Entries for pathfinder

April Fools Stories in the News [April Fools Stories in the News]

pathfinder — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:38:22 GMT

Post any news stories that you read today that seem to good to be true and have to be an April Fools Joke.

I am going to start with the Intel announcement for a new type of memory, Phase Change Memory (PCM). After 38 years? Yeah right.

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/mar2008/tc20080331_498434.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_top+stories

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9906755-7.html?tag=nefd.pop

in reply to April Fools Stories in the News

ReadyBoost drive disappears [ReadyBoost drive disappears]

pathfinder — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:50:56 GMT

I have a 2gb Sandisk Cruzer Titanium drive that I have ReadyBoost enabled on it. Anyhow, it seems like after a few hours/days the drive just completely disappears from My Computer.

I thought maybe it was a just a bug so I installed Vista SP1 and the same thing still happens.

Is anyone else using readyboost? Does this happen to you. It could be a faulty usb thumbdrive.

If I uplug the drive and plug it back in everything works fine for a while.

One time after about an hour of use, the drive felt very warm to the touch. Do you think overheating might be the issue?

Any ideas?

in reply to ReadyBoost drive disappears

Nevermind [Nevermind]

pathfinder — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:00:38 GMT

[EDIT:] I just realized the price and it is not cheap. I also read some reviews and they didn't speak highly. It doesn't support USB Hubs or Media players. So basically it was just an expensive print server. I removed the link to the website in my posting.

--

I use Virtual PC 2007 and I love it, but I have the same complaint as everyone else on the web. The lack of support for USB. However I was watching some video in Windows Media Player and they were discussing a USB 2.0 to Ethernet server from Keyspan.

Has anybody used this product in a Virtual PC? If not what do you use to get around the USB support? Specifically there are two things that want to hook up. My MP3 player and my Dell Axim PDA. They both require special drivers/programs so just sharing a drive doesn't work in these cases. (i.e. the Dell needs ActiveSync installed).

I know at one point I came across a software solution that mapped USB 2.0 devices (and it wasn't VMWare), but it seemed at expensive at the time.

in reply to Nevermind

Interviewing programmers [Interviewing programmers]

pathfinder — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:15:30 GMT

I am interviewing candidates for a C#/C++ programming position and I just need some ideas for good technical questions to ask to guage someones experience. I am mostly concerned with C# experience. Does anyone have some good ideas on questions I should ask?

Questions involving using Sockets and Threading would be helpful too.

They don't have to be trick questions, but one I thought of was "Name a class that does not have the .ToString() method".

in reply to Interviewing programmers

Flexwiki homepage [Flexwiki homepage]

pathfinder — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:42:24 GMT

It appears that the FlexWiki homepage is down. Is this temporary or and is this project still alive? I know that C9 is using it. If I was to put up wiki site in my company should I go with this application or choose an alternative like media wiki.

in reply to Flexwiki homepage

OCR in .NET [OCR in .NET]

pathfinder — Fri, 18 May 2007 21:42:31 GMT

Does anyone know of any .NET code or class that will do optical character recognition from an image?

Specifically I want to take a screen shot and then try to capture some of the text on the screen. Kind of like a screen scrape.

My preference would be something in c# also. I did a search and came across an open source project called GOCR but I could find any .NET flavors of it. Do you know of any?

Thanks.

in reply to OCR in .NET

File SearchPattern in .NET [File SearchPattern in .NET]

pathfinder — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:56:30 GMT

The DirectoryInfo object has a method GetFiles(string SearchPattern) that will search a directory for any files that match the searchpattern (i.e. *.txt).

I basically want to use this same logic, but without the DirectoryInfo object. In other words, I just want to test a file name to a list of File Masks to determine what the file is. So I might have a user defined file mask Accounts*.bak, and I would get a true if the file name matches.

I tried using regular expressions, but in regular expressions I would have to put Accounts.*\.bak

Does anyone know of a way to do a file mask without making the user know regular expressions?

Thanks

in reply to File SearchPattern in .NET

and here I was thinking my girlfriend was making the computer crash [and here I was thinking my girlfriend was making the computer crash]

pathfinder — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:20:52 GMT

About a year ago I set up a computer for my girlfriend and it constantly crashes with BSOD. I looked at it and everything looks fine. It's an HP so I even used the Recovery discs to reinstall XP. It still crashed with "STOP 0x0000000a: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" error. It was especially bad if she was playing Sims2. I finally just told her it must be something she is doing.

Low and behold, this week MS releases a patch, (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929338) and I have to eat my own words. Hopefully this takes care of the problem. If it does, thank you, another relationship has been saved! ( j/k)

in reply to and here I was thinking my girlfriend was making the computer crash

another identity for Google [another identity for Google]

pathfinder — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:34:05 GMT

I came across this search site

http://www.searchmash.com

from what I can tell it is Google, just under a different identity. I wonder why they are doing this?

in reply to another identity for Google

Vista Free Edition? [Vista Free Edition?]

pathfinder — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:40:04 GMT

Why doesn't Microsoft offer a Vista Free Edition? They offer free development tools. It could be an even more slimmed down version of Vista Home. Maybe it doesn't have a traditional windows installer so you can't install certain kinds of software or hardware.

I only suggest this because it might be a way to combat piracy and Linux.

For example, my little brother asked me last night if I had a windows xp cd laying around that he could have. I told him that he would need an install code and that he has to register online. He said that he didn't care and if he had to he would just reinstall every 60 days.

I told him, No I don't have a cd. I suggested he try linux. For him, a Vista Free Edition would have been a perfect solution. Just call Microsoft and could mail them out for $2.00, or download for free.

Microsoft could even go the Linspire route. Albeit Linspire isn't overly successful, but it could be a market for Microsoft to dominate. You get the OS free, and after installing it, you go to the Market place and buy the software you need or at least download demos.

in reply to Vista Free Edition?

Microsoft approved as an ICANN registrar [Microsoft approved as an ICANN registrar]

pathfinder — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:45:09 GMT

How did I miss this? It certainly slipped under the radar.

Microsoft Approved as ICANN Registrar

Microsoft has become an ICANN-accredited domain registrar, giving it the ability to sell domains directly to its customers. Microsoft has been reselling domain names from Melbourne IT, a registrar based in Australia that also provides wholesale domains to Yahoo and other hosting providers.

Microsoft's could use its new status to sell domain names for its Office Live small business hosting service, which is scheduled to come out of beta on Nov. 15 and provides a free domain name with each account. This would probably save Microsoft money on each domain sold, as wholesalers like Melbourne IT typically charge a small mark-up over the base fees from the central registry.

But not all companies that gain ICANN accreditation use it to sell their own domains. Google became a registrar last year but has yet to sell domain names to the public, preferring to use its status to focus on reducing spammy domains from its search results. Amazon.com also has ICANN accreditation, but has not pursued retail domain sales.

Posted by Rich Miller at 04:04 AM UTC on Nov 7, 2006 in Domains | Link to this article | Subscribe

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Ignore - Duplicate post [Ignore - Duplicate post]

pathfinder — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:43:55 GMT

I don't know how that happened, but this is a duplcate post.

in reply to Ignore - Duplicate post

Xbox and Xbox360 on same disk. [Xbox and Xbox360 on same disk.]

pathfinder — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:42:19 GMT

I went to Burger King for lunch today and they were selling Xbox games for $3.99 with a meal purchase. So I bought one. After opening the package the DVD says "Includes XBOX 360 and Original XBOX Versions." Does this mean that there are two different binaries on the disk, one for each system? This is the first game I have seen like this. How come they don't do that with all of the games that get release for both systems? It would save on production cost.

Then I got to thinking, since the Xbox reads from the outside track in, and normal DVD are read from the inside track out, could they potentially put the PC version on the same disk? Could the disk have two file tables, one for the Xbox to read, and another that the PC reads. A lot of games are only 1-2 gb in size, so they would have enough room to put all version on the same disk.

And with HD-DVD out, I think there would be plenty of room to put XBox 360 games and PC games on the same disk.

Just a random thought.

in reply to Xbox and Xbox360 on same disk.

PS3s are only selling for $700-$800 on ebay [PS3s are only selling for $700-$800 on ebay]

pathfinder — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 04:29:24 GMT

I was just curios to see what the PS3s were going for on eBay and to my suprise very few people are bidding on them. The 20gb versions are going for about $700-$800 with free shipping and games included. The 60gb seem to be getting $900-$1100.

It makes me laugh at all those people who camped out and stayed up all night trying to get a PS3 thinking they were going to be able sell them for thousands of dollars profit.

I just watched an auction end for $702.00. I wonder if the seller will even ship it, but instead will just refund the money.

in reply to PS3s are only selling for $700-$800 on ebay

Start me up..... [Start me up.....]

pathfinder — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:02:27 GMT

Here is a link to Techblog which has two youtube videos debuting the Windows 95 launch.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/a-look-back-windows-95

Fun little tidbit of history to watch and to reminisce. I can remember the euphoria I felt when the company I worked at made the decision to move our application to Windows. It took almost two years to re-write our DOS version (based on Advance Revelation) to Windows 95.

Our first (unreleased) try was used an Access database. However our actual release in 1997 was written in Delphi and used Paradox tables and a Sybase Database. And shortly thereafter I descended into DLL hell.

in reply to Start me up.....

VS2005 Server Explorer Error [VS2005 Server Explorer Error]

pathfinder — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 20:25:22 GMT

As of yesterday afternoon I cannot add a Data Connection to my Server Exploerer. I get an error and all it says is "The system cannot find the file specified."

It doesn't matter if I am trying to add a MSSQL, Oracle, Access database. When I click the Test connection button it says that connection is successful, but when I click OK to create the connection I get the error.

What file is it looking for. I get no other error messages, nothing in the event viewer either.

Help, this is frustrating me. I have tried unistalling VS2005 and .NET framework 2.0 but to no avail the error is still there.

in reply to VS2005 Server Explorer Error

How viral is the Zune? [How viral is the Zune?]

pathfinder — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:51:48 GMT

I have been reading about the Zune all over the blogosphere but I have a question that I can't find the answer to. How far down the line can a media file be shared (ie How viral is it?).

Let me explain it with a little more detail. So I am on my way to class and I am listening to my favorite Podcast on my new Zune. My buddy says 'Hey watcha listen'n to?' I share it with his Zune. The next on his way to class he starts to listen to it. He has a friend, whom I don't know, and she wants him to share the podcast? Can he share it? Can my buddy go on to share it with 10-15 people. Can those people go on to share it? That is how I interpret social networking. In a sense I have infected hundreds/thousands of people that I don't know with my favorite podcast.

One more question, does the zune have built in RSS/ATOM capabilities? Lets say that I always want the top 10 songs on my Zune, whatever they are. So can I subsribe to a top 10 rss feed and any time I am at a wifi internet connection, my Zune will get this for me? This could be a cash cow opurtunity for a content provider! Because the content provider could compile the song list into a podcast along with a 20 second commercial or two. Everyday its a new list and new 20 second commercial I listen to.

Take these two ideas and put them together and I have now shared 20-40 seconds of commercial with potentially thousands of people.

Okay, my very last question. What types of media can I share? Movies? E-text? The answers to a test :O?

Okay, okay, sorry, one more. Will the zune support Audible format?

If the zune has all of this then wow, I want one.

in reply to How viral is the Zune?

.NET Windows Media File SDK wrapper [.NET Windows Media File SDK wrapper]

pathfinder — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 21:01:08 GMT

This is a small application that gives access to the WMF-SDK with managed code. There is also a class that uses the wrapper to read and write the META data on media files both by name and index.

A sample application is included that reads the Track#, Author, Title, Duration, Bitrate, and if the files is DRM. Just select some files from your collection and it is displayed into a grid.

As you will see any other attributes can be easily added.

The source code is for VS2005, but I don't think I am using any 2.0 features, so it will probably compile in 2003.

I am thinking about writing it into a provider for LINQ so I can get some practice with it.

in reply to .NET Windows Media File SDK wrapper

.NET Socket example [.NET Socket example]

pathfinder — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 22:46:46 GMT

I had a request to post example code of .NET TCP Socket code.
Attached is a class that uses .NET classes.

this is just an example and a whole lot more can be done, like using an array list or generics to keep track of client connections. The current example only supports one client connection at a time.

Download the attached message.cs class and use the following code in your console application to test

using System;
using SocketExample; //the example socket namespace

namespace ConsoleApplication1

{
class Program
{
   static void Main(string[] args)
    {
       //test the class
       test t = new test();
    }

    internal class test
    {
       public test()
       {
           //set the socket to list on port 1995
           message mSocket = new message(1995);
          //subscribe if a message is arrived
         mSocket.myMessage += new messageReceived(mSocket_myMessage);

         //send a message to a server
         message.SendData("Hello World", "127.0.0.1", 1995);

         //hit enter to quit program
        Console.ReadLine();

}

     void mSocket_myMessage(string message)
     {
         //message received
        Console.WriteLine(message);
     }

}

in reply to .NET Socket example

.NET Socket example [.NET Socket example]

pathfinder — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 22:45:04 GMT

namespace ConsoleApplication1

{
class Program
{
   static void Main(string[] args)
    {
       //test the class
       test t = new test();
    }

         //send a message to a server
         message.SendData("Hello World", "127.0.0.1", 1995);

         //hit enter to quit program
        Console.ReadLine();

}

     void mSocket_myMessage(string message)
     {
         //message received
        Console.WriteLine(message);
     }

}

in reply to .NET Socket example

chinese fortune cookie [chinese fortune cookie]

pathfinder — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:49:02 GMT

So I just got back from a Chinese restaurant and my fortune read
"If you can befriend yourself, you'll never be lonely."

I just thought I would share these words of wisdom.

in reply to chinese fortune cookie

C# mobile phone monitor application [C# mobile phone monitor application]

pathfinder — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 19:55:35 GMT

Uses the 2.0 SerialPort namespace to connect to a mobile phone over a DUN (Dial up networking) connection (bluetooth or USB). I use a bluetooth connection.

Does AT commands against the phone to determine battery, signal, and ringer volume status. Also has a caller Id when the cell phone rings.

I wrote the application, because I usually turn my ring off when I am working but didn't want to miss any calls. With this applicattion running in the background I never miss a phone call.

Currently tested with a Motorola V710 phone. (I have performed seem edits on my phone, so I am not sure if all commands will work with a factory phone).

Also included PDFs from motorolas website that describes the AT commands and some other documentation on the hardware.

in reply to C# mobile phone monitor application

why would you want an object not to be serializable [why would you want an object not to be serializable]

pathfinder — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:18:13 GMT

In .NET some objects are serializable and some aren't. What is the advantage to having an object not to be serializable? Performance, memory allocation?

in reply to why would you want an object not to be serializable

Windows XP bluetooth headset profile [Windows XP bluetooth headset profile]

pathfinder — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:14:00 GMT

Does Windows XP have a headset profile? It seems to support all of the other profiles. Basically what I want to do is pair my cell phone to my computer, where my computer is acting as a headset. Then I want to write a C# that notifies me when there is an incoming call on my cell phone. That way I can turn my ring off when I am in the office.

in reply to Windows XP bluetooth headset profile

Job offer [Job offer]

pathfinder — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 22:39:37 GMT

So I got the following Job offer in my inbox today. Appearantly they pulled my resume from monster. I thought it was pretty funny. Feel free to apply if you are interested
-------------------------

I have the following contract to perm position located in Scottsdale Arizona. If you're interested please email me your word resume ASAP. thanks Dawn

Title:

Senior Web Developer

Duration:

6 month contract to hire

Pay:

Market (upon conversion the pay and benefits are huge talk to me for details)

Location:

North Scottsdale

Platforms:

UNIX (Solaris) (80%), Linux Redhat 4 (10%), and Windows Server 2000 (10%)

Industry:

Adult –One of the world’s largest producers of XXX websites, streaming video, digital pictures, and Magazines. They just received approval to move their entire IT operations to Phoenix from Ft Lauderdale, FL and will be in need of folks as they make the transition.

The person chosen for this position will be developing their web sites using PHP 4 and 5, HTML, JavaScript. Web development can be done on either a Solaris Server or via Windows using a tool such as Zen Studio, or Dream Weaver. If done in Windows. Candidate must still know UNIX commands. This person will also be assisting with the migration from Sybase to MySQL. So ANY exposure to Sybase would be a huge plus.

Although working on the development side (backend), this candidate may be exposed to extreme Adult orientated pictures and videos.

Required:

Strong PHP

Strong MySQL

Clustering

Setting up tables

Mid Unix / Linux (command lines)

Strong documentation skills when appropriate (not on the development side)

+ to have Sybase (ANY exposure

in reply to Job offer