Author Topic: GetSerious0.1 - (don't expect much) (Read 18387 times)

kobi7 · « **on:** January 23, 2011, 12:00 AM »

Hey guys, here's a simple program, couple of hours work, I wrote it in C#.

The purpose of it is to keep you more focused.
It places itself at the bottom right corner, always on top.
It displays a list of window titles, and the percentage of the time you spent on each one. (updates every second)
It is really simplistic.

To close the program, click it and press Alt+F4.

I'll probably post a chat program that I work on, later on.

KynloStephen66515 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2011, 12:02 AM »

Screenshots please.

*edit*
Just noticed your new lol... welcome to DC!

Renegade · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2011, 01:58 AM »

Actually, I could really use that. However, this is the first time you've posted, and I'm simply not that trusting. I would be willing to build from source, but... Sorry. Just skittish about things.

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2011, 09:00 AM »

Actually, I could really use that. However, this is the first time you've posted, and I'm simply not that trusting. I would be willing to build from source, but... Sorry. Just skittish about things.
-Renegade (January 23, 2011, 01:58 AM)

Compiled with Visual Studio 2008 by K1, doesn't contain any networking or file system code... *Shrug* ...Looks safe enough.

Kinda cute really, but did not stay on top, and needs an off button of some kind.

timns · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2011, 11:57 AM »

But a helluva good way to jump into the spirit of DC

kobi7 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2011, 11:41 AM »

Actually, I could really use that. However, this is the first time you've posted, and I'm simply not that trusting. I would be willing to build from source, but... Sorry. Just skittish about things.
-Renegade (January 23, 2011, 01:58 AM)

hi Renegade. perfectly understandable.
Actually, it's just a thread that increments a hashtable (dictionary) every second. and some winforms code.
I can send source code if you're interested but it's not much to learn from. basic stuff, and prepared in a day for my own usage.
however I am working on a chat client (student handout work), and wanted to post as a donationware here.
After I get it done, I hope to ask you guys to be an author here. is there a procedure to follow?

Compiled with Visual Studio 2008 by K1, doesn't contain any networking or file system code... *Shrug* ...Looks safe enough.
Hey that's great, I'd be interested to know what tool do you use to know this?

Kinda cute really, but did not stay on top, and needs an off button of some kind.
kinda cute: Thanks! I noticed if I have a stop watch running, I'm more aware of using my time for work.
So this was just a quick idea, to time or check myself.
stay on top bug?: I only tested on windowsXP -- doesn't it stay on top on your machine?
off button: I can of course make it a little prettier and add a context menu with exit - would that be good?
I wanted it to be minimal, so I even removed the titlebar.

suggestions welcome.

But a helluva good way to jump into the spirit of DC
-timns (January 23, 2011, 11:57 AM)

Thanks!

-Stoic Joker (January 23, 2011, 09:00 AM)

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2011, 07:02 AM »

I hope to ask you guys to be an author here. is there a procedure to follow?
-kobi7 (January 24, 2011, 11:41 AM)

Not that I'm aware of - other than what you've done already - Not much on formality here...

Compiled with Visual Studio 2008 by K1, doesn't contain any networking or file system code... *Shrug* ...Looks safe enough.
-Stoic Joker (January 23, 2011, 09:00 AM)
Hey that's great, I'd be interested to know what tool do you use to know this?
-kobi7 (January 24, 2011, 11:41 AM)

As silly as it may sound, Notepad. I spend alot of time working in the field so seldom have handy access to all the fancy stuff. You really can learn alot about a program (if you're used to looking for it) by tossing into a plain text editor.

stay on top bug?: I only tested on windowsXP -- doesn't it stay on top on your machine?
-kobi7 (January 24, 2011, 11:41 AM)

Correct on Win7 x64 it went behind my compiler (also MSVS2k8).

off button: I can of course make it a little prettier and add a context menu with exit - would that be good?
I wanted it to be minimal, so I even removed the titlebar.
-kobi7 (January 24, 2011, 11:41 AM)

Understood, less is more ... until it isn't enough. People just tend to feel better about (turning on) a thing, if there is a readily apparent safe and obvious way of turning it back off...

kobi7 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2011, 04:51 PM »

Hello friends, updated software.

changes from GetSerious 0.1
===========================
+ changed window to "fixed tool window" mode, and returned control box so you can exit it.
+ added tracks. label and progressbar inside a 2 column table.
+ the ui now uses the tracks. looks better.
+ (changed text to rows.)
+ (changed progress text to progress bar.)
+ the table now has 3 columns.
+ added a little time representation h:m:s -> 2h:18m:3s
+ optimized drawing code a little (adds rows only when needed)

I don't plan to change much more here.
possibly add a systray icon to show/hide the window. (if a next version will happen)

Enjoy!
PS: source is added this time.
(donationcoder is not about open source, this time it's added because it's like a small sample application)

PS2: if you have suggestions for tiny software you need, let me know.
Thanks, Kobi

wraith808 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2011, 05:29 PM »

(donationcoder is not about open source, this time it's added because it's like a small sample application)
-kobi7 (January 25, 2011, 04:51 PM)

Donation Coder is about sharing software- open source included! And the concepts of donation ware software and open source are not mutually exclusive...

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2011, 07:37 PM »

A movable window (on a rubber-band) that snaps back into the corner strikes me as a bit counter intuitive.

I like the progress bars for an at-a-glance overview, but they are a bit too active (draws the eye badly). Perhaps they could update from their current position, instead of zero each time to cut down on the blinking effect.

The show/hide systray icon idea would definitely help in the user friendly department.

kobi7 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2011, 08:39 AM »

I don't plan to change much more here.
-kobi7 (January 25, 2011, 04:51 PM)

excuse me, I was tired. any suggestions are welcomed!

here is another minor release.
I think it's pretty good now.

new: magnetized when close, but movable.
new: can hide or show.
new: has a systray icon, albeit not very pretty.
even when hidden, it continues to keep statistics.
hope this is good for your productivity - timing yourself, or staying more focused

Enjoy :-)

Kobi

kobi7 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2011, 10:51 AM »

A movable window (on a rubber-band) that snaps back into the corner strikes me as a bit counter intuitive.
-Stoic Joker (January 25, 2011, 07:37 PM)

Fixed. now you can move it. it will jump back to screen when you put it offscreen, and when close by to one of the walls, will jump to it (magnetize).

I still need to disable double clicking the title, and make close X only hide it to systray.
there is visibility in systray now, you can exit, or show/hide it.

I like the progress bars for an at-a-glance overview, but they are a bit too active (draws the eye badly). Perhaps they could update from their current position, instead of zero each time to cut down on the blinking effect.
-Stoic Joker (January 25, 2011, 07:37 PM)

Does it flicker for you with the latest version?

you may try it.
any other suggestions?
right now it's fixed on showing the top 10 applications, I can have it configurable if you guys want.
see you soon, kobi

kobi7 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2011, 03:27 AM »

Another version.

you can now increase or decrease the number of items shown, by clicking (left click / right click) the +/- label in the new status bar.
closing a window, now only hides it.
better systray icon. (?)
systray menu done.

sources are included.
Enjoy.

I improved on my winforms knowledge from this tiny application. (understood their concept better)
This is probably the last version (unless you find a bug), as I'm content with the result.

Hope to post here something more meaningful, yet still as simple to use, in the near future.
See you, Kobi

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2011, 07:06 AM »

A movable window (on a rubber-band) that snaps back into the corner strikes me as a bit counter intuitive.
-Stoic Joker (January 25, 2011, 07:37 PM)
Fixed. now you can move it. it will jump back to screen when you put it offscreen, and when close by to one of the walls, will jump to it (magnetize).
-kobi7 (January 30, 2011, 10:51 AM)

Cool, I like best of both solutions.

I like the progress bars for an at-a-glance overview, but they are a bit too active (draws the eye badly). Perhaps they could update from their current position, instead of zero each time to cut down on the blinking effect.
-Stoic Joker (January 25, 2011, 07:37 PM)

Does it flicker for you with the latest version?
-kobi7 (January 30, 2011, 10:51 AM)

Perhaps I explained that badly. Flickering implies that the program is rendering badly/malfunctioning...Which it is not. It runs fine.

It is the as designed behavior of repetedly going from zero to X that keeps the UI in a constant state of motion. Which is what tends to draw the eye.

skwire · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2011, 01:49 PM »

FWIW, it seems to work but doesn't display properly on my computer (Windows XP SP3). Here's a screenshot:

GetSerious0.1 - (don't expect much)

KynloStephen66515 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2011, 03:12 PM »

Ya know this would be kinda cool if you could have a live link to a forum sig code, where it updates your forum sig with what software your using most (not the page titles or anything). Could be quite fun to see lol

skwire · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2011, 03:18 PM »

Ya know this would be kinda cool if you could have a live link to a forum sig code, where it updates your forum sig with what software your using most (not the page titles or anything). Could be quite fun to see lol
-Stephen66515 (January 31, 2011, 03:12 PM)

You can pretty much do this with Wakoopa. Check out Perry's sig.

Ath · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2011, 03:53 PM »

Hm, it's pretty useless for registering what app is been most active, as it's selected based on the windows title instead of app-class, as the title changes with ever new page I select using my browser, or changing directories with my file explorer.

And the constantly moving progress bar is quite annoying as well, after about 10 seconds

.

kobi7 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2011, 04:57 PM »

It is the as designed behavior of repetedly going from zero to X that keeps the UI in a constant state of motion. Which is what tends to draw the eye.
-Stoic Joker (January 31, 2011, 07:06 AM)

hi Stoik, I did some work.
I think this behaviour is due to a vista theme where the progress bars animate from zero to their current spot.
and since I use xp, I didn't understand at first what you meant.

here's a customized version - see if it solves the problem for you.
and heh, I had to choose a color, green looks classic.

also try clicking the +/- it limits the number of items shown. (left click increments, right click decrements)

I believe that's all for this little program. see ya

Ath · « **Reply #19 on:** January 31, 2011, 05:20 PM »

I think this behaviour is due to a vista theme where the progress bars animate from zero to their current spot.
and since I use xp, I didn't understand at first what you meant.

here's a customized version - see if it solves the problem for you.
and heh, I had to choose a color, green looks classic.
-kobi7 (January 31, 2011, 04:57 PM)

Pfew, that a lot less distracting. And that green is really classic, close to my car's color, British Racing Green

When clicking a bit on the +1/-1 semi-button, it changes to some count (up and down with left/right mouseclicks), that has no relation to the number of app-titles shown, don't know what that's supposed to mean? The +1/-1 didn't return, but I could it to go to "15 items shown" (and more if I wanted to), though there are only 4 items actually showing

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #20 on:** January 31, 2011, 06:35 PM »

It is the as designed behavior of repetedly going from zero to X that keeps the UI in a constant state of motion. Which is what tends to draw the eye.
-Stoic Joker (January 31, 2011, 07:06 AM)

hi Stoik, I did some work.
I think this behaviour is due to a vista theme where the progress bars animate from zero to their current spot.
and since I use xp, I didn't understand at first what you meant.

here's a customized version - see if it solves the problem for you.
and heh, I had to choose a color, green looks classic.

also try clicking the +/- it limits the number of items shown. (left click increments, right click decrements)

I believe that's all for this little program. see ya
-kobi7 (January 31, 2011, 04:57 PM)

Quieter UI is excellent. And I believe you assessment of the progress bar behavior is correct also.

When clicking a bit on the +1/-1 semi-button, it changes to some count (up and down with left/right mouseclicks), that has no relation to the number of app-titles shown, don't know what that's supposed to mean? The +1/-1 didn't return, but I could it to go to "15 items shown" (and more if I wanted to), though there are only 4 items actually showing
-Ath (January 31, 2011, 05:20 PM)

The +1/-1 is a max item count, and is therefore only relevant if you've reached it. Not incredibly intuitive at first blush, but should be handy once learned.

Perry Mowbray · « **Reply #21 on:** February 01, 2011, 04:23 AM »

Ya know this would be kinda cool if you could have a live link to a forum sig code, where it updates your forum sig with what software your using most (not the page titles or anything). Could be quite fun to see lol
-Stephen66515 (January 31, 2011, 03:12 PM)

You can pretty much do this with Wakoopa.
-skwire (January 31, 2011, 03:18 PM)

Actually you're probably better going to their social section: http://social.wakoopa.com/

Check out Perry's sig.
-skwire (January 31, 2011, 03:18 PM)

Here:

kobi7 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 13, 2011, 02:07 AM »

Hey all,
I had a memory leak in the program.
It's fixed now.
here's a new version.
the source is included.

This version has stoik tracks, because it looks better and works for all platforms.
if you still want the windows progress bars, you can change a little boolean flag in the source code.
it's in Program.cs : public static bool stoik = true;
change it to false.

See you,
Kobi

kobi7 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 13, 2011, 02:10 AM »

the source code.