Recent Posts

301

DC Member Programs and Projects / Re: RegMerge - Import REG files safely and selectively, or compare their content

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 08:31 AM »

Thanks guys, that is very nice of you. I hope it works well for you. I was testing with entire hive dumps, so it should relatively ok. This motivates me to give it a check for bugs and finish, but 'my day job' first ;o... then I gotta get that new version out.

302

Skrommel's Software / Re: Noise - AVG and McAfee hate it

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 08:25 AM »

AHK --- now there is someone who should backlink to FPR ... AHK and all AHK authors   FPR = http://falsepositivereport.org

303

DC Member Programs and Projects / Re: RegMerge - Import REG files safely and selectively, or compare their content

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 08:15 AM »

I do have other freeware I could throw into NANY.. if I'm around on Dec 31st (and, God willing, I will be), I'll *try* to submit an even cooler piece of freeware . I have a backlog of like 10 really cool freeware projects.. Well, ok, cool to me.. lol.

304

DC Member Programs and Projects / Re: RegMerge - Import REG files safely and selectively, or compare their content

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 07:59 AM »

Nice, but why didn't you enter this for NANY2012?

-Ath (October 21, 2011, 05:45 AM)

Mouser told me to, but I am so busy right now with other things (I published this a month or two ago, but didn't announce it) that I didn't take the time to fully read what it entails and such, and .. well, I just wanted to throw it out there .... Also, for all I know, I'll be dead by Jan 1 ;p.

I DO have an update for it *almost* ready, drag and drop support to drop REG files into it and an installer that bundles the 32-bit and 64-bit builds into one and registers a shell association with .REG files. However, gotta finish that up and get it on out. After that, and testing, it's 1.0 afaik. I mean, sure, I could add more features, but it's a simple thing, and should stay that way.

305

DC Member Programs and Projects / Re: RegMerge - Import REG files safely and selectively, or compare their content

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 04:21 AM »

the modification button seems to be sometimes broken (only on first post of thread i think). Dont think it's been officially reported but I've seen it happen a few times now in the last weeks (duplicate post created when modified).

Good to hear, because as a notorious post-editor, I had this problem like 3 times now... and had just assumed I mis-clicked, but ;o. I'm sure mouser will fix it now that he knows, assuming I didn't mis-click all those times (which is possible).

EDIT: I was able to edit the first post just now.. so I dunno, maybe more variables to the bug, *if* it is one.

306

General Software Discussion / Re: The False Positive and Improperly Rated Site Epidemic

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 03:57 AM »

I would like to apologize again for sounding a little abrasive in my tone. Sometimes I do come off that way. Believe me when I say I am a big supporter of this site, and mouser. I was one of the first here, and have always supported this site and his endeavors -- and always will.

307

DC Member Programs and Projects / Re: RegMerge - Import REG files safely and selectively, or compare their content

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 03:54 AM »

.. hit the wrong button, or Modification link is broken. Most likely the former

308

DC Member Programs and Projects / RegMerge - Import REG files safely and selectively, or compare their content

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 03:52 AM »

RegMerge

This utility is in early alpha, so use with extreme caution. Do not use unless you have backed up your registry hives, and understand any and all risks are yours. This is an advanced utility, and as such, you can screw up your system if you don't know what you are doing. Please see full EULA when you run the program. There is no installer or shell integration set up, yet. 32-bit and 64-bit builds are separate at this time, though I will unify them into one distribution that runs the appropriate EXE.

RegMerge is a simply FREEWARE utility I developed a month or two ago, and have some updates pending for. I'll issue them as soon as I can. Mouser encouraged me to post about this program on this site. I do accept donationcoder credits here, as a supporter of this site.

DonationCoder support pledge: I have pledged to start issuing more freeware on this site when mouser gets the framework finished to facilitate the type of multi-author stuff I need, which isn't much now that I think about it -- but he has plans.

http://bitsum.com/regmerge.php

Here's what it does:

• Import REG files Safely - Instead of wondering what a REG file will change, or if it is even different than your current registry, you can now see what it will change and selectively apply portions of it, or all of it.
• Compare/Diff -You can export REG files (via RegEdit right-click), then compare your registry to that of another system, or an earlier state of your own system. By doing so you can determine likely causes of problems.
• Load up multiple REG files - Load up all the REG files you want at once

The original goal was to simply not have people blindly importing .REG files found on the net in attempts to fix problems -- as you may cause more than you fix. However, it also has other uses, such as comparing your registry with that of another PC, or your own PC in an earlier state, to help diagnose problems.

REGMERGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR ADVANCED USERS

309

General Software Discussion / Re: The False Positive and Improperly Rated Site Epidemic

« Last post by db90h on October 21, 2011, 02:44 AM »

I release as donationware on the offchance that someone decides to give something, more than with any expectation that this will happen.  Even though I get a lot of downloads, I've gotten very few donations.  Heck, I released as postcardware (without requiring a postcard even... just an e-mail) before finding this site and putting the donation part in there, and received exactly 3 e-mails.  If people won't send e-mails, why would they pay?

-wraith808 (October 16, 2011, 08:09 AM)

I know, I author a lot of freeware, that I ask for donations for too. Few donate. Better to just call it freeware, my mistake on that.

310

Living Room / Re: Smart Response Technology and partitioning

« Last post by db90h on October 19, 2011, 04:47 AM »

EDIT: ... oops, sorry, I made an irrelevant response about NTFS Junction points .. del this if wanted, I didn't realize subject matter, was speed reading as I tried to get back to work (as usual). I did not recognize the SRT acronym at first, hence the confusion.

If it is somehow relevant, and I don't think it is, I recommend NTFSLink (despite authoring a number of junction related tools myself) for management and use of NTFS Junctions. Just be careful, as to this day Explroer does not handle them well, and so it is easy to accidentally delete the backing data, when you meant to delete only the link (junction).

311

DonationCoder.com Newsletters / Re: --> Newsletter for September 24, 2011 - "Fighting for Feathers"

« Last post by db90h on October 17, 2011, 11:05 PM »

Since mouser was kind enough to mention The False Positive Report in this newsletter, I would like to update everyone to let you know that we have moved to http://falsepositivereport.org . Thanks to Stephen6655 for setting up the Forum and adding all the mods. Although April, our other very generous volunteer, had hoped to create an SMF based site as nice as this one, it was clear that mouser's modifications to this site are extensive. I bet he's spent more time on this site than all his software combined, and the result is the best SMF based site I've ever seen. I mean, you'd never know it was a 'portal' type site. Anyway, enough flattery .. just updating the URL.

312

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 16, 2011, 02:03 AM »

I would like to further elaborate that AS trust becomes a commodity on the internet, the ability for small freeware authors to 'just author' without going through h*ll is lessened, and thus DonationCoder, by offering signing of donationware for donationware authors, could represent a substantially more compelling business model than it does today. You have the inherent trust, earned certificate trust, plus community exposure, as enticements. It would be a great platform from which new donationware could be launched.

313

General Software Discussion / Re: The False Positive and Improperly Rated Site Epidemic

« Last post by db90h on October 16, 2011, 01:48 AM »

It is not 1996 anymore, the reality is every developer should have a cert. Sorry to be so harsh, just telling it like it is.

-db90h (October 15, 2011, 07:36 PM)

For free software?  Really?  And it's the person's fault?  I'd think that for software that doesn't make money, there would be an option that's doesn't incur a yearly cost.  And that's how it is IMO.

-wraith808 (October 15, 2011, 10:06 PM)

Well, it is DonationWare. In the end, you can debate with Microsoft if you want.  Or blame the malware authors. That's how it has been since Windows Vista. You can protest, protest, protest and I wish ya luck with it.

Throughout history there is the requirement that certain things be done to establish trust with consumers. This does sometimes means that the cost of goods produced is above 0, and thus must be sold for something other than 0..

314

General Software Discussion / Re: The False Positive and Improperly Rated Site Epidemic

« Last post by db90h on October 16, 2011, 01:35 AM »

..

315

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 08:08 PM »

I also removed some of my more abrasive comments... I'm just under a lot of pressure. DC is a great service, trying to help.

IF you offered free signing to your freeware authors, MAN that would be a great way to drive new freeware authors here...

316

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 08:06 PM »

I actually already have one.  Got it cheap through StartSSL which I reviewed for their great services here.

I tried using it on one of my programs and it was very annoying to do, and it didn't seem to have any real benefit so i stopped using it.

But i could start again i suppose.

-mouser (October 15, 2011, 08:00 PM)

Great, use it.. though not sure if they are a trusted CA when it comes to code signing under Windows or not, you will have to check.

Of course, if you bought it in Dec 2010 for 1 yr, then you've only got a month left.

Remember, although abrasive, because I am under a lot of pressure, I am trying to be helpful.

You can automate your signing process, so its done as you build your stuff. Very easy.

317

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 07:55 PM »

And sorry to be so blunt, but I DID tell mouser he needed a cert before this occurred.. and, well, everyone should already know these things happen without certs. Now that you know how cheap they are, surely you see -- there is no excuse not to have one. It is the cost of doing business. The malware guys forced that upon us. Now, I would like to see more competition in the trusted CA list, so prices further go down, BUT they are plenty low enough for DC.

318

General Software Discussion / Re: The False Positive and Improperly Rated Site Epidemic

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 07:36 PM »

I presume this report of IE suggesting deletion of FARR (as it is "not commonly downloaded" lol) would fit in the forum?

FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

-tomos (October 15, 2011, 02:51 PM)

No, because it is your fault for not having a digital cert... which costs YEARLY 1/4 of your reported MONTHLY operational costs. It is not 1996 anymore, the reality is every developer should have a cert. Sorry to be so harsh, just telling it like it is.

This is just a cost of doing business. To represent unsigned software as potentially more risky is ok because it is true.

319

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 07:32 PM »

How much is the cert?   Maybe we can hold a special DC fundraiser to cover the cost?

-wraith808 (October 15, 2011, 07:31 PM)

Like $79-$100 a YEAR (approx).. there is no reason for anyone not to have one. And no reason to need a fund raiser to get one since this is only 1/4 of the supposed monthly operational costs of DC. But, whatever works for you guys.

Yes, you could go find more expensive certs to buy, but I already told mouser last month where to buy cheap certs.

320

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 06:15 PM »

Also, if mouser were to obtain a cert, he could sign other author's freeware with it ... Just FYI ... In fact, THAT may be one of the best ways in which DC grows, allowing freeware authors a way to have their software signed and authenticated as 'good', without having to buy a cert of their own.

321

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 05:59 PM »

Wouldn't this be a good one to add to the falsepositivereport forum
(as discussed here on dc - The False Positive and Improperly Rated Site Epidemic)
??

Maybe under False Positives / Microsoft

-tomos (October 15, 2011, 02:48 PM)

No, sorry ;o. Not this time. This is not a false positive. It is a different sort of problem, and I'm not saying it isn't a problem.

Bottom line is that we are moving (slowly) to an age where all software is digitally signed. This has become the only way to deal with the malware epidemic. That way certs can earn 'trust' based on the software they've signed in the past.

They are NOT that expensive these days, though still not cheap. They used to cost many times more, so at least they have gone down in price. They are also a PITA to get, but not that bad if you have your documentation in order and they can verify it.

322

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR not a commonly downloaded program?

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 05:54 PM »

There is no mystery. Sign your software. This is not 1999 anymore. What Microsoft has been trying for years to do is strongly encourage software vendors to obtain digital code signing certificates (authenticode). The preference would be for all software to be digitally signed by a cert issued via a trusted CA. I already explained to mouser the benefits of having a cert, there are many.

PROTEST LOUDLY -- this is not ok.

Try if you want, but sooner or later you will be forced to get a digital certificate ;p. One year of a digital cert costs less than one month of your hosting costs... So, what is the hold up? You do have proper documentation on DC, I assume? Registered as a business?

323

General Software Discussion / Re: Fairware: an interesting experiment in getting paid for Open Source

« Last post by db90h on October 15, 2011, 05:36 PM »

What if a user wants BOTH program X and Y?

-Paul Keith (October 15, 2011, 04:12 PM)

That's a stretch, to me. Also, let us confine the discussion to the types of bundles we are talking about -- not all types of bundles (e.g. burlap sacks). Well, from my take: Bundles are legit if and only if the bundled item is unchecked by default, UNLESS the user has somehow expressed an *explicit* desire to have the bundled software. That doesn't mean an implied or assumed desire, because the bundle is so great that they must surely want it ;o. That's my take.

Then again, maybe I could solve all my financial problems if I just stooped to bundles.. maybe I'm the idiot here. You see, the grass seems greener on the other side, and that's what I've been trying to influence here. Don't think that you are missing out, your concept here at DC is working as well as any shareware I've seen.

@mouser: I am sure you are fine, don't worry with me. I am just trying to make you understand that what you are doing is actually working quite well, all things considered.

324

MEWLO Web Framework / Re: OLD - Unfinished Web project: YUMPS

« Last post by db90h on October 14, 2011, 04:53 PM »

Ok, that's cool.. Another volunteer site btw, if you were wondering. I am all into good causes, trying to get people to care.

325

MEWLO Web Framework / Re: OLD - Unfinished Web project: YUMPS

« Last post by db90h on October 14, 2011, 04:46 PM »

Well, what's the latest? . I ask because I'm about to design a new site and wanted to eval this option over my own code. No prob if nothing been done, I know how that is, and no expectations anyway, was just curious for aforementioned reason.