Recent Posts

8176

General Software Discussion / Re: 10 things to do after installing Linux

« Last post by tomos on October 21, 2009, 04:31 AM »

I'm wondering -
if I were to install Linux-(or whatever) on a machine and back up any important data &/or keep it on a separate partition:-
Can I do regular image-backups of the OS so that if something goes wrong I can just restore the last functional version of the OS?

That way I wouldnt have to try figure out how to fix "a python backtrace when one of the thousand front-ends coded in it inevitably goes bottom-up, for example".

8177

General Software Discussion / Re: File Managers! Windows Explorer replacement! Come one, come all...

« Last post by tomos on October 20, 2009, 05:37 PM »

There is little reason that software should be treated differently than other commodities (unless you want to get into the open source and FOSS debates  ) DOpus is, if not the most expensive, among the most expensive of its kind. Whether the feature set justifies it and sets it apart from others of its kind is only up to each individual user.

-rgdot (October 20, 2009, 05:10 PM)

well said

I think cost-wise that XYplorer at current lifetime licence for $44.95US is very worth snapping up. I do miss some things from DOpus (didnt upgrade to version 9, bought XY instead) but I suspect I'd also miss things if I was migrating the other direction. XY is much more affordable and being developed very actively.
If I had the money though, I'd buy both

8178

Living Room / Re: Best Laptop Input Device?

« Last post by tomos on October 20, 2009, 01:52 PM »

or have you seen in the 'Announce your product' section:
A free laptop mouse replacement software.

disclaimer: I havent tried it, it is free (at the moment at any rate).

8179

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: BoomerApp.com - New Software Rebates Website from BitsDuJour

« Last post by tomos on October 20, 2009, 12:44 PM »

This wont help you much Patteo in Australia but is good news for european customers:

For selected (mainly European) countries you will be paid in your local currency using using electronic funds transfer or bank transfer, these countries are as follows:

http://www.boomerapp.com/about/#rb2
-
with a bank transfer the bank charges are only a few pence

8180

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: BoomerApp.com - New Software Rebates Website from BitsDuJour

« Last post by tomos on October 20, 2009, 06:27 AM »

Update:

I just read that for certain countries (in their FAQ) , the check will be sent in the local currency. But do note that if again the check is drawn on a US bank, the back and forth thing between your local bank and the US Bank continue to apply and that means the bank commission charges.

Do correct me if I'm wrong.

-patteo (October 20, 2009, 03:26 AM)

for the record/example:
in Germany, cashing a foreign cheque in the same currency (I mean cashing a cheque from another EU country; cheque drawn in € euro) costs 11 euros [in my bank]

edited to clarify 'foreign'

8181

General Software Discussion / Re: Getting rid of "Google Goo"

« Last post by tomos on October 19, 2009, 03:13 PM »

I am using this Greasemonkey userscript to get rid of Google tracking ...

-sri (October 14, 2009, 10:34 PM)

- to my understanding this script is for google.com only? I believe Google default is any local "domain", giving different surnames all over the world - around here: .dk

-Curt (October 19, 2009, 01:07 PM)

I notice sometimes that google.com redirects to wherever you are (.dk .de .ie etc) and sometimes it doesnt - not sure does this depend on settings or have they changed the 'procedure'.
Can be challenging if you dont speak the local language...

8182

General Software Discussion / Re: Best password manager?

« Last post by tomos on October 19, 2009, 03:10 PM »

Best password manager is your brain. Don't leave it to an app. You might end up being left when you completely forgot your passwords yourself.

-Tuxman (October 19, 2009, 02:11 PM)

the only password I'm sure of is the one that gets me into roboform

8183

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: BoomerApp.com - New Software Rebates Website from BitsDuJour

« Last post by tomos on October 19, 2009, 12:15 PM »

It all works with mail-in rebates. You pay the retail price up-front, and then print out the special rebate form. After you've posted it to one of our worldwide locations we'll send you your payment within two business days.

-iconico (October 18, 2009, 11:07 PM)

does that "worldwide" mean that this software can be bought from any country in the world?

The rebate deals only last one week so you'll need to act fast to make the most of them.

-iconico (October 18, 2009, 11:07 PM)

hopefully the postal service is good

8184

General Software Discussion / Re: My text file manipulation needs

« Last post by tomos on October 15, 2009, 02:59 PM »

[...]  in which language you will write and what I will be expected to pay??

-forkinpm (October 15, 2009, 01:14 PM)

Hi forkinpm
I hope Skwire wont mind me commenting:
you could have a look in the 'Post new requests'/'Coding snacks' board to get an idea of how the process might work
e.g. this thread:-
https://www.donation...ex.php?topic=19770.0

Autohotkey (AHK) is most often used to create scripts/programmes. It's portable, you can run a 'script' using AHK; or an .exe file can be made from the script - again that is portable too (the .exe file runs the programme as opposed to installing anything).

This site normally works on the idea of donations - if you use/like a programme or get something custom 'made' the idea is that you donate to the author. This is done by first donating via the last link on the right top of page. You get one credit per dollar donated. These are in your 'account' here. You can then donate 'credits' to the author via the $ icon under his/her avatar on the left. Anyone can cash in their credits.
As to amount - that's more delicate -  - I guess that depends on how much you can afford, how much work is done; how much worth something has... you could also donate to the site if you wanted. There's more info at that donate link.

Hope that helps

8185

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Cancel :P

« Last post by tomos on October 14, 2009, 05:21 PM »

I found one that does almost everything...

-KiTTy (October 14, 2009, 04:11 AM)

tell us

8186

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

« Last post by tomos on October 14, 2009, 10:16 AM »

If the competition wasn't fierce, now Evince, the default PDF viewer in the GNOME desktop environment also has a Windows version.

-Lashiec (October 14, 2009, 09:56 AM)

sounds interesting

Supported Document Formats Evince is specifically designed to support the file following formats.     * PDF     * Postscript     * djvu     * tiff     * dvi

8187

Living Room / Re: Scientists say: Alcohol DOES make people more attractive

« Last post by tomos on October 14, 2009, 01:52 AM »

[...] marriage-a-wanna [...]

-MilesAhead (October 13, 2009, 03:56 PM)

I dont usually get my laugh-of-the-day so early (8.50am here) but I reckon that's it -
thanks Miles

8188

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows vs. Mac: I'm starting to change.

« Last post by tomos on October 14, 2009, 01:50 AM »

Well, some random comments:
I LOVE the Apple multi-touch touchpad.  It is awesome.  You know what would be a cool idea?  I large pad on your desk to replace a mouse if you wanted.  You use your fingers to move around and do stuff with multi-touch commands and so forth.  That would be something really cool.  but it would have to be a decent size, maybe the size of paper (8.5x11").  I dig that.

-superboyac (October 13, 2009, 06:13 PM)

Have you seen this thread 10/GUI - new ideas for the desktop using multi-touch touch-pad/small screen

8189

General Software Discussion / Re: 10/GUI

« Last post by tomos on October 13, 2009, 09:28 AM »

okay, at the very end of the video they showed a keyboard with their 'touch interface' in front of it like a large touchpad - also not very user friendly (I have to admit I stopped the vid before it was quite finished - the music was doing my head in)


[edit]  ooups! just saw this

Did they talk about where the keyboard would go though? If their 'touch interface' goes where the keyboard normally would - it would have to double as a keyboard too?

-tomos (October 13, 2009, 09:20 AM)

Yes, they show it near the end of the video. Think about a laptop keyboard, with an oversized trackpad.

-Mark0 (October 13, 2009, 09:24 AM)

8190

General Software Discussion / Re: 10/GUI

« Last post by tomos on October 13, 2009, 09:20 AM »

Looks very interesting,
I thought when they started talking about linear organisation of windows that they would be stacked something like this:
http://smarthistory.org/



(which could fit in well with their ideas)

Did they talk about where the keyboard would go though? If their 'touch interface' goes where the keyboard normally would - it would have to double as a keyboard too?

Another thing that I would miss would be the ability to have say two windows one side of the screen and one on the other - but neatly filling the screen - a la GridMove. This hasnt really been considered I think.

Still, some great ideas there.

8191

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows vs. Mac: I'm starting to change.

« Last post by tomos on October 12, 2009, 03:40 PM »

I am a PC

-Darwin (October 12, 2009, 03:20 PM)

Darwin makes his computer orientation clear (with apologies - or maybe it was meant that way!)

8192

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows vs. Mac: I'm starting to change.

« Last post by tomos on October 12, 2009, 02:21 PM »

(Now now) Think Different ... Losing all your files is just a golden opportunity to start with fresh ideas.

-Stoic Joker (October 12, 2009, 02:18 PM)

lol

8193

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows vs. Mac: I'm starting to change.

« Last post by tomos on October 12, 2009, 01:12 PM »

OS X crashes just as much as Windows. There are just as many mysterious, "unfixable" problems on a Mac as there are on a Windows PC. If you want to switch because you like the way the OS works on a Mac better then great. Go forth and enjoy it. If you want to switch because you want a more reliable computer you may be disappointed.

-Innuendo (October 12, 2009, 11:44 AM)

Amen.  I've had veritable *nightmares* using the Mac with problems.  Not that I haven't had them on Windows, but just goes to show that they are computers, and computers have problems at times.

-wraith808 (October 12, 2009, 12:09 PM)

Dont mean to be cruel to any mac fans but I'm reassured to hear that.

Just 2 cents to spice things up  :
http://www.itwire.co...ntent/view/28388/53/

-fenixproductions (October 12, 2009, 12:54 PM)

now that's scary . . losing all your data

8194

What's the Best? / Re: What's the best Journal (Diary) software?

« Last post by tomos on October 12, 2009, 08:30 AM »

I believe your posts here have been removed before & they will surely be removed again unless you announce your affiliation in each post where you recommend your software.

-tomos (October 12, 2009, 07:18 AM)

@tomos
Sorry and thank you, didn't know that announcing the affiliation is necessary in this thread as well.
After all, most posters here do not do it.

-journalist (October 12, 2009, 08:01 AM)

Thanks for adding that
Most posters here are not recommending their own software.
If you make a post recommending your own product (or one you are affiliated with) it is necessary to state your affiliation. If you see another post that does not do this* you can use the 'report to moderater' link (in bottom right corner of all posts).

Otherwise you give the impression you're spamming which isn't much good for your product - not around here at any rate

* It's usually pretty obvious who's 'advertising' and, as I said above, those posts get removed fairly promptly.

[edit] I've just reported the post previous to your's above (by mioan) so that will probably be removed shortly [/edit]

8195

Living Room / Re: Tech News Weekly: Edition 41-09

« Last post by tomos on October 12, 2009, 07:21 AM »

#5 would be wonderful if it holds up -- it seems grossly unfair to me that you can't sell software 2nd hand the way you can anything else you buy outright.

-mouser (October 11, 2009, 05:12 PM)

I read once that Adobe offer a 'service' where you can transfer the licence to someone else. Dont know if that's true or not - I'm no fan of Adobe but if that's true I'd think a bit less poorly of them...

8196

What's the Best? / Re: What's the best Journal (Diary) software?

« Last post by tomos on October 12, 2009, 07:18 AM »

An easy-to-use Journal/Diary program with powerful search facilities can be found here
---------------------
Or here:
---------------------

-journalist (October 12, 2009, 01:52 AM)

@ Journalist -
I believe your posts here have been removed before & they will surely be removed again unless you announce your affiliation in each post where you recommend your [own] software [or software you are affiliated with]

edits in [brackets]

8197

General Software Discussion / Re: Volery Makes Installing Software Incredibly Simple

« Last post by tomos on October 11, 2009, 03:24 PM »

Out of curiosity, does Volery not have (or at least give you the chance to opt-out of ) any of the usual toolbar "includes" - or will they just get installed automatically along with the main programs?

-40hz (October 11, 2009, 02:42 PM)

The service installs the software with default settings and says “no” to any extra crapware (like browser toolbars) the installers might try to sneak in.

-app103 (October 06, 2009, 02:37 PM)

8198

General Software Discussion / Re: Basic Question on Photo Tagging

« Last post by tomos on October 10, 2009, 03:02 PM »

I downloaded Exifer's successor Geosetter seeing as it's being updated and it seems to work similar to how tsaint described exifer above (with added options re GPS data which can be easily ignored).

With GeoSetter you can tag an image with Category, Supplemental Categories & Keywords
I've never tagged images before so I'm wondering, could I also use the keywords to describe the quality of the image e.g.
People | Family/Occasion/etc. | Person's Name/[RATING]
could even give it a rating e.g. 1 to 5.

Idea being I can later filter by image quality as well as content.
Does that sound feasible ? 

(I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse here a bit - I havent even installed software yet that can read tags maybe I should go do that now, I have an older copy of AcDsee that I think will do as much as I need)

8199

General Software Discussion / Re: Basic Question on Photo Tagging

« Last post by tomos on October 10, 2009, 11:18 AM »

Hi Lutz_,

Other programs doing this are IdImager, Studioline Photo, Helicon Photo Safe, Acdsee (I guess only the professional version), ....

-Lutz_ (December 13, 2008, 11:07 PM)

Which one, in your opinion, will work better with a "huge" collection?
Do they support nested tags and complex searches?

-zevel (October 01, 2009, 11:24 PM)

might be worth sending Lutz a PM (he probably hasnt seen your post)

FWIW the author of Exifer (that tsaint recommends above for quickly adding tags), well, he says

I can especially recommend IMatch which I've been using for about 3 years now as a database solution for organizing my images. It's not free, but it does almost everything which can be done with images - in other words, in my opinion it's absolutely worth the money!!!

but I dont know when that recommendation was made...

[edit] although I see CWuestefeld doesnt recommend it above [/edit]

8200

Find And Run Robot / Re: Aliases - Dumb Newbie Question :)

« Last post by tomos on October 09, 2009, 06:03 PM »

hah
I barely know what an alias is

Have a look at this thread
https://www.donation....msg159505#msg159505
I think it's pretty well covered there