Recent Posts

8951

Living Room / Re: Recommend some music videos to me!

« Last post by tomos on December 02, 2008, 01:41 PM »

Grrr, what is it with youtube and "this movie is not available in your country"? The people who thought of that need to be shot, asap. (Can't watch the "Mad World" video - is it the Gary Jules cover from Donnie Darko, or the original Tears For Fears?)

-f0dder (December 02, 2008, 06:19 AM)

this is a little confusing,
but if I understand correctly it's Gary Jules with his first video of the song - it's the one filmed from the rooftop of kids making different "things" on the footpath below

The original video of Mad World. (the one by Gary Jules, of course. By original, I meant the actual Gary Jules one, not the Donnie Darko one. There. Happy? I am heavily aware of the fact that TFF did a video long before Gary. I knew before I posted the video. You'd think that one of the progenitor of the video would know these things.) Throughout the video children are making animated figures on the sidewalk below. (the song was featured in the movie Donnie Darko. If you haven't seen it, seriously consider it.)

(see attachment in previous post)Wouldn't want to miss THIS ONE!

-cranioscopical (December 02, 2008, 08:42 AM)

really enjoyed that one - or there's the techno version

And here are a couple more much more my tastes:
http://www.youtube.c.../watch?v=TGDQ85Dg-ss
http://www.youtube.c.../watch?v=8YftKABD9Yc

-mouser (December 02, 2008, 10:33 AM)

from around that time, how about The Beat, Bad Manners, Madness, UB40's first album

8952

Living Room / Re: Recommend some music videos to me!

« Last post by tomos on December 02, 2008, 03:33 AM »

along the U2 lines heres One as covered by Johnny Cash

a beautiful if morose song Mad World but with one of the best videos I've seen in a long time

8953

N.A.N.Y. 2009 / Re: [1.2.0.1 released] NANY 2009 Release: DecClock

« Last post by tomos on December 01, 2008, 03:55 PM »

what's the first number/time
72:etc above? i.e. I dont know what the "Decimal Clock" is -
I would have thought the "Normal Clock" here was a decimal clock...

also wondering what will "time conversion" involve? (I'm wondering are you translating correctly - I think conversion is usually to do with time zones? I could very well be wrong!)

thanks!

8954

General Software Discussion / Re: Is it time to start a new AntiVirus/Internet Security Suite review thread?

« Last post by tomos on December 01, 2008, 10:07 AM »

e.g. see http://forum.avira.c...d&threadID=78157

-tomos (December 01, 2008, 06:12 AM)

 

That was awful! Easily one of the worst customer support cases I've ever seen. I can hardly believe Avira is that bad with regards to support for home users, but the evidence is there. Thanks for posting it, tomos

Make that -1 for Avira

-city_zen (December 01, 2008, 09:45 AM)

unfortunately

they dont seem to have a number in US/Rest of the world and they offer numbers in Germany/Aus/Switzeland @ €1.99 a mimnute and email support is only "for the customers of our business products (AntiVir ProfessionalEdition)"

not sure but the guy had a paid up version, got a refund - I'm just after buying the "Premium" version

Looking at their site again - they dont make this clear but after digging a bit, I found the "Pro" version for desktop is €36 as opposed to €20 that I paid for "Premium"..
so that's why they were so cheap - I'd prefer if they were up front about it as well

Edit/ more readable hopefully ;-)

8955

Find And Run Robot / Re: Question about result display size

« Last post by tomos on December 01, 2008, 09:29 AM »

does there have to be a space before +sall, seems like it..

It is nice having a minimal UI but I think it would be good to have an easier way (for beginners/non-advanced especially) to access the rest of the list

a discreet arrow in the statusbar maybe? (although then you'd prob have to change/add to the statusbar text to ensure no confusion)

something like

[use arrow key to go to results                                                               further results V]

8956

General Software Discussion / Re: Is XP really that good?

« Last post by tomos on December 01, 2008, 09:21 AM »

A pinnacle of XP UI? 

-nontroppo (December 01, 2008, 07:51 AM)

I prob going a bit further off topic here -
I havent used that renamer, certainly looks a bit daunting - but I could imagine once you get to know it, you have all options at your fingertips.
I love a good looking programme (dont call me superficial yet!) and find myself often frustrated with interfaces of (windows platform) software, difficulties finding stuff/unintuitive, [requiring 20 clicks to do something that could/should be two] etc.

guess the point I want to make is that if I had to choose I'd choose functionality before beauty, but true, why not have both

8957

General Software Discussion / Re: Is it time to start a new AntiVirus/Internet Security Suite review thread?

« Last post by tomos on December 01, 2008, 06:12 AM »

A reservation about Avira (AntiVir) is that they seem to have very poor support for non-corporate paying customers ..
This seems to be par for the course in Germany, cant understand why considering their good reputation for tech - maybe they think something doesnt need support if it's well crafted/made 

It's called the"Service Wüste" here - the service desert ...

e.g. see http://forum.avira.c...d&threadID=78157

8958

Living Room / Re: hmm, looks like a copy of gridmove.

« Last post by tomos on November 30, 2008, 02:45 PM »

Thanks Phil

good point.

i didn't know that links page existed either.

-nudone (November 30, 2008, 04:45 AM)

me neither, I was looking via the software link (maybe it is there but not easily visible - better double check now ... no, not there - not that I could find anyway

I know there's some (a lot of?) software that isnt linked to in the software page - I realise it's probably lots of work but would probably be a good idea to provide more links to member pages or threads with software.
I realise this is often complicated by fact software updates are often given in new thread posts which makes it very difficult to know what's up-to-date ...

8959

Developer's Corner / Re: Cognitive Seduction and the "peekaboo" law - Nice Blog Essay

« Last post by tomos on November 30, 2008, 02:37 PM »

This is also why the best art is stuff that makes you think.

-app103 (November 29, 2006, 04:20 AM)

that's actually really made me think ..
Not even thinking about art now, but I tend to be more along the lines of tell em everything and rub their noses in it - never a good idea as I find out again and again LOL

8960

N.A.N.Y. 2009 / Re: [First public release] NANY 2009 Release: DecClock

« Last post by tomos on November 30, 2008, 02:25 PM »

computerfritze, is this a timer?

hmm, comparing times ...
ahh,
I see you plan to add more info to the first post ... looks interesting so far

8961

Living Room / Re: hmm, looks like a copy of gridmove.

« Last post by tomos on November 30, 2008, 04:31 AM »

what? you aren't using DialogMove. dear oh dear.

-nudone (November 28, 2008, 02:28 PM)

No! Never even heard of it 

-Darwin (November 28, 2008, 06:08 PM)

DialogMove history: https://www.donation...dex.php?topic=3097.0

-nudone (November 29, 2008, 07:20 AM)

do you happen to have the post bookmarked that has the latest version of that ? 

I dont think João has a software page
:hint: :hint: João, mouser :-)

8962

General Software Discussion / Re: Is XP really that good?

« Last post by tomos on November 30, 2008, 04:20 AM »

I'm neutral here - esp as I've never run Linux!

As for XP, it works. Enough said. Praising documentation presumes people read it. "Normal" users tend not to go there.

-zridling (November 30, 2008, 03:23 AM)

Zaine,
I just wanted to point out that the documentation is never read until you need it - that's the way I, and prob many others work too ..
if it's not there when you really need it you're in trouble unless you have an expert on hand ...

8963

Living Room / Re: Tech News Weekly: Edition 48

« Last post by tomos on November 30, 2008, 04:05 AM »

#6: Great until the bad guys can fake the messages to kill computers.

-Deozaan (November 29, 2008, 10:07 PM)

Haha, that I didn't think of 

-Ehtyar (November 29, 2008, 10:38 PM)

first thing I thought too - are we especially paranoid Deo or just realistic ...

thanks as ever Ethyar, nice new avatar too!

8964

General Software Discussion / Re: To-do list software

« Last post by tomos on November 29, 2008, 07:20 AM »

Quest:
Why am I unable to reply to hotmail contacts on Google Chrome?
P.V.

-Valpatrick (November 28, 2008, 10:18 PM)

Hi Valpatrick,
I think you'll need to start another thread with that query - this one is about ToDoLists

I did a quick google search here, but no answers unfortunately
#1, 4 & 5 seem relvevant

8965

Developer's Corner / Re: Blog Essay: Why does failure inspire some and demoralize others?

« Last post by tomos on November 28, 2008, 04:14 PM »

thanks mouser -
even reading that excerpt has been helpful to me this week

just opened the link to read it properly

8966

Living Room / Re: Posture in sitting/standing ideas, tips & tricks

« Last post by tomos on November 28, 2008, 04:08 PM »

Hi Yahya,
thanks for your post!
I'm afraid I dont have any definite ideas for you - I would be curious how the Gokhale ideas compares to the Vance ones.
Below some more comments re the Gokhale way of things

If you stand such that your spinal vertebrae stack in alignment then gravity holds you up  (making every movement a weight-bearing exercise), releasing the muscles (saving energy), increasing circulation, and just making a person more comfortable.

-M. Dahlen (October 20, 2008, 02:37 PM)

Remember in all stomach exercises to keep your hips firmly on the ground and your knees bent at a 45-degree angle, otherwise the downward pull on the spine can damage discs.

-digitalzen (September 12, 2008, 08:12 PM)

a point here - Gokhale's method involves aligning the vertebrae and head correctly so that you are balanced. But it also involves using muscles that run across the top of the abdomen, just below the rib cage - they actually go around to your back. (sorry dont know the name of them - see video link above, they're mentioned there, obviously in her book too).
When these muscles are used it contains the torso, almost like a corset (I think she calls it them the "inner corset").

This has the effect of lengthening the spine, thus protecting the vertebrae and whatever's in between them (I'm very scientific..but you get my meaning!). When you breath in, the back gets stretched upwards even more as the torso is "contained".
These muscles would traditionally (in most less "developed" cultures, and in some western ones too) more or less constantly be in use, protecting as long as you are walking, standing, sitting up straight, lifting. [edit/ - jogging as well - basically all the time except when resting]

That and the angle of the hip are crucial to her "method".

Another thing she says is the back is traditionally kept straight at almost all times. When bending you can bend at the knees but more often people would "hinge" at the hip, keeping the back straight. Dont try this unless you've learned how to use the "inner corset" muscles mentioned above. Even then, it takes time to learn and to strengthen the back muscles.

The back muscles (along the spine I presume) actually contract when the back is kept straight. I'm already finding that this makes it uncomfortable to slump (after a month or two of practicing this method) which makes it so much easier to learn the new posture!

This would make me wary of doing any exercises that involve stretching the back muscles but I've always been a lazy beggar exercise-wise so no problem here

I'm trying this (the "hinging") a bit - I like cooking, your average kitchen seems to be designed for someone about 6 inches smaller than me so find myself stooping a lot - good opportunity; also brushing teeth is another - it really stretches those hamstrings if you can bend over while keeping your legs straight - not necessary - but the knees can need a break too!

8967

General Software Discussion / Re: Is it time to start a new AntiVirus/Internet Security Suite review thread?

« Last post by tomos on November 28, 2008, 04:53 AM »

I've been using the trial of AntiVir "Premium"

One process running:

• 3 to 4 MB "Private Bytes"
• 0% CPU

-tomos (November 26, 2008, 06:39 AM)

Ooups, I didnt have "Show proccesses from all users" ticked in Process Explorer
make that:-

5 processes running (may depend on your settings)

                                CPU           Private Bytes
avesvc.exe          74176 K     7868 K
avgnt.exe             4052 K     4712 K
avguard.exe         80296 K   9084 K
avmailc.exe          1848 K       912 K
avwebgrd.exe      3536 K       6564 K

8968

Living Room / Re: Why Windows Rules: the QWERTY phenomenon?

« Last post by tomos on November 27, 2008, 04:50 PM »

Note that until FireFox came along, 99% of Windows users never even considered departing IE.

-Ralf Maximus (November 27, 2008, 07:00 AM)

that's an interesting point there - I think there was a lot better than IE there before FF (but I dont honestly know - was there!?)
Opera's always (well, for a long time anyways) been much better but very few people have taken up on it

I think FF is doing really well cause the people working on it had a vision/(business-)plan in this direction - and they worked hard to implement it. Opera had a different vision

I guess I'm saying windows will be replaced when someone makes a huge effort to do so (with lots of financial backing I guess)
I'm not well informed about these things so could well be incorrect

BTW hi Ralph, welcome back!

8969

Living Room / Re: How to tell if your cat is plotting to KILL you

« Last post by tomos on November 27, 2008, 04:37 PM »

Very funny though, it had me snickering/giggling most of the time!

-Shook (November 27, 2008, 02:29 PM)

Had a good laugh out loud at the end  [edit] ooups, I was actually thinking I was posting in the other cat thread - which was very funny at the end of the video ...[/edit]

A wake up call for all of us - thank you for the public service, f0dder. My parents own one a cat and I've sent them an e-mail with a link to the page. Forewarned is forearmed, I say...

-Darwin (November 27, 2008, 01:56 PM)

Mike, you sound like another cat lover (like f0dder )

8970

General Software Discussion / Re: Writing to two folders simultaneously. Possible? Tired of running synch progs

« Last post by tomos on November 27, 2008, 02:41 AM »

from JungleDisk help manual -

# Previous Versions

    * Use the bucket previous version settings for this backup job:  All settings as configured in the Previous Versions section will apply to this specific backup.
       
    * Customize the previous version settings for this backup job:
       
          o Keep previous versions of changed files: Copies of the previous versions of files are maintainted when you modify the file or upload a new file with the same name.
             
          o Keep previous versions of deleted files: Copies of files that are deleted either manually or during backup cleanup are still maintained.
             
          o Don't keep previous versions for files over: Files larger than the specified size will not be archived when modified or deleted.
             
          o Keep at most: Allows you to select a maximum number of versions to keep regardless of the file's age.

if I understand correctly - it doesnt do delta-sync  - [EDIT/ see Justice's post below]

I still have *very* little on it (around the 1GB mark) so costs are very low - I'm only using it for *important* stuff plan to add a few more GBs but am avoiding large files unless, as I say, important...
I'm looking for an online backup for my photos as well - wouldnt add them to S3, although I havent actually figured out the costs (60GB or so - see below) - maybe I should go do that cause having three online backups would seem a bit ridiculous!

Okay, lets see,
60GB @ 15c per GB p.m.would be $9 p.m. = $108 per year (+ an upload fee of $6)   !!ouch!!

Havent been using JD/S3 long - there are a couple of threads about it here if you want to read more

BTW Syncplicity's free account is 2 GBs now - guess the 4 was for early takers

8971

General Software Discussion / Re: Is it time to start a new AntiVirus/Internet Security Suite review thread?

« Last post by tomos on November 26, 2008, 06:39 AM »

I've been using the trial of AntiVir "Premium"

@ 20euros it's the cheapest of the better AV's

I cant say much about it (good I think!)
One process running:   [EDIT/ 5 processes running (may depend on your settings) - SEE Reply #10 below]

• 3 to 4 MB "Private Bytes"
• 0% CPU

it regularly finds one file as dodgy - I tell it to ignore but it tell me again a week later

I'm pretty much the opposite of a power user re AV - I install and forget, rarely if ever scan so afraid I cant tell you much more

EDIT/ prompted me to go off & buy it - the trial had run out
20euro for 1 pc
50euro for 3 pc
with roughly 20% reduction if you get a two year subscription and a little more for a three year one

8972

General Software Discussion / Re: Writing to two folders simultaneously. Possible? Tired of running synch progs

« Last post by tomos on November 26, 2008, 05:38 AM »

yes, very helpful post mwang, thanks!

me, I'm now using 2 online backups (but currently more interested in backup than synching)

• Dropbox (free version) with it's delta-sync capability for database type files - IQ/SQLNotes, Surfulater, where I dont want to see full file backed up every x minutes
• JungleDisk/S3 for the rest

obvious disadvantages are two processes running ...


Nomadesk sounds very good - but the links to files would be a major problem for me too
I dont think I'd be willing to go for that, especially when there's not yet any price structure in place

Synplicity - I find the 99$ a year for 50GB too expensive, although I know it's a common price (same as DropBox I think)

8973

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Create a containing folder by right clicking on a file

« Last post by tomos on November 26, 2008, 04:38 AM »

congratulations and that's a nice looking website too..

-lanux128 (November 25, 2008, 08:03 PM)

Looks great ak!

8974

Living Room / Re: What is Donation Coder?

« Last post by tomos on November 24, 2008, 03:55 PM »

my two cents:

• I've been driven away from some forums because (as a new member) I couldnt post links to explain my problem, or, (occasionally) to help explain my advice (usually a problem though :p)
  So, I'm very against blocking adding links

• I'm also fairly against limiting editing capability - maybe as f0dder says after a certain number of posts

Hows about:

making an edit count as a new post (thus, appearing in the "new posts" section) would effectivelly solve this problem.

-jgpaiva (November 24, 2008, 01:06 PM)

I think that's a good idea -
it will add to the new posts load but means spam will be spotted

8975

Living Room / Re: Tech News Weekly: Edition 47

« Last post by tomos on November 22, 2008, 03:51 AM »

  as usual Ethyar 

10. PayPal, hah!
19. Tennessee - wow, I'd be pissed off if I lived there ...