Recent Posts

251

General Software Discussion / Re: svchost /k netsvcs [Problem on Win.7]

« Last post by app103 on May 30, 2016, 04:20 AM »

^ very interesting, thanks app
Wont get back to it till tuesday now probably -- I had already reduced windows update  to just notify -- will now turn off completely.
(So, I do end up following your advice miles :-)

A bit wary of not having an up-to-date machine for a basic user -- but it's better than a burnt out machine

EDIT// my own machine seems to be ok now -- just checked for updates, and it didnt arouse the CPU hogger.
Will sleep.

-tomos (May 29, 2016, 03:45 PM)

I have mine set to download, but notify before installing. I did not disable Windows Update. I only stopped the service when it started using too much CPU. That way it can start up again, on it's own. And I manually checked for updates after every reboot, and tried to install them (but usually failed, till after I changed ISP)

One thing I didn't think to do, at the time, was to take my laptop somewhere else that has free wifi, and try to manually run Windows Update there. If I had, perhaps the problem might have been solved sooner. (Or maybe not?)

So, if it's a laptop, that might be something you'd want to try, first. Either a friend's house, an internet café, or elsewhere, where you can use a different ISP to see if you can get it to download those updates it seems to be stuck on.

252

General Software Discussion / Re: svchost /k netsvcs [Problem on Win.7]

« Last post by app103 on May 29, 2016, 03:35 PM »

I had a similar problem recently, and it turned out to be Windows Update that was hogging the CPU (discovered by turning off the service)

So, I just kept turning it off when CPU ran high.

And yes, Windows Update was hanging on downloading updates in my case, too. It couldn't seem to download anything, as if something was blocking it? (I rebooted machine and tried to run it manually, several times over the course of a month, with no luck)

Not sure what fixed it, but Windows Update could suddenly download and install all the updates and the excessive CPU usage stopped.

Only thing that I changed was my ISP. Not sure if it was a coincidence, but my issues seemed to solve themselves about 3 days after the ISP change. 

253

Living Room / Re: Movies you've seen lately

« Last post by app103 on May 20, 2016, 06:44 AM »

Pi: Probably one of the best Sci fi movies Ive ever seen.

-AdrianMix (May 19, 2016, 11:36 PM)

I really liked that one, too! 

254

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by app103 on May 16, 2016, 11:44 PM »

[ Invalid Attachment ]

18 of the most bizarre fast-food items ever created

Has anyone here eaten one of these?

-Arizona Hot (May 05, 2016, 05:39 PM)

I have not had the Doritos pizza from Pizza Hut, but I have had a taco pizza, topped with taco meat, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, raw tomatoes, raw onions, plain tortilla chips, and taco sauce.

There was a local place in Clearwater, Florida, during the 80's, that had an all you can eat pizza lunch buffet, and they stocked it with a lot of weird stuff, including an assortment of dessert pizzas.

255

General Software Discussion / Re: Script to vary the hight of the task bar in windows 8

« Last post by app103 on May 16, 2016, 05:43 AM »

... almost as scary as app's 'scary taskbar' :p

-tomos (May 08, 2016, 03:22 PM)

It seems like FARR or an application launcher.
But my problem is slightly different. I use the auto hide taskbar, but sometimes don't hides....
In the above screenshot I usually manage the taskbar with the mouse and is not blocked.
Sometimes, when i need to search something inside the website i can't because the taskbar not autohide and the search box is in its area....
Yo can see in the screenshot I attach above.
 

-Contro (May 08, 2016, 03:54 PM)

No, that's my taskbar. 

It's not FARR or some other application launcher.

I keep it on the right side (instead of the bottom), on autohide.

And just like yours, sometimes mine doesn't want to autohide, too. It's the primary reason why I hate taskbar button flashing for notifications in apps, and if I have the option in an app's settings to turn it off, I do.

256

Living Room / Re: Twist Tie alternative?

« Last post by app103 on May 10, 2016, 10:54 AM »

I asked my daughter about this, and she came up with something I didn't think of...hair clips.

She says these are fantastic for bundling the cords from earphones, and also for keeping it clipped to a specific part of your jacket, while wearing them.



She says you can get them about 8-10 in a pack at a $1 store.

She also wanted me to tell everyone not to throw away those sock hanger hooks, especially the ones with the double hooks on them. She says to hold them with the hooks pointing up, slip it over your belt, and the rest will come to you like a bright light in a dark tunnel. And when you figure it out, you'll never want to throw them away again. (she considers them essentials for camping)

257

Living Room / Re: Twist Tie alternative?

« Last post by app103 on April 18, 2016, 04:34 PM »

I was thinking if there exists or could be made a set that did not touch the ear at all.  But was positioned near the ear and had a wave guide to project the sound into the ear canal.  They are probably already out there somewhere.

-MilesAhead (April 18, 2016, 06:55 AM)

I couldn't help but remember this. A friend of mine had one in the 80's, back in high school, before anyone had even heard of the Sony Walkman.

http://www.theatlant...e-the-terror/279474/

258

Living Room / Re: Twist Tie alternative?

« Last post by app103 on April 17, 2016, 09:28 PM »

Just because I hate it when a bud falls out and I could get them for $8 I bought these JVC Earclip Buds

-MilesAhead (April 17, 2016, 08:46 PM)

My husband loves that style because of how well they stay put in his ears. I think the pairs I bought for him from CVS were like $3.99 or $4.99, in-store.

Personally, I won't even try them because they still plug into your ears, which means they will make my ears itch like crazy. Plus they don't look like they would be too comfortable for someone that wears glasses.

I prefer the old school kind with the headband, that can sit over the ears (or in front of them, if I also need to hear what is going on around me).

259

Living Room / Re: Twist Tie alternative?

« Last post by app103 on April 17, 2016, 08:55 AM »

I wish there was a dollar store with more techie stuff.

-MilesAhead (April 17, 2016, 07:54 AM)

I am lucky to have a large one locally that everything really is $1 or less, and they stock some great stuff. My daughter even got a copy of the vintage game Pharaoh and Cleopatra for $1, some years back.

260

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by app103 on April 16, 2016, 11:19 PM »

261

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Xp/Vista Replacements and Enhancements

« Last post by app103 on April 16, 2016, 10:26 AM »

Just installed it and set it up and I think I'm in love again. Works as it should with one TINY exception (it doesn't hide my idrive backup icon). Just playing around with it now (this help file incorrectly says it's v3.1), but things look hopeful!

-wysocki (April 15, 2016, 06:43 PM)

Still can't click the Application Minimizer tab without causing it to crash (Win7 x64).

262

DC Gamer Club / Re: Somebody actually made an Ikea furniture building simulator game

« Last post by app103 on April 16, 2016, 10:01 AM »

Found this hilarious multi-player game play video:

263

Living Room / Re: Twist Tie alternative?

« Last post by app103 on April 16, 2016, 09:20 AM »

Q Knot: a cross between a rubber band and a zip tie (reusable)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/47002765



You can also find clips that look like these in some dollar stores. (these are vintage ones from Tupperware, though)

I have a bunch of clear ones that came in a 5-pack.

264

Living Room / Re: Freelance Programming/Upwork discussion thread

« Last post by app103 on April 03, 2016, 01:50 AM »

On upwork, it can be tricky to find decent employers that pay well and won't try to burn you, on one-off projects. Make sure you check their history and avoid ones that have no history of paying. Also, it's far better to land a contract with an hourly rate, than a flat rate one. When you check their history and reviews, check to see what they have paid people in the past, to avoid the "bargain hunters" that are looking to outsource at 3rd world rates.

If you really want to have a good source of steady income, long term, look for employers that want to send you work on an on-going basis, 6 months or longer, and pay an hourly rate. You can take a bunch of small contracts that are about 10 hrs or less per week to fill your time & pockets. If you lose one of these small contracts, it won't be such a punch in the wallet, while you look for a replacement.

Just don't grab a bunch of contracts at once, though. Sometimes they become more work than you initially anticipated, which is actually a good thing. If you wait a bit between accepting contracts, to see how their workload will be, it will keep you from biting off more than you can chew.

Make sure you fill out your profile, in full, listing all of your experience and skills, using the appropriate keywords that employers may search for. Add new skill keywords as you acquire them. Show some sort of portfolio with screenshots and other project info. Take any relevant tests on Upwork for your skillset, and make sure to take any and all tests related to written English skills. That alone will put you far ahead of others with similar programming skills. Experienced Upwork employers that have had to deal with contractors that lack English skills are more willing to pay more, just to have someone that they can easily communicate with. Any test in which you can score in the top 20% or higher will put you at the head of the pack.

And don't forget to list and link to any relevant experience acquired here on the forum, via coding snacks and NANY, if you have any. That's points in your favor, too.

Most of all, make sure you respond to any and all direct interview invitations within 24 hours, even if you are not interested in the job they are offering. How fast you respond to accept or decline interviews can work for or against you, with those that respond quickly getting more invites. Also, actively seek out work through their listings, rather than relying solely on your profile and direct invites to find work.

Good luck! I got a 6 month trial for a job, that lead to the best job ever, through oDesk/Upwork.

265

Living Room / Re: Wireless mice are hackable up to a city block away

« Last post by app103 on April 01, 2016, 08:21 PM »

But again, if a hacker can know what website you have opened at any given moment, you probably have other security problems to be worried about.

-Deozaan (March 29, 2016, 06:55 PM)

How many public places offer free wifi and how many people use it? A hacker could be close enough to visually spy and know what page you are on, and close enough to take control, and you'd be more likely to want to use one of those cheap compact mini wireless mice than lugging a big wired one around with you.

Time is always a factor. It looks to me like people expect immediate breaches of their security, because a hacker swoops in, breaks security and robs you blind of information and/or money. But in my (arguably rotten) mind the most successful hacker is the one who has a bit of patience and gets to "know" the target by studying any type of data he/she can get from his/her target. That mouse data would sure help in case social engineering isn't an option.

-Shades (March 29, 2016, 11:57 AM)

You mean like studying the guy who uses Starbucks as his office, taking advantage of their free wifi and easy access to coffee, and works from there, predictably, every single day? He sits at the same table each day, sets up his laptop, wireless mouse, etc. and stays there for about 4-6 hours, Monday through Friday.

If you know this and can show up before he does, you can choose a table close enough, that gives you a fairly clear view of his screen. You can pretend to be someone just like him, working from the same coffee shop every day, just like him, strike up a conversation, get to know him, all while spying on him as he works.

Might not be worth the trouble in some rinky dink town to try to target an individual like that, but in a large urban area like NYC, Seattle, or San Francisco, it could be.

266

Living Room / Re: microwave oven recommendations?

« Last post by app103 on March 06, 2016, 02:46 AM »

I am not sure how much of a help my recommendation will be to you, but I acquired this one about 2 years ago, to replace a 30 year old microwave that really needed to be replaced, and I am quite happy with it.

http://www.amazon.co...owave/dp/B000IW9J20/

You can probably get a better price on it if you look on another site or locally for model CMW 100.

267

Living Room / Re: feline ear mites

« Last post by app103 on February 27, 2016, 07:38 PM »

Seal the brush in a ziploc bag for about 2 months (or just throw it away and replace it later), and switch to using a metal comb that can be boiled after each use.

You might also want to take a look here for info on the various mite species that can affect cats, and what can and can't effectively control them.

http://parasitipedia...2542&Itemid=2818

268

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by app103 on February 08, 2016, 11:32 AM »

Dear Ma and Pa,

I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.

Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there’s warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much.

We go on “route marches,” which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different. A “route march” is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don’t even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home. I’m about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake . I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6? and 130 pounds and he’s 6’8? and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter,
Alice

269

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by app103 on February 07, 2016, 09:57 AM »

Faster than job hunting in the obituaries.

270

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by app103 on February 02, 2016, 07:12 AM »

I laughed at this one way too much, so just had to share it. 

271

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by app103 on February 02, 2016, 06:34 AM »

"The catnip? Out of danger?"

272

Living Room / Re: Forbes forces users to disable ad blockers, promptly serves malware.

« Last post by app103 on January 25, 2016, 12:36 AM »

When people use ad blockers, there is still a way to get your point across, show a scaled down, minimalistic ad in an non-obnoxious way, that usually won't have people complaining about it.

Have you seen what happens when you visit sitepoint.com with an ad blocker turned on? If you visit any of their article pages, you'll see something like this, in place of the normal ad banner:



It's just text. No links, images, animations, videos, audio, flash, corporate logos, or anything else. Just text. This is what they show instead of a "please turn off your ad blocker" message.

If more companies would take this approach, then adblock users, site owners, and advertisers could co-exist peacefully. Of course this would require advertisers to deal with sites directly, rather than through advertising networks, which would probably put most of the nastiest advertisers out of business.

But that would be a win-win situation, if you ask me.

273

General Software Discussion / Re: Looking back (Some of your first code)

« Last post by app103 on January 21, 2016, 03:53 AM »

My first C code.  Compiled executable for Windows, available here. There's been a page on my website dedicated to it, for almost 10 years.

Spoiler

Code: C [Select]

1. // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.  
3. #include <stdio.h>
4.  
5. int main()
6. {
7.         char noun1[20];
8.         char number1[20];
9.         char verbing1[20];
10.         char verbing2[20];
11.         char verbing3[20];
12.         char noun2[20];
13.         char adjective1[20];
14.         char pluralnoun1[20];
15.         char noun3[20];
16.         char adjective2[20];
17.         char noun4[20];
18.         char adjective3[20];
19.         char verb1[20];
20.         char personinroom1[20];
21.         char noun5[20];
22.         char noun6[20];
23.         char noun7[20];
24.         char noun8[20];
25.         char sillyword1[20];
26.         char noun9[20];
27.        
28.        
29.         //explain game
30.         printf("Let's play a game of Madlibs.\n");
31.         printf("All you have to do is supply the words I ask for.\n");
32.         printf("Let's begin.\n");
33.        
34.         //get word list
35.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
36.         scanf("%s",noun1);
37.         printf("Enter a number: ");
38.         scanf("%s",number1);
39.         printf("Enter a verb ending in \"ing\": ");
40.         scanf("%s",verbing1);
41.         printf("Enter another verb ending in \"ing\": ");
42.         scanf("%s",verbing2);
43.         printf("Enter one more verb ending in \"ing\": ");
44.         scanf("%s",verbing3);
45.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
46.         scanf("%s",noun2);
47.         printf("Enter an adjective: ");
48.         scanf("%s",adjective1);
49.         printf("Enter a plural noun: ");
50.         scanf("%s",pluralnoun1);
51.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
52.         scanf("%s",noun3);
53.         printf("Enter a adjective: ");
54.         scanf("%s",adjective2);
55.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
56.         scanf("%s",noun4);
57.         printf("Enter a adjective: ");
58.         scanf("%s",adjective3);
59.         printf("Enter a verb: ");
60.         scanf("%s",verb1);
61.         printf("Enter the name of a person in the room: ");
62.         scanf("%s",personinroom1);
63.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
64.         scanf("%s",noun5);
65.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
66.         scanf("%s",noun6);
67.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
68.         scanf("%s",noun7);
69.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
70.         scanf("%s",noun8);
71.         printf("Enter a silly word: ");
72.         scanf("%s",sillyword1);
73.         printf("Enter a noun: ");
74.         scanf("%s",noun9);
75.        
76.         //display story
77.        
78.         printf("-----Career Advertisement-----\n\n");
79.         printf("Seeking a new career?\n\
80. Be a %s or just look like one!\n\
81. In just %s sessions, we can have you %s, %s, and %s like a\n\
82. top-paying %s.\n\
83. Opportunities in this %s field are limited.\n\
84. There is no fee!\n\
85. Just come in for a free consultation.\n\
86. Our expert %s will analyze your %s and determine your\n\
87. potential for success in this %s field.\n\
88. Use your natural %s to earn %s money and\n\
89. have time to %s your dreams too.\n\
90. Just ask %s who came to us looking like a\n\
91. %s out of %s and in just ten days we improved their\n\
92. %s 100 percent.\n\
93. We even corrected their horrible %s.\n\
94. It was just in the nick of time because the %s Squad\n\
95. was ready to ban them from the %s.\n\
96. Don't wait annother day.\n\
97. Time is running out.\n",\
98. noun1,number1,verbing1,verbing2,verbing3,noun2,adjective1,pluralnoun1,noun3,adjective2,\
99. noun4,adjective3,verb1,personinroom1,noun5,noun6,noun7,noun8,sillyword1,noun9);
100.  
101. // keep console window open for Windows users.
102. // won't work for other OS's, but Windows users are the only ones that need idiot-proofing
103. // because no matter how many times you tell them to run it from a command prompt they will just click the exe file any way.
104.  
105. system("pause");
106.        
107.         return(0);
108. }

274

Living Room / Re: Why GOD has not updated the world ?

« Last post by app103 on January 21, 2016, 03:22 AM »

We have managed to trash the planet in less than 30 minutes.

Perhaps we are the bug that needs fixing. Still want that upgrade?

275

DC Website Help and Extras / Re: Official CMS Migration Progress Thread - September 2017

« Last post by app103 on January 16, 2016, 12:18 PM »

SOOOOOO MANY OLD PAGES THAT NOBODY EVER USESSSSSSSS!

-Stephen66515 (January 14, 2016, 04:34 PM)

Some of that is because they can't find them.