Recent Posts

976

Living Room / Re: My daughter needs to interview a computer programmer for a school report...

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 13, 2008, 04:33 PM »

I would say to ask mouser, the site owner/admin, although he seems quite busy lately. He is a very nice fellow though and a great programmer, so it could be worth a try. No harm in asking, right?

977

Screenshot Captor / Re: Bug: "black screen" capture after long work of autocapture

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 13, 2008, 04:06 PM »

I have this bug as well, but it occurs only on certain programs (and games, for that matter). The problem is I use it to catch a lot (5-20+) images in a game, and then I go and open the main window and I have nothing but big black, 2MB images.

Can this problem be fixed?

978

Living Room / Re: Idea: "DC Member Book X - Volume 1" - Request For Volunteers

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 12, 2008, 06:12 PM »

That would be a fun thing to do IMO, and I would certainly take part in it. Kind of like a yearbook, but better.

I wouldn't be able to do any organizational work though, as I can't really organize myself, much less others too.

979

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 12, 2008, 12:34 AM »

Several changes since yesterdays release, all for the better

New, super optimized SnapScreen process - no more external AHK exe needed (100% VB managed)!
New tray icon added (no menu, but its an improvement)
New "Vista" type background added
Lots of code removed and/or organized
New code comments added for better recognition later
There was something else big but I don't remember what it was...it was important too...

I have a quite lengthy to-do list left, but it has all the changes and things I want to do on it, so just over a page of items isn't that bad. It started at like 6 pages.

I have a couple final things I want to do for the final 1.0 release, and I will have to learn how to use some programs and work together with my friend Walt (whom knows how to use the program I need quite well). No details yet, because I am afraid if I say something, I won't be able to complete it. Trust me, if all goes well, it will be impressive. IF all goes well.

-Brandon

980

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 10, 2008, 10:56 PM »

Alright, the latest update is now live! The "Start" tab has become "News" and tells you the program version, and has a small WebBrowser component that loads a webpage allowing you to get the newest update. This will hopefully be changed to have DCUpdater support sometime later.

The new permalink for stable SnapSuite updates is http://mazecraze.dci...m/SnapSuite 2008.exe (the same link as the updater).

I have been really stressed the past couple of days, so I am getting this off my back to allow me to vent something off my to-do list. Please report back how you feel about this update!

-Brandon

(Download here: http://mazecraze.dci...m/SnapSuite 2008.exe)

981

DC Gamer Club / Re: Lets get organized so we can get gaming!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 10, 2008, 05:54 PM »

Yea, they are seperate. There are several games coming out for Xbox live now that are said to be PC-Xbox compatable (Halo 2 was supposed to be, but it was canceled at the last minute). But I don't know how well that will go over...

<offtopic> Test Drive Unlimited can get quite addicting, can't it? </offtopic>

982

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / MediaControl gets things done, either way you choose

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 10, 2008, 05:42 PM »

Alright, I am finishing up converting to the traditional type of updating system we have at DC (pre-DCUpdater, that is) and I am trying my best to make sure that people can easily stay updated without having to check the forum.

As far as "Why update this time? There hasn't been anything interesting lately, so why now?" I have a reason that may push you over the edge, just to check it out. You will really dig this if you like minimalistic things.


Info:
MediaControl was meant, on original design in AHK, to playback music in a super-simple, basic, and low-overhead manner. Video was also planned, but none of this was ever added. I was able to get it to play music, and with work it could have been done and released, but with the upgrade to Visual Basic, it has become one of my main goals (and reasons for switching).

While never planned to be anything fancy, I am the person that loves the "OOh...Ahh..." type of visual design. It has to work, but it HAS to look good while it does it. Otherwise you get this Windows 95 color scheme going on, and that just isn't cool anymore. Seriously. (Just my opinion)

This new version enables playback of both AUDIO and VIDEO, BUILT IN to the MediaControl interface. It works on Windows XP SP2, and Windows Vista (latest updates on both, no beta SPs). I had no trouble with the interface on either system, HOWEVER it WILL lag on single-core CPUs when playing other media on Vista (TV, for example) and if you are doing CPU-intensive items (so don't try to watch a season of your favorite TV show while you have SystemCare fix your PC and you browse the net in SmartBrowse, unless you have dual or quad core).

I am very excited about this update, and very proud of myself. I have been showing it off to everyone all day, and have gotten all positive feedback. I hope everyone here that tries it (when I release the update) feels the same (although constructive criticism is always welcome!).

(See screenshots below) (NOTE: I do know the "Video Playback" image says "Playing 'The Simpsons'", because it was recorded under the name of "The Simpsons", but a schedule change made the recording time record the wrong show)

-Brandon


EDIT: The interface has been cleaned up (volume buttons removed) and the program is now much smaller (about 1.2MB). This means a smaller/faster download, faster install, and faster program start time!

983

Living Room / Re: NO MORE ANONYMOUS POSTING!! How a Kentucky lawmaker wants this to be true

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 10, 2008, 05:32 PM »

Isn't this kind of pushing privacy a bit too far? I personally will post 90-100% of my personal info on a site/forum when I join, and I don't have an issue with that. But when I am FORCED to, that kind of, how do you say (politely)...pisses me off?

984

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

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 10, 2008, 12:57 AM »

My mistake, and I have edited my original post to reflect this: The game + patch is about 216MB, not 400. I have no clue where I got the 400MB from.

985

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

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 10, 2008, 12:20 AM »

It took me almost 4 hours to make the "DonationCoder.com" text - a cody will be a total-day job. Maybe for the weekend

986

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 09, 2008, 11:41 PM »

Ironically, that has been planned for a while now. I hope to learn how to set it up so that I can get it working.


And as a side note, MediaControl is now working with viewing audio files perfectly (so far), and I am testing video now!!

987

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 09, 2008, 11:21 PM »

Alright, a huge change in how things are done, and hopefully the transition will go smoothly.

I am now using the open-source install creator Inno Setup. This will do the following things:

Pros:
Easier install, more options. User now has program installed to \Program Files\SnapSuite 2008
Smaller file
Less problems with install (error messages)
Less bandwith usage on the DCISV server

Cons:
Auto-update function lost
Takes slightly longer to install

I am hoping to get a new auto-updater (or some type or update notification) working here soon

988

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

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 09, 2008, 07:12 PM »

I have gotten a couple of fellow DC gamers to join me in a fast paced FPS (first person shooter) known as Sauerbraten. It is similar to the old-school Doom type games, where you are always moving rapidly, and stuff can change in an instant. It is very fun and offers countless hours of insane killing

Pros:
Many gametypes
Easy to learn
Not too "gorey"
Can become very funny at times
Runs on OLD hardware
Lots of nice effects for NEW hardware
Built in co-op map editor function (!!!)
POWERFUL map editor
AVAILABLE FOR WINDOWS, MAC, OR LINUX!

Cons:
Large download + patch (~216MB)
People in co-op editing can be a pain (online people)
(A few) Cheaters online


Bonus:
I can host games behind my router with no problem ON-DEMAND
I can host games behind my router with no problem for DEDICATED SERVERS


Myself, Deozaan, and p3lb0x have been making maps and battling each other for the past week, and the game can become really addicting. Unfortunately, I am planning on making all servers private/closed down to public due to my having to take 20+ minutes every time I get ready to save the DonationCoder map to clean up crap people leave and make it look good again (and not like a sandbox). But, more fun for us, right?

Here are some screenshots of the DonationCoder.com/wtfCody.com map - contributed to by those stated above, as well as several loyal players online that happened to join in and assist (or destroy ).

Sauerbraten official website: http://www.sauerbraten.org/

Come join us!

-Brandon

EDIT: File size correction

989

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 09, 2008, 06:44 PM »

Alright, I have no idea what I am doing or what is going on. Right now my brain is about as intelligent as a boulder.

I am trying to develop a better download, install, and uninstall system for deployment, as there are countless problems with Microsoft's built in publishing system. What I plan to do is publish via VB, and take the files out and offer a custom installer as well as a fully portable version. However problems may occur and bla bla bla...so don't take this as a final word. Files on the server may be screwy, and SnapSuite may malfunction and try to update and fail and...well, essentially, we have issues. Bottom line: Don't run SnapSuite if you don't have to for the next day or two as I fix this mess.

I am sorry for all this crap going on, but I am working to get it fixed. Just please hang tight

-Brandon

990

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Drop to disconnect

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 09, 2008, 01:44 PM »

  IT WORKS PERFECTLY!

Thanks so much jgpaiva, this will be sitting on my desktop permanently now.

991

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Drop to disconnect

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

@Deozaan: I know I can left click, but I prefer to hit the large "object" of an icon, rather than have to position my mouse over this 32x32 tray icon.

@jgpaiva: Reading now...

992

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 08, 2008, 08:58 PM »

Fresh build uploading now, has new BitDefender scanner (BETA) and bugfix for Enter problem.

Run, Update, Enjoy

-Brandon

EDIT: Visual Basic didn't save my changes on the BitDefender, so I must fix that now too.

EDIT 2: Don't download, I have to re-upload...

993

Post New Requests Here / IDEA: Drop to disconnect

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 08, 2008, 08:33 PM »

Anyone familiar with OS X's drag-and-drop interface should know what I am talking about here right off the bat...

What I am looking for is a small program that tells Windows to Safely Remove Hardware when I drag the drive icon onto the program icon.


Ex:

I plug in a drive. Said drive appears in My Computer.
I copy file ABC.exe on drive
I close drive window
I drag drive icon from My Computer onto DropToDisconnect.exe on my desktop
A Windows dialog box appears telling me it is safe to remove the hardware
I remove the drive


Can anyone do this for me?


EDIT: And possibly a key-combo that opens a GUI window allowing me to select (multiple, if need be) items to disconnect? That would be really awesome...

994

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 08, 2008, 05:30 PM »

News update: Possible change in anti-virus system, new bug found.


Antivirus change:

A bug has been found in the current Trend Micro antivirus scanner when ran under SnapSuite, so I have been surfing around looking for a new scanner. It looks like the BitDefender online scanner, http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html, will be the replacement.

New bug: Hitting "Enter" to activate a SmartBrowse URL now clears history instead of browsing to the URL.

This is due to the click location I set in AutoHotkey, and not a software problem. I am fixing this now.

Expect an update soon.

-Brandon

995

Official Announcements / Re: The site is now back online (March 6th, 2008)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 07, 2008, 12:26 AM »

It's so nice to see the site again! I panicked when I couldn't get on to post on Sunday.

Hope that everything is for the better now, and we never see a repeat of anything like that again.

996

DC Gamer Club / Re: Voice chat: good or bad?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 06, 2008, 09:23 PM »

Lets run a test on something network-needy then, and see how it goes.

997

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 02, 2008, 11:08 AM »

Update published- run SnapSuite and select OK when prompted to get the new version!

(Note: FastNote still doesn't work, despite the removal of the construction icon. I had to do that for testing purposes.)

EDIT: AH! You may encounter a problem where DEP kills SnapSuite. I don't know why this happens. Will edit this post when I have a fix.

EDIT 2: Fix for DEP is to uninstall from Add/Remove programs (click Uninstall, not restore) and install a fresh copy. Uninstall takes about 2 seconds.

998

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 02, 2008, 11:02 AM »

It would appear that I have fixed the problem - I fell asleep 2 minutes before the time when the bug appears

(I am referring to a problem where AutoHotkey doesn't seem to click on the Close button in WindowsCare)

However, WindowsCare is no longer on my screen (I just got up), so it seems that I have fixed it (bad coordinates, clicking just to the right of the button).


I will build and upload immediately - oh, and while I am at it, I will fix that annoying Update bug when using Beta versions.

Let me know what you think! / -

-Brandon

999

DC Gamer Club / Re: Voice chat: good or bad?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 02, 2008, 10:59 AM »

That would be worth a try at the least- personally, I don't like TS; but it works.

I'll talk to a couple people on Hamachi in a little bit and see what they think.

1000

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Free computer help online/CompuTech (my) programs

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on March 02, 2008, 12:56 AM »

I am so mad at myself right now...

I have had no time at all to fix this one last issue I am having with WindowsCare, so I can't upload the update. And my dad is pushing for the new update (he relies on SystemCare like as if it was food- if it isn't there, get it there, and fast) as well, and I have like 2 essays due, and <insert list here>...so I have been a *tiny* bit stressed . Well, maybe a lot. But it doesn't matter, I am staying up tonight until I fix this problem!


Oh, and I need to remember to update the font size for the Maze Craze website- better do that now.


Will send off a post when all is well!