Recent Posts

301

Living Room / Re: Gadget WEEKENDS

« Last post by 4wd on September 11, 2020, 07:29 AM »

Gadgets, gadgets, gadgets ...

Let's see, first a boring old charger: Blitzwolf BW-S16 75W 6 port desktop charger - 2 x USB-C supporting PD 3.0, 2 x USB-A supporting QC 3.0, and 2 x USB-A supporting plain old Fast Charge (2.4A).



GL.iNet AR750S Travel Router - OpenWrt based, inbuilt Tor gateway, VPN (both OpenVPN and Wireguard), USB/uSD file share, 3 x Gb ports, 802.11b/g/n/ac.



Gerber EAB Pocket Knife



... and a hand held searchlight ...

Sofirn SP36 Anduril LED torch - ~5600 lumens of blinding, eye searing, white light in the palm of your hand



ADDENDUM: Almost forgot, yet another set of BT earphones, Tronsmart Onyx Free ... UV sterilisation, although how effective that is, who knows.  You really need UVC and I haven't yet found what wavelength this uses.



Had the opportunity to try out the jump starter I mentioned last time on my old Landcruiser, started it but I would have doubted it could have cranked it a second, (or possibly third), time, these old diesels aren't as easy to spin up as the new breed, (it's basically a 3.4l truck engine).

302

Coding Snacks / Re: ControlZ x times

« Last post by 4wd on September 07, 2020, 10:44 PM »

Isn't this what File History is for?

In my case I create a network shared folder on the same computer, then use that network location as the backup location (rather than have an external drive plugged in permanently).

Then you can just: Right-click->Properties->Previous Versions

303

Post New Requests Here / Re: User Filter for Google Search Results

« Last post by 4wd on September 02, 2020, 01:08 PM »

I figure non-corporate sites are not going to draw from a single domain.

...

As for breaking websites, it won't break the websites that rely on only one domain, which is what I want to explore.

-mraeryceos (September 02, 2020, 10:35 AM)

This is confusing, your first sentence implies corporate websites will draw content from their own domain.

Your second paragraph states you want to explore websites that only rely on one domain, ie. corporate websites according to your first sentence.

An interesting example, (or not), my own website does nothing but display text and scanned images of a family history nature but it references JavaScript library routines to display the images. Considering 99.9% of the content is hosted on the one domain I guess that makes it a corporate website.

304

General Software Discussion / Re: Dissenter Browser

« Last post by 4wd on September 02, 2020, 01:06 AM »

In fact, I believe the Dissenter browser is a fork of Brave with the dissenter extension (comments on every page) built in.

-Deozaan (September 01, 2020, 11:35 PM)

Stated right on the downloads page

Changelist
This is equivalent to Brave Browser 1.5.114, with some modifications:
Brave Ads, Brave Rewards, Brave Sync, Brave Wallet, Google GCM, Brave New Tab Sponsored Images, and many other things are DISABLED.
Dissenter Extension is embedded right in the URL bar.
The new tab page is something we can continue to build on!

305

Living Room / Re: Asus Zenphone

« Last post by 4wd on September 02, 2020, 01:01 AM »

The ASUS ZenFone 7 Pro Review - The Triple Flip-Camera

-Arizona Hot (September 01, 2020, 11:40 AM)

What does this have to do with Windows 10?

-Deozaan (September 01, 2020, 11:38 PM)

Probably supposed to be in the 'Interesting stuff' thread ...

On another note regarding the ZenFone 7:

The key selling point and differentiating factor of the ZenFone 7 as opposed to other phones in the market right now is the fact that it employs a full-screen display without any notch or camera cut-out, enabling a seamless screen experience without distractions.

Not much research went into that article:
OnePlus 7T Pro
ASUS ZenFone 6
Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro
Samsung Galaxy A80
Vivo V17 Pro
Vivo Nex 3
OPPO Reno 10x Zoom
... and probably more.

306

Living Room / Re: Android 11 forcing people to only use the built-in camera

« Last post by 4wd on September 01, 2020, 09:26 PM »

Is there any guidance on what ill they are treating here?

-x16wda (September 01, 2020, 06:43 PM)

https://www.dpreview...963580_dpr_nl_441_35

The idea is that while the Google Play Store takes steps to protect users from malicious apps, some still manage to get through to users. In addition, Android allows users to sideload apps that haven't gone through the security vetting process, potentially putting themselves at risk. A malicious camera app may compromise the user's privacy, gathering anything from images to location data.

is. Only the phone manufacturers camera app is allowed to spy on you

307

Post New Requests Here / Re: User Filter for Google Search Results

« Last post by 4wd on September 01, 2020, 08:52 PM »

If I understand correctly you want a Google search to return only those results for sites that do not pull content from any other domain and that aren't connected to big business.

Aside from the almost impossibly hard chore of trawling every result returned for sites that don't reference other sites, (not to mention what does and does not constitute a "corporate" website), it would most likely break 99% of websites since so many of them rely on, for example: JavaScript libraries stored on CDNs, Google, etc; Google Analytics, etc.

How do you determine what benign content should be left without having to manually load each site to see if it works?

I think the closest you're going to get is to load the uMatrix extension to stop cross-site requests, (be prepared to click a lot to get a site to have minimal functionality), and try a different search engine where you can remove results based on certain criteria, eg. MillionShort.

There's also the Google Hit Hider userscript so you can remove Google, (and other recognised engines), search results from whole domains.

308

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows 10 Announced

« Last post by 4wd on September 01, 2020, 01:22 AM »

Microsoft pushes out KB4023057 yet again to force Windows 10 feature updates

-Arizona Hot (August 31, 2020, 08:10 PM)

I've found the best way to avoid upgrades is to use hardware that Windows won't upgrade on 

I have a AM2+ system that Windows cannot upgrade past 1809 no matter what method is tried.

309

General Software Discussion / Re: Opera: opt out of sync?

« Last post by 4wd on September 01, 2020, 01:18 AM »

Anyone know how to opt out of Sync in Opera browser?

Every time I sign in to Sync it erases all my speed dials.  It is a real time waster. 

-MilesAhead (July 16, 2020, 09:12 AM)

OK, 6 weeks later but going out on a limb here ...

I want to clear all my synced data. How can I reset my account?
If you’ve forgotten your synchronization passphrase or just want a fresh start with the browsing data you share between your devices, you can easily reset your synced data.

To reset your account:

Navigate to http://sync.opera.com/web/.
Select the Reset sync data button.

You will be signed out of all your devices and your synced data will be removed from Opera servers. Keep in mind that any data that has been synced to a device will remain on that device until you manually remove it.

That seems pretty straight forward.

I use it across my mobile, tablets, and PC, never created an account or synced it, (never done that with any browser since the one time I did try it out years ago, it did exactly as you said - erased bookmarks, etc - more trouble than it's worth).

I do, however, use Opera's Flow to pass info between the various incarnations.

310

DC Website Help and Extras / Re: Testing new DC discord chat server

« Last post by 4wd on August 18, 2020, 10:35 PM »

Did nobody ever teach you that if you have nothing nice to say then you shouldn't say anything?

-Stephen66515 (August 17, 2020, 11:15 AM)

Then again, silence implies agreement ...

What a dilemma

311

Non-Windows Software / Re: Random Android apps getting installed

« Last post by 4wd on August 17, 2020, 10:51 PM »

If it's Verizon branded, does this help?

Actually, even if it isn't Verizon branded, you can try disabling the Mobile Services Manager.

312

Found Deals and Discounts / Windscribe - Get 50GB free VPN bandwidth every month for life

« Last post by 4wd on August 11, 2020, 04:40 AM »

Post removed, it turns out that it was a response by WindScribe to the "democratic" elections in Belarus ... and the subsequent internet restrictions.

Leave the code for the people, (Belarusians), that really need it ...

313

General Software Discussion / Re: desktop backup and restore

« Last post by 4wd on July 26, 2020, 05:44 PM »

Could watch the Desktop folder and see what is happening using a file monitor, eg. Watch 4 Folder

From long experience I'm always kind of suspicious of reports of files "mysteriously" disappearing ... especially when it concerns anyone older than me 

314

Living Room / Re: Looking for smartphone

« Last post by 4wd on July 22, 2020, 07:32 AM »

Moto G 5G Plus is available for pre-order in the EU, specs look impressive for the price.

One of the new mid-range phones using the SD765 5G SoC.



Amazon.de

315

General Software Discussion / Re: What is the best format for preventing googlebot (et al) from indexing a website

« Last post by 4wd on July 21, 2020, 07:44 PM »

Asking Apache is going to be the next step for sure. 
I need to know what software doesn't work with Apache's .htaccess password control as that is why the problem came up to start with.   

A couple of sites that we ran for this one client would not work for them becuase their systems blocked any sites we made that used .htaccess to ask for  a password.

-questorfla (July 16, 2020, 10:26 PM)

You don't use .htaccess for login/password control, you use it to filter out domains that shouldn't have access to the site.

Domains filtered get redirected to an error 403 document.

316

Finished Programs / Re: DONE: Batch adjust shortcut targets

« Last post by 4wd on July 20, 2020, 07:52 PM »

Thanks very much for this great tool!

-tenten (July 20, 2020, 06:51 AM)

Thanks, surprised anyone still uses it.

How can I use a part of the file name in the new path in BSM?

You can't, filename and path are treated separately.

It's not apparent in your example whether the shortcut name is the same as the original filename, the new filename, or something different.  Can you clarify?

I've added the source code to my original post since I haven't touched AutoIt for years, (don't have it installed anymore - I prefer PowerShell these days since I don't have to install anything).
The version of AutoIt I was using, (3.3.8.0), is about 10 releases behind what is currently available so I'd expect either some functions are now incorporated into AutoIt or possibly break because something they rely on has changed.

317

Post New Requests Here / Re: Show brief message on screen

« Last post by 4wd on July 20, 2020, 05:41 PM »

FYI

318

General Software Discussion / Re: Repair MP4 video

« Last post by 4wd on July 20, 2020, 05:28 PM »

Grab AVIDemux and create a 20 minute video by appending the 10 minute video to itself and saving.

http://avidemux.sour...ge.net/download.html

Or you can use ffmpeg to concat the video:

Code: Text [Select]

1. ffmpeg -i "concat:input1.mp4|input1.mp4" -c copy output.mp4

If you've got access to Linux, (or use WSL), then you can also try untrunc.

BTW, it mentions that if the 'good' sample video was from the same device/source as the 'bad' video, then you'll have a higher degree of success.

319

Living Room / Re: Interesting "stuff"

« Last post by 4wd on July 18, 2020, 03:02 AM »

See What You've Been BitTorrenting With This Site

-Arizona Hot (July 17, 2020, 11:22 PM)

Looks like the reincarnation of the old ScanEye site.

320

General Software Discussion / Re: What is the best format for preventing googlebot (et al) from indexing a website

« Last post by 4wd on July 16, 2020, 08:17 PM »

Isn't .htaccess the best way to ameliorate website crawling?

An example of how is on AskApache: https://www.askapach...apers-with-htaccess/

You could add Google to that list, (and any other search engine).

321

Post New Requests Here / Re: Show brief message on screen

« Last post by 4wd on July 16, 2020, 04:35 AM »

FYI and more.

Spoiler

notice.exe -extract:notice.ps1

322

Found Deals and Discounts / So you missed out on going to Mars the last couple of times ...

« Last post by 4wd on July 05, 2020, 06:23 AM »

Fear not!

NASA has kindly released another few million seats, launching in July 2026.

You also get Frequent Flyer points, (1.7 billion kms), but you better hurry, there's only 10,889,269 seats left as of this post.

Send Your Name to Mars!



If you've ever wanted to send that obnoxious relative somewhere far away now is your chance!

PS. That pic is the Perseverance rover, launching 30 July 2020, if you signed up back in 2019 you'll be on it ... pack your bags.

323

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

« Last post by 4wd on July 05, 2020, 01:24 AM »

For those that watched the Chernobyl^w mini-series, (which was excellent):



And COVID related:

324

Living Room / Re: Looking for smartphone

« Last post by 4wd on July 02, 2020, 07:57 PM »

There always seems to be a fly in the ointment with every electronic device I purchase.  It is very frustrating.  I tried 3 sets of bud-like blue tooth headphones thinking they would at least be easier to carry.  None lasted more than two weeks.  They all instantly transitioned from working fine to dead door nail.

-MilesAhead (July 02, 2020, 09:25 AM)

My experience only with the G5+, it's audio output during phone calls is loud, very loud ... easily the loudest phone I've ever had.  It's like someone speaking directly into your ear at something a little louder than normal talking volume, I've never had a problem trying to hear what someone is saying no matter what environment I'm in.

Earphones, for wired I use MEE Audio M6P or the older MEE Audio M9P, (prefer the M6P's due to the memory wire retainer).

Bluetooth, (where to start):
Bluedio N2 (these were absolute rubbish, uncomfortable and low audio)
AWEI A960BL
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset
QCY Q26 (both these QCY sets and the SoundPEATS are a little too "square" to be really comfortable but the audio is good from all of them)
QCY T1C
SoundPEATS TWS
Tronsmart Spunky Beat
Tronsmart Onyx Free
OPPO ENCO Free (haven't tried these yet)

Plus two BT headphones:
MEE Audio Wave
MEE Audio Air-Fi Touch

All the earphones/headphones still work fine, all except the Bluedio N2, (which I threw out after using once), have been used for months both on the phone, tablets, and computer.

The two Tronsmart sets are my current daily use earphones, one set for the tablet/phones, the other for the computer.  The M6P's are used when I have to wear ear protectors so I can listen to music while I'm brush-cutting, etc.

NOTE: The above links aren't necessarily where I bought the item from.

325

Living Room / Re: Looking for smartphone

« Last post by 4wd on July 02, 2020, 07:55 AM »

I see the one 4wd got is available here (.de) for under 200€ but couldnt find it on uk amazon...

-tomos (July 02, 2020, 04:46 AM)

I got it for AU$297, (~€183), from Amazon AU but it had a Oppo Promo and they included their ET102 ENCO Free earphones, (normally AU$149 apparently).

@4wd, maybe you could let us know how the screen and camera/s fare (just generally -- I'll have a look at an in depth review at some stage).

Screen is great compared to the G5+, (comes with a screen protector already fitted plus a TPU case), bright enough for me to use it inside/outside and very sharp.

Camera uses Omnivision sensors and the default camera app is apparently a little underwhelming, (it does have Electronic Image Stabilisation), but there is a GCam port [direct apk link] available that you can sideload that improves photos a lot.

I presume you'll be ripping out the OS, or have you done it already? :-)

Atm, I'm leaving it stock, (first Android phone I haven't rooted pretty much immediately but probably will in a couple of months when I start getting annoyed at the limitations of a non-rooted phone).
What's really annoying is some messaging apps don't provide any means of a complete chat backup, (Viber for instance, compared to Signal/WhatsApp which backup everything), which I could restore fully if I had root.

Most I'll do currently is disable some of the stock apps via ADB, (eg. GMail, some Oppo apps), otherwise their version of Android 10, ColorOs 7, is reasonably stock ... I'm probably going to miss some of the Moto Actions and I'll miss the Moto Clock because of the easy to read battery level.

Some nice things I didn't know:

• You can do gestures when the screen is off to start things, V = torch, O = camera, || = play/pause track, < = previous track, > = next track, plus you can set others, (^, W, M, etc), to run apps.
• A system wide Dark Mode
• You can have the nav buttons autohide, (like Windows taskbar), or forego them altogether and use swipes up from the bottom, left-side = back, middle = home, swipe and hold = recent, (good for me because I always used Moto's single button nav which used the FPR for navigation).
• Besides VoLTE it can also do VoWiFi, (if your provider lets you - which mine does).

A local review.

... and it doesn't crash when this image is used as the backdrop