Recent Posts

2776

Living Room / Re: Hard Drive electrical failure... trash it?

« Last post by Shades on September 06, 2008, 04:14 PM »

if you trace the connection from the circled piece back to the big black connector on top you will see that some of these tracks (at the line of holes) have directed a lot of current to the component that is burnt to a crisp. Those holes are discolored (there is a group of three and next to the group is another one)..

This isn't a good thing, because these holes usually mean that the board has more than one layer of circuitry. So it will be hard to tell if and which other component(s) have been damaged as well.

Buying replacement(s) for the damaged component(s) will not be your biggest problem (price wise). However, the labor from the technician is, given the replacement value of a SATA harddisk.   

2777

General Software Discussion / Re: Any app to auto-replace Notepad ??

« Last post by Shades on September 06, 2008, 01:39 AM »

[Select]

UNA:+.?'
UNB+UNOC:3+0000000000009:14+0000000000002:14+050518:1056+U_200505183935'
UNH+U_200505183935+APERAK:D:96A:ZZ:EDINE1'
BGM+12E::9+U_200505183935842+27'
DTM+137:200505181056:203'
DTM+178:200505171239:203'
DTM+735:2:805'
RFF+392:U05051712394068'
NAD+MS+0000000000009::9'
NAD+MR+0000000000002::9'
ERC+23::60'
FTX+AAO+++TAX information is mandatory.'
UNT+11+U_200505183935'
UNZ+1+U_200505183935'

Codes have been changed to protect the innocent....or something like that. The format of this message is also obsolete, but you'll get the idea. A message like this doesn't pose problems, but when the size grows to 100Kbyte or more, Notepad++ completely loses track.

2778

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

« Last post by Shades on September 05, 2008, 08:09 PM »

I can "improve" with my HP Omnibook 6000 which has:
Intel Pentium III 500 MHz
14" (4:3) screen
128 MB RAM
CD player
56K modem/100Mbit Networkcard
1(!) USB1.1 port

But it is still going as strong as it did 8 years ago. I love that thing and Windows 2000 runs very nice on it.

2779

General Software Discussion / Re: windows based web server

« Last post by Shades on September 05, 2008, 10:30 AM »

XAMPP

Free LAMP but then for Windows. Download the 7-zip version, it only requires unpacking (in a root folder) and you have immediately a working Apache 2.0, MysQL 5 and PHP 5 integrated. Some extra's like a mailserver are included as well.

The original intent for the package is development, not hosting. So the only thing to do is re-configuring Apache for web use.

2780

General Software Discussion / Re: looking for...a wiki?

« Last post by Shades on September 03, 2008, 09:22 PM »

@Target:

Your solution would be: Tiddlywiki

This is a one file Wiki (with a lot javascript behind it). It's about 300 Kbyte in size when you begin with it, and will grow according to your input. You can put it on a webserver if so desired or keep it on an USB stick.

Instead of a "one-hit-wonder" this Wiki would be a "one-file-wonder" 

2781

General Software Discussion / Re: List of newbie questions regarding software

« Last post by Shades on September 03, 2008, 09:11 PM »

Customization:
Here in South America a lot of computers are being sold through super markets. They use the gOS operating system. This (linux-based) O.S. is light on resources and comes with practically all a casual user would need. The interface is easy on the eyes (at least to me) And it seems to be a solid base for expanding it to your specific needs.

For more info: gOS

2782

General Software Discussion / Re: looking for...a wiki?

« Last post by Shades on September 03, 2008, 08:12 PM »

When I installed a Wiki (mediawiki 1.x.x) I fell instantly in love with it. The edit options are limited, so you are reasonably stuck in the layout from the wiki but it is an ideal "whiteboard".

It took me a whole day to create something of a portal from all the "scribbles" that are currently stored, but I have nicely sorted all of them and I think it is very accessible now. It contains information on how to restore an XP system without the need for re-installation of all your software to backup Oracle Database servers to website maintenance... all not more than 4 mouse-clicks away.

Likely there are better systems out there right now, but this one works for me. Also...no more memo\s on the monitor anymore. 

2783

DC Gamer Club / Re: Spore out the 4th of september

« Last post by Shades on September 02, 2008, 07:28 PM »

If I remember correctly, Nintendo ships their Wii's first to Japan/Asia then Europe and after that to the US nowadays. Problems with getting the money for their products lead to their decision. This was on Slashdot, so likely to be taken with a grain of salt...but still.

2784

DC Gamer Club / Re: Steam, and the gift of game...

« Last post by Shades on September 02, 2008, 07:20 PM »

My Problem with STEAM is the software itself. The concept behind it I wholeheartedly agree upon.

Trying to download the Trackmania Nations game through STEAM was impossible over here. It would continue the download when the connection broke. It wouldn't even let me start a new download from the same game (only after a re-install from STEAM it would).

I was finally able to do so by using plain simple HTTP connection through a SOCKS proxy. Steam gave me too much troubles but the concept behind it is a great one.

2785

General Software Discussion / Re: Document shortcut organiser - Does such a thing exist?

« Last post by Shades on September 01, 2008, 06:42 PM »

Go and take a look in this forum for the term: LinkChanger

In that post you will find a link to a piece of software that allows you to edit multiple shortcuts at once. It's freeware

2786

Living Room / Re: Show us the View Outside Your Window

« Last post by Shades on September 01, 2008, 01:19 AM »

skinny sun bathing after my shower! ...watch this space!

-CleverCat (August 31, 2008, 08:35 AM)

Ohhh, well, if you insist  

-cranioscopical (August 31, 2008, 10:47 AM)

Dream on! 

-CleverCat (September 01, 2008, 12:51 AM)

Dream off!!! (would be the correct comment for Cranioscopical, CleverCat)

2787

General Software Discussion / Re: What do you use to bookmark and annotate your .chm files?

« Last post by Shades on August 31, 2008, 09:35 PM »

Not free, but this document converter seems to be what you need.
http://www.print-driver.com/download/

Or go the freeware route:
http://www.gridinsoft.com/chm.php

2788

General Software Discussion / Re: Drupal is f*cked

« Last post by Shades on August 31, 2008, 08:58 PM »

It's clear that mileage does vary....I have setup a lot more clients with a Joomla powered site than with Drupal. Well, that was their choice after being introduced to multiple CMS's. Seems that it is easier to maintain the content part for those people.

2789

Living Room / Re: Video chat: Why don't people like it?

« Last post by Shades on August 28, 2008, 08:52 PM »

And the Atari 2600!!!! 

2790

Developer's Corner / Re: Best way to sync programming projects?

« Last post by Shades on August 28, 2008, 08:37 PM »

This message is written with the assumption that you work/develop on a Windows NT-based PC.

First, download all these freely available tools:
VisualSVN: http://www.visualsvn.com/server/ (server)
RapidSVN: http://rapidsvn.tigris.org/ (client as in separate application)
TortoiseSVN: http://tortoisesvn.tigris.org/ (client as in explorer enhancement)
XAMPP: http://www.apachefriends.de (completely configured web server environment)

Install all these tools using the default installation options.

XAMPP is only necessary when you want to have access to your own repository through the internet. On a "fresh" system XAMPP is very easy to install. The 7-zipped version only needs to be unpacked into a root folder to work. And if you want to unpack it somewhere else that is also no biggie. Running the supplied setup.bat script will adjust the necessary configuration files without intervention.

When done you should take a look at how to improve the security settings from Apache. XAMPP's main purpose is to create an easy to maintain web development environment for internal use (but let this not stop you in making it bulletproof).  

It took me 20 minutes (for real) to download all the suggested SVN software (XAMPP I already had laying around), install it and upload a project to the SVN server.

My first experience with source control was CVS and I can tell you that there is hate-hate relationship going on between me and that software. But my first encounter with SVN went without any hiccup. Which is the main reason why I recommended it to a fellow error-proner...

2791

General Software Discussion / Re: Mozilla Ubiquity Prototype Available

« Last post by Shades on August 28, 2008, 01:06 AM »

Common guys....emPowerPoint ?

2792

Living Room / Re: Cortex Command Giveaway

« Last post by Shades on August 27, 2008, 11:04 AM »

I would like one license as well :-)

https://www.donation...ex.php?topic=13853.0

2793

Developer's Corner / Re: Best way to sync programming projects?

« Last post by Shades on August 26, 2008, 09:56 PM »

Taken from the website:

Over 300.000 users already trust PowerFolder. When do you join? Try it for free.

Share and sync unlimited! PowerFolder does not limit the amount of data or the number of files. Also feel free to invite unlimited number of friends!

After the trial period prices start as low as only 1 USD per computer per month.

This amount of money ($12 US/yearly) shouldn't break the bank...

2794

Developer's Corner / Re: Best way to sync programming projects?

« Last post by Shades on August 26, 2008, 09:43 PM »

How about a SVN server on your desktop (or designated PC)?

You can synchronize multiple systems with that and you can connect through the net to create a link to your home repository.

Best of all, it's totally free and very easy to setup! (It took me 20 minutes to download, install, configure and upload a 30Mb web project (a few thousand small files) on a P4 machine with XP SP2. And I can tell you that most of that time was spent downloading. With a fast internet connection you can easily shave 10 till 15 minutes from my time.

VisualSVN is the name of the server software, and for the client you can use either: RapidSVN or TortoiseSVN. Nowadays you can use SVN also in file-based mode (same as CVS) or the default database mode. When you are error prone, go for the file-based mode. Then you can always retrieve anything.

Another bonus is that you also learn some discipline about how to handle projects as well...

2795

Official Announcements / Re: August 26 had some slight downtime -- thanks to gothic for fixing it

« Last post by Shades on August 26, 2008, 09:06 PM »

Sorry, am from the "Give that man a cigar!" generation...

Hmmm, is Cudos not a brand of cigars? 

2796

JGPaiva's GridMove and Ahk Tools / Re: Small utility for quick prototyping GridMove layouts

« Last post by Shades on August 26, 2008, 08:22 PM »

 

2797

JGPaiva's GridMove and Ahk Tools / Re: Small utility for quick prototyping GridMove layouts

« Last post by Shades on August 26, 2008, 07:41 PM »

The KISS principle is not used here    or I am at a level of stupidity that would even put Mr. Bean to shame 

How does it work?

When i used the example in the following lines inside the WinXP SP1 DOSbox it always returns the same message:
"Use: gridstack input.stack output.grid"

The lines:
e:\downloads\gridstack HStack ( Window 1 Window 2) e:\grid.grid
e:\downloads\gridstack "HStack ( Window 1 Window 2)" e:\grid.grid
e:\downloads\gridstack ( Window 1 Window 2) e:\grid.grid
e:\downloads\gridstack HStack (Window 1 Window 2) e:\grid.grid
e:\downloads\gridstack HStack ( Window1 Window2) e:\grid.grid
e:\downloads\gridstack HStack ( Window 1,Window 2) grid.grid
e:\downloads\gridstack VStack ( Window 1 Window 2) e:\grid.grid

2798

Official Announcements / Re: August 26 had some slight downtime -- thanks to gothic for fixing it

« Last post by Shades on August 26, 2008, 07:17 PM »

a big thanks to Gothi[c] for waking up out of his sleep just to fix the problem

-mouser (August 26, 2008, 01:39 PM)

That's some dedication there, Gothic, thank you very much!

-cranioscopical (August 26, 2008, 04:32 PM)

How so?  I woke up too....


All jokes aside, cudos to Gothi[c]!!!!

2799

Living Room / Re: Lego Minifig Videos

« Last post by Shades on August 25, 2008, 10:11 PM »

I had one of those when I was a kid...and gave it away when I was 16 or so. Idiot me!!!!!!!!!

Taking a look at the LUG site I see a lot of LEGO Space Classic stuff that was given and/or saved for. To me that is. Man, this brings back memories of playing happily with this series (there was also 15 kilo's of other "standard" type LEGO as well). 

Here in Paraguay it is very hard to get your hands on this stuff and it's even more expensive that in Europe. Only the fake LEGO is reasonably available.

2800

Living Room / Re: What May Happen in the Next 100 Years (Predictions from 1901)

« Last post by Shades on August 24, 2008, 11:10 PM »

Well, since I don't have a clue about the meaning behind C, X and Q...you can can be sure that they are in mint condition (as in never used). Maybe they are a little dusty