Recent Posts

7476

Unfinished Requests / Re: IDEA - On task termination perform an action

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 03:38 PM »

Yeah, I had a look after posting and downloaded SmartGui.

Trouble is I'm not sure how to design an interface and then incorporate your code to actually do the jobs.

I suppose ideally what I was thinking of was to create a config interface to generate the ini file, rather than editing the ini directly.

If you can give me some hint how to bind the two bits together to acheive this I don't mind having a stab at it ...

7477

Living Room / Re: Free VersionTracker ?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 01:43 PM »

Hmmm .. the software looks nice. Shame the special offer has ended but at full price it is too much to contemplate really.

7478

Living Room / Re: Free VersionTracker ?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 12:56 PM »

A simple approach is to use on the download page for your chosen software with ChangeDetection. You get an email every time the page is updated so (in theory) you should be informed when updates are announced.

Might be a bit hit and miss if the site has loads of things listed on the same page ...

See http://www.changedet...ion.com/monitor.html for details.

7479

Unfinished Requests / Re: IDEA - On task termination perform an action

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 12:13 PM »

Thanks - I had looked at it before and forgotten!!

Yes that does do the job.

Not a criticism (more a question) but is there anyway in AHK to design a user interface. Some of your tools are really useful but they would be much more user friendly with a front end rather than having to edit an ini file?

I haven't looked at AHK much yet but if there are facilities for front end design I wouldn't mind helping on some of these tasks.

7480

Finished Programs / Re: IDEA - almost DONE: move around windows with keys + EXTRA FEATURE

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 10:53 AM »

This version seems to be a bit quicker. But you may want to see if you could increase the step size the longer the key is held - that would really make it customizable 

Skrommel - any idea how to do that?

;move active window around with ctrl+Windows+l/r/up/down
; move active window xx pixels right
^#right::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A   ; get coordinates of the active window
   x += 30           ; add this distance to the x coordinate
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%  ; make the active window use the new coordinates
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%, 0
   return              ; finish

; move active window xx pixels left
^#left::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A
   x -= 30
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%, 0
   return

; move active window xx pixels up
^#Up::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A
   y -= 30
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%, 0
   return

; move active window xx pixels down
^#Down::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A
   y += 30
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%, 0
   return

7481

Finished Programs / Re: IDEA - almost DONE: move around windows with keys + EXTRA FEATURE

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 10:00 AM »

You use MouseGetPos and MouseMove in each secition to acheive your goal? You also need to add a condition to stop the window disappearing off the screen area too (unless that's what you want).

I have changed it to Control+Windows+arrow so that you don't lose access to the Windows key.

;move active window around with Ctrl+Windows+l/r/up/down
; move active window xx pixels right
^#right::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A   ; get coordinates of the active window
   x += 30           ; add this distance to the x coordinate
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%  ; make the active window use the new coordinates
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%
   return              ; finish

; move active window xx pixels left
^#left::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A
   x -= 30
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%
   return

; move active window xx pixels up
^#Up::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A
   y -= 30
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%
   return

; move active window xx pixels down
^#Down::
   wingetpos x, y,,, A
   y += 30
   mousegetpos, mx, my
   winmove, A,,%x%, %y%
   mousemove, %mx%, %my%
   return

7482

Unfinished Requests / Re: IDEA - On task termination perform an action

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 09:55 AM »

That's what my final comment was about.

It would be nice to be able to terminate specific tasks on certain conditions (one being that it has been idle for a period of time) and then respond to that termination in a predefined way.

7483

General Software Discussion / Re: Macro programs - advice sought...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 09:53 AM »

Another (not cheap) alternative is MacroWorks Advanced Scripting Edition. This has full "Visual Basic for Applications" compatible scripting support.

See http://www.pitrinec.com for details

7484

Living Room / Re: Help! - serious weirdness

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 09:40 AM »

How long have you had the two memory cards?

There were documented issues with MSI boards in the early days of DDR memory (sorry I am out of touch more recently) where mixing boards from different manufacturers were known to cause this sort of problem. The official solution was to purchase two cards at the same time and specify to the supplier that you want a matched pair. I'm not sure how this affected other motherboard board manufacturers but as rule it has been suggested that if you want more than one memory card that you have same size, same make, same chipset (some manufacturers vary from batch to batch), and preferably same batch.

I also notice that the cards are of different sizes (256Mb and 512Mb) - again this may well point to the problem area. Definitely try placing the 512Mb in slot 1. The two boards will have different power demands.

The other thing to note is that the two manufacturers support different modes of operation Look at "Early RAS# Precharge" for both cards in your Everest listing. If you look in your BIOS memory setting during startup (usually press DEL at the first screen when the system is switched on) you should find a setting for this. Make sure it is set to off.

As a first step I would suggest unplugging both cards and then inserting them one at a time - test your system and see if you encounter problems.

If the systems runs stable with each card in place on its own try again with both plugged in. If you then encounter problems it is more than likely caused by incompatibilities between the RAM cards.

As Mouser suggested it is probably worth trying the cards in different positions.

Try using slots 1 and 2 only, and swap the board order (Mircon card in 1st position, then try again with Kingston in position 1). Sometimes you can get odd clock effects that can generate instability.

If all else fails I'd suggest pulling out one card - just leave the Kingston Card.

Are you doing anything that desperately needs more than 512Mb? If not you probably won't see any speed improvement adding an extra 256Mb anyway. If you are doing memory intensive processing (large photos in PhotoShop or Video file processing) you probably need to consider more memory anyway.

If you can't get the current chipsets working happily together and want more memory try giving Kingston a ring and buying a second card direct from them. They may well have an upgrade solution. IIRC their boards carry a lifetime warranty, so if you need to add extra boards they may well be prepared to do a swap to ensure that you have matched boards.

7485

Living Room / Re: scrubbing downloaded utilities

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 06:43 AM »

OK Here goes ...

Let's say someone say 'You should use TWADDLE its a great utility to ...'

If I know and trust the person I may skip some of these steps but if I don't know them and have never heard of twaddle ...

1)

Read user reviews - if there aren't any I am already suspicious

Go to the download site for TWADDLE and see if any reviews are given by users (not the developer's blurb)

See if it is downloadable anywhere else (Google "TWADDLE download") and see if reviews are posted elsewhere

Do a google search on the app name + Review

Look for specific reviews Google "TWADDLE review", you could also try looking for the type of software to see if there are other more favoured alternatives.

I find it is often useful to do this initial trawl as it not only gives a general impression of user response to the software but helps you to identify the current version. There are often multiplte versions out there and not all download sites are efficient at ensuring you get the latest version.

2)

Do a google search on app name + Spyware/AdWare/Malware etc.

See if there are any known issue with the software Google "TWADLLE spyware" for example will turn up references on sites relating to anti-spyware products. If you don't turn up specific problems then you are unlikely to encounter spyware problems (but it isn't guarnateed).

3)

Download the software and virus scan

Download to your hard disc and run your virus scanner to check it. I use NOD32 anti virus, so I just right click on the download and hit the appropriate link to virus check it. You can also use download managers (such as GetRight) that can be linked to your antivirus program so that all downloaded files are scanned automatically.

4)

Unpack the archive/installer and virus scan again

Most downloads come insome sort of compressed format (such as Zip files). Many of these can simply be unpacked to a folder on your hard disc. If so do this and virus scan the folder agin (sometimes files in archives can be missed by virus scanners before they are unpacked)

5)

Use SpySweeper to check the unpacked folder contents

I use SpySweeper to detect spyware etc. so I run a quick scan on just that folder to see if there are any recongnised files (such as DLL files) which may cause a problem. If something turns up I investigate what the problem file is (usually using Google). Often they are simply common library files which are of no threat in themselves but over zealous anti spyware programmes flag them up as problems (I found CounterSpy was esp. bad at this sort of false positive).

6)

Set a system restore point

You can do this in Windows XP (and Windows ME if you are still daft enough to use this). This simply takes a snapshot of important system files and registry settings so that if something goes wrong you can restore the system to its previous setting. To do this (on WinXP) go to Start>Accessories?System Tools>System Restore.

7)

Install app but don't run it

Run virus & spyware check on installation folder, memory and registry

If you are still happy run the installer application but don't run the programme when installation has finished. Some files may have been packed in password protected archives within the installer package and therefore couldn't be checked by you AV software. Run you antivirus software and antispyware on at least the installation folder (usually c:>program files>TWADDLE or similar) and also on C:\Windows.

Only if it is still clean do I run the app.

If it unexpectedly asks to connect to the internet I check to see if there as automatic update and switch it off. If it still wants to connect to the internet for no good reason than I block it . Anything odd starts to happen it is uninstalled and the system restore point applied.  Am I paranoid? Probably - but it takes a hell of a lot of hours to sort out a screwed up system ....

Don't forget some software will NEED to connect to the internet - but whether TWADDLE needs to is a matter of judgement, and to a certain extent trust at this point.


Now go and have a strong drink and take a couple of the little pink pills ...

7486

Unfinished Requests / Re: IDEA - On task termination perform an action

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 05:42 AM »

That's pretty much my experience of PowerPro. Yes I have seen it, yes it is currently installed, no it isn't currently being used.

Trouble is it is just too damn complicated to make use of. I have a very short attention span and every time I think "I'll have another go at PowerPro" it holds my attention for about half an hour and then I want to throw something at it.

Oh well, maybe "I'll have another go at PowerPro" 

7487

Living Room / Re: Help! - serious weirdness

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 20, 2005, 05:05 AM »

I'm not sure about testing memory 'in the hand' so to speak - just be careful you don't kill it by letting static electricity affect it!

There are loads of good soak test memory routines that you can run when the chip is installed.

Here is one http://hcidesign.com/memtest/ and another http://www.memtest86.com/

I haven't used one for ages so I'm not sure which testing software is best these days, but memtest86 runs from a bootable CD or floppy which means you can test memory without loading windows (or linux) and so you can test more of the installed memory.

There are a lot of links at http://www.google.co...&q=memory%20test

I have had a similar problem with my system which I have never been able to sort out. I bought 2 x 512Mb DDR memory when I built the system, and everything seems to work fine but then I start getting odd errors (random reboots, blue screens). I have soak tested the memory for days - even had it replaced under guarantee by the manufacturer - but I still can't my system to run 100% consistently with 2 cards installed. I suspect it is a timing issue. In then end I gave up and just use one card!

7488

Unfinished Requests / IDEA - On task termination perform an action

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 07:41 PM »

How about a utility that would allow a specified command line or application to be run when a process exits, or drops to 0% CPU usage for more than x minutes?

I'm thinking of using shutdown.exe primarily, but it would be really good if it were more generic, and perhaps allow simple batch processing for apps that don't have batch options, or sequencing of processing (eg. convert video data, on exit run ISO builder, on exit burn to DVD, on exit shutdown).

Not sure if this is a coding snack or something to be added to an existing project?

7489

Living Room / Re: Help! - serious weirdness

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 07:02 PM »

I have come across this sort of behaviour before and found it was video driver issues. It could be something has corrupted so try installing the latest video and sound drivers for a start.

7490

General Software Discussion / Re: Real, QuickTime, WMP

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 02:37 PM »

I'm going to have to disagree about QuickTime and RealPlayer being that bad.

Years ago, I would have agreed that RealPlayer was total crap. However, Real One has a much better interface than QuickTime, but both applications are a bit misunderstood by 99.9% or more of everyone out there.

-Renegade (September 19, 2005, 06:54 AM)

Hmmm ... and whose fault is that .....

7491

Living Room / Re: calling all creative game inventing type people.. READ IN

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 02:20 PM »

If people don't know what Sudoku is here is an easy puzzle for you to try:

http://www.lairdswoo...m/SuDoku/sudoku.html

You need to ensure that every number from 1 to 9 is in every row and column, and also in each of the 9 larger squares.

You may find it easier to print out the grid !

(PS This is a Java applet so you will need to have Java enabled in your browser)

Note on using it onscreen. Pressing SPACE clears a square, pressing a number tries to enter a number into a square. Only numbers that can logically fit will be allowed - so if there is already a 1 in the row/column/large square you cannot put another 1. You can still enter an incorrect number though, just not an inconsistent number with the current state of the grid.

If you can't see the JAVA here is the grid

7492

Living Room / Re: Fresh Perspectives on Insanity

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 10:17 AM »

Hey I really like Craziest ... thanks for pointing it out.

I know some scrabble nuts who will be getting emails ;-)

Have you looked at http://www.vidlit.com/orthodox/index.php  .... now I want to see the play - but NY is a bit expensive for a night out 

7493

General Software Discussion / Re: Would you pay for WinZip?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 09:55 AM »

Will I continue to do it blindly through the years?  No.  Gonna see what, if anything, comes from this new policy in the way of new and cool things with the application...

The only concern is how much better can Winzip get - is there anything that I feel is lacking. 

I may be alone on this one as most here seem to gravitate towards freeware and my feeling is use the best software to get the job done  - even if its commercial.

-Veign (September 19, 2005, 09:44 AM)

I bought WinZip (and the EXE generator) but there has been very little development really in the last few years, certainly not worth an annual subscription. Given that WinZip was sold as "buy now - free updates for ever" I wonder how legal the new policy is anyway?

I also bought WinRAR and now tend to use that for everything (though I still have both installed on my system).

Personally I am happy to see commercial software thrive (just as I like to see free-, share-, donation-ware products out there too) but I think companies have to be realistic. When there are a plethora of companies putting out free, cheaper and better rival products it just seems plain stupid to me to start charging a subscription !!

I think GetRight have had a good policy over the years - buy once, free updates ... if you have been using it for ages consider an occasional donation to show your ongoing appreciation. I don't know how many do this but I have ...

7494

General Software Discussion / Re: Child board set up for discounts and deals found on the web

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 09:46 AM »

I have had nothing but good experiences buying and selling (just a few time) via eBay. You just have to be sensible about who you do business with and what you buy. I am always wary of people selling DVDs and CDs because there is so much pirated stuff for sale, but there are also lots of reputable individuals and businesses.

I don't know about other parts of the world but PayPal in Europe now is a regulated financial company - which certainly makes it feel a good deal more secure.

Looks like eBay sellers are going to get a shock though. If you are in the UK see "Ebay: Money for Old Rope. BBC2. 19th September , 10pm. Could the internet auction site be under threat from the taxman?" or have a look at http://www.thisismon..._page_id=77&ct=5



Heck I have even met a few people via eBay (through personal deliveries and collections).

7495

General Software Discussion / Re: Would you pay for WinZip?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 09:31 AM »

am i the only one who has a warm place in their heart for winzip?
i mean historically, were they not the first to get the archive interface down right ? (ie right click unzipping into separate folders, explore zip files like directories,etc.) and one of the first companies to say that even after the expiration time of the shareware it would still run?

-mouser (September 19, 2005, 08:04 AM)

No you aren't alone - but unfortunately to good guys have sold out to idiots ... their funeral 

7496

General Software Discussion / Re: HMonitor ... a warning ...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 07:30 AM »

But if someone won't upgrade a point release, bugger it - I'm outta there. 

-Renegade (September 19, 2005, 07:24 AM)

That was the big frustration - Ididn't even want the upgrade as I haven't changed my hardware. I just wanted to reinstall the version I paid for, however when you reinstall windows his keys won't work in the new install and he refuses to issue a new key without paying for an upgrade.

I actually think what he is doing is nothing short of theft - but life is too short and since there is a better free tool out there I just hope no one will be stupid enough to buy software from him.

I have posted a few reviews around the web pointing this problem out but life is too short to go to all the download boards ...

7497

Living Room / Re: scrubbing downloaded utilities

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 19, 2005, 05:18 AM »

I think I pretty much covered what I usually do. I too have used virtual PCs (trail versions of VMWare and the MS product) but don't really feel I can justify the costs.

Another possibility is to have a parallel installation (i.e. a separate partition with another version of Windows installed). I have four such partitions each with Windows XP. These partitions are specific to kinds of taks:

1) General Office + messing about type stuff (used mostly)
2) Audio + Video
3) Graphics
4) Development

4 is more wishful thinking at the mo but 2/3 allow me to run software without extra baggage (even Virus/Firewall as I don't have internet connections active).

I used to use 4 as a 'testbed' partition where I could play with new software. I always kept an image file, and after testing restored it so I always had a clean installation.

Nowadays I usually try things out on my general installation and follow the procedure I described above (more or less depending on the title, author, recommendation). So far I have avoided any serious nasties, or caught them before they got into my system.

I also have TotalUninstall, though I do find there is a lot of editing to do before it can be used totally effectively - it catches too many other actions in the registry that are unrelated to the installer to be useful straight out of the box. In the past I have also tried Ashampoo Unistaller - which is OK but I found it a bit irritating.

7498

UrlSnooper / Re: Any clues ...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 18, 2005, 07:19 AM »

Thanks Mouser.

I have just tried SDP DOwnload 2 and it is really neat. Much easier to use than GetASFSetream and it is free.

See http://sdp.ppona.com/ for details and download link.

7499

UrlSnooper / Re: Any clues ...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 18, 2005, 06:55 AM »

Yes I tried that link - but the link for the one they consider best (WM Recorder) seems to be broken? I just get 'connection refused' so it could be an ISP thing I suppose.

I am just going to try SDP Downloader. Have you given any of the other free apps a go?

7500

Living Room / Re: OK - lets het to know each other a bit ... where do we all come from ...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on September 18, 2005, 06:49 AM »

How about adding a footnote to the rogues gallery page so everyone can give the info if they wish?

You could always gather stats with a poll (it must be easy to download a countries list from somewhere on the web)