Recent Posts

601

General Software Discussion / Re: DC User's Resource - Phase I (Interest survey - Please post comments)

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on February 01, 2008, 11:04 AM »

k... also in establishing what's worth preserving and what isn't.

-f0dder (February 01, 2008, 10:24 AM)

I would suggest keeping it simple to start, i.e., "Product" micro-reviews (a single, concise formatted post within a thread).  The de facto case is everyone's individual experience would be valid and usable info provided that enough info on their system was included to provide comparative  data .

602

General Software Discussion / Re: Best free firewall for Windows?

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on February 01, 2008, 01:45 AM »

update - hmmm, after a little googling it doesn't seem like this is a particularly good option (though personally I don't recall it ever being a problem)

-Target (February 01, 2008, 12:18 AM)

Target, like you said elsewhere, there is, "... no silver bullet." 

In looking at this and other threads it almost looks like each computer setup has its own "personality."  As a result of this, the "Ultimate Solution" for every case is looking more and more like a myth.  If the Nvidia FW worked before and there are no glaring problems with it, maybe it would be the "flavor" that would be just right for your box?

Just my duo of copper coinage.

603

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on February 01, 2008, 01:33 AM »

Slight digression: Wonder how many people would find a button to open all threads in separate tabs on the "show new replies to your posts" page handy. I know I would.

-nosh (January 31, 2008, 10:40 PM)

Regardless what happens with the Attention Mod, THIS is a great idea!  What would you think about splitting this off in its own thread?

604

General Software Discussion / Re: DC User's Resource - Phase I (Interest survey - Please post comments)

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 31, 2008, 08:33 PM »

+1 for helping

I'm sure I've mentioned things like this previously. I think being able to organise software reviews (for example) into like categories would be of great benefit. So for example, you could have a Text Editor Round up that summarised and linked to Members' reviews of various Text Editors.

A bit more blogie??

-Perry Mowbray (January 31, 2008, 08:26 PM)

Take a look at this thread and see what you think.  This is an idea for cataloging/preserving "Computer Defesnse" software, but the method could be valid for other subjects.

605

General Software Discussion / DC User's Resource - Phase I (Interest survey - Please post comments)

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 31, 2008, 06:03 PM »

Everyday various member's offer advice and experience on a variety of topics in differing threads across DonationCoder.  Although this information is available today, it will be gone tomorrow. Are we interested, as a community, in preserving the knowledge that, like a river comes and goes by the minute?  I am aware the present search feature can help one locate terms related to the item, but is this adequate as a usable "reference" tool?

Please note that this is a "grass-roots" initiative.  The effort will be a member-driven methodology that will require a minimum of DC Staff involvement (less than 15 mins.).  Also, at this juncture, what this may look like at the end is not yet known.

This is a poll to determine if there is interest in this type of initiative.  If there is sufficient interest, then we can examine format/mechanics/etc. ideas later.

Thank you.

606

Living Room / Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOTHIC!!!

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 31, 2008, 12:22 AM »

Happy Birthday Gothi[c]

... just think, if you weren't where you are... we wouldn't be where we are!

607

General Software Discussion / DC Computer Defense Resource

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 31, 2008, 12:02 AM »

In reading the various threads on computer security I  noticed they were loaded with useful information.  Unfortunately, as time passes the information will be lost to other threads as new discussions push the present ones down and eventually out of sight and out of mind.

Although, I have focsed on Computer Defense, this framework or something else like it could be extended to a lot of different things.  The whole idea is not to lose the treasures to replacement and obscurity.

In another thread about computer security Target said ..."There is no silver bullet."  He is correct.  As I have been reading the threads I have noticed that what is one's "panacea" ends up being an other's "bane."

This got me to thinking that maybe the bulls-eye is not defined correctly.  There have been numerous attempts to isolate the "Best {Fill in the blank} Security" software for any particular purpose, but this focuses on Computer Defense specifically.  The sad news is that these threads/topics, although loaded with valuable insights and advice are/were not/never coalesced into a usable reference tool.

---===o===---

As mentioned before, the security solutions for some work and for others it is a parasite.  Maybe the community could best be served by preserving something of a resource and let everyone do due diligence and make their own decisions from an organized record that we could build.  "Threads" could be the "Categories" and the "Posts" could be a concise record in some standard format (see below) like the "Reviews" format  that would include a particular member's experience, like a description, performance, caveats, general comments/recommendations/warnings.

The plethora of solutions could be formatted to provide a usable and evolving tool for DC and others.  Since adding a "record" would be voluntary no one would be "forced" to participate and each member could submit as many "Posts" as they have softwares as it creates another reference record that would be valuable to others. 

This "tool" would be completely "grass-roots" developed and produced no "Tech Staff" time or resources would be necessary, except that if we did it well enough, Mouser just might make the threads "stickys" and set the first post as a "read only" template to be copied and filled in by each member. 

It would be a good idea to refrain from conversation or quote to keep the thread tidy.  Instead of a "Mini-Review," think of the individual "Posts" as "Micro-Reviews." ( FYI - This would in no way replace the "Mini-Reviews" members graciously provide for our benefit.)   

---===o===---

As I see it, regardless of the O/S there are some basic threat categories.

-=o=-  Inbound Network threats - malware/hacker that attacks the computer from an external source.
-=o=-  Onboard Threats - Installs of softtware from downloads/CDs/DVDs/USBs/etc.
-=o=-  InternalResident Threats - Trojans, virii, etc.
-=o=-  Outbound Threats - "Phone home"-type spyware, etc.
-=o=-  Interface Threats - Think "phishing" scams.

Others are far more versed in these subjects than I and could add/modify, but these are what I perceived to be top-level divisions.

---===o===---

Here is a suggested candidate for the "Form."

Title of Software:

Original installed version, if known:

Upgraded to version:

Description of what it is supposed to do:

Successes:

Caveats:

Recommendations and Warnings:

General Comments:

System Description:

{Fill in the Blank}:

608

General Software Discussion / Re: windows security - what's really necessary?

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 30, 2008, 05:37 PM »

Maybe I have misread this thread?    I've tried to read the posts more than once, coz I'm not feeling well, but what I think I am hearing is it is OK not to worry about old/real threats?  Is anyone else "hearing" this, or is it just my medicine?

I agree with the economics, but aside from the $$$ aspect I was getting a cold chill as I read this thread.  The valid reason that all the AV/AS/FW has become that lucrative in the first place was because originally there were real bad threats that wreaked havoc and did real damage.  Real solutions were needed and Peter jumped to the fore AFAICR followed by the AV parade.  While I agree that the "emphasis" of attacks has shifted to targeting user stupidity, I am very uncomfortable with letting down the guard on prevention of serious known threat potentials.  I would see this like the USA security folks saying...

"Ok we haven't had any planes hi-jacked and slammed into buildings in quite awhile and there has been an increase in (example)-bombings.  I guess our terror-prevention strategy doesn't need to bother with planes any more.  We need to concentrate our resources on (example)-bombings instead" 

Agreed, there haven't been any more hi-jack attempts, but we still need to keep on inspecting carry-on luggage.
 
At any given time, there may be a reduction in the frequency of a real threat, but it is still a real threat.  Ask yourself what malware authors might be thinking if they were trawling threads like these?  If you were them what would be the next "project?"

Unless you have an image ready to put back on after you have been compromised and have to start over, then this needs to be part of what is necessary to include in Windows protection, IMO  (psssst... better make sure there are no viruses on your image. )

<off topic + rant>

... These spammers aren't sending out millions of messages hourly so they can picture you spending so much time and effort cursing and deleting their emails.  They do it only because enough people actually buy the crazy stuff they're pushing!!

As long as spammers can send a million messages and it doesn't cost a thing, this isn't going to stop.  Personally, I'd be very willing to pay a per-email tax (FYI - I hate taxes  ) of $.01 in order to shut them down.  Even if I sent/received 1,000 e-mails/mo that is only going to cost me $10/mo, but for the spammer that sends out 10,000,000/mo his bill would be $100,000/mo! Even a measly million spams/mo would cast ten-grand.  How long spam last in that case?
</off topic +rant>

609

Living Room / Re: What's Your Favorite Smilie?

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 29, 2008, 08:01 PM »

Here is the URL...copy/paste into your browser address bar if you want to see it.  It is a cute kitten!

___http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/images/smilies/kittyyarn.gif____ 

<edit> removeded the Smilie...GIF didn't work for some reason </edit>

610

Developer's Corner / Re: AHK Capability

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 29, 2008, 06:28 PM »

Just a note to say "Thanks!" for this reference thread.  I appreciate your help.

I will try and get a prototype posted soon if time allows.

611

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 28, 2008, 09:45 PM »

I tend to agree with fOdder on this one.

Why not leave "Send this Topic" alone (or possibly make it clearer by calling it "E-mail this topic") and add a different button to PM the topic to another user by user name. Effective the PM topic button would just open the usual PM window and insert the topic URL as a quote in the text box and a modified subject line - that way the person can simply enter the user ID they want to send to and add a comment. The rest will take care of itself.

-Carol Haynes (January 28, 2008, 07:58 PM)

I like changing the button to "Email this Topic" idea!

In adding a button, if we're going to go that far would there be any extra overhead to setting the PM mechanism to be populated with the post address rather than the thread address?  I'm too spent to get a clue on what the trigger mechanism would be right now.

Hmmm... would that be more convenient for the Sender and Receiver as the target would be "location" (post) as opposed to an "area" "(topic)?  Seems like it would be more precise/convenient for the Responder.     Just thinking out loud here.

In the meantime anyone else feel free to offer your thoughts.  We always have our eyes open.


<edit> wording and what else... spelling </edit>

612

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 28, 2008, 04:39 PM »

Hi everybody,

While reading through all the post concerning this topic my sometimes weird mind came up with a somewhat more complicated but maybe more effective and nun disturbing idea....

If I understood it correctly, you want to have an option to call an "expert" into a thread if his/her help is needed.
Implementing an easy solution to call a specific person can be quite annoying and disturbing as a couple of people pointed out earlier.

What do you guys think about the following system ....

Well, my system needs some setup.....

- Specific topic/fields should have assigned "experts", the information about this assignment is non public (there can me more than just one "expert")

If a threat is in a need of an expert a logged in user can trigger a SOS call to a specific expert-group by clicking on some "SOS"-button and choosing the desired expert-group. Such a help request is only issued if the thread had already a specific amount of replies and also if a specific amount of different users triggered the SOS call in this thread. This way the users in the thread first have to try to find a solution by their on and also have to agree on calling an expert. (Example: A thread needs at least 10 replies and 4 different users asking for an expert before such a call is issued)

When such help request is issued a PM is sent to all the members of the expert group and a help request for this topic is shown on the forums main page, allowing also non-assigned experts so visit the thread and help with the problem.


Just my 2cents on such an "Invitation"-System.

Cheers,
Marc

-mhb (January 28, 2008, 03:56 PM)

Welcome to DC, Marc! 

You have the essential ingredients, but the behind-the-scenes work necessary to implement these kinds of things tends to be the major hurdle in ratification (e.g., lots of work, but not lots of people).  Still, your idea does add a new wrinkle.   We'll just have to see how things go from here.

See you on the boards!

Calvin

613

General Software Discussion / Re: Opera Browser Power-User Mods

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 28, 2008, 12:36 PM »

Great response to the thread!  Anyone should be able to make Opera what they want with all this help! 

<Edit> Removed spoiler button - the issue has been resolved </edit>

614

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 28, 2008, 12:09 PM »

I think adding ability to send to a member from the Send This Topic page is a no brainer and should be added.
CodeTrucker has a point that that doesn't let you send a specific message, which is unfortunate, but im not sure it warrants adding another button to every post.
So my inclination is to put on my todo list a change to the Send This Topic page which:

• Expands size of comment field
• Lets you put in user names instead of emails to send to and sends them a PM if you do

I do think this feature could be useful -- for example people sometimes email me and let me know there is apost about one of my programs that i havent replied to yet, and so i think this would make this easier.

-mouser (January 27, 2008, 01:29 PM)

I finally realized why the "Send Topic" dialog is set up the way it is.  It is designed to send DC topics to friends that are not on DC, hence the name/email fields, essentially an invitation to non-DCers to "come see!."  It really wasn't designed for internal use, IMO.

Not that this has a bearing on the present direction, but if there is a way to verify use/non-use of this original intent of this button, it may be a factor.

615

General Software Discussion / Re: Opera Browser Power-User Mods

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 27, 2008, 02:36 AM »

Hey Folks,

Just a note to say "Thanks!"   I have implemented some and are working on the others, but in my travels (and I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier) I found a wealth of knowledge on DC!  So, if this question ever comes up again, you might want to direct them their own backyard.

My Opera is friendlier now than it has ever been, Thanks to all of you.

616

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 04:53 PM »

I thought he posted weird on purpose, just for laughs.
10-36 0400 10-7

-nosh (January 26, 2008, 04:46 PM)

Nosh, ever thought about driving a truck?

No, it takes some work, but you eventually break through the disorientation of the *niks and begin to see the picture; however, for whatever reason, the subject of Gri ignites things (I was guilty too  ) so if you want to discuss it further, perhaps PM is a better avenue.

617

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 04:48 PM »

Heh, heh - that was cool, CodeTrucker. Thank you for the listing of trucker's CB codes. I'm with nosh - I like 10-3 for OT. Like nosh, I figure I'd garner a lot of those 

-Darwin (January 26, 2008, 04:41 PM)

Glad you liked it!  I didn't have the heart to foist all those codes on you without giving you a key.

/10-3

618

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 04:35 PM »

Maybe we can use 10-3 for off-topic. I know I'd get a lot of those. 

Interesting stuff, CodeTRUCKER.

10-11 for wazzisname? The smf alien-talk guy...

-nosh (January 26, 2008, 04:29 PM)

Thanks.  I guess you are talking about Gri.  I spent some time while I was on sabbatical from DC to get a handle on what he is all about. mostly lurked.  Nice guy, once you get past the language/understanding barrier.  He reminds me somewhat of what I know about Galileo.

619

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 04:08 PM »

I'm basically looking for a way to say 'duly noted' without having to say it in so many words. Haven't really given the technical aspect a thought. 

-nosh (January 26, 2008, 08:56 AM)

10-4

Sorry, couldn't resist.

-Darwin (January 26, 2008, 03:50 PM)

<Off Topic>

That's a big 10-2 on the 10-4.  The 10-36 says I should 10-3 and go 10-7. 

I actually can still remember a lot of these, but the young drivers out there don't even know what I'm saying!

 

Completely OT for Darwin

The Complete CB 10-codes:
----------------------------

10-1 = Receiving poorly
10-2 = Receiving well
10-3 = Stop transmitting
10-4 = OK, message received
10-5 = Relay message
10-6 = Busy, stand by
10-7 = Out of service, leaving air
10-8 = In service, subject to call
10-9 = Repeat message
10-10 = Transmission completed, standing by
10-11 = Talking too rapidly
10-12 = Visitors present
10-13 = Advise Weather/Road conditions
10-16 = Make pick up at ...
10-17 = Urgent business
10-18 = Anything for us?
10-19 = Nothing for you, return to base
10-20 = My location is ...
10-21 = Call by telephone
10-22 = Report in person to ...
10-23 = Stand by
10-24 = Completed last assignment
10-25 = Can you contact ...
10-26 = Disregard last information
10-27 = I am moving to channel ...
10-28 = Identify your station
10-29 = Time is up for contact
10-30 = Does not conform to FCC rules
10-32 = I will give you a radio check
10-33 = EMERGENCY TRAFFIC
10-34 = Trouble at this station
10-35 = Confidential information
10-36 = Correct time is ...
10-37 = Wrecker needed at ...
10-38 = Ambulance needed at ...
10-39 = Your message delivered
10-41 = Please turn to channel
10-42 = Traffic accident at ...
10-43 = Traffic tie up at ...
10-44 = I have a message for you
10-45 = All units within range please report
10-50 = Break channel
10-60 = What is next message number?
10-62 = Unable to copy, use phone
10-63 = Net directed to ...
10-64 = Net clear
10-65 = Awaiting your next message/assignment
10-67 = All units comply
10-70 = Fire at ...
10-71 = Proceed with transmission in sequence
10-77 = Negative contact
10-81 = Reserve hotel room for ...
10-82 = Reserve room for ...
10-84 = My telephone number is ...
10-85 = My address is ...
10-91 = Talk closer to the mike
10-93 = Check my frequency on this channel
10-94 = Please give me a long count
10-99 = Mission completed, all units secure
10-200 = Police needed at ...

I couldn't resist either. 

</Off Topic>

Edit - various corrections and additions

620

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 03:34 PM »

it still leaves the recipient "Guru" with somewhat of a chore to do, i.e., get to the location of the post where assistance was requested.

do you mean because it only sends the thread url not a specific post url?

-mouser (January 26, 2008, 03:23 PM)

Yes

Did you come to this post via the PM, or was it just happenstance?

The reason I ask is if it was the PM, then there is an avenue to gain specific assistance, if the requester is familiar with the "tricks."  The other reason I ask is there have been over 340 views of this thread and only a handful of participants.  Maybe it is early yet, but there doesn't seem to be much interest in this project.  I wonder if it is time to shelve it and move on? 

Edit - forgot the smiley and other comment

621

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 03:16 PM »

i like the idea of modifying the "Send This Topic" page to allow you to send a topic to a user on the forum not just to an email address.
this way we don't have to add any new "buttons" and i think the "Send this Topic" idea captures the same idea that has been suggested here -- and why should the "send this topic" only work with emails -- seems natural to extend it to work with forum names and send it as a message through the forum.

-mouser (January 26, 2008, 03:50 AM)

I agree that it requires little work to make happen, which is beneficial and it would fulfill the requirements to an extent. 

If the "Send Topic" were modified to blank email addresses, make the comment field more user friendly, it still leaves the recipient "Guru" with somewhat of a chore to do, i.e., get to the location of the post where assistance was requested. 

My thinking is to make things as easy on the "Guru" as possible, but not too easy, (as tinjaw has alluded to).  The less obstacles that have to be overcome by the "Guru" and the more specific the target post, the more likely the "Guru" would respond, IMO. Given this, is it possible to somehow mark the specific post within the "Send Topic" dialog to capture the specific address?  BTW - I did test using the right-click >> copy post link >> open "Send Topic" >> paste in Comment box scenario, but due to the current text limitation, after pasting the whole "https://www.donation.....rmsg98591#msg98591" post link URL, there is exactly enough room left  for " - We need help with a". 

f0dder has said that the PMs are wasted on him because he misses them, somehow, but he stated that he does receive email.  He is not alone, because that is how I find my PMs (ok, I'm not a guru, but maybe someday?  )  Including email addresses may need to be considered as an option, but only in a "black-boxed" method. 

Mouser, (??), etc., since you are one close to the Tech Team, what are your views on these points? 

FMI - would modifying the "Comment" box on the "Send Topic" dialog be just a matter of making "130px x 20px" into "130px x 100px" in the software, or is it more involved?

622

Living Room / Re: What's Your Favorite Smilie?

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 11:46 AM »

Think we'll see any of this as we get closer to November? 

 

Oh no!   he isn't palying the "R" card is he?!? 

623

General Software Discussion / Opera Browser Power-User Mods

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 11:26 AM »

I have heard there are *.ini files or other files in Opera that will allow numerous modifications to the browser and its functions.

What are these files and what is the best mod you have found most beneficial?

Thank you for your help in advance!

624

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 10:34 AM »

I can see someone like f0dder getting a lot of these SOS thingies.... 

-nosh (January 26, 2008, 08:00 AM)

Right, let's add this to the mix then...

Service Queues

-=o=-  The thought I have is to take the personal aspect out altogether.  What if the call was made to a "Service Queue" rather than an individual member?  This would eliminate the need to even respond, and would not produce any privacy issues.  The "call" would be directed to the queues.  Let me offer a simple example...
Say a call went to an Emergence BASIC queue.  Myself, mrainey, etc. would have "attributes" in our profile that identifies us to the server that we are available to help if a call comes in for assistance with EBASIC.  If a call comes in from the queue as a simple alert stating that "iluveb" (or whatever member) needs assistance with a short comment "Hey, EBer's I'm having trouble with the @STATIC , can you help me?"  Both mrainey and myself would receive the alert and neither of us would be required to respond in any way (although the whole idea is to match issues to solutions  ).  Yet, either or both of us could respond if we chose to. 

This almost looks like a pointer to the idea of "We already have this in the ability to post a new thread asking for help, don't we?" 
Sort of... the ability to post a new thread is an option, but it has some problems...
(1)  Because it is a new thread, it would break the continuity of the thread where the original need presented itself.
(2)  It doesn't really "call" for assistance.  It would depend on chance for an issue to be addressed.
(3)  Again, because no "call" was issued, members that are able and willing to help would also have to depend on chance.

[Disclaimer - the use of "mrainey" is only for example due to his involvement and does not suggest that he should be involved.]

<edit> added quote </edit>

625

General Software Discussion / Re: Attention Mod

« Last post by CodeTRUCKER on January 26, 2008, 10:17 AM »

I also use the same method as f0dder, check every thread through the "unread topics".
Thus, something like this would be sort of redundant for me, since someone would be calling me to a thread that i already have or will read.
App's comments were exactly what i thought the first time i read this, some mod like this would sort of eliminate the "plausible deniability" which can be useful in some situations.

Imagine this situation:
Someone opens a new thread on coding snacks that i find too complex/impossible to do. I don't answer, as i wouldn't add anything interesting other than a "sorry, i can't do it" comment.
Then, if someone comes and says "hey, i can't do it, but maybe jgpaiva can do it?", then i have to reply and say "no, i can't do it".
Then, we have 2 replies saying "can't be done", and someone who actually could do it might be intimidated, or might think that it's being solved already (if he only noticed that it already had replies and didn't read them).

Another situation is where i keep some coding snacks unanswered, but keep the thread open on opera (opera is like my online todo list, the open tabs are kept open through sessions and keep the stuff i'm supposed to do in the future), so that if i have time, i'll do it in the future or if i don't, i ditch it. This system would force me to say "oh, i think i might do this", and then i'd feel bad if i didn't.

See what i mean?

-jgpaiva (January 26, 2008, 06:20 AM)

I can see your point (helps me see App's point better) and I have a thought...

-=o=-  Given that there is courtesies extended on DC, would the idea of a counter make this any more palatable?  Here is what I mean... If I as a poster clicked "the button" to send the "call" the dialog says, "You are requesting jgpaiva's assistance.  Please be advised this member has 3 active calls and has 9 attempts in the last 24 hours.  Are you sure you want to contact jgpaiva at this time?"  The "attempts" aspect would be how many times a call was attempted, but when asked "Are you sure...?" the call attempt was aborted, either due to common courtesy, the caller decided that it would be a while before action could be taken, whatever.

What do you think?