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Recent Posts

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5601
Living Room / Re: I'm thinking about learning how to program.
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 27, 2010, 11:58 AM »
... but I didn't because it was very early in the morning and interfered with my swim team practice....

Who knows, one day your ability to swim might proof more useful than your (now non)ability to program Turbo Pascal! ;)

Pascal has no float data type. No help there! :)

5602
Post New Requests Here / Re: Mapping Capslock key to Middle Button Mouse Click
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 06:11 PM »
#NoEnv  ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases.
SendMode Input  ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%  ; Ensures a consistent starting directory.

+CapsLock::CapsLock
CapsLock::MButton

The AutoHotKey download has a tool to compile the script to exe.  You can select a program icon other than the default green H if you like.

5603
Living Room / Re: I'm thinking about learning how to program.
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 04:34 PM »
My buddy from college also just recommend Python to me to start out with.  I'm definitely going to start with that and see how it goes.  We used to program a bunch of stuff in Matlab together, and he said I'd pick it up fairly easily.

I've played around a bit with it.  My only suggestion is make sure the programming environment has an option to remove all tabs from the input and indent with spaces. For Windows I found the ActivePython download very nice. I used a few versions of it and it's always installed pretty much ready to use.  The built in editors have those settings.  Python uses all indentation rather than brackets like { } or keywords Begin and End to signify the beginning and end of a block of code.  It sure cuts down on having to hit the Shift Key when coding though.  One thing nice about it is you can do object oriented stuff in a program that's only a few lines.  You don't have to declare a bunch of classes to get something to happen.  Also there's a large community out there on forums.

5604
Living Room / Re: I'm thinking about learning how to program.
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 04:29 PM »
The neat thing about Pascal is it was designed as a teaching language. Even if it's not your main choice to program it's very easy to read algorithms written in it.  The first release of the Algorithms book by Robert Sedgewick was written in Pascal. I found it easy to follow.  Kind of fun to code your own sort algorithms and some of those things so you have an idea what's going on when you use the standard "store bought" ones that come with the compiler/framework.
5605
That's encouraging.  Thanks. :)

Hmmm, reading the description on the site it doesn't sound like there's any opting out of it:

http://www.winpatrol.com/upgrade.html

On the plus side if you go into the history list the old 18 installer is still there for download.
The way it's written just makes me think the cloud bit it built in.

I guess I could packet sniff to see if it calls home but I lost my gum wrapper tin helmet. :)
5606
Living Room / Re: I'm thinking about learning how to program.
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 03:46 PM »
I've learned to take mouser's advice pretty seriously over the years because it's not often that he just comes out and offers it.  So I'll have to take a look at python.  I remember when I was trying to figure out how to make my website, I was about to go with Drupal and mouser said a little something about it that really set me straight.

But, the reason why I want to do .net and c# is because my buddy here at work uses it and he's a great programmer.  So I can always harass him with questions and it's very convenient.  Also, I have programmed before so I'm comfortable with the idea of it.  But I've never done real programming before.  I'm only doing this to see if maybe it's something I can pick up and put to good use with all my ideas.  Then maybe I won't have to be so critical of all the software out there that I'm always complaining about.  Maybe it will make me a more positive person!   ;D Seriously, though, I've always been a closet programmer.

Having someone's brain to pick is a big plus. I started out with gwBasic but I knew someone into Turbo Pascal so I got that compiler next. Different people react differently to different syntax so one person's experience is not directly transferable. I liked the concepts in SmallTalk but I had a hard time wrapping my head around the syntax. Often when I do other OOP languages though, I recognize where they got the concept. It's just easier to use a different syntax sometimes.
5607
I notice WinPatrol has been updated.  But it seems this "cloud" business is built into the new version.  Has anyone taken the plunge?  I don't particularly like stats gathering being sent off to servers.  But it does seem to have some bug fixes for x64.  So I'd like to know if I can update then kill the "cloud" portion?
5608
I stick to LOCATE.

serach everything doesn't have any interface to allow you to select a folder .... you have to type it in as far as I know. This greatly decreases it's uslefulness to me

I used Locate32 for years, since I liked the locate command on Linux and tried it. On XP it's great.  But on Vista and Windows7 man it would just busy my HD so I couldn't even use it.  I'd see my external drive light up for minutes and go into task manager to find Explorer was test opening every file on the drive.  The System Folder Change notification I assume.  That killed it for me.  Everything Search doesn't have that built in bogging.

I haven't tried Locate in a bit since I'm happy with Everything Search. I hope they updated the notification mechanism because otherwise it's a nice program.
5609
Living Room / Re: I'm thinking about learning how to program.
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 01:01 PM »
My point being, if you're going to absorb C style syntax, classes, inheritance etc.. you might as well pick up some C at your leisure since there's a compiler for everything.

I do agree C++ as a first language is a bit much.  But if you've been doing C# for 6 months, it might not seem so daunting. But anyway, I don't want to get into the "what's the best first programming language" thread. It was done a few months back. :)

btw I like C#. When I tried the Borland Java based products, I was a bit frustrated. When I did C# I had the advantage of already programming in C and C++. Just made it less to learn.  When doing anything .NET I use C#. Chances are the thing you are trying to do has already been done in the framework someplace if you can dig out the docs and figure 'em out.  vc++ I do win32 stand-alone .exe.  Just for grings I did a one button Forms app. What a mess!! Only a machine would write code like that!!  Ewwww!! :(

5610
Living Room / Re: Just when you thought all the good ideas were taken!
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 12:55 PM »
Remotes with a zillion buttons on the top side have the built-in defect that pressing buttons low on the body with your thumb makes you lose your grip. You end up using 2 hands.  Somebody needs to think out of the box and design something you press with your fingers so the thumb stays anchored.

Either that or have a loop or thong built into it that's easy to slide your hand in when picking it up.  Press any button one-handed without dropping the thing.
5611
Living Room / Re: I'm thinking about learning how to program.
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 26, 2010, 02:00 AM »
If you are interested in C# it wouldn't hurt to mess around with some compiled C and C++. Once you are programming with classes and inheritance the compiled stuff isn't that much harder.  The main annoyance in C/C++ is you have to deallocate memory instead of just letting the garbage collector handle it.

Just a thought. :)
5612
Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Rename Next
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 25, 2010, 07:34 PM »
One very nice thing about the rename dialog built into FreeCommander, if you have filenames with multiple extensions, like movie.srt.fixed or whatnot, all you need to do to chop the last extension is select all and hit F2.  In the extension box delete the [e] and hit the rename button.

I've found very few rename utils that make it easy to chop the last extension.

Here's a screen shot:

rename.png


5613
General Software Discussion / Re: Google Chrome: Time for a Second Chance?
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 25, 2010, 02:12 PM »
I have pad files for some of my programs.  They displayed fine in FF but looking at them directly in the browser was a muddle in chrome flavored browsers.

I just found this extension.  I'm just trying it out but it seems to format without intervention. Just install.  Also it works in Chromium nightly 9.x

https://chrome.googl...aagmckhpjbfgdfkpadb#

5614
Living Room / Re: Just when you thought all the good ideas were taken!
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 25, 2010, 01:54 PM »
A friend of mine had an idea for an automatic return to practice basketball free throws.  Looks like someone else developed a more elaborate version:




My friend's was just a hinged piece of wood with a catch to set it at a 45 degree angle below the bucket. Missing produced undefined results. :)
5615
Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Rename Next
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 24, 2010, 10:04 PM »
I like the renamer in FreeCommander. If you have one file highlighted it works as skwire said, except it has the base name and extension on separate lines in a popup dialog. If you do want to rename the extension, hit tab and it moves into that edit line.  If you have more than one file selected, it brings up a more complicated dialog that can do pattern substitutions and numbering.  But it is less complicated than most dedicated rename apps such as Bulk Rename Utility(which I also use.) It's a good compromise between Explorer and a complex rename utility.  And it also does the other stuff expected of a file manager.
5616
General Software Discussion / Re: Google Chrome: Time for a Second Chance?
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 24, 2010, 07:40 PM »
Speed dial would work better for me if the speed dials were synced to the other browsers you use, like the combination of xmarks and fast dial does on firefox. Having to set them up per browser is rather annoying.

Yeah, I did the built in sync with all the options enabled.  The only one I had to fix when moving to Chromium was SpeedDial.  Fortunately Vista and W7 both insist on being C:. I can just copy the settings from one machine over to the other when the first one is set up.
5617
General Software Discussion / Re: Google Chrome: Time for a Second Chance?
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 24, 2010, 07:38 PM »
Google Chrome is the troll of the version world! 1 to 8 in 2 years! That almost sounds like our very own mouser and his sub-version numbers :)

The Chromium nightly builds are 9.x now. I just put on 9.0.564.0 now.
5618
General Software Discussion / Re: Google Chrome: Time for a Second Chance?
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 24, 2010, 12:07 PM »
Yeah, I shouldn't have to hit any key anyway.  The thing's a computer. It should be able to figure out when I want to bookmark the page. :)

Speaking of bookmarks, this one comes in handy now and then:

file:///C:/Bookmarks/bookmarks.html

Periodically I export my bookmarks there.
Sometimes I can't remember which folder I put the bookmark
in if it's seldom used.  A Control-F search usually picks it out.

Some might even use it for a home page. I like Speed Dial too much
to do that now that I'm used to it though.

5619
Living Room / Re: "White" Magic
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 24, 2010, 11:55 AM »
Did the spells work?

In the Thai films I saw, yeah.  If you like Tony Jaa type action this one may be good to start:  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0963915/

Some good teke fights in this flick.
5620
Living Room / Re: "White" Magic
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 22, 2010, 04:26 PM »
I liked the movie "Remo Williams" where the guy could dodge bullets.
Seems doable...lol...

It's too bad I can't draw. I have this idea for a comic book character. He's an affable bumpkin semi-slob.  Also a bit IQ deprived.  Doesn't talk.. just smiles and chuckles.
All he really cares about is devouring chicken drumsticks and massive amounts of beer.

Anyway, as nearly always happens in comic books, a space craft with super advanced beings is on fly by.  They've heard a lot of stuff about Earth being wicked unruly.  So they chuck a few of these things that look like a black emptiness in the shape of a person.. 2 arms, 2 legs, a head, almost like a voodoo effigy but it sucks in all the light around it.. out the "window" as they are driving by.

Naturally our good natured moron encounters one of them.

Probably because he's totally lacking in aggression and power lust, the thing chooses him as host.  From then on we get to see the adventures of the moron as he hangs out in taverns, his table stacked with trays of drumsticks and pitchers of beer.  When any aggressive behavior is exhibited he quells the disturbance through the use of some new found ability.

The owner of each tavern is initially delighted to get a free bouncer who cannot be overcome or resisted. A quandary ensues as the cost of keeping the "free" bouncer supplied with drumsticks and beer starts to toll. This provides the impetus for our hero to move on to another establishment, thereby changing location every few episodes.

Anyway, one humorous scene I've thought of so far.. our hero is ensconced at his table engaging in his usual copious consumption when word arrives there's going to be a big gang fight out in the street.  He steps up to the bar and lifts a keg of beer with one hand, turns it up, knocks the tap off, and just guzzles the keg in about 20 seconds.  Then he steps outside.  The members of one gang are at one end of the street.  The opposing gang is moving closer from the other end.  We see our hero from the back and can tell from the characteristic motions, that he is opening his fly.  A gigantic gush of liquid similar to the output of a fire hose totally douses and washes away the members of one gang.  Seeing their foes crying is dismay as they are washed down the street by the force of the fluid, the opposing gangsters start to chortle, guffaw, laugh, chuckle and be otherwise rude.  Our hero looks over his shoulder at the other gang and proceeds to undo his belt and lower his trousers.  All of a sudden the laughing gangsters are silent as they realize their peril.  Needless to say they beat feet before our hero has to release his salvo.

You get the idea.  I haven't thought of a title for the story or name for the hero yet.
5621
Living Room / Re: "White" Magic
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 22, 2010, 03:51 PM »
Was his name Dr. Livingston?

That's a bit presumptious.

Heh heh.  The dude probably would have said "Dr. Livingston I assume?" except he was really tired of hearing that make an ass out of you and me crap.  ;)


5622
Yet another one of those black gadgets with black controls.  They must be in braille.  It's not really as fast as they say.  But by the time you find the switch to get the result, it's ready with an answer. :)

5623
Living Room / Re: How to avoid paying taxes and save billions
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 22, 2010, 02:44 PM »
Assuming you could collect the sales tax with some reliability, it should be simpler and more equitable than an income tax. Government never keeps up with the cost of living of its citizens who don't work for it. Chances are high that the income level below which you aren't taxed is not sufficient to live on.  Or if it is when the stipulation is enacted, it won't be for long.

Presumably people with a lot of money will buy more stuff and so pay more sales tax.  If you are poor and can't afford to buy steak with the tax, then you may be able to get by with hamburg.. but if they take the money out of you before you even cash your paycheck, you may not have anything to eat.
5624
General Software Discussion / Re: MD5Hash 2.9
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 22, 2010, 02:05 PM »
MD5Hash 2.9 I enhanced monitoring of composition changes.  On Vista the dialog is now a semi-transparent blue. On XP the default dialog theme is used.

Edit: btw if you are on XP and got an error trying to run MD5Hash 2.9 please download MD5Hash again.  The glitch has been fixed.
5625
Found Deals and Discounts / Re: New MakeMKV beta 1.6.2
« Last post by MilesAhead on October 22, 2010, 09:44 AM »
I posted a question on the MakeMKV forum.  The author replied that the VideoHelp.com listing has incorrect info.

That's why it surprised me. I had the impression that at least for US purchase it was going to be a flat $50 for the foreseeable future.

Anyway here's the link so people can see for themselves:

http://www.makemkv.c...c.php?f=1&t=2038
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