go back to the way I used to do things.

No, I won't be trying this again. I have things really want to get done some time soon...or at least get started with before the end of this year. And I want the fun back in my life so that I can enjoy the things I used to love.

-app103 (September 01, 2007, 08:23 AM)

I really empathize. One has to be careful with any systematization. It's easy to fall for an ideology, fall for a map, and forget about the territory, the importance of direct experience, spontaneity, personal needs, etc. One must not mutilate or stretch oneself unduly to fit an arbitrary and external structure...



I am all for maps though. But carefully, without ever loosing touch with the territory, the basic needs, the important goals, the self. It can be tough to find the right balance between abstract structures and organic flow.

I've been using the same system for the last 6 month (used different versions of it in the last 10 years) and I like it.
The main improvements I've seen in my life are :
- I keep track better of my main projects and goals (especially those that have a tendency to get forgotten because they're harder to achieve or because they fall outside my comfort zone, so to speak)
- I never forget an appointment
- I never forget important tasks
- I feel that I have a better "control" over my life and it feels good (don't worry : there are plenty of areas which I have not control at all -- which is great. Convergence needs to be balanced with divergence).

Have to admit hat it took me a while to set my system up. A long while — but it was worth it. Even if its principles are simple and coherent (a mix of S. COvey and D. Allen), I'm sure it would be fairly difficult for somebody else to implement it and get use to it (I use Outlook 2003, almost exclusively -- tried at least 15 different other PIM and organizers and came back to Outlook; I borrowed some ideas in the process though...  ). And I would NEVER try to convert anybody to it!!! It’s really MY system tailored to my territory.

Tracking all my tasks, projects, etc. meant also developping a "new" skill : the ability trash or put away stuff more quickly than before (tasks or projects tend to accumulate and, yes, App, it'S easy to get caught in the multitude of unimportant details)!

Anyway : You seem to be happy with the way you work and handle your life now, so your decision to leave it as it is certainly a good one!!

Even though DC got to interview the two superpowers back then (Allen and Forster) and we reviewed plenty of time-management systems and applications, I'm not sure we got much out of it. I, for one, have abandoned the system I was using in 2006.

Thoughts?

-urlwolf (September 01, 2007, 07:13 AM)

I didn't participate to the experiment, so I can't comment on it.
But I'd be interested to know why you abandoned the system you were using and not just adapted it to your needs?

@Mouser: the 'tweak virus' is another bad habit. In my view, the system should be so simple that you don't even pay attention to it, and you should train yourself to make it a habit. If you have to think on how to improve (read: tweak) it, that's bad news.

Sorry to be so negative.

-urlwolf (September 01, 2007, 11:08 AM)

IMHO it,s just a matter of equilibrium. Tweaking can be counter productive when it makes you unhappy, deeply unsatisfied, when it slows you down and makes you less productive, when it’s just bad procrastination... But if it makes you happier, satisfied and doesn't slow you down, why would it be bad ? It can actually be very beneficial.

When I was a professional musician (in another life), studying in UNiversity, even if my basic "system" (my drumming technique) was pretty good and allowed me to play very well, it was necessary (essential...) to pay attention to it. Don't pay attention to a habit, whatever it is, and soon you’ll realise that it,s not the same habbit you thought you had developed… It transformed, it changed, and sometimes... not for the best!! Don't pay attention to a system (even if it’s simple and basic), and it falls apart (a problem in many companies).

I agree that the system needs to be simple, but just enough so that you can integrate it relatively easily. Simplicity is of course subjective, and something "simple" for someone can be "complex" for somebody else. so, anyway, IMO, the "need to pay attention" shouldn’t be the hint of a bad system -- especially in the beginning, when you're learning. Of course, if you need to think too hard -- even after many weeks of learning --, if your organizational system slows you down and can't be transformed into helpful habits... That's another problem. Than, it's just a matter of adapting the "map" or changing it! No?

2333

General Software Discussion / Re: Good (free) encryption... without any trouble ?

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 11:29 AM »

Iirc RC4 has some exploitable flaws, but I dunno if that also pertain to how it's used in MS office. You might want to google around for MS office password crackers and see what's available and how fast it works.

-f0dder (September 01, 2007, 03:27 AM)

Good idea! Thanks for the tip.

2334

General Software Discussion / Re: best Windows Explorer replacement

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 11:28 AM »

I see... Thanks!

2335

General Software Discussion / Re: portable onenote?

« Last post by Armando on September 01, 2007, 11:10 AM »

Sri : yes... It looks like it.

urlwolf: Wow, I just checked Thinstall's price :  $4,995 . A  bit steep just to create portable application (interresting concept, though).
You'd probably better to find another solution...

I really don't think that EverNote would be the best option for you.

2336

General Software Discussion / Re: portable onenote?

« Last post by Armando on August 31, 2007, 11:13 PM »

I just googled onenote and altiris and thinstall and... Forget Altiris. But thinstall looks more interresting as I got all kind of what looks like pirated onenote sofware.  Sorry!  But... the fact is, it also looks like some people achieved portability (as I remembered) using thinstall. Now, don't ask me how they did it with OneNote as I don't even use OneNote (tried it, didn't like it...), nor thinstall. But, in a way, it looks like... a step in the right direction if you're willing to invest in a virtualizing solution... (I'll still ask alex -- my friend -- to enquire about virtualizing procedures...)
Edit : I wrote without knowing about OneNote's licensing. It might very well be that it's illegal to use your version on multiple computer -- prtable or not. That might be another thing to consider...

2337

General Software Discussion / Re: portable onenote?

« Last post by Armando on August 31, 2007, 11:00 PM »

urlwolf : yes,  you should try to make OneNote portable. I'm sure it's possible... Well, maybe not...!
Programmers here! help!

Ok. Maybe... with a virtualization solution?

I think a friend of mine used Altiris or Thinstall to achieve some kind of portability with a not so portable app.  Maybe...

I'll try to ask him.

2338

General Software Discussion / Re: Stay Away From Microsoft VISTA

« Last post by Armando on August 31, 2007, 10:47 PM »

Oh my.
I'm not a Linux or Apple fan either, and I do like my XP.
But I've been studying the other OSs very closely because, well... all the vistas I've tried left a bad bad impression. Anyhow.

I guess one important question (but probably easily answered) is : how long can one stay far away from Vista and, using XP, still have access to the latest greatest computer technologies (and software)?
Staying away from Vista is fine, for now, but...

Will "Linux" be ready (for most if not all users) in a few years? I sincerely hope so -- for the health of software industry.
Will it be ready... hummm. Maybe, if virtualization solutions (like vmware and parallel dsktp) continue to make progresses.

2339

General Software Discussion / Re: best Windows Explorer replacement

« Last post by Armando on August 31, 2007, 10:22 PM »

f0dder, just out of curiosity, why do you use blackbox -- any technical reasons or is it purely... and aesthetical caprice ?

2340

General Software Discussion / Re: Good (free) encryption... without any trouble ?

« Last post by Armando on August 31, 2007, 09:17 PM »

thanks f0dder.

for the moment I have opted for the "native" MS word encryption; TrueCrypt feels a bit overkill for my needs.

So : some files are encrypted in :
 
"RC4, Microsoft Enhanced DSS and Diffie-Hellman Cryptographic Provider RC4" (128bit), and others in
"Microsoft Enhanced RSA and AES Cryptographic Provider (Prototype)" (128 bit)

there are other encrytion types available :

RC4, Microsoft Base Cryptographic Provider v1.0
RC4, Microsoft Base DSS and Diffie-Hellman Cryptographic Provider
RC4, Microsoft DH SChannel Cryptographic Provider
RC4, Microsoft Enhanced Cryptographic Provider v1.0
RC4, Microsoft RSA SChannel Cryptographic Provider
RC4, Microsoft Strong Cryptographic Provider...

But... it's pretty much all Danish to me. 

what encryption scheme should I use?

2341

Living Room / Re: Show us your (physical) desktop

« Last post by Armando on August 31, 2007, 01:19 PM »

-f0dder (August 31, 2007, 04:49 AM)

Yes!!! exactly.

2342

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Archivarius

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 11:55 PM »

I will! 

2343

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Archivarius

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 11:47 PM »

Armando - I you wouldn't mine, pester him about Outlook files as well. Under the current method used for indexing it takes hours for each and every indexing run. I wound up installing software that saves my e-mails as txt files and index that way (but I'd rather just index everything in my pst file instead - calendar and journal items, etc.)... Of course, this assumes that you care about this problem!

-Darwin (August 30, 2007, 11:43 PM)

Yes... I forgot about that. Yes yes, you're right. I do care and I will bother him! 
It's  a bit late now. But, tomorrow for sure!

2344

General Software Discussion / Re: File Managers! Windows Explorer replacement! Come one, come all...

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 11:36 PM »

JohnFredC : you seem to know TC pretty well. Can it be easily configured to replace explorer (Directory Opus can)?

-Armando (August 30, 2007, 03:50 PM)

No, not easily but I'm quite sure you'd be able to it the same way as with Xyplorer: More details at the Xyplorer wiki.

-Dirhael (August 30, 2007, 04:02 PM)

Thanks Dirhael. I haven't invested in any explorer replacement yet... But I'll try this method (carefully...) with the one I'll choose, eventually!

2345

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Archivarius

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 11:06 PM »

Ok... just lost my post.  Anyway...

So...I just updated Archivarius and updated my indexes. Yiiippppie! Not only did it index my enb files, but it now indexes comments (or "notes") in pdf files! This is great. X1 can't do that. (I still prefer X1 for all it's features, but it's good to know archivarius won't miss one bit of data.  )

Now, I just wish they'll implement a feature to save specific searches. I might send them a note.

2346

General Software Discussion / Re: File Managers! Windows Explorer replacement! Come one, come all...

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 04:20 PM »

Is UltraExplorer worthy of consideration (http://www.mustangpe...xplorer/index.html)?

-mwb1100 (August 30, 2007, 04:08 PM)

There's a thread on UltraExplorer.

PS. Another thing which could be useful would be to link this thread to all threads discussing various Explorer replacements.

Edit : ahahah Darwin, once more posted at the same time

2347

General Software Discussion / Re: Good (free) encryption... without any trouble ?

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 04:15 PM »

I see. Thanks!
I'll have to think and weight cons/pros.

Any comments about MS Word's "native" AES and RSA encryption (or others)?

2348

General Software Discussion / Re: File Managers! Windows Explorer replacement! Come one, come all...

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 03:50 PM »

JohnFredC : you seem to know TC pretty well. Can it be easily configured to replace explorer (Directory Opus can)?

2349

Find And Run Robot / Re: Latest FARR v2.00.140 ALPHA PREVIEW Release - Aug 15, 2007

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 03:08 PM »

I like that Idea. 
Simple, yet powerfull.

2350

General Software Discussion / Re: File Managers! Windows Explorer replacement! Come one, come all...

« Last post by Armando on August 30, 2007, 02:02 PM »

I'd like to start with a simple question : which file managers can "completely" replace Explorer,s UI (run automatically instead of explorer)? I know that Directory Opus offers several options to do that. What about the others? Can they all be easily configured to replace explorer?

Edit : oups... sorry! I posted almost at the same time as you did, sri! You're first... so your question has priority....