Recent Posts

851

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 16, 2008, 08:10 PM »

@cathodera - have you tried using FF/IE to do ftp://yourwebsite.com and see how that works? Then editing and whatnot and reuploading with your FTP client? Just an idea, I am no website specialist

@ everyone - I like the 3D Cody, cool idea. Must give for it

EDIT: You could even have him collect Coins for points!!! Or setup a system "get 5 coins and proceed to location XYZ to continue".

EDIT 2: Curt, a "poly" count is the amount of vertices in the 3D object - the more there is, the more detailed the object is, but it takes more power to put it on screen and the file size increases by large amounts.

hehehe ok i think i understand why maze craze discussion is in this thread.. maze crazy 3d is going to be bundled in with SnapSuite v3 

-mouser (May 15, 2008, 12:04 PM)

Actually, it has been planned for quite a while now - for SnapSystem though, not SnapSuite (a "Games Center" or something similar is planned, but if it isn't in 09 then MC will be - 3D or not). I'm surprised someone caught onto that. Hehehe...

852

DC Gamer Club / Re: Sauerbraten Server Updates and DonationCoder map - Sauerbraten FPS fun

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 15, 2008, 12:15 AM »

Alright, the server is ready to rock. I may kick up the amount of allowed users a bit (to 8 or 10) if everything goes smoothly.

Sorry for the long downtime, but everything is back now. I will be in the server in about 30 minutes if anyone wants to edit/kill/race with me.

Game on!

853

DC Gamer Club / Re: Sauerbraten Server Updates and DonationCoder map - Sauerbraten FPS fun

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 14, 2008, 01:47 AM »

Alright, I have *finally* gotten around to rebooting the server and getting it updated. SP3 is installing now and the server, assuming all goes well, should be up and running better than ever in about 18 hours (sleep+school, then maintenance, then rebooting and confirming that all is well).

I'll keep everyone posted!

-Brandon

854

Living Room / Re: [RESOLVED] Help! My task manager is broken! :(

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 13, 2008, 08:30 PM »

Funky, never knew that. Thanks for the info and help guys!

855

Living Room / Re: Help! My task manager is broken! :(

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 13, 2008, 08:22 PM »

It worked! How did you know that? And how does Task Manager switch to that... "mode"?

856

Living Room / [RESOLVED] Help! My task manager is broken! :(

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 13, 2008, 08:18 PM »

Hi everyone,

I've had this issue before but don't remember how I fixed it, basically the Windows Task Manager still works (opens, terminates stuff, etc) but no longer shows tabs, its window border, or any menus. It is a listbox with a checkbox and a button. Useful, but not nearly as much as it usually is. I mean, I like simplicity, but really...

Does anyone know how I can "fix" Task Manager?

-Brandon

(Screenshot below)

857

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / A 3D Maze Craze may live! Thoughts?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 11, 2008, 06:51 PM »

Shifting courses back to Maze Craze here...

For christmas I wanted to give everyone at DC an update to MC as a gift, but I didn't devote the time and effort to get it done. I was working on other things and just decided to let it pass.

While I have mostly given up on making a 3D version of Maze Craze, I think it may actually be possible. A few weeks ago I ran across a 3D game maker (not to be confused with Game Maker, the last program I used) called 3D Rad. They have a _very_ limited Free version on their site, so I grabbed it and started messing around. I managed to make a 3D car driving game with a couple turns and jumps (the free version only has one straight road, so making turns can be just a tad difficult ).

So I am wondering - does anyone have an interest in a 'Maze Craze 3D'? I would love to make a 3D version, but the full version of 3D Rad is $160 (4 months savings, plus I am 9 weeks in the hole with my mom), so I don't want to start saving up all this money and end up buying it just to find out that no one would care.

If your interested, and you can spare it, can you drop me a couple DC credits? If I get a few people on board I can go ahead and start working on it (Walt, my friend in Oaklahoma, is a good 3D modeler and is fluent in Photoshop/GIMP, so I just need to obtain the software to do the work in).

Opinions? Thoughts?
-Brandon

858

General Software Discussion / Re: Vista Aero vs. Linux Compiz

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 08, 2008, 09:54 PM »

I was able to get Compiz up and running on Xubuntu 8.04 today (have to start it twice, but its worth it). In a word, it is astonishing. I am clicking options on and off and dragging my slow-mo wobbling windows through a cover-flow style alt-tab interface with reflections and shadows following along. I haven't had this much fun with an OS in a while

I think I'll be using Xubuntu a little more than Vista now

859

Living Room / Re: Questions about upgrading my Linux distro

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 08, 2008, 08:42 PM »

Just to let everyone know, I went ahead and did an ISO image and installed over the previous, and so far its running great. Much nicer interface over 7.10 as well.

Time to update!

860

Living Room / Re: TrackMania Nations Forever! w00t!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 08, 2008, 07:34 PM »

As I am sure Deozaan will agree, I can make some pretty weird tracks. Most of mine can be completed under 60 seconds, but they all take at least 10 retries- even if you know the course already. Annoying, yet fun and completely "off the wall". Like going 900MPH? How about 1000? Downhill?

Although, I do need to patch mine a bit. People can get creative when they are under time pressure about exactly HOW they make it to the finish...

861

Living Room / Re: Questions about upgrading my Linux distro

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 08, 2008, 07:03 PM »

Yea, I'm going to 8.04 from 7.10 - I started the update but then got kinda weary, so I am glad for the input. I think I'll bite the bullet and download an ISO of 8.04 and do it through the disk. That way if I have a HD crash I don't have to install and then upgrade and all that.

862

Living Room / Questions about upgrading my Linux distro

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 08, 2008, 01:57 PM »

Hey all,

Background info:

Spoiler

I run Xubuntu on a secondary partition (one drive for all my uses) and it has been acting up lately (I need to boot into the recovery console, then "continue" into the GUI for a boot). I am a total Linux idiot, so repairing it was more trouble than it is worth. Conveniently, Xubuntu presented me with an array of updates, along with an Upgrade.

I installed all the updates first, just like I do for Windows Service Packs, but since I am running a specialized version of Ubuntu, should I update through the Update Panel (not sure of the correct name) or burn a new ISO and do a different (manual) method? I don't have any data I couldn't lose on the partition (install ~10 apps and bring my songs and configuration files back, a 2 hour job) so I am just not sure what to do? Can someone guide me in the right direction?

-Brandon

863

Living Room / Re: TrackMania Nations Forever! w00t!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 08, 2008, 01:32 AM »

I found this game about a week ago - I love making stuff, so my collection of custom maps is rising quickly. I wonder just how insane you can make a track...

Anyways, if you play, add me - wreckedcarzz; its the only name I go by

864

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 07, 2008, 10:19 PM »

I have been kinda stressed lately, and I had my external hard drive and $100 wireless mouse stolen from me today, so not the best of luck, but I'm holding out. S*it happens, right?

Anyways, I am taking a stab (in the dark, blindfolded, upside down) at an email client for POP3 (and maybe later on IMAP, but I personally use POP3 so I can test it). I am confused already and I am just looking for example code and tutorials. (SnapSYSTEM, not SnapSUITE)

SnapSuite development has paused for a week or so before I finish it, as finals are coming up (aah!) and I don't need to stress over getting anything done that I don't absolutely have to. I have a Media video to do on Friday that won't have the script for it done until Monday


But just figured I would get some info out there, and try to get rid of some steam. Wish me luck
-Brandon

865

FARR Plugins and Aliases / Re: Post your FARR v2 Plugin Idea Requests Here - Plugin Writers Read In

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 07, 2008, 07:22 PM »

It's not a plugin, but an idea that involves plugins-

Why not have FARR be able to launch and/or include a "Plugin Directory" or something? Where you can pick what you want and mass download/install like DcUpdater. Ex:

• MyAwesomePlugIn V1.0
• MousersInsanePlugIn V4.2
• CoolFarrPlugIn V2.3

with checkboxes next to them all (in place of the dots)?

It could even be web-based and invoke FARR via a special URL (like FARR:\\ or something)... right?

866

Living Room / Re: Shutdown Day!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 04, 2008, 12:53 AM »

I could, but I didn't do it for Earth day, and I didn't do that "lights out" hour thing...

Besides, whats 700W for 24 hours? Global warming? Ha!

867

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite '08 is being finished, SnapSystem ('09) gets a splash screen...

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 03, 2008, 09:34 PM »

I am preparing to finish off SnapSuite '08, polishing off what is done and not adding anything more. The year is almost 1/2 over already

As I continue to learn bit by bit, I improve on SnapSystem (in case you haven't watched this topic, SnapSystem is the successor to SnapSuite 2008, ETA late 08). I have a new, somewhat attractive splash image - I took screenshots of all the current "programs" and photoshopped it into a large compilation. I plan on adding some drop shadows and whatnot, but this is most likely the idea I'll go with (see attachment).

I have noticed that SnapSystem (not the whole PC) will lag when playing large music content or (especially) video content on MediaControl. I will try to fix this ASAP.

I am also looking into desktop icons, and will add icons on the menus soon.

Anyways, here is the splash screen (if you zoom to full size, you can get an idea of how all the "programs" look in the new GUI). Enjoy

-Brandon

EDIT: It should be noted that the splash image is shown on top of the desktop, once the program has loaded. It is stretched to the size of the window.

EDIT 2: It should also be noted that, since most people here have not been able to test SnapSystem, the windows shown here are NOT individual - they are images of the various appearances of the one window (top left, with the red leaves). All of the windows shown are images of the "modes" of the main window.

EDIT 3: I am changing how it is setup, in order to save time and hassle, where the splash screen is the default desktop image. You can change the desktop image in a matter of 2 clicks and a file selection, so it isn't in any way "locked in".

868

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / More SnapSystem info, new screenshots soon!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on May 01, 2008, 01:36 AM »

OK, I have a friend of mine that has been testing and giving major feedback and ideas for what the average person expects to get out of a shell. It has been coming along quite nicely - here is what I have done so far:

All programs are now aligned right to the edge of the window
There is a clock with calendar on the SmartBar at the very right - it auto updates the time (just like you expect)
There is an "Information area" now (similar to the Notification Area in Explorer)
MediaControl displays the current song name and how long it is in the Information Area, and resets when the song is over (same with videos)
There is now a Desktop right-click menu with about 1/2 of the options from the SnapSystem menu, along with a small sub menu for SystemCare operations (same as the buttons in the "actual" GUI).
The notification area colors adapt to those on the SmartBar, as expected
SystemCare's Custom Maintenance option has been changed to a new beta checkbox system, with info next to items that must be run seperate from others, extra info, etc

In addition to those (I have all done today) my to-do list has soared with about 20 new items, largely based on MediaControl, KidDraw, SmartBrowse 2.0, and a few small things that are based off Explorer functions.

New screenshots soon!

-Brandon

869

Living Room / Streaming audio across a network to multiple PCs?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 30, 2008, 10:27 PM »

Hi everybody,

I have several computers in my house (3 of them are mine) and I want to be able to send the audio (selected programs or everything, doesn't matter) through my network to the other PCs (to simulate full-house surround sound if you will ).

I would assume that this wouldn't be too hard of a thing to tackle, but I'm not sure. I just need audio - something that will let me hear my music through the house without having to manually "sync" iTunes on all the computers (a difficult task, I might add ).

Known programs that let you do this? Jury-rig options? Could this call for a coding snack? Can I program it myself (AHK/VB .NET)?

-Brandon

870

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / (SnapSuite) Advancing to the world of the Web, SnapSystem previews

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 28, 2008, 10:25 PM »

I went out today to the college down the street (literally) with my dad; he had to pick up some books for his Summer classes. After about 30 minutes we left- specifically, I left with a $100 book on VB 2005 titled "Programming in Visual Basic .NET" by Julia Bradley and Anita Millspaugh. I have read the first 60 or so pages already and am skipping ahead to the Visual Web Developer section in an attempt to get a rough idea on how I can build web apps.

There isn't much of a difference between the 2005 and 2008 (I use 2008) versions, so it was worth it. I hope to learn a lot more than I know already, especially how to handle errors.

If anyone is interested, it seems to be a really good book that anyone can understand. It goes step by step (maybe a little too baby-stepish) and doesn't skimp on info. Each chapter has a glossary, programming tips, and a small quiz to check yourself over as to what you just read.


Also, for anyone that wants to see the private alpha of SnapSystem, images are available here: http://mazecraze.dcisv.com/Preview. Versions were sent out to a couple of people and I have asked about 5 more for opinions when they have some spare time. This program will not go public for quite some time. (And yes, I know that the SystemCare layout sucks a big one - I have yet to make it both simple and in one panel)

871

DC Gamer Club / SAUERBRATEN SERVER OUTAGE SCHEDULED AT 8:30PST

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 28, 2008, 10:09 PM »

SAUERBRATEN SERVER OUTAGE SCHEDULED AT 8:30PST (20 minutes from now)

Just thought I would inform everyone that I am now installing SP3 on the XP server that Sauer hosts from, so it will be down for approximately 30-60 minutes. If you can not get on after that time period (9:30PST/12:30 AM EST) than just be patient - I am going to keep it churning away for as long as it needs (won't cancel it or anything) and plan on running maintenance on6 it afterward (with my trusty program SnapSuite doing all the work ).

BTW: (The server (program, specifically) goes down randomly on occasion for some reason so if you could not get on today that was probably why...I'll have to make an AHK bot to check if it is up or not or something...)

EDIT: See next post

872

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSystem info update

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 27, 2008, 07:23 PM »

An update to my above post on my newest program, known as SnapSystem (a mini-shell for Windows)

• I have added color options for the control bar at the top - codenamed SmartBar
• I have added a fully functional CD/DVD (all formats!) burner (from tutorials and code snippets) - codenamed MediaBurn
• I have added Shutdown, Reboot and Log Off support - an entry to close SnapSystem is also in the menu
• Most current SnapSuite programs are now included - FastNote, KidDraw, MediaBurn, MediaControl, SmartBrowse and SystemCare are currently working exactly like their current counterparts (so no bugs, but still no printing either )
• An updated icon finishes the work done so far

I plan to better organize programs and add icons for all of the menu entries. So far, so good...

-Brandon

P.S.: Screenshots coming soon...

873

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite 2.4 Stable now online

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 26, 2008, 01:42 AM »

Alright, the update is now live. I am happy to be able to say that the program is almost completed (there are quite a few things left, but read on to see what I plan to do with them). SnapSuite feels quite stable and I don't know of any major problems with it (or anything that would interfere with using it). Some minor things here and there.

Link: http://mazecraze.dci...SnapSuite%202008.exe

-Brandon

Some information that is quite interesting...

Spoiler

As a couple people here know, I have wanted to make an Operating System for quite a while now (no, I am not making an OS). I love Windows (except the registry, but thats another rant for another time), but most people find it confusing to use once you get into options and whatnot.

I decided to try out a new idea of mine: a "shell". Not a complete Explorer replacement, but something that novice (and somewhat advanced) users can enjoy, due to it being simple and having no extra "stuff". So what does this have to do with SnapSuite (no, SnapSuite is not the shell, in case your thinking that)? Basically, I put individual SnapSuite programs in a list of programs that is accessed via a menu. This, along with several other externally launchable programs, makes a mini-shell. It is quite simple as of right now, but as far as things go, here are the working components thus far:

• Change the desktop background (in the mini-shell, not Explorer)
• Open (Windows) Control Panel
• FastNote
• KidDraw
• MediaControl
• SystemCare
• Preparations for 3rd party program launching within the shell
• One program showing at a time (although not a feature, it helps to keep memory and CPU usage down, and you can switch between windows without hiding them first (they auto hide). Programs never close.)

I also want to add the ability to turn off/reboot/etc, as well as quite a few other features (desktop icons, for instance). I am running completely off of ideas so far, but it runs well and is easier to use than I originally anticipated.

Codename: SnapSystem 2009
Planned release: Late summer/early-mid winter - maybe for NANY again this year, if it takes that long

874

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 23, 2008, 08:19 PM »

I was about to PM mouser about DcUpdater when I just happened to decide to say " HI" to deozaan, and after a short bit of small talk he was able to find and fix the problem.

Good news:
DcUpdater works

Bad news:
You have to update, once again, manually this time - after you get the update, the DcUpdater functionality will be available (and working!)


So I am editing the DcUpdater file as needed and re-compiling with Inno setup, and will have a setup file ready later/tomorrow. You can get it from the normal STABLE release URL (http://mazecraze.dci...m/SnapSuite 2008.exe) (yes, it is a safe build this time around - I have fixed all the main bugs that Deozaan listed off, removed AutoType and made the tray menu (right click icon next to clock) fully functional. Along with literally a ton (if you could weigh 0s and 1s ) of excess code.

875

Living Room / Re: the award for most clueless pc user ever - my candidate.

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 22, 2008, 12:00 AM »

A dialog could pop up saying "Warning! Are you sure you want to install this virus that will wipe out your computer completely and release a new strain of the black plague which will destroy humanity?" and someone would just click "okay" because they never read those things.

-Deozaan (March 07, 2008, 06:04 PM)

Too bad April fools has passed, but nonetheless, I know some people that are totally oblivious to dialog boxes...

*Wreckedcarzz goes off to create said program*