Recent Posts

701

General Software Discussion / Re: The LiveCD List

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 12, 2008, 09:07 PM »

Just noticed: Xubuntu is not featured on the list! Ubuntu and Kubuntu are there, but not Xubuntu.

Ubuntu: GNOME
Kubuntu: KDE
Xubuntu: Xfce

No one seems to notice Xubuntu. Kind of sad, Xfce is nice and lightweight, and good for older PCs - you would think it would be more noticed/popular. *Sigh*

-Brandon (Xubuntu user)

702

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Maze Craze "Beta 10" and 1.3.3 found!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 10, 2008, 11:15 PM »

Old school! Age-old Maze Craze versions found!

Poking through what I pulled off of an old 40GB hard drive (now creatively called my Dump Drive (patent pending )) I found a TON of old Maze Craze stuff - game maker data files, completed-but-never-released EXEs, full installers, and a mysterious 37MB install file (I have no idea how the heck I managed that). Lots of stuff. So I am uploading everything I can find

Also, I am working on a simpler website - this means less info, but faster download locating and easier to use for more people. I was trying to make it look like the DC site at first, but I wanted a more unique look that I could change... so I went with a centered body with a sidebar and a vertical navigation bar this time (yes, that is a preset in Dreamweaver, but I use presets and change things up afterwards - don't bash me). Simple, but it looks good. It will soon be the new website layout, and I will post when it is complete (next day or so).

Also, I am currently trying to get my friend off his Virus-coated Windows XP SP2 and onto Xubuntu, and that brings me back to the fact that I still am open to help with computer issues

-Brandon

703

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Info about SnapSuite "Update Helper", McAfee email reply

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 10, 2008, 04:17 AM »

Alright, because SS 09 lacks an updater system, and because I am lazy, I am *attempting* to avoid DcUpdater and integrate my own updating system. And it isn't that bad - it works! (That is an accomplishment in itself! )

This "Update Helper" allows you to see the current version (online), followed by your running version (local), and if online is newer than running, you can click the little "Update" button and SnapSuite will do its thing. For anyone on broadband internet, it is surprisingly fast.

Rundown of what happens under-the-hood:

• Click Update
• Wait 10-45 seconds for the update to download (the button will indicate that it is in fact downloading, no worries )
• SnapSuite cleans up the web app control it used to download (I am going to experiment with this in other areas as well to maybe bump RAM utilization down after long usage periods)
• SnapSuite launches the setup file, and Inno Setup takes the lead
• SnapSuite closes itself
• Inno Setup does its thing, without any prompts (but still showing you progress)
• SnapSuite is launched by Inno
• Complete (about 60 seconds tops for broadband)

Also, there is a known bug in Alpha 2 that has been fixed for Alpha 3/Beta 1 - it is entirely my fault, unfortunately due to my learning of how programs close (still). For those whom know VB .NET: I called a Me.Close instead of Application.Exit when doing Instant Uninstall, so the FORM closes but the program doesn't (it remains in the tray, by design), so you have 2 DLLs and the SnapSuite.exe leftover in the SnapSuite 2009 folder. This does not effect a manual update, as long as you right-click and Exit before you start the update (this will not be required as of Alpha 3, as explained above).

Oh, and I got a reply from McAfee earlier today. They are "looking into" the issue and will "change the rating" if their "analysis" proves that I was correct. <sarcasm> No I just spent 45 minutes composing an email to lie to you and waste my time. </sarcasm> Can no one trust anyone anymore?

Anyways, that's the scoop for what I am doing/whats going on.
-Brandon

704

Post New Requests Here / Re: bigger screen area than monitor size - with quick scroll features

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 10, 2008, 12:32 AM »

I found 360Desktop last night from my Download.com newsletter - downloaded, installed, ran for about 90 seconds, uninstalled.

The term "360" usually refers to [360] degrees - I was looking forward to an actual 3D desktop (inside a globe, if you will), not just a long repeating strip. IMO if you have to go to the top of the monitor, find the tab thing, then drag the slider along till you find your window, it is much less counter productive than 2 virtual desktops (ex Linux) with hotkey activation, or just forking the cash for a monitor/TV. And I second the horrible wallpaper, the lack of "where do you want to install to?", and the use of IE for widgets/other items.

  Not for me

705

Living Room / Re: Show us your (physical) desktop

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 09, 2008, 06:45 PM »

ps. once i get a 6400x1200 cody wallpaper ill have that on my desktop 

-mouser (July 07, 2008, 11:22 PM)

All four of those monitors on one computer? What are you doing? Dual SLI video cards? I didn't think you liked games that much!

-Deozaan (July 08, 2008, 02:35 PM)

Or is it one of those splitter dealies? I can't see mouser as a gamer needing 2 cards running SLI. But you never know (he isn't that great at fragging people in Sauerbraten, but I don't want to end up meeting him in COD4 and totally getting pwned & embarrassed by him either, so I'll keep quiet on the skills )

Also, updated image from me - this is where I live just about 18 hours a day (the other 6 are in the bed to the left, not pictured )
(The computer has about 1/2cm clearance from the top of the case to the top of the desk area - it does get quite hot, and it all comes back out at me over the monitor)

Full-res version: http://img58.imagesh.../9910/img1835rl7.jpg

Interesting things/I Spy:

• White server PC - runs Sauerbraten/Halo/File server
• Touch screen phone
• My IBM computer that has yet to work
• Pokemon container (it holds my floppies!)
• Hot Wheels Mouse
• SD Extreme III 2.0GB flash card
• 5 mice (computer mice )

Find all 6 for a cookie!*

*Cookie not guaranteed to be intact/not eaten upon completion of task

706

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite 2009 Alpha 2 Released!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 08, 2008, 03:36 AM »

Alright, working on SnapSuite again because, frankly, I have nothing else to do at the moment, and felt like doing some coding!

Changes:

• Disabled several new items that are not fully functional yet - just because you see it doesn't mean it is Enabled!
• Notes can print!!! Partially, anyways. It will print but not properly, so it is still disabled. But it prints!
• Starter has not made progress, mainly due to laziness/lack of reason to make a full blown launcher (why are you going to find and start SnapSuite to run a program when you can just get it from the Start Menu?) - not sure what to do with that...
• PlayMe now starts with the player volume @ 100% instead of 50% (no, this is not your computer volume, but the PlayMe volume)
• When you close SnapSuite, it will now slide down to its Notification Area icon (next to the clock) - this ONLY occurs if you close it yourself, if you are shutting down or use task manager etc then it will close completely (as it should)
• Added right click menu to tray icon, and double click opens main window
• Removed beta autoupdater (private releases, wasn't from Alpha 1)
• Cleaned up lots of code that I messed up (private releases, wasn't from Alpha 1)
• Removed pointless beta eyecandy that didn't work anyways (private releases, wasn't from Alpha 1)
• Some other random stuff I probably messed up and then fixed and have forgotten about...

Anyways, while it doesn't look very different there are quite a bit of changes so hopefully it is better than before. For example, when you right click on the Notification Area icon with SnapSuite still open, the "Open SnapSuite" option will be disabled. When you close the main window, the option becomes Enabled. It just helps that little bit. Also, this means that you can close the main window but have other windows remain open!

So here it is, SnapSuite 2009 Alpha 2 (Public Testing Release)

If you find problems like bugs, errors, SS doesn't load, I forgot the EXE ... ya know, issues.. please report them here or to me over IM/email

Oh, and by the way - now would be a great time to give that Instant Uninstall a whirl on 1.0/1.1 - it really is kind of cool

Enjoy!
-Brandon

EDIT: WHOA!!! Alpha 1.1 got 76 downloads!! Excuse me while I faint! Thanks for downloading guys, I am really surprised at the amount of people trying this out!

707

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite 2008 flagged as trojan!!!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 08, 2008, 12:03 AM »

SiteAdvisor flags SnapSuite 2008 as trojan! - RANT/LONG STORY AHEAD

Alright, I was sending a PM to mouser about the FTP acting up again- I closed down Core FTP and tried again to get Dreamweaver to upload the home page for the MazeCraze site - and it worked. I got mad because at this point I have a PM that I spent 15 minutes working on and it is pointless now. But oh well, that's life.

Continuing on, I was checking the home page to make sure the changes were there - and I noticed that SiteAdvisor was RED. "Red?!?! Why???" were the words going through my mind. As far as I know I am the only user of *.dcisv.com...

Apparantly, SnapSuite 2008 2.4 is a "trojan". OOOOhhhh!! THAT'S WHY! At this point I am steaming mad, because it completely insults me when someone calls me a virus writer or says something I make is spyware/etc. FYI: I did look into and attempt it a while back, but it is not satisfying at all, and is more of a pain than being productive and helping someone. All the code I made for those has been formatted over and destroyed, and no one has any copies of it.

About 45 seconds later, I posted a comment on the Dcisv.com SA page under the comments - and headed to send an email to the McAfee "team". I managed to make a somewhat logical email without too much anger; after about 5 re-writes, that is. Here it is:

Spoiler

At the domain http://dcisv.com/ there is a false positive trojan of "SnapSuite 2008 2.4 Stable (SnapSuite 2008.exe)"

I am the developer of this software and am both puzzled and somewhat insulted by this. My programs are clean of any "badware" and a large portion of that program is actually made to speed up computers and help remove such software. I would be happy to provide raw files (no installer) and/or source code (VB .NET 2008) if needed, in order to show that this is a clean file. My program installers are compiled with Inno Setup, and install only the program's required files, along with optional desktop and start menu shortcuts.

Please do note that the program includes several freeware third party programs to assist the application when performing maintenance operations on a computer. They are as folows: Steven Gould's "CleanUp!", IObit "Advanced WindowsCare V2 Personal" (portable edition), "JkDefrag", "NTREGOPT". All of the aforementioned programs are clean as well and I do have permission from the developers themselves to distribute the programs. The program also includes a compiled AutoHotkey script, programmed by me. I can supply the source code for that as well if needed.

Also, the program can be found at http://mazecraze.dcmembers.com/ - these files are identical. I own the subdomains "mazecraze.dcisv.com" and "mazecraze.dcmembers.com" - they are hosted via FTP. I do not own the servers they are hosted on, but can supply the information as to whom owns them if that data is needed as well.

Thank you,
-Brandon Seal

(Yes, blame me because I said I "own" the subdomains - but I didn't feel like explaining it all, so saying that is just easier and less confusing. I do sincerely thank Mouser for giving me web space (EDIT: and helping me with it!))

I fully intend on continuing to keep in "contact" with McAfee until this is resolved, including making some angry phone calls. This stuff gets me completely flaming ... mad.

Here is the link to the report... http://www.siteadvis.../downloads/14327440/
(I will NEVER make any harmful software unless it is for PERSONAL use and it will NEVER be distributed to anyone)
If anyone would like raw files or source code to confirm this (VB .NET 2008) I am happy to send it to you. I felt obligated to make this post because I do not want anyone here at DC to doubt my programs, or more importantly, my word.

Thanks for reading my rant guys, I feel better now
-Brandon M. Seal

708

Living Room / Re: Simply Google

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 07, 2008, 01:18 AM »

It'd be more like DonationCoder and less like teh kidz chattin it up wit a/s/l and lolzors.

-allen (June 30, 2008, 09:42 PM)

Sum of "teh kidz" that uzin teh "Instant Messangerz" and "MahSpace" also know how to search properly using Google/Yahoo/AOL search/YourSearchEngineHere, ya know

"Im in ur google searching ur history and checking wat ur asl is, lolz0rz!!1!!eleven!" (I had to say that)

Example: http://www.google.co....com&btnG=Search

Top entry was exactly what I was searching for - found it in about 30 seconds and 3 search term changes (its my DC profile)

-Brandon (just here defending the teens )

709

General Software Discussion / Re: Does it make sense to disable the windows swap file?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 06, 2008, 11:15 PM »

Does it make sense to disable the windows swap file?
Will I get a speed improvement with this?

-masu (July 06, 2008, 06:20 AM)

In my experiences, if you have 2GB of RAM you should be fine. If your playing Crysis on that 2GB of RAM, your screwed (personal experience)
(BTW, on Vista I have never gotten a "low memory" error message, but AERO will disable itself until next reboot... a pain IMO)

You probably can't expect to run a couple of vmware OSes, photoshop, premiere, visual studio, folding@home, firefox2-after-12-hours and a 3D shooter at the same time with 2 gigs of ram and no paging file...

-f0dder (July 06, 2008, 09:05 PM)

EDIT: Photoshop, VS, D2OL (similar to F@H), FF3 after 24+ hours no closing, and Sauerbraten... no PF. Hehehe.

710

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite/MazeCraze development paused for a week (approx)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 06, 2008, 05:08 AM »

Falling backwards, I have begun to lag behind on working on just about everything while making a dual boot Vista/Xubuntu system (for the third time, and I am sticking to it this time - I swear )

I have 5 levels almost complete on Maze Craze, SnapSuite has some minor upgrades but I am having issues with some new additions so that has been put off. That, and some funky stuff on the FTP is keeping me from uploading anything (if I had anything to upload). So its a pause for a bit.

I will have something soon, though!

-Brandon

711

Living Room / Re: Firefox 3 annoyance: Keying-in disabled in file upload control

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 04, 2008, 08:11 PM »

I have been getting annoyed by this new change as well. I upload stuff to MediaFire.com often and the first time I tried to enter (paste) a file path into the text field w/FF3, it gave me a file dialog box. I thought it was a problem on the MediaFire site.

I don't mind most things that may give a little bump to security, but if your going to do that then make the textboxes that the browser "blocks" into buttons or something... that's like baiting a fish. Except here, I am the fish. And its pissing me off!

712

Living Room / Re: Switching to Linux; how do you not flop back to the world of Windows??

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 02, 2008, 07:06 PM »

I am actually doing a dual boot system right now from Vista to Xubuntu, and am doing the same on my dad's HP desktop. I actually got the wireless working 15 minutes ago and literally did a dance because it took me 4 hours to figure it out. Worth it though!

I chose Xubuntu over normal Ubuntu because it is supposed to be faster and more "clutter-free". I want linux for quick tasks - Vista handles my eye-candy fetish quite well

And I don't want to totally ditch Windows (unless ALL my games work in Wine, and then I will have to look out the window and watch the pigs fly by). Windows is great, and I like working on it, but Linux is looking to be a more reliable alternative every day. Hence I am "pushing" myself into this new world.

I will look at those links and take any advice I can get. I will go through the mentioned programs in the package manager/WWW and see what works for me. Thanks for all the info/thoughts, it all helps.

713

Living Room / Switching to Linux; how do you not flop back to the world of Windows??

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 02, 2008, 05:34 AM »

OK, I will admit - I love Windows. I can work with it, I know how to manipulate it, and I have reinstalled it more times than I can count.

I have Xubuntu. I had to format over it for an extension of my Windows partition (it was physically in the way, so... yea). I am now using an old 20GB Western Digital IDE drive, and everything is going well (except my X-Fi drivers, but whatever, I have onboard sound).

My problem is - while I like how Xubuntu works, I like the idea of open source and "freedom" software, and how you can get more done with less "Gah what is wrong with this thing *smash computer case*". But Windows has all the games, and all the software that I use. All my settings. I program on Windows - I cant even figure out how to debug a program WITHOUT CODE on this! No code, just a basic GUI with 2 buttons!

I am more than happy to go through a somewhat steep learning curve; I would eventually like to be able to walk up to any computer running *Ubuntu and, just as on Windows, say "Oh yes you just do this *two keypresses and a mouse click* there!" And I can, provided I don't have to go _too_ far into the Terminal (I had to go into super user mode earlier because my stupid drivers made a folder read only, and the Trash wouldn't empty unless you were root!).

So I guess my question is: Linux converts, what software do you use that "replaces" what you used on Windows?

(For the record, I gave up on Compiz - it was too much of a pain in the a** to setup. Xfce is fine for me )

714

General Software Discussion / Re: Stardock doesn't treat you like a criminal!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 01, 2008, 11:33 PM »

Awesome, hope we can get something!

715

Dr.Windows / Re: how to make errors in dr.windows?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 01, 2008, 11:31 PM »

Yes, if you choose to save the file as "All Files *.*" and type something like "JokeError.cfg" it skips the renaming part of the process...

716

Developer's Corner / Re: Programatically determining your IP Address...

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on July 01, 2008, 11:29 PM »

Thanks CodeByte! Works great

717

Dr.Windows / Re: how to make errors in dr.windows?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 30, 2008, 06:09 PM »

Make the file in Notepad (or your favorite text editor)
Save it as a .txt
Make sure Windows is set to show file extensions
Rename the file, and make it like MyError.cfg (instead of MyError.txt)
Put it in the Dr. Windows error folder
Test it with Dr. Windows
 

(Edit: I used to be a huge fan of Dr. Windows, so if you need help making the errors just post again here or PM me )

718

Developer's Corner / Re: Programatically determining your IP Address...

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 30, 2008, 02:11 AM »

Works well here

Question: Would it be possible to have it give your your IP when the form loads, instead of having to click the button? I could definitely use this program for when I host game servers behind my router, and having it show up automatically is just that much more convenient.

719

Developer's Corner / Re: Cross IM service

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 30, 2008, 02:05 AM »

AIM has an SDK if you sign up for their developer group, I have a copy of it - I think it is C#/C++ only, not sure...

I wouldn't say it is difficult, but based on my attempts, it sure isn't easy.

720

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite 2009 gets an error cleaning

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 30, 2008, 01:58 AM »

Speaking of SnapSuite 2009, I have not left that behind in the dust from that mine I slammed into... I mean, wha?

I was attempting to update my personal "SuperStart" PC program starting controller (made in AHK), when I gave it a shot in VB '08. I have yet to complete it but I was fiddling around with the options and I forgot to enable something for SnapSuite 2009 that any programmer here should slap me for.

Spoiler

Option Strict: OFF

I went "Ahhh!" and flipped it on - errors everywhere! (I expected 5 or so, but got ~20) After fixing them, the program seems just a tad "zippier". Also, the Immediate Window no longer floods with items.

If you don't know what that means, basically the development tool forces me to correct issues that may make the program "think" and "do" things other than what it is supposed to "do". This keeps everything all simple for the program, the development program, the compiler ("code-to-EXE"), and myself.

Now go forth and yell at me!

(New SnapSuite update soon, I promise )

EDIT: If you are attempting to use any of my older software and cannot download it, please visit the main website and download it from there (http://mazecraze.dcisv.com/). I am changing both the FTP folder tree setup and the website itself, as to help make the website easier to work with. Thanks!

721

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Maze Craze 3 info update, new screenshots

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 29, 2008, 10:37 PM »

Alright, I have been working on Maze Craze for about half the day and have most of the events done, so it is mainly level-making time. The first levels are small, but the higher ones will be higher in resolution (but with a limited viewing area, so watch out for enemies and mines!!).

I have added several features onto the game based on things I personally think would go well, and would be nice if other games found some way to do the same.

In-game menubar:
The bar, not seen in the screenshots above, allows you to Load, Save, Restart (current level), or Close the game with a single click. Saves are confirmed with a message for peace of mind
(NOTE: There is a bug in the loading system - a fault with Game Maker, not Maze Craze - where if you load a saved game from a previous version, the background and other level options may change back to those of a previous version)

High scores:
After every level, you are presented with a prompt to enter your name into the highscore box (provided you are one of the top 10). It serves as a confirmation that you completed the level, and might make a little competition among people...

Explosion/other effects:
This one is the "OOooohh.." factor. Provided you are on a fast enough PC, you will see nice smooth effects when you detonate a minefield (or slam into one). I am also trying to make fireworks for every level completed (WIP).

All 3 are shown below, and I have uploaded a version to the Maze Craze server BUT it is outdated now and I am not going to provide a link (if you get the link via trial and error, enjoy - no looking through my FTP though mouser! ). I really want to show everyone how it runs but I want the first test upload to be a semi-long enjoyable game, not a "wow I beat that in like 60 seconds, *yawn*" kind of thing.

Anyways, here are the pics!
-Brandon

722

Living Room / Re: U.K. growing more peculiar by the day. What's happening in your area?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 29, 2008, 02:43 PM »

Wouldn't it be more effective to just put a generic sticker on all the crap that currently has 3+ on it stating something along the lines of...

We are not responsible for your idiotic actions, regardless of how idiotic you look (or are)

Gets the point across, and less lawsuits and finger-pointing. And the guy down the street won't try to spray-paint himself a tan anymore!

723

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Maze Craze 3 screenshots, notes

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 29, 2008, 04:22 AM »

Alright, hopefully I have some old players excited - I am enjoying re-making the game myself, however difficult it may be at times to get things just right.

Changes thus far:

• There is a new control system, it isn't really explainable - you just move a bit faster and take off quicker than you would expect
• No friction yet (part of the reason for the above)
• Reduced gravity (Man-on-the-moon feel)
• All new textures
• Simple main menu
• Quick loading time
• New animations and effects!!!

Here are two preview screenshots, the first level will be slightly more complex (5-10 more wall blocks to go around) come next post. I have made all the objects/graphics myself in Photoshop CS3, so opinions are completely welcome! For those of you familiar with PS, I used drop shadows selectively on the Main Menu items but not in the gameplay itself, however I am a heavy Bevel/Emboss user. For those of you that just said "Huh?", that means that there are shadows on menu items, but the game items appear 3D. (I REALLY need to fix that ugly Finish flag... it is horrible...)

Also - I was able to count at least 7 places where you could get people to use the same PC to VS each other, dunno how 7 people would be comfort-wise but I figured I would point it out (if it can be done then I usually end up doing it just to say I did it ).

I have a working model right now but it only has the one single player level seen below - I want to add a level or two more before I release little "building block" versions.

Enough talk, more screenshots!
-Brandon

EDIT: Oh yea, for all you cheaters on 2.4 - there is no more "Stop" option for the ball. Muhahahahahaha...
EDIT 2: Also, there is no health and a better anti-cheat system. Now, if you leave the room area, it places you back at the point you spawned at, but does NOT restart the whole level (so enemies and other items continue as-is).

724

Find And Run Robot / Re: A tip about creating your own "C:\ProgramFiles" directory vs "C:\Program Files"

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 29, 2008, 02:12 AM »

If I have a program that doesn't include an installer and I am confident that I am going to keep it and continue using it (so it isn't a "Oh that's that one thing I used that one time... *Delete*" kind of program) then I just make an installer for it myself via Inno Setup. It is time consuming but then I move my self-made setup files to my backup drive, and it works wonders on reformats...

725

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Maze Craze 3 Announcement!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on June 28, 2008, 11:04 PM »

As you may have noticed from my updated forum sig, Maze Craze 3.0 is under alpha development. Alpha you wonder? Why alpha? Well, I have decided to re-do the entire game, all new levels, all new models, and (hopefully) improved gameplay and better performance. And this time someone might actually be capable of completing the game (I have still been unable to do so!)

Unfortunately, the game is still 2D, top down - however Walt is still working on 3D models so maybe... but not this release, that's for sure.

I have already done several new models in Photoshop (using my 1337 skillz! ) and I can change graphics easily now instead of asking Walt to do everything and sending it over to me at 2kbps. (I don't mind "kicking it old school", but that is too far)

Anyways, I am preparing a teaser version of the game and hope to have it ready in a day or two. Also planned for this release - 4 player "Madness Mode" (single PC still, but nonetheless!).

ETA: November/December 2008

-Brandon

NOTE: I may include Maze Craze 3 as part of SnapSuite 2009, or as a separate installable program - I am currently undecided