Recent Posts

2976

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 14, 2007, 10:49 AM »

ISSUE RESOLVED:  My new PC supports my widescreen LCD monitor's native 1440x900 resolution -- sweet!

2977

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 13, 2007, 11:07 PM »

I'm pleased to announced that the in-depth review of tutorials #1 through #5 in the "C# for the Completely Uninitiated" series is ready for viewing at http://kyrathaba.dcmembers.com/

This Wink-produced flash presentation also includes programming assignments and links to possible solutions given as online source code listings.

Pending further input from users of the tutorials, I am planning on authoring the succeeding tutorials in the series in good-old HTML, since it gives me easy manipulation of font and images.  I'll still use Wink 2.0 for producing flash footage of actual screen-actions, when it seems prudent to do so.

Readers of the tutorials can feel free to email me or message me here on the forum with any questions.  If you want to see a brief tutorial to resolve some confusion you may have about an introductory C# concept or use of the express IDE, let me know.

The QuizMaker/QuizTaker application got put on the backburner today because I had to spend time recovering data from my defunct PC's hard drive.  Shouldn't be but a few more days until it's online too, though. 

2978

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 13, 2007, 09:41 AM »

I've been alerted that some users have had difficulty with the first tutorial in the series.  They've reported that they cannot get past the intro screen.  It says to click on the diskette to proceed, but doesn't work.  I've found that it works fine here:

http://www1.webng.co...os/kyrathaba_cs1.htm

but not here...

http://kyrathaba.dcm...ed/kyrathaba_cs1.htm

This isn't an issue with tutorials #2 onward, because beginning with the second tutorial in the series I adopted a VCR-button-motif for the UI.

2979

Developer's Corner / Re: Registry Help...

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 13, 2007, 08:58 AM »

Inno Setup can associate a particular file extension with your application.  The Inno Setup help documentation shows you how to configure this.

2980

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 12, 2007, 01:00 PM »

Came across this just now:

http://research.micr...rs/ThreadsCSharp.pdf

It's a Microsoft research paper (41 pages) on multithreading in C#.  Nice find.  Pretty much covers it in depth.

2981

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 12, 2007, 09:57 AM »

Update:

I think I'll have both the quiz program itself and the "Tutorials 1 to 5 Review Quiz" ready by tomorrow evening.  Rather than write a separate Quiz Maker and Quiz Taker, I decided to incorporate both into the same application, and simply use a login routine to determine which UI gets accessed.  If you login to the editor, it takes you to the quiz-maker interface; otherwise it takes you to the quiz-taker interface.

I will make the application available freely.  It has the ability to make 10, 20, and 30-item quizzes that are multiple choice A,B,C,D in format.  And, of course, it allows you to take a quiz and grades you on your performance.  The quiz files produced by the program have a password property that gives you the option of password-protecting the ability to edit the quiz.  Quiz files are simply serialized objects of type Quiz, where Quiz is a class contained in the program.

In conjunction with "Tutorials 1 to 5 Review Quiz", I'll also be providing an online flash presentation that covers concepts reviewed in the quiz, and that gives online example program code listings for study.  This flash presentation will include voice.

Thanks to those who have expressed appreciation for the tutorial series.  It really boosts my motivation to continue this work.  Feedback always welcomed.  Thanks.

2982

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 11, 2007, 09:37 AM »

Update:

I'm pushing back the estimated completion date for the quiz program that reviews content of tutorials 1 through 5.  I decided to write a Quiz-Maker utility that will be reusable for future quizzes, and that will allow me to save entire quizzes to disk using serialization.

Once I get the quizmaker completed, I'll need to setup the quiz program for deserialization.  It will take a few more days, given my current schedule.  Sorry for the delay, but once I complete these initial two programs, future quiz programs will be a snap.

Tutorial #6, due out in late March, will cover conditional execution and looping, integrating those concepts into ongoing focus on classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.  Feedback welcomed.

2983

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 10, 2007, 06:52 PM »

Dwane,

I'm glad you like the tutorials.  More are on the way   I had a motherboard go AWOL on me and while I'm waiting on a replacement computer I'm using my father's old eMachine (yes, your sympathy is appreciated).  But I still anticipate having the quiz program finished by the end of this weekend, and I'll make it available for download.  To go along with it, I'll be throwing up a webpage reviewing materials covered in the first five tutorials, and some sample program assignment to reinforce those concepts.  So stay tuned...

You understand correctly that the .NET Framework must be installed on target machines in order for them to run programs written in any .NET programming language (C#.NET, C++.NET, VB.NET, etc.). 

I should also state, however, that programming tools for authoring .NET programs will typically have an option -- when you are building an installation -- for your setup program to check the target computer for the .NET Framework and download and install it if it is not found.

Some people naysay the .NET Framework because it is required, but it's really no different than VB6 requiring the VB6 runtime DLL, and look how successful VB6 was.  A tremendous advantage of the .NET Framework is that it's authored by some of the most knowledgeable, experienced programmers anywhere, and they're able to draw upon a wealth of expertise to give us a very robust, complete group of assemblies containing just about any functionality you could ever imagine needing for your coding.

The .NET Framework is becoming ubiquitous.  Most end-users will already have it installed, and if not it's easily acquired.  True, native and unmanaged code, such as that produced by non-.NET C++, is independent of the .NET Framework, but .NET makes the programmer's job much easier in many situations.

If you are learning C# as a first language, you shouldn't feel any serious misgivings.  Although professional developers have some concerns related to .NET's long-term longevity and free accessibility, I don't think they would argue that C# is a great choice.

2984

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 10, 2007, 09:48 AM »

Yeah, I prefer VS, definitely.  But apparently you cannot install Visual C# 2005 Express to a USB mass storage device.  Am I mistaken?  I'll download the source code for SharpDevelop and experiment.  Thanks for the suggestion.

2985

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 09, 2007, 08:27 PM »

Does anyone know of a C#.NET development IDE that can be totally installed to, and run from, a USB flash drive or a USB external hard drive of another sort?  I'm looking for a self-contained programming kit, so to speak -- the ability to have a small portable drive that can house both the IDE and all my projects.  That way I can code whether I'm at my parents' house, or on the road, or at a friends', etc.

2986

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 09, 2007, 07:45 AM »

keep in mind that the usb drive will look just like a regular drive so that any client who can access the main computer will be able to access the external drive, so i'm not sure your network admin will be satisfied with the solution..

This gal's idea was that she would only plug her drive in while working on her stuff, then keep it in her purse the rest of the time.

2987

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 09, 2007, 07:28 AM »

Question: can a non-SATA hard drive be put into one of those hard drive enclosure kits that turns your HD into an external drive, and then used with a computer whose hard drive IS of the SATA type?  My new computer will have a SATA drive, and I'm wondering if I can rig my old PC's hard drive to work as an external drive with it.

Another question:  we are getting another worker in my program at my clinic.  They have software they use that our network admin doesn't want installed on this computer, because our clients also have access to this computer.  Her question to me was could she plug an external hard drive into this computer via USB, and run her software from it, never interacting with this computer's drive?

2988

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 08, 2007, 01:18 PM »

Fortunately I was able to salvage desired files/folders off my hard drive, so I did NOT lose the work I'd done on the flash presentation reviewing tutorials one through five in the C# series I'm writing.  Not to mention the quiz program which was about halfway finished.  Whew!

I settled on a Gateway GT5026E with a dual-core processor running at 2.8 GHz, and 1 GB of DDR2 RAM (upgradeable to 4 GB).  I was assured that the GMA900 Graphics would support the 1440x900 native resolution of my widescreen LCD monitor.

LOL, I've had quite a history of PCs:

1st computer I ever owned:  Acer Pentium 166 MHz, 32 Mb RAM, 2.1 GB hard drive

2nd computer: Dell Dimension 550 MHz PIII, 128 Mb RAM, 4 GB hard drive

3rd computer: Compaq Presario S5000CL 2.13 GHz P4, 512 Mb RAM, 40 GB hard drive

2989

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 08, 2007, 12:51 PM »

I'm also considering this PC:

HP/Compaq dx5150 Small Form Factor PC
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Dual Core Processor

Specifications:

    Operating Systems    Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition SP2
    Platform     PC
    Form Factor    Small Form Factor (SFF)
    PCI Slots (Total) Learn More    2
    Expansion Slots    4
    Processor Brand    AMD
    Processor Class    Athlon 64 X2
    Processor Number    4200
    Processor Speed    2.20GHz
 
Additional Technologies    Dual-Core Technology
HyperTransport Technology
    Memory Type    DDR
    Total Memory    1.0GB
    Interface    SATA/150
    Capacity    160GB
    Optical Drive Type    DVD±RW Dual Layer Lightscribe
    Audio Description    Integrated Audio
    Graphics Description    Integrated Graphics
    Video Memory    up to 128MB Shared Memory
    Communications Description    Integrated LAN Support
Data Transfer Rate   
10Mbps
100Mbps
1000Mbps

2990

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 08, 2007, 12:36 PM »

The death knell has sounded.  For whom did the bell toll?  For my Compaq Presario S5000CL   Motherboard went bad.  It'd cost ~$120 to buy a replacement motherboard, and another $50 to have it installed, so I'm probably just going to purchase a new PC.  Below, I show the specs of the one I'm considering.  Question:  if I do C# .NET 2.0 programming on a 64-bit PC, will the programs work on 32-bit Windows systems, so long as I don't specifically write them for 64-bit architecture?

Lemme know what you think of this PC as well.

Acer Pentium D 2.8GHz 1GB 160GB DVD±RW Vista B:

Main Specifications   
Product Description Acer AcerPower FH - Pentium D 915 2.8 GHz
Type Personal computer
Form Factor Mini tower
Dimensions (WxDxH) 7.2 in x 17.9 in x 14.6 in
Processor 1 x Intel Pentium D 915 / 2.8 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory 4 MB L2 cache
Cache Per Processor 4 MB ( 2 x 2 MB )
RAM 1 GB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM
Storage Controller Serial ATA ; IDE
Hard Drive 1 x 160 GB - standard - Serial ATA-150
Optical Storage DVD±RW
Monitor None.
Graphics Controller Intel GMA 3000 (256 Mb)
Audio Output Sound card - 7.1 channel surround
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Business

2991

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 07, 2007, 12:51 PM »

I'd hate to have to buy a brand new, upgraded computer ...

2992

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 07, 2007, 11:42 AM »

Yeah, I have pretty much that same layout.  I have a slot that looks just like the AGP shown in this picture.

I mistakenly said, earlier, that my PC has SDRAM.  I was thinking of my old Dell.  My current computer uses PC3200 DDR memory modules.

2993

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 07, 2007, 11:39 AM »

Thanks.  I appreciate the sentiment.  Hopefully it's something they can fix in short order.  I feel like I'm missing a body part

2994

Developer's Corner / Re: Introductory C# web-based tutorials

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 07, 2007, 09:19 AM »

The presentation reviewing tutorials one through five may be delayed at least a day or two (possibly longer).  My computer is on the fritz.  I don't know what's wrong.  I've had it four years with zero problems until this very morning.  I thought maybe it was just hanging, so I tried to reboot.  It powered back up okay (LED came on, fan whirring), but didn't boot the OS.  No output to the monitor.  I powered down, unplugged everything, plugged up again, powered up again.  Same result.  Tested with a different monitor that is working fine with the kids' computer.  Still no output to the monitor.  I figure I've got a virus or hard drive problem.  Anyway, my ISP works on computers, so I'm delivering it to them this afternoon and hopefully they'll be able to resolve it.  I have several days' worth of work on the tutorial review that I'll lose if they can't fix it (sample programs have been uploaded but the actual flash presentation hasn't).  Moral of the story: backup daily. 

2995

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 04, 2007, 01:23 PM »

I guess they're PCI slots then.  I guess I could take a photo of my PC's innards and let some of you hardware-knowledgeable folks ID it for me

2996

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 04, 2007, 10:42 AM »

Well, I'm assuming I have an AGP slot, based on what I saw when I opened the case to install the 512 Mb SDRAM DIMM.  I looked like I had two PCI-E slots remaining, and there was another shorter slot nearby that I assume was the AGP slot.  Can you recommend any low-end AGP cards that would support 1440x900 ?

2997

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 03, 2007, 08:51 PM »

I've been looking at this card:

 FREETECH PX6200TD-128M GeForce 6200 128MB 128-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card

It's found here among other places:

http://www.newegg.co...Item=N82E16814122205

I can't seem to locate any specifics about individual resolutions it supports.  It just states the max res.  Does anyone know if it would support 1440x900 ?

2998

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 03, 2007, 09:39 AM »

Hmm, okay, I'll see what I can find.  Do you have any recommendations for a graphics card purchase?  I have a free PCI slot, and an available AGP.  I guess I need something that supports 1440x900, but I don't want to spend a bundle.  I was looking at the following card, that supports resolutions up to 2048x1536.  It doesn't say specifically that it supports 1440x900, though:

http://www.xpertvisi...s/nv_agp_FX5200.html

2999

Living Room / Re: widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 03, 2007, 07:57 AM »

Good point, Fodder.  I'll continue to break apart my long source code lines.

I was able to download an updated driver for my S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR integrated graphics, and it provided me with one additional resolution possibility I hadn't had before:  1280x768.  I compared that to the 1440x900 native resolution of my widescreen monitor, and they're quite close:  a ratio of 1.6 compared to 1.66.  Changed to that res and things look good now.  They didn't look "bad" before, but definitely an improvement.

3000

Living Room / widescreen monitor question

« Last post by kyrathaba on March 02, 2007, 09:02 PM »

I recently acquired a 19" I-Inc TW191D LCD monitor.  My children's 14" AlphaScan 411 CRT was just pathetic, and I didn't want to ruin their eyes, so I gave them my Princeton 17" LCD monitor, and got myself a 19" widescreen.  Mistake?  I'm not sure, yet.  Brightness, sharpness, and all that are fine, and I love the extra space (especially because it obviates the need to break apart C# statements in my IDE editor).  However, text appears slightly stretched horizontally.  Now, I've read this is because you must set your computer's resolution to your LCD's default resolution (which for a 19" wide is what?  1400x900 ?)  Anyway, my PC only has a substandard onboard video (32 mb), so my highest res is 1280x1024.  I have it set at this res, and the results are quite acceptable, but not just the way I want them.  Do I need to buy a dedicated graphics card?  Would this permit me to achieve the optimum resolution for this particular monitor?

P.S.  I also installed an additional 512 MB of SDRAM today