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876
Developer's Corner / Re: Help with Inno Setup shortcuts please!
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 21, 2008, 10:44 PM »
I find that the FAQ and/or WIKIs for most programs aren't that clear (or even available) and everyone here at DC is quite knowledgeable. So I tend to do a quick scan over the website and Google, post here, and then continue looking. Even if I find an answer, someone from DC might have a better solution. You never know.
877
General Software Discussion / Re: Vista Aero vs. Linux Compiz
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 21, 2008, 10:41 PM »
I followed 3 tutorials (command line and package manager based), used 2 package managers (built in and Synaptic) and followed all FAQs and Troubleshooting guides I could find. No go.

Ironically, I gave up on making it work as of last night and followed a tutorial on how to make XFCE look like AERO. That one didn't work fully either, so I am still hacking away at that.
878
General Software Discussion / Re: Vista Aero vs. Linux Compiz
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 20, 2008, 10:27 PM »
I was able to get Compiz downloaded and installed and actually running today on my Xubuntu install, and sadly it does not work. Window borders disappear, effects don't work, and it is basically the Mac interface - the windows attatch to the top left and the menu bar for each program overlaps the next. Windows can't be moved and you can only switch back to the “xfwm4″ interface.

I'll have to wait for the next version/stable. *sigh*
879
DC Gamer Club / Re: DonationCoder map - Sauerbraten FPS fun
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 20, 2008, 02:59 AM »
May I point out that at least three times today (well, yesterday unless your in California, then you have about 2 minutes left until today where I live) the server was attacked by exploiters in an attempt to simply, and quite frankly, piss everyone off. In short, it goes somewhat like this...

  • Person XYZ joins server. Everyone says Hi (or the like) and goes about building.
  • I usually save every 5-10 minutes, so this is a common point for me.
  • Person XYZ begins building as everyone else, yet slower and less creatively.
  • Person XYZ waits for someone to announce that something has occurred that is cool (or interesting, etc).
  • At this point, person XYZ either demands something (in one case it was the Admin password (!)) or simply goes to the next step.
  • Person XYZ initiates a loop of 20-50 NewMap commands, thereby removing attempt to save.
  • Person XYZ's attack method causes them to exit the server before they can be banned.

I have not tried to /getmap back after an attack (I will attempt this if/when it occurs again). Measures are being taken to ensure that the chances of map work loss are minimal.

Sorry about this everyone - I'll keep you posted!

-Brandon
880
Good reading - nice to see someone actually give some effort and fight back for once. I'll remember to tell everyone I know to not buy any Monster cables anytime soon...
881
OK - back from the land of confusion!

For some reason DcUpdater can not download the update file (the setup exe) - I got the error code and did some looking around and that didn't help at all. It may be a while before I get it working. :(
882
Announce Your Software/Service/Product / SnapSuite DcUpdater Testing (!)
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 19, 2008, 11:13 AM »
EDIT: Wow - I figured the 3D effect would make it more eye catching. Hmm...
-wreckedcarzz (April 18, 2008, 12:16 AM)

3D text is a very old effect so it makes the logo (?) look dated.
Hmm... alright. I'll have to figure out something really complex without "overdoing" it. Tricky.

Anyways - I am going to test the DcUpdater function for SnapSuite (yay) :D and see how it goes. I think it will work but I am going to make sure that it does before I give the all clear for people to test the new version (that, IMO, is an absolutely awesome update over anything else I have posted - publicly or just for a few people/privately).

Give me 30 minutes or so and check for a new post - cross your fingers :)
883
Living Room / Re: Recycling Epson ink - where???
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 18, 2008, 12:44 AM »
I started through it, but it looks like an actual printer recycle program - not ink. :(
884
Back to the topic of SnapSuite - I am still making it easier to use and less clunky every day. Today's improvement: Combine the SmartBrowse and SnapScreen tabs to clean up the tab area and QuickStart. Less code too - and fewer items to load. What isn't great about that? :)

Also, all images have been sized to required dimensions and they all look really good in the GUI - no more jagged edges. Smaller file size too - from 256x256 images to 48x48 for most graphics now. :-*

A couple more things that are off my list - does anyone have anything to add for improvements? :tellme:

-Brandon

EDIT: Wow - I figured the 3D effect would make it more eye catching. Hmm...
885
I thought everyone loved downloaded a few MB of images on every thread? ;D

But yes - resizing will be done.
886
While working on my DC sig, I fiddled around with one of my banners for SnapSuite. It came out quite nice. Might add it to the top of the website, not sure yet.

I basically took an existing image I had done and added it ontop of itself and positioned the various layers accordingly. The result:

http://img397.images...suitelogotestsh2.png

 :)
887
Living Room / Recycling Epson ink - where???
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 17, 2008, 01:35 PM »
A couple months ago my HP printer kind of died out on me (the little cartridge mover thing kept getting stuck and hitting the side of the printer case was getting annoying when you have to do it for every pass the thing has to make) so I talked my dad into buying me a new Epson printer that was on sale from TigerDirect. The shiney CX9400 arrived and I quickly used up the initial ink cartridges - in about 2 weeks.

Now normally we take the old cartridges to Staples for their $3 per cartridge payback plan, but it appears that they only take DELL, HP, Lexmark and some other company - no Epson ink (ironic, as that is where we bought the ink...). So now I have to simply toss away my empty cartridges.

Does anyone know where I can donate and/or sell old used Epson cartridges? Epson doesn't provide little recycle send-back-to-warehouse bags with their ink like HP does, and I like to be able to recycle things. Ideas? :tellme:

-Brandon
888
Skrommel's Software / ColorTaskbar Vista compatibility?
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 17, 2008, 01:25 AM »
Wondering if ColorTaskbar could have support added for Vista's AERO, to shift through the built in colors - and maybe do the same for all the "glass" components as well? :tellme:

It is a neat little tool, but I don't want to have to use the Classic look just to use it. :(

Would this be possible Skrommel?

-Brandon
889
This post will be edited as things are completed - stay tuned

I made a post earlier giving similar information to this but a program crash forced me to retype it, a task I wasn't exactly keen on doing, so here is a shortened status of plans for bug-fixing and finalization of 2.4 (still beta because it isn't complete, however).

First of all, I made an error some posts back referring to problems being fixed in beta 2.3 - this was somewhat false. Depending on your revision, the bug fixes may have been on your version. Sorry for any confusion.

On to the point:

  • AutoType is being permanently retired for all new versions. I am very sad about this as it *was* a good idea, but too many problems have occurred and it just isn't worth saving anymore. It may be restored at a later date, most likely in a new programming language version (I am slowly working my way along the ladder), but it is no more for VB. AutoType and IMClear have been removed.
  • FastNote, while being fully usable, has issues with the undo function (see the SnapSuite bug tracker, http://incredisims.com/bugtracker.aspx, for info). More features are planned.
  • KidDraw is fully usable but more features are planned. Expect these either in a final build update or in 2009+ versions (more likely in higher end programming languages, where more options are available and more assistance can be had). Yes, I am planning on continuing to work on SnapSuite for at least the remainder of my high school years (3).
  • I want to more closely integrate SmartBrowse, but this cannot be done at this time due to GUI size constraints. I really do want to get the GUI size to at least 1024x768, resizable, but I have users below that resolution. (NOTE: SnapSuite may become a fullscreen app later on, but not anytime soon).
  • I want to add a quite complex 3D loading screen/animation - most likely in 2009+ versions (due to the learning curve of the software I need to use, and my utilizing it effectively and efficiently). It will stay basic though, as to keep users with integrated/low end GPUs running at normal speed (no lag/FPS drops).
  • I need to finish the tray menu (I feel like an idiot because I actually forgot this and had to read my todo list to remember what it was!) before SS goes 1.0 Final. A tray menu that doesn't do anything is pretty useless.
  • I am resizing and cleaning up AppLaunch (and other) images, and rearranging my personal developer setup as to how they are categorized (so I don't have double icons where I don't want them). Icons and graphics in general should look cleaner, crisper and less pixelated.
  • Also, if possible, I would love if someone from DC who is fluent in VB .NET would have any spare time to check over my code and give me suggestions as to speed up loading/error messages (there are no error messages programmed!)/things that can just be improves by different methods/etc. I can pay out DonationCredits for anyone that can help! :tellme:


Suggestions, comments, anything - post away. Feedback is always appreciated! :)
890
General Software Discussion / Re: Vista Aero vs. Linux Compiz
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 15, 2008, 07:17 PM »
Yea, HD2600 Pro. I have the latest Linux drivers on my XUbuntu install, they run pretty good (the built in ones required a reformat after it corrupted the display).

Mine came with the XFE and Gnome desktop environments. Will have to Google it.
891
General Software Discussion / Re: Vista Aero vs. Linux Compiz
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 15, 2008, 06:30 PM »
Defending Vista/AERO:

While the extra second or two for an effect to occur may be annoying, it can be helpful too. The little minimize animation can help you find a specific window later on by sliding it down to its taskbar button, for example. And seeing through the edges of windows can help you find things below the active program; maybe it is just me, but I used to love the feel of Windows 95 (a friend has a 95 laptop I use on occasion) but now I, personally, cannot live without the... appeal (if you will) of being able to enjoy Windows, and not just work with it. It is just so much more inviting.

[(somewhat) off-topic]
Can this Compiz be installed on any distro/are there certain hardware requirements? Where can I get it at? This has me interested to play around with now... :P
[off-topic]
892
DC Gamer Club / Re: DonationCoder map - Sauerbraten FPS fun
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 14, 2008, 06:59 PM »
I have received multiple reports that people (not from DC) are taking over the server and blocking DC members from accessing it. Because this happens when I am not on the server (I am an administrator when I am online) Deozaan suggested that I hand out the server password to some (trustworthy) people that join the server more often (or when I am away, etc).

Currently Deozaan has the password and I am PMing mouser now to see if he wants it (I would assume as much), so if the server has you being a spectator and the players inside (specifically the Master player - green name on the player list (TAB)) refuse to cooperate and/or there are people abusing their Master status powers (anyone can join a server and become Master (!) ) and you can't get ahold of me, they should be able to handle it. :up: I may "hand out" the passcode to more people as time goes and it is needed. :-\

In case you don't know, you can reach me just about 24/7 (if I am away, leave a message after the beep :P) on Xfire - "wreckedcarzz" (what else?). :)
893
General Software Discussion / Re: Is Firefox 3.0 the "Fat Elvis?"
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 14, 2008, 06:47 PM »
I use Firefox 2 about 99% of the time and I still like it. Tried Opera but didn't get on with it...

My biggest gripe with FF2 is the speed of startup - any news on whether this is improving with FF3 ?
-Carol Haynes (April 14, 2008, 04:09 PM)

Ditto - Opera didn't "click" with me. But it did launch faster than FF - takes about 10 seconds to load up for me when I have any more than 3-4 tabs open (Opera took 2-3 sec). And I only have 10 plugins! :o
894
General Software Discussion / Re: Vista Aero vs. Linux Compiz
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 14, 2008, 06:40 PM »
I can't speak for Compiz, but I rely heavily on AERO anymore to keep my workflow going (open ~15+ windows and try to talk to 5+ people online at once and see how far you go before you ponder insanity). :tellme: Several applications I use rely on the AERO interface to run (Switcher, for example). I hate having to use an XP machine anymore because I lose not only the "feeling", but also the capabilities that I have to utilize. No little pop-up images of programs in alt-tab or over taskbar buttons. No 3D window flipping. ObjectDock window previews don't work without AERO. The list goes on. And plus, it is just way more eye-catching than a big blue taskbar (or the gray one on Xubuntu). :)
895
DC Gamer Club / Re: DonationCoder map - Sauerbraten FPS fun
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 10, 2008, 07:36 PM »
OK, some news about the DC map...

It does now lag quite a bit on single-core machines (*cough*) and you need a beefy system to keep the lag at a minimum. Having the computer in good condition helps too ;)

But anyways, I have added some small patches of water, fixed some lava, and added some trees (some of you have seen the trees). But more than that, as some of you know from other FPS games with custom maps, there are often easter eggs and secret rooms. This map is no exception. The secret area (it is not a room) is 100% hidden from any prying eyes, and can only be found in 2 conditions:

Total luck/chance/coincidence
My showing you (or someone I have shown already, showing you)

The secret area allows access to all major buildings and structures, as well as both secrets. Note, however, that there are NO WEAPONS in this area - if you get caught empty handed, you have to run. The only point of the area is fast navigation and stealth (and the secret structures too, of course).

Join the server and I'll show you where you can find this little area :)
896
DC Gamer Club / Re: Lets get organized so we can get gaming!
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 10, 2008, 07:04 PM »
OK josh >:( ;D

I am working, but I'll get on and upload the map so everyone can play :)
897
DC Gamer Club / Re: Lets get organized so we can get gaming!
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 10, 2008, 06:17 PM »
Maybe I should revise my Game Maker Pro license (re-install) and attempt to get that online multiplayer working in Maze Craze? :)
898
I run CCleaner and CleanUp at full settings (everything!) and this is unrelated to that. At least for my experiences...

Strange that Armando has issues with that :huh:
899
I have used the hold function for PE (and other classes) and it does in fact shut off (although that doesn't make sense to me, why would you want it to stay playing and it shuts off?). Minor annoyance though, and I'll use it more often now that I know what it actually does. :)

@nosh, I would use that db rebuilder, but I have tried about 5 similar programs and they all have a (quite frankly) crap GUI and/or are confusing to use. I don't mind using "spyTunes" every once in a while, as I rarely add songs. :-\
900
Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Multi-reply (SnapSuite thread)
« Last post by wreckedcarzz on April 10, 2008, 01:59 AM »
As I type what is probably the longest post ever, here are my short responses to everyone - I tried to make them logical, but it is late here and I am not feeling well, but it should make sense.

I suggest using your forum signature to link to the post/site with the latest version.

I will do that - I put the notifications in my sig, but no link. :-[

I installed it and launched it. First impressions are very important. That's why your user's first thoughts should not be: "WHAT THE SMURF IS THAT?"

This has been fixed in 2.3 - all buttons are smaller (approx 50 pixels tall) and are wider. There is also a new "SnapBar" for common tasks.

I think I know what you're going to say, especially based on some screenshots I've seen here in this thread. "SnapSuite is intended to be viewed fullscreen." Sorry, but with dual 19" monitors, there is hardly a thing I can stand to have maximized anymore. Don't force your preferences on your users.

Actually - it isnt. It is supposed to be small to stay out of the way. How did you manage to get it maximized?

Also, I noticed that when I hover over some of the icons, no description help bubble things pops up, and actually if I hover over the SnapScreen icon, it takes me directly to the SnapScreen tab without me clicking or anything.

Program bug I found - has been fixed. Visual Basic set the code to the wrong event (mouse hover and not mouse click). I guess it happened while I was adding tooltips. :-[

Okay, now that I've finished talking about that, I can actually try out the features of the program.

AppLaunch:

I'm not sure how this is coded in there, but since I only have 3 of the applications installed (Firefox, IE, and Windows Media Player) I'm wondering if these buttons would break if someone were to customize their installation path for any of these programs. Then again, you probably did it the smart way and used registry information or something I have no idea about since I don't do this kind of programming.

EDIT: The FAQ answers this question:

Q: When I try to start a program with AppLaunch, nothing happens. What is the problem?
A: You need to have the program installed in order for it to launch. It also needs to be installed to the default directory.

Yes, I know little about how the Registry works - unfortunately.

In my opinion having quicklaunch bars for 7 web browsers is kind of useless. Especially if I only have 2 of them installed. I don't know how feasible this is, but AppLaunch would be much better if you could add entries yourself. Or, perhaps an even better idea, is if there's a way to detect if it's installed or not, just link to the application homepage to download it it if isn't installed already.

I tried this, and it didn't work out well. I'll put it on my to-do list and give it another go.

I also just noticed that the "Recommend a program to add" and "Help" buttons don't do anything for me. In fact, the Help button doesn't do anything for me on any of the tabs. I haven't tried any of the other buttons in the other tabs yet since I want to go through each section at a time.

The Help button doesn't do anything yet, but the "Recommend a Program" button *should* open your default e-mail program and start an email off to me. Strange - it works for me.

the buttons and things are too large for the screen:

Yes, another problem I found. I fixed it in 2.3. I guess I dragged the button a little too far and it didn't want to resize properly and I didn't notice.

Okay, so visual problems aside... I can't get this to work. I press F1 and it makes SnapSuite disappear for a split second and then it comes back, but no text is pasted anywhere.

Yes, as I said in one of the post above, AutoType is basically dead. Believe it or not that is the FIXED version - the original one was... a nightmare (to put it lightly).

giant button at the bottom that says "Clear/Hide your instant message history..."

I clicked it. I noticed an AHK script show up in my tray that said IM history will be cleared in 5 seconds. I clicked back here in anticipation and waited.

Gah! Another thing to fix. Didn't know about that one...what the heck? :tellme:

EDIT:

Okay, I felt it a little unfair to end there after all. While I was flipping through the tabs to see if the Help button did anything in any tab (it doesn't) I noticed some very cool stuff in your Support and About tabs.

...

About:

Pretty much the same thing here. It was a good idea to include info about SnapSuite being a part of the NANY 2008 Coding Challenge (but the image you're using shows a picture of Cody sleeping on Jan 01, 2007)
 (see attachment in previous post)

I couldn't find one of the 2008 challenge - I might use an image of my NANY mug though instead...

Then also a cool idea is to once again use the built in browser to show off DonationCoder.com and even the lovable (though currently migrated for Winter) WTFCody.com
 (see attachment in previous post) (see attachment in previous post)
That's a nice touch!

I need to do some bug fixing, it would appear. ;D


@ Brandon. My little head is confused about the very purpose of SnapSuite. I would like to encourage you to re-consider what the program is supposed to do. I am not likely to open it in order to use a painter, a musicplayer, or a text editor, or any other of that kind of programs - I have better options for this kind of jobs right at hand. SnapSuite has so far been branded as a smart and effecient way to keep my PC clean and healthy. What the *smurf* does all these extras have to do with a healthy machine?

Your head is so full of ideas that I truly must envy you!!, -but it may be helpfull to keep the ideas grouped / seperated, "one item at a time" and "each job in its own time", you know. Sometimes it just is necessary to "kill your darlings"...

You are obviously very talented, so I have great faith that you will write the most awesome programs. Now, kill some darlings, and Go Writing!

The idea is to have it open and do tasks as needed. However, as requested before, the new installer includes 3 new shortcuts so you don't need to launch the main program to access the internals:

  • SmartBrowse
  • SystemCare OneStep Shutdown
  • SystemCare OneStep Reboot

So the main 3 parts (as far as I know) are covered right on the desktop (optionally of course). And there is a SnapBar that has common stuff on it in the QuickStart tab so that you only have to open it and click what you want to do.

One does get the feeling that SnapSuite is something of Brandon's Do-it-all repository for all things.
I think the next project Brandon takes on could benefit from some brainstorming and planning here on the forum -- maybe a smaller more focused utility dedicated to solving a specific need.

It is a do-it-all idea - just badly designed I suppose. I am trying really hard to get it more normal feeling, and less like a "box of stuff".

My recommendation is to create a suite of standalone, specific, applications where each one performs a specific thing.

That was what I did initially - but I thought it would be easier (and less clutter) to have everything condensed into one. Who wants like 15 shortcuts on their desktop when they can be one and just in a series of tabs?

Thinking about the purpose of some of these utilities, I see some very powerful tools being used alongside some utilities (er... one utility) meant for kids. The practical application of KidDraw is not very good if the child can also accidentally click on the other tabs that will mess with your registry or whatever.

Just think if Skrommel's One-Hour software all came bundled together. Every tool in Skrommel's catalog is useful. It's been directly requested by someone on this site. But that doesn't mean every tool is useful to everyone. Skromme's One-Hour software would not be nearly the success it is if you had to install all of them just to use the one or two you wanted.

That does bring an idea to mind... too advanced for me, but an idea of downloading "addon" parts and just getting what you want - smaller download, smaller program, easier to use... :read:
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