Recent Posts

3101

Living Room / Re: What books are you reading?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 29, 2016, 05:24 PM »

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Little more than 10 years after the first powered flight, aircraft were pressed into service in World War I. Nearly forgotten in the war's massive overall death toll, some 50,000 aircrew would die in the combatant nations' fledgling air forces. The romance of aviation had a remarkable grip on the public imagination, propaganda focusing on gallant air 'aces' who became national heroes. The reality was horribly different. "Marked For Death" debunks popular myth to explore the brutal truths of wartime aviation: of flimsy aircraft and unprotected pilots who had no parachutes; of burning 19-year-olds falling screaming to their deaths; of pilots freezing and disorientated as they flew across enemy lines at 15,000 feet. James Hamilton-Paterson also reveals how four years of war produced profound changes both in the aircraft themselves and in military attitudes and strategy. By 1918 it was widely accepted that domination of the air above the battle-field was crucial to military success, a realization that would change the nature of warfare for ever.

-rjbull (February 29, 2016, 03:59 PM)

I've been looking at this for a while - how is the book?  I couldn't decide if I wanted to read it or not.

3102

General Software Discussion / Re: What is the currently best Desktop Search software?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 29, 2016, 08:14 AM »

It is incredible what one can store quite cheaply into Google nowadays

-jity2 (February 28, 2016, 10:53 AM)

Yes, but how do you back those up, if the unthinkable happens, and due to some malfunction on Google's side they lose all your files?

-dr_andus (February 28, 2016, 01:37 PM)

They are also synced to your machine, right?

3103

Developer's Corner / Re: Dice analyzer machine project

« Last post by wraith808 on February 28, 2016, 09:09 PM »

Thought you might find this interesting:

https://www.kickstar...agined/posts/1504651

3104

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows 10 Tips

« Last post by wraith808 on February 26, 2016, 02:13 PM »

I would sure hope not, the 15% drop in network speed is never worth the "ease" Microsoft envisioned when creating a LAN network in your home (or small office)!

-Shades (September 11, 2015, 07:40 AM)

15% drop in network speed? Huh?

-f0dder (February 26, 2016, 12:51 PM)

I was wondering this too... but didn't know enough to question it.

3105

Living Room / Re: Any Opinions or Thoughts on Infinity 60% Keyboard Kit

« Last post by wraith808 on February 25, 2016, 10:23 PM »

Check out the configurator to see the programmability:

http://input.club/co...ator-md-1-1-alphabet

3106

Living Room / Re: Any Opinions or Thoughts on Infinity 60% Keyboard Kit

« Last post by wraith808 on February 25, 2016, 09:51 PM »

I don't get the appeal of a 60% size keyboard.

-mouser (February 25, 2016, 08:50 PM)

Faster typing in a smaller space.  The smaller footprint allows all of the keys to be within the typists natural range of motion without moving the hands.  Of course, portability and the footprint on the desk.  And OMG the programmability.  My spark adds one row of function keys beside the layout (5 keys) and one row above (4 keys).  This literally has 7 layers of programmability (though most use only 4).  Full sized keyboards can have different layers (my spark does), but the added keys make that less relevant and a real pain to remember (ask me how I know).  But with 84 keys and those in the natural locations (rather than remembering some extra keys) make it more memorable and more importantly, more reflexive.

A couple of good threads/articles:

https://geekhack.org...ex.php?topic=38882.0

https://trulyergonom...omparison-difference

https://robots.thoug...-mechanical-keyboard

I've thought about just getting a TKL (Ten-Keyless) since I stopped using brief, but I figured that if I'm going to go, I can go all the way after using that logitech.  It's not considered a 60% (and it's not mechanical), but it's just about there.

3107

Living Room / Any Opinions or Thoughts on Infinity 60% Keyboard Kit

« Last post by wraith808 on February 25, 2016, 07:08 PM »

Massdrop (not sure if I mentioned it here before, but awesome site!) has a drop going for the Infinity 60% Keyboard Kit.  I'm thinking about joining (or going with the AJAZZ Geeks AK33 82 Key Mechanical Keyboard).  I've figured out I don't really need the extra features of most gaming keyboards (I currently have a Logitech 710+ and a Logitech Orion Spark and don't really use all the functions of either.  I have a K811 and it serves just as well for my use- which turned me on 60% keyboards), and would rather have the speed and programmability.  It's designed by input club, and everything is open - the hardware, the firmware, and the configurator.

3108

Developer's Corner / Re: Dice analyzer machine project

« Last post by wraith808 on February 25, 2016, 12:22 PM »

You can check your results via a simple saltwater test:

https://www.youtube..../watch?v=M3Y0loGqarI

https://www.youtube..../watch?v=VI3N4Qg-JZM

https://rpg.stackexc...ay-to-test-for-loade

3109

Living Room / Re: Interesting "stuff"

« Last post by wraith808 on February 24, 2016, 08:24 AM »

And now we know why robot overlords hate us so much.  And about their destructive attention to hockey sticks.

3110

Living Room / Re: Recommend some music videos to me!

« Last post by wraith808 on February 21, 2016, 08:44 AM »

The video for this one is insane.

3111

Living Room / Re: Http vs Https Universally

« Last post by wraith808 on February 20, 2016, 12:53 PM »

The point in encrypting everything is that encrypted traffic doesn't stand out - it's an act of solidarity. It makes dragnetting and mass-bruteforce-decryption harder.

-f0dder (February 20, 2016, 12:38 PM)

So I'm supposed to put out a not-insignificant amount of money as an act of solidarity?  Good luck with that one.

Once this letsencrypt gets a bit easier to use, I'll probably do it then.  But not before.

3112

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft - Windows 10 aggression

« Last post by wraith808 on February 19, 2016, 09:46 PM »

But it's hard to feel much sympathy for a vendor that knows an update is likely to cause serious problems for many users, but refuses to provide any information or to let them opt out from installing it.

-xtabber (February 19, 2016, 09:08 PM)

Do we know that they knew before release?

3113

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft - Windows 10 aggression

« Last post by wraith808 on February 19, 2016, 08:14 AM »

It is just as irresponsible, but possibly less competent.

-xtabber (February 19, 2016, 08:04 AM)

That seems a bit less than charitable, as defects happen in every software.  Not a desired outcome, but it happens.

3114

Clipboard Help+Spell / Re: ALT GR Key

« Last post by wraith808 on February 17, 2016, 03:58 PM »

Did you mean Clipboard Help+Spell?  It has its own sub-forum if so: https://www.donation...index.php?board=49.0

Mouser should still see it here, though you may want to post your question there just to be sure.

3115

Living Room / Re: Need a new Keyboard - advice?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 17, 2016, 03:56 PM »

One thing to note about the Logitech K740 is that the Insert and Delete keys (above the cursor keys, between the main keyboard and the numeric pad) are non-standard.  The Delete key is double size and the Insert key has been moved above it to where the Print Screen key is on a standard keyboard.

-xtabber (February 17, 2016, 02:17 PM)

I actually like that.  It keeps me from pressing it by accident when typing.  PrintScn is there, but the scroll lock key is now a function key.  I'm not sure what you mean by L-shaped Enter keys - it's pretty standard on that keyboard - a double sized enter key.

3116

Living Room / Re: Need a new Keyboard - advice?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 17, 2016, 10:09 AM »

Just checked it... with a three key shortcut that has the windows key and another that did not.  (WIN+CTRL+N and CTRL+SHIFT+N).  Both worked fine.

Another interesting note from Amazon: You purchased this item on August 24, 2010

So I've had it for 5-1/2 years, and there is minimal wear on the keyboard- other than dust and grit between the keys (I need to clean it), it looks pretty much new.  The backlighting still works, and I don't see any peeling on the keys.  I also like the travel on that keyboard.  On some Logitech keyboards, I don't like that, but this gets a slim keyboard with good travel for fast typing.  I'd recommend it.

3117

Living Room / Re: Need a new Keyboard - advice?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 16, 2016, 08:57 PM »

thanks for those comments

I have that keyboard [Logitech K740] at work, am a reasonably fast typist, and have not seen issue 1.

-wraith808 (February 16, 2016, 06:07 PM)

do you know if three-key shortcuts work? Lots of gamers complain that some particular combos of three keys dont work on it -- I dont care about the gaming aspect, but do use multiple shortcuts with three, and even some with four keys.

-tomos (February 16, 2016, 06:17 PM)

I can check tomorrow.  I can't recall if I even have any three key shortcuts.

3118

Living Room / Re: Need a new Keyboard - advice?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 16, 2016, 06:07 PM »

Logitech K740 (amazon) may be an option.
I always have a look at negative reviews, which can be off-putting:

• type any three keys in quick succession and the third gets lost (including n't and ine). Appears to be hardware issue i.e. planned by Logitech. May not be a big problem for me as I slow typist.
• black on keys getting worn away, backlight shining through -- this could be a problem, but guess I could send it back if it happened
• is with cable

-tomos (February 16, 2016, 05:49 AM)

I have that keyboard at work, am a reasonably fast typist, and have not seen issue 1.  I have also not seen the second issue, and I've had it for a while.

3119

DC Gamer Club / Anyone for 2-pack or 4-pack of Victor Vran?

« Last post by wraith808 on February 16, 2016, 04:05 PM »

It's on sale this weekend for 6.79 at 66% off.

UDPATE: Nevermind.  The discount is lowered as you get the 2-pack or 4-pack, making it very little difference in price from just buying it.  Not sure if that's to stop people from doing... what we've been doing.  It will be interesting to see future offers to see if this is a trend on Steam.

3120

General Software Discussion / Re: malware or ? #1454789523

« Last post by wraith808 on February 16, 2016, 01:37 PM »

I'm thinking this might explain what you're experiencing: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1654402

-Dirhael (February 15, 2016, 12:06 PM)

Very good catch!

The only Adobe entry I could find in winpatrol's Start list was AdobeARM...

-holt (February 15, 2016, 11:27 PM)

"Adobe Speed Launcher" shows as the 3rd item in your "winpatrol 7.jpg" screen capture. Maybe it doesn't last long in the list due to whatever bug it has.  The directions in Dirhael's link should fix your problem.

-mwb1100 (February 16, 2016, 01:12 AM)

And look at the command- I didn't pay enough attention.  It appears to be a number.  WinPatrol strikes again!

3121

General Software Discussion / Re: Picasa to be 'phased out'

« Last post by wraith808 on February 15, 2016, 05:22 PM »

I do understand the sentiment- but they've provided it for a while now, and are a company.  What responsibility do the companies that provide these free services have to us, and what responsibilities do we have to ourselves?

I use this app FetchNotes. They recently announced that they are shutting down the service.  One of the owners said that he'd foot the bill for a while, while they found a way to keep going without their angels.  I think after the hue and cry, it would be an interesting statistical exercise to compare that to the donations.  I put up $3.50 a month- it was what it was worth to me.  How many others will follow suit, I wonder.

http://www.fetchnote.../donate_landing.html

3122

Living Room / Re: Interesting "stuff"

« Last post by wraith808 on February 15, 2016, 01:10 PM »

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iOS bug warning Setting this date on your iPhone or iPad will kill your device permanently

-Arizona Hot (February 13, 2016, 07:04 PM)

According to Ars Technica, this happens because January 1st, 1970 is the first day of the Unix epoch, and that allowing the phone’s battery to go completely dead (or disconnecting the battery) will reset the date.

-wraith808 (February 13, 2016, 10:20 PM)

Aren't the batteries non removable in those things? The rogue time server option sounds quite doable ... But IIRC there is - generally - a max adjustment limit built into the NTP protocol which Apple could/might/damn-well-better-start using.

-Stoic Joker (February 15, 2016, 06:52 AM)

They are (supposed to be) non-removable, but you can let it go dead like any other device.  Or if you don't care about the warranty, they are removable.

Here's an example for a 4s: http://www.cnet.com/...ne-4s-battery-for-8/

3123

General Software Discussion / Re: malware or ? #1454789523

« Last post by wraith808 on February 15, 2016, 01:07 PM »

I'm thinking this might explain what you're experiencing: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1654402

[...]Speed Launcher is adding a HKCU RunOnce entry over and over again and assigning a random number to it.  This is then of course alerting WinPatrol who is monitoring new startup programs[...]

-Dirhael (February 15, 2016, 12:06 PM)

Good find!  Hopefully that's it...

3124

Living Room / Re: Make a custom 20 key keypad for $10

« Last post by wraith808 on February 14, 2016, 08:27 PM »

I don't know anything about the Delphi world, so I have no idea how difficult it might be to port to something else (Lazarus, perhaps?).

-mwb1100 (February 14, 2016, 07:41 PM)

Depends on how he made the GUI.  If he used binary forms, it will be a pain.  But if not, I think that Lazarus will import the form.  I couldn't say for sure however without looking at the code, and I left Delphi behind many moons ago.

3125

General Software Discussion / Re: malware or ? #1454789523

« Last post by wraith808 on February 14, 2016, 08:24 PM »

It's already telling you in the image that they have nothing on the program, i.e. no description found under the blank image.  This is the standard dialog that happens when something tries to register itself.  It's likely that you have a larger problem.  I'd personally be worried.  But if you're not, let it register itself, and then look in the startup locations to see if something has truly registered there before you reboot.  I've had WinPatrol by the simple measure of monitoring save me a lot of trouble when the initial problem didn't trip any other antivirus.