Recent Posts

4076

Living Room / Re: Motherboard issues? What's my problem?

« Last post by superboyac on March 11, 2010, 10:52 PM »

40hz.  I have to try this when I go back to work Monday.

By the way, if this works...well...40, you are even more the man!  You've never answered my question...why do you know EVERYTHING!?

4077

Living Room / Re: Motherboard issues? What's my problem?

« Last post by superboyac on March 11, 2010, 04:11 PM »

It is possible, but I would look at configurations first.  First and foremost, make sure the power settings are not set to allow it to go to sleep.  Frequently these types of "time outs" are from the hardware powering down into a sleep mode.  XP never rewoke those systems very well, so they usually don't help save power much and in many cases force a shutdown just to get full functionality again.  Another possibility is the BIOS settings.  They could be set to a power saver level as well that would cause similar actions.  As for the USB on the monitor, a third potential cause could be from a poorly designed driver.  I know my HP monitor never had the USB plugs working right because the driver was so buggy the controls for them either never provided enough power, or never passed the signal back to the computer.  Either way, it never worked.  It was recognized, but never ran.  Newer drivers improved some functions, but never allowed them to be used reliably.  If you check these areas and they seem right, then you might suspect faulty hardware, but the configuration issues are much more likely - especially with power saver features enabled.   

-steeladept (March 11, 2010, 03:29 PM)

Thanks.  i will test out those things you mentioned.

One thing I just realize, I use QUick SHutdown to lock/restart/shutdown my computer, and there's a setting in there where you can check "eject removable drives on shutdown".  I just unchecked it, I wonder if that was what was causing the USB problems.

The internet thing I don't get right now.  It just started doing it.

4078

Living Room / Motherboard issues? What's my problem?

« Last post by superboyac on March 11, 2010, 03:01 PM »

I got a new computer at work, and I have a couple of issues that I can't seem to figure out.

When I lock my computer (Windows XP), and then unlock it, a couple of things happen.  My usb ports on the sides of the LCD monitors usually stop working properly.  The other thing is that I seem to have issues with the network after coming back from a lock.  We have websense here, and the internet is working fine and everything.  But when i come back and unlock my computer, it's almost like my network connection is broken and I get asked for a userid/password when trying to use the internet.  I usually have to restart firefox to get it wokring again, and once I had to reboot.  It's like the network connection gets broken when the computer gets locked.

I don't know what the problem is.  Could it be a motherboard issue?  Both the USB and network plugs are on the motherboard.  Could it be a power interruption issue?  How can I solve this?

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Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: MyLife Organized (v3 update)

« Last post by superboyac on March 10, 2010, 12:56 PM »

Hi everyone, I just wanted to post a screenshot of MLO version 3.  The reason being that a theme editor was added and now you can customize all the colors exactly as you like.  I make a special mention of it because most MLO users are very poweruser, utilitarian users and don't care that much about this.  They care about all the crazy features like keyboard entry and all that geeky stuff (tongue in cheek!).

But just look at my beautiful screenshot:


Compare it to the other screenshots in this thread.  The interface, while very functional, was very bland and boring before.  So now, you can make it very pretty and colorful, which helps the eye to focus on the necessary parts.  I also like the fact that I can make the fonts much larger.  The default is pretty small.

Now, i wish they would do the same for print reports template.

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Living Room / Re: Speaking Of: Torrent Sites

« Last post by superboyac on March 10, 2010, 12:40 PM »

I've always wanted to use torrents to share personal files between family and friends.  but I never tried it because it requires a client, and some of the people I'd send it to wouldn't know where to get one or what to do with it.  ("What's a torrent file??")  We're talking really computer illiterate: people who browse the web and check email and that's it.

One of the best file-sharing solutions I came across (thanks Zaine) was HFS.  It was like ftp, but easier for the end user.  I like the file-sharing uploading services like megaupload, rapidshare, because all people have to do is click on the link.  But one of the problems with that is that they make you click on a couple of things and of course they have to stick as much ads and stuff around it.  I wish it was a direct link that when clicked on, would just start downloading the file.  The other thing I've noticed recently is that with Megaupload, my files would always get corrupted after uploading.  Either due to Kaspersky or whatever.  I had a real problem with it.  And Kasperksky doesn't play nice with Megaupload, you have to disable it while uploading.

So my preferred method right now is to use HFS.  I just have to remember to keep it running on my side.  The other thing I like to do is put the file on my dcmembers website and have people get it from there.  but I only do that if it's related to my website content.

So, in summary, yes, torrents are a great idea.  But even today, it's still only used by the computer savvy.  The majority of regular people still don't use torrent.  I know people will disagree with me, but it's true.

4081

General Software Discussion / Re: Why does USB flash drive stop working whenever I lock my WinXP?

« Last post by superboyac on March 10, 2010, 11:31 AM »

Ok, I still have the problem.  Sometimes there are two USB slots, and one or both of them will occasionally lose it's connection whenever I lock the computer.  I don't understand.  The computer still knows it's there, but it can't read the contents.  Like, it sees the drive in there and everything, but when you go to the drive, it's just like trying to browse an empty cd-r disk.

What happens when I lock the computer that disconnects the usb on the monitor?

4082

LaunchBar Commander / Re: Bug: Icons get switched around

« Last post by superboyac on March 10, 2010, 09:24 AM »

Thanks FondueAuFromage!  Best user name ever...

4083

General Software Discussion / Re: Someone MUST make a new PowerMarks program.

« Last post by superboyac on March 09, 2010, 09:05 AM »

Well, Linkman has really done it!  Congratulations.
I started this thread about 2 years ago when it became clear that Powermarks was not being developed any longer.  Since then, we have suggested many features to the developers, and from what I've seen they have incorporated just about all of them.  I was very particular about certain features of Powermarks which made it the best, and Outertech has now implemented all of those features.

Powermarks, meet your replacement.  Thanks Outertech, this is job really well done.

PS I love the new red icons.  I think they stand out in just the right way.  The old buttons kind of camouflaged into the background.

For those of you were obsessed by Powermarks like I was, you can see below how I've made my setup mimick the old Powermarks as much as possible:

Powermarks:


Linkman:

4084

General Software Discussion / Re: Strategies for using user-data folders in Windows 7?

« Last post by superboyac on March 04, 2010, 11:22 PM »

This is pretty closely related to this thread, so I'll post here.  I found the diagram I made last year based on mouser's folder structure.  So, as far as strategies, this is pretty much what I use.  Yes, mouser, I was taking notes when we were chatting!


What's great about this is that it completely ignores whatever Windows or other programs try to force you to do.  None of these folders are formally mapped through Windows, so nobody knows where they are (nobody personifying the applications, not that they are secret).  I also want to heavily emphasize how critical it is to have a third-party program like Direct Folders to easily jump around all these folders, as they have many subdirectories, and you do not want to be going up/down all day long.  Of course, the other great thing about this strategy is that it takes into consideration backing up.  You don't want to make backing up more difficult than it should be, so it's good to have a good root system, separate hard drive, etc.  The diagram shows how backups are done three different ways:

• image (for OS, programs)
• File Syncing (for all your files)
• Versioned backups (for documents specifically)

Actually, my current setup is slightly different.  I show in the diagram that i don't backup the MyDownloads directory, but I do.  My hard drive is huge.  I also don't show where my versioned backups are.  But they are simply located on my backup drives in the MyBak folder.

I also don't keep ALL my files in the MyDocs folder, i think i misunderstood mouser there.  So, the root has  MyDocs, MyMedia, MyData, etc.

4085

General Software Discussion / Re: Strategies for using user-data folders in Windows 7?

« Last post by superboyac on March 04, 2010, 09:10 AM »

tranglos, you always bring up good discussions!
As you and many here do, I've also had to come up with a way to avoid using the default file storage that has been in Windows for the past many versions.  To make a long story short, I'll summarize what I do:

--I keep all my files on a separate hard drive.  The OS and program files are on the C drive, nothing else.  That being said, I don't remap anything.  I did that once, but when you make it "official" like that, programs start creating their own directories and adding files you don't want.  I don't like that.  I let the programs make their directories in the default My Documents location and I just don't care, because I don't use that folder.  To make up for the fact that I have to switch to my own folders for every "open" or "save as" dialog, I use a program like Direct Folders that makes that a breeze.

There have been a couple of threads here about this in the past, I'll try to find them:
How do you organise your 'My Documents' folder

That's where I first read about how mouser's system of storing files.  When I built my computer last January (see this thread) I had a very extensive off-line discussion with mouser where I grilled him on his whole method, which I really like and adopted.  I even made a chart or something out of it, but I don't know where it is.  If I find it, I'll post it.  The things to consider here is to make sure all your files and settings are in a place where you have easy control over them.  Also, how you backup affects this.  There's a lot of thought that goes into this that people don't normally think about.

But I just want to emphasize that I don't do any actual remapping because, well, I just don't want Windows or any programs knowing where I keep my files and messing around with them.  Yeah, just like the media libraries you mentioned...there are a lot of programs that have ideas of what to do with your meticulously organized files.

4086

General Software Discussion / Re: Video player: What's the quickest (fastest/lightest)?

« Last post by superboyac on March 03, 2010, 09:24 PM »

OK, I've been playing with smplayer for a few days now.  It's not as quick to start as Light Alloy.  But it handles my very big wmv HD files a hellova lot better.  In fact, better than any other application i've tried on my computer.  It's feature rich also.  It can do just about anything you want it to.  not as many options as KMplayer, though.  but nothing has as many options as kmplayer.  The only bad thing is that it crashed on me a couple of times.  no big deal, but i can't remember any other player crashing recently.  It's definitely in my rotation of video players now.  Maybe I'll replace it as my goto player later.

4087

Living Room / Re: Strange question about salsa

« Last post by superboyac on March 03, 2010, 08:26 AM »

*Note: Most people who really 'know their stuff' are quite generous about sharing their expertise if approached with a modicum of respect. At least that's been my experience. So when in doubt, identify an expert, and give them a call.

-40hz (March 03, 2010, 02:42 AM)

Yes, I do that, it's the best way to learn anything in my opinion.  Really though, if I'm ever on a gameshow or anything, you're my lifeline.

4088

Living Room / Re: Strange question about salsa

« Last post by superboyac on March 03, 2010, 12:01 AM »

40hz...why do you know everything?!  I mean, seriously...

4089

Living Room / Re: Strange question about salsa

« Last post by superboyac on March 02, 2010, 03:51 PM »

More than one person has seen this?  That's weird!  And fascinating!

4090

Living Room / Re: What annoys you to no end?

« Last post by superboyac on March 02, 2010, 08:26 AM »

Quote South Park
"I am not your buddy, Guy"
"I am not your Guy, Friend"
"I am not your friend, Pal"
"I am not your Pal, Buddy"

-Josh (March 02, 2010, 08:23 AM)

I love that episode.

4091

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Quality Comparison: 8 x freeware PDF Readers / Viewers

« Last post by superboyac on March 01, 2010, 05:07 PM »

nuance has nice layout features and powerful editing features.  But I wouldn't use it for my viewer.

-superboyac (March 01, 2010, 12:38 PM)

superboyac, I take it that refers to the full Nuance package - you don't mean the free reader has any editing features?

-rjbull (March 01, 2010, 04:21 PM)

Actually, I didn't try the reader version.  i only tried the full package.  honestly, I haven't spent too much time with Nuance.  These are just my first, quick impressions.  As far as the full version goes, it was good.  I liked a lot of things about it.  The reason why I didn't go with it is because, to me, Bluebeam can do that type of stuff better and it can do more.  Nuance and Bluebeam have similar philosophies:  they are one of the few that approach the whole interface/layout of pdf editing as a big desktop with panels and stuff around the sides.  I know, other ones do that, but not in the same way.

4092

General Software Discussion / Re: Video player: What's the quickest (fastest/lightest)?

« Last post by superboyac on March 01, 2010, 01:44 PM »

Splash Lite has updated to 1.3.  I think it's mostly small bug fixes.

http://mirillis.com/splash.html

-MilesAhead (March 01, 2010, 01:27 PM)

Yeah, I'm keeping my eye out on it also.  I like it a lot.  Very polished and fast.  I feel like it won't have enough options for me, but we'll see.

4093

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Quality Comparison: 8 x freeware PDF Readers / Viewers

« Last post by superboyac on March 01, 2010, 12:38 PM »

Well, I've been going through my annual "what's the best pdf software" struggle.  So here's my latest update:

For the first time, I have to agree that out of the options, my favorite viewer is PDF-Xchange.  It's fast, it looks good, and it has tabs (you have to have tabs!).  Very good program.  Currently, my preferred viewer.

Nuance is also good, but definitely not in the "fast" category as far as starting up.  Once in the application, it behaves quickly.  To me, speed is two different issues:  startup speed, and operating speed.  Nuance is great for operating speed.  Also, nuance has nice layout features and powerful editing features.  But I wouldn't use it for my viewer.

Bluebeam Revu.  This is my preferred editor.  When I need to really work with pdfs, this is what I use.  it can do anything and does pdf markups/creation/editing better than any other program available.  Again, like Nuance, I wouldn't use this for my viewer because it's too slow for that.  But it's not meant to be a viewer only.

Sumatra is fast and all.  A little too simple for me.  I prefer PDF-Xchange over it.  I do use Sumatra on my portable drive, however.

Foxit.  It's okay.  Not my favorite in any category, though.  I prefer PDF-Xchange over it.

So, in summary:
viewer:  PDF-Xchange
editing:  Bluebeam
portable viewer: Sumatra

4094

Living Room / Re: How Success Killed Duke Nukem - A heartbreaking story of developer failure

« Last post by superboyac on March 01, 2010, 10:10 AM »

as true and important as it is, i think almost everyone would agree with the statement:
"pursuing absolute perfection at the cost of producing something that's extremely good leads to disaster."

i think a harder and more subtle lesson for people to come to terms with is how many benefits there are to be gained from just getting something finished and working, even if it's flawed and not as good as you want it to be.  And how much focus and determination and it takes to do that while the siren song is calling out to you to extend the project longer and spend more time improving things.

-mouser (December 22, 2009, 02:35 PM)

I need to learn from their experience concerning my drawing ambitions for the book I'm working on.  Thanks 40hz and mouser...

4095

General Software Discussion / Re: Video player: What's the quickest (fastest/lightest)?

« Last post by superboyac on February 28, 2010, 02:30 PM »

Yeah...mplayer is pretty great.  I'm not messing around with this command line stuff yet.  I'm using the smplayer packaged version, and it is good.  It has all the options I'm looking for so far.  A little more experimentation will be necessary!

4096

General Software Discussion / Re: Video player: What's the quickest (fastest/lightest)?

« Last post by superboyac on February 28, 2010, 02:12 PM »

See, this is my problem with stuff like mplayer.  It's so freaking ultra-minimalist, I mean it's ridiculous.  I've just spent the last 15 minutes trying to find the compiled exe of mplayer so I can stick it in mplayergui and start using it.  But it's next to impossible.  Look, I don't know how to compile, I don't even know where to begin.  Why can't they just put a nice big button for the exe on the download page?  Anyway, please help (kamel)...in the meantime, I'll be playing with smplayer.

4097

General Software Discussion / Re: Video player: What's the quickest (fastest/lightest)?

« Last post by superboyac on February 28, 2010, 01:53 PM »

Kamel,
I will say one thing for mplayer (or smplayer gui) that I just discovered.  It was able to play certain large (>2gb) HD wmv files that no other software on my computer could handle.  KMplayer, light alloy, mpc, etc. all froze or crashed or just basically killed the computer's memory when trying to play the file, but mplayer played it without a hitch.  It was able to seek through the file with no problem.  All the other software could not seek at all, if I tried to, the entire computer would crash (seemed like the RAM was getting maxed out or something, I don't know).

4098

General Software Discussion / Re: Stupid phrases like "Free trial!"

« Last post by superboyac on February 26, 2010, 01:27 AM »

edit: free trial/download, with hidden text: "to remove this application from your computer you must pay a removal fee"

-Krishean (February 26, 2010, 01:16 AM)

If that happens you can be sure pirating will increase even more.  Similar to that film pirating picture that Zaine posted earlier.

4099

General Software Discussion / Re: Stupid phrases like "Free trial!"

« Last post by superboyac on February 26, 2010, 01:26 AM »

This reminds me of an entirely different, yet related situation that I once experienced in basketball:
So we play pick-up basketball, and if there are more than 10 people, you have to shoot free throws, and the first 10 who make it get to play, and whoever doesn't make the free throw will obviously play the next game.  it just so happens that I miss my free throws, and I'm the one who has to wait, and I'm pissed.  So my friend (real good guy) to comfort me says really nicely to me, "Hey man, you have next game, ok?".  he's just trying to be nice, but I'm thinking, 'Well of course i have the next game!  It's not like it's something special or there was the chance that I DIDN'T have the next game."

But I was pissed, so I snapped back realy rudely, "I KNOW I have the next game!  You don't have to tell me that!  What am I?  A Fucking Moron??"

Anyway, that's exactly how I feel about all this.  I understand why they do it, but it's still annoying.  I just came across a few more "Free 14-day trial"  no shit?!

4100

General Software Discussion / Stupid phrases like "Free trial!"

« Last post by superboyac on February 26, 2010, 12:50 AM »

It totally rubs me the wrong way when shareware programs advertise in very loud and proud letters, "FREE TRIAL" or "FREE DOWNLOAD" or stupid crap like that.  I hate it because they act like they are offering something special.  Of course it's free!  It's a freaking trial!  Who DOESN'T offer free trials?

Then there's programs like Calendarscope, who smugly say really annoying things like:

After the first 12 months, if you would like to upgrade to a newer version, you will be able to do so after purchasing a discounted upgrade license (and you will get another year of free upgrades with the purchase). Of course, you are in no way obligated to upgrade to the new versions: you may continue using the version that you have purchased for as long as you like, if it works for you well enough, without paying any additional upgrade fees.

What?!  Is this a special privilege?  What's the alternative?  That it stops working after a year?  Is someone going to come and make me uninstall it?  What the hell is this that you have to be bragging about?  Can you imagine going into a store, buying a new TV, and the salesman says to you, "Hey Guess what??  Good news!  After a year, the warranty won't be valid, but we will let you still watch the TV and use the TV for free!  how about that?!  Yeah!"  You'd be staring at him like he was a lunatic!

I just find stuff like this so offensive.