Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2007 April 18

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[edit] April 18

[edit] AppleScript and styled text

I'm trying to write an AppleScript to create a message in Apple Mail which styles the text. I can change the size, color, and font (including bold and italic) of the contents of the message, but cannot figure out how to set underline. The code I have right now looks like this:

   tell application "Mail"
       set outmsg to (make new outgoing message at end of outgoing messages)
       
       tell outmsg
           set sender to "sender@example.com"
           make new to recipient at end of to recipients with properties {address:"recipient@example.com"}
           set subject to "A subject"
           
           set content to "Paragraph 1" & return & "Paragraph 2" & return & "Paragraph 3"
           tell content
               tell the first paragraph
                   set the font to the font & " Bold" -- Works
                   set the size to the size + 4 -- Works
                   -- set underline to true -- Doesn't work!
               end tell -- the first paragraph
           end tell -- content
       end tell -- outmsg
       
       send -- or 'set visible to true'
       
   end tell -- application "Mail"

I've tried several things, but none of them have been successful. I'm under the impression that Mail simply uses the standard text editing components, so what works in other applications would work in Mail, but I haven't been able to do it there either. Thanks. 141.149.211.196 04:26, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

It looks to me like Applescript's library for mail doesn't have underline. Even the way you had to do bold seems weird to me (it has seperate fonts for the regular and the Bold versions?). I looked through the library for mail and it didn't have anything you could mess with for text except for size and font. The library for Excel on the other hand has underline, strikethrough, italics, color, etc. Recury 20:01, 20 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Reliability of YouTube view counts

How reliable are YouTube view counts? Do the times the uploader (let's say, me) visits the page get counted? Do multiple visits from single users get multiple counts and if so, when? YouTube view counts sometimes seem quite high. If one removes the multiple views of any user, uploader included, and a view count is of 100,000, what would be this video's average viewER count? Thanks for the help, expert YouTubers! --Liberlogos 06:09, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

I do believe it's based on per load count, because the company that works on YouTube makes our corporate site as well. What i mean is if you visit the page sometimes the video loads really fast, you ever notice that? it's just pulling up your past views based on IP, if you have a dynamic IP and reset your router and visit the same video, you will probably have to reload it per se. So what it does it counts based on full load, not reloads from different IP's i believe. This is in order to avoid an area that has multiple computers on 1 single IP. You could always email YouTube and ask too, this is all just based on info i have of the company that makes the website which is Centric i believe, i do not have the info in front of me... 200.35.168.129 16:47, 18 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech
That a video you have watched before loads faster (almost instant) has absolutely nothing to do with how the website handles counts and requests. The video will just be cached into your browsers cache, just as all the websites you view will be. Aetherfukz 10:58, 23 April 2007 (UTC)
If they cared about counting multiple viewings of one video by one person as one view, the easiest way (by far) would be to use cookies. I can't imagine that they would do it any other way (except if you're logged in, obviously). Certainly not using IPs, that is way to unreliable. --Oskar 18:56, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
I'm pretty sure it's page load count because one time I was reloading a video I just created a few times for some reason, it seemed to increment every time. And I was logged in Nil Einne 00:57, 24 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Excel question

I developed a pricing model in an excel worksheet. You enter in a whole lot of inputs and it spits out the answer. I want to create a log in a 2nd worksheet of everything that was input and output from the model. If I just use formulae in the 2nd worksheet then whenever a new deal is priced it will wipe out the previous deal (in the second worksheet).

Any ideas? Zain Ebrahim 09:41, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

You could have a macro copy and paste (paste special, values) the input and output cells from the model sheet to the log sheet.-Czmtzc 12:01, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
But would that prevent new deals from over-writing old ones? Zain Ebrahim 12:47, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
Not if you edited the macro to look for the first empty column (assuming that the data is all in one column). After you have copied the data column and moved to the log sheet do this:
range("a1").select 'start with the first column
do until isblank(activecell.value) 'look for blank cell
activecell.offset(0,1).select 'move 0 rows down 1 columns to right
loop
'this will move your focus to the top cell of the first empty column now you can paste your log data Czmtzc 16:11, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

It worked. Thanks. Zain Ebrahim 06:43, 19 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] CD Image work virtually but not when burned...

I have a CD image which when loaded as a virtual disc worked just fine, but when burned to a CD using two different software programs, CD types and CD writer drives, always produces a CD which cannot be read. How could this be possible? Is there a program available to diagnose the CDs? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 83.84.74.28 (talk) 11:14, 18 April 2007 (UTC).

Programs like Alcohol or Daemon Tools sometimes simulate physical holes on the CD that your real (copied) CD do not have. In this case you would no choice but to use the image, unless you can get hold of the original CD. The copy protection on the CD would have been looking for physical holes. Sandman30s 13:57, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
HOLES??? jaja xD could just be bad image file, This may not always be the case, if you haven't tried Alcohol, try that...also to work around this load the disc on your virtual drive and then make an exact copy like if you were burning from 1 disc to another, do not burn from the image file. If this does not work, then your prob will be that the programs you are using to mount the disc is emulating protection, which does not necesarily have to be "physical holes?" anyways...it could be something like starforce, or secureROM...let me know what happened after you tried this. also if you could let me know what disc you are trying to "back up" i can find out a list of protection on it 200.35.168.129 16:52, 18 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech
What's so funny? Legit CDs/DVDs can have copy protection that has physical properties that cannot be simulated through burning a CD-R/DVD-R. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 01:52, 19 April 2007 (UTC)
I didn't mean physical holes like if you took a drill and made one yourself! CD's are composed of billions of little pits. During the stamping process (not burning) of making original silver cd's, they adjust the properties of some of these pits to "holes" - which nasty copy protection like starforce looks for. Don't get me started on starforce, it makes kernel-level changes that can irreparably damage your OS to the point of reinstall. I would not install a starforce program even with so-called cracks. SecureROM and the rest are supported by Alcohol etc. so you can use these for legitimate backups IMO. Please note I am NOT starting a discussion on copyright violation, I am just trying to explain my understanding of copy protection. If you want to know more, go and read the Daemon Tools website and see how they battle with starforce etc. Sandman30s 15:14, 19 April 2007 (UTC)


My company is involed in manufacturing CD/DVD's so therefore this idea of holes as stated here is somewhat funny (we try to avoid Layman's terms), they're basically like you said...a covered or modified pit. nothing more nothing less. But this can still be backed up. so therefore all copy protections to date are really useless. at least from the tests i've run personally that's my 2 cents 200.12.231.42 16:20, 19 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech
Have you tested starforce? Sandman30s 12:31, 20 April 2007 (UTC)
What I say here is for educational purposes, and should not be in as much detail as to help anyone "break" Copy Protection had to say that so i won't get banned or anything. xD anyways...starfoce you just take everything that is the game...and make a copy, then analyze the DLL's and EXE's mostly in a DeCompiler if you have one xD and then just look for the difference in that and the EXE's or DLL's of a Trial version of the game or some OEM version that some computer may be shipped with or just take out the segments of code that starforce depends on to run (sometimes works or sometimes doesnt) if all of this is unsuccessful...you need to make another EXE yourself that is somewhat like a "loader"...what this will do is either emulate StarForce enough for the actual StarForce in the EXE to find the part that it needs to confirm that it is working. Some EXE's are simple enough that you can substitute a loader for it. For example, the main file that launches the application is an EXE...but it is very small and simple, therefore we can tell that this is not the main EXE, it just redirects possibly for the checking of StarForce. So you just look at the code in that file, and then try to make your own EXE that will do the same or about the same, the redirection of course not the StarForce. this is all a summary in somewhat Laymans terms of how it works...i would really like to try out the x64 StarForce...but have not seen that yet. This is probably not all correct or as in depth, but that is because i'm not involved in that process as much, i do it for kicks kinda thing. 200.12.231.42 16:53, 20 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech

[edit] word - page numbering

Ok i may be missing something obvious here but how do i get word to do page numbering that starts from lets say what is actually the sixth page i.e. pages 1-5 = no numbers needed, page 6 = 1, page 7 = 2 etc etc. I for the life of me cant get it to work Rickystrapp 13:50, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

It might be different between versions of Word, but . . . I'm using Word 2002, and the steps are - Insert /Page Numbers /Format
The bottom of the resulting popup window is titled "Page Numbering" and it has radio buttons for "Continue from previous section" or "Start at" --LarryMac 14:07, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
This let you set the start number, so page 1 could be numbered with 6 but I don't see how it would let you leave the first 5 pages blank and have page 6 be numbered with 1. I guess you could have 2 documents. The first document would be pages 1-5 with no numbering. The second document would be the pages 6-XXX with numbering.-Czmtzc 14:24, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
Ah, sorry, I didn't read closely enough. If you create a new section, starting with page 6, you can restart the page number from 1 (or any arbitrary number). I can't quite figure out how to remove the footers from pages 1 through 5 though. --LarryMac 14:37, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
OK, I think I got it. On the first page of the section that is to contain numbers, choose View / Headers and Footers. In the footer area, deselect the button that indicates "same as previous", then insert the page number and format it to start at 1. Check the footers on the subsequent pages to make sure they are "same as previous." --LarryMac 14:44, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
Right. You can insert a new header or footer at any time (and you can also run a different header or footer on the odd and even pages). This lets you play tricks like not having any header on the first page (a right-side, odd-numbered page), and then having the subsequent left-side pages use a header like:
"2 -- Wikipedia, the last word in Truthiness -- "
while all subsequent right-side (odd) pages have a header like:
" -- by Steven Colbert -- 3"
Word doesn't make any of this easy, but with enough hacking around, it does eventually work. I find it essential to work in "Page view" while trying to make these things work.
Atlant 16:04, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

I still cant work the damn thing. I cant even get the numbers to progres 1,,2,3 etc let alone get them in the right place. i might try the two documents trick Rickystrapp 15:02, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

Ok Ok, so i can get the numbers starting at 1 on page 6, 2 on 7 and so on. however pages 1-5 (the first section) are also numbered which i dont want..any ideas people Rickystrapp 15:10, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cheers for the help, only took a few hours to figure out lol! Rickystrapp 15:45, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

Just to summarize (sorry I wasn't here earlier!) this involves what Word calls "sections" -- as in, "Insert > Break > Section". Sections let you defined things like different headers and footers, and even different page numbering schemes, within a single document. They can be annoying and tricky; for all of the millions spent developing Word it is still one of the worst programs you can use for anything other than very basic word processing. --24.147.86.187 21:06, 18 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Buying a new laptop

My mother is currently in the process of buying a new laptop, and she has left it up to me to pick which one. She wants only fairly basic functionality, surfing, email, writing, etc. She also wants the computer to last a couple of years, she's not the kind of person who buys a new computer every year. I think I've found a great one that's fairly cheap, but since I've neither bought a computer nor used windows in a while I have some questions (I'll try to keep them specific). I've settled on a Dell Inspiron 1501 with these specs:

  • AMD® Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL50
  • Vista Home Basic/Premium (see question below)
  • 15,4 screen, with resolution 1280 x 800
  • 1 GiB of of memory
  • 120 GiB harddrive
  • 256 MB ATI ® Radeon® Xpress 1150

Now, for the questions:

  1. Would this computer be able to run Aero Glass smoothly? I think it would, since it has 1 gig of memory and a fairly decent video card. If it can't, it's no big deal, I'll just go with Home Basic
  2. I know there are some hardware issues with 64-bit processors, but are there any huge software issues? You can run a basic vista system without any hassle, right?
  3. What security software would my mom need? I don't use any security software because I rarely use windows and when I do, I'm savvy enough to never get infected. I mean, what else would she need to be protected besides the built-in stuff (the windows firewall, hardware DEP, ...) if she uses Firefox to surf and if she isn't using the computer as an admin (I'll teach her all about the UAC stuff)? I don't want those huge and intrusive internet suites (yeah, Norton, I'm looking at you) because I don't like how they can cripple a system. Also, keep in mind the surfing habits of an upper-middle aged woman; probably the shadiest site she'll visit is YouTube.
  4. 64-bit Vista can run VNC, right? I use it to help my parents out with computer issues.
  5. And finally, this computer will run pretty smoothly for a couple of years, right? I mean, assuming she has no desire to play Half-Life 3, will this computer will be solid for a fairly long time? Lets say, 3-4 years? --Oskar 18:43, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
Image:Spyware infestation.png Don't let this be your sweet mother.
In dealing with my own parents' computer issues, and those of my daughter, I have found that you could put up a dialog that says "Click OK to see a dancing bear and also install a virus and steal your credit card number and delete your important files", and they will click OK 9 times out of 10. I would suggest getting a Mac (or at least some Norton-type stuff) to protect her from malware, and getting a desktop for the enhanced reliability unless she specifically needs a laptop.--TotoBaggins 19:30, 18 April 2007 (UTC)
It will cope reasonably well with Aero Glass. 64bit processors are indistinguishable from 32bit ones unless you have a 64bit Operating system to use them, I'd recommend just sticking with the 32bit version of Vista for now tho (it's easier to find virus scanners and drivers for the 32bit editions). I'd recommend going with Avira Anti Virus (www.free-av.com) now that they have Vista support, Norton is far too bloaty for my liking and I've seen it kill 3 PC's now when trying to uninstall... not much fun. Finally assuming you buy a laptop with good build quality then yes it should be fine. Elaverick 19:32, 18 April 2007 (UTC)


EXCELLENT CHOICE on the chip, it works great on laptops the only thing i see kinda low on your computer is concerning the video card, make sure its discrete memory, it'd be nicer, try to keep ATI and not nVidia (do not flame me for this nVidia users, the reason for this is logical because AMD is a little more ATI friendly now, that and i like it jajaj bash me for that instead xD). If not it's ok anyways, if you're looking for a computer to last around 4 years maybe a SATA disc is right for you, Dell has customizable options for their computers to swap one thing out for another so look into the HDD and VideoCard if it's not discrete...the reason for the video card is regarding your question with aero. If the card does not have discrete memory it will steal 256mb from the normal RAM so you will only have 768mb left for "normal use" per se.
now for your questions
1) yes you can run it but look into the suggestion i made about discrete memory
2) there really are no hardware issues if you stick to a 32 bit Operating System, i myself am running a dual boot 64bit xp and 64bit Vista and the vista from what i know is still beta, and xp sometimes has problems, but the use i give the computer is different from the person you are addressing, my desktop with a 64 bit processor is on a 32 bit XP so it works great
3) for security aimed for the person you describe, i would recommend AVG internet security suite, and disable all the windows crap. This thing runs fast, and efficiently. If you can configure it at the beginning then you will run into no problems, just set up the firewall and i would recommend changing the settings on how often it scans and whatnot
4) with the VNC i would again recommend you use a 32 bit Operating System to make sure you can use this
5) if you get a SATA disc and a video card with discrete memory this computer can last you approx. 5 or so years, this is of course talking bad of Moore's Law jaja xD Hope this helps you out 200.12.231.42 20:10, 18 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech
I wouldn't go for such an expensive laptop. Your mother isn't going to need a powerful laptop graphic chipset like the 1150, nor a Turion unless she enjoys pwning n00bs at CS:S. I suggest buying a Pentium M with 1G memory. Aero should run OK with a gig of memory, though the above poster is correct, 768mb is more than enough for surfing the web and writing letters to the boat club. The computer you described would be overkill, and would likely have much less battery life than a equivalent one. I have a DV1000 Pavilion I got for $350, and I'm happy with it, even being a gamer, I can run Q3-engine games at 40fps. As for security - just run a router firewall and tell your mother not to click on any banner ads or "free offers". -Wooty Woot? contribs 20:37, 19 April 2007 (UTC)
i would recommend that laptop, the reason is because he said he wants one that will last...that one should be kicking with no problem in 5 years, the one you mention wooty...well its lower class and the pentium M computer my friend has that has lower CPU speeds lasts less time on battery than i do, and i play games and he doesnt. it's not that i dont like Intel,well i really don't like them but i'm taking into account that the Pentium M is on it's way out not in...i mean duo core is replacing it..why buy a product that is leaving the market if you want it to last 5 years or so...besides one of his requirements was not a Cheap or Good Buy computer...if he has the money and wants to spend it correctly then that is the way to go. Mine wasn't so expensive either it was around $900 USD after the rebates...it's this one (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00771987&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3253956&lang=en) just gotta find good deals
if that link doesnt work then look up the HP Pavilion dv9074cl 200.35.168.129 20:52, 19 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech
Nevertheless, the PM has lower power requirements, and with a less power-consuming gfx controller, it should have much more battery life than the competition - anecdotal-isms aside. I can see your point about the C2D/whatever the AMD equivalent is, but you don't really need to be a generation ahead if you're just writing email. All you'll care about is being able to open your programs quickly (a bunch of RAM should do the trick there), have a nice touchpad and keyboard, battery life, and display. A higher clock speed PM is fine, a C2D is fine, I guess (but like I said perhaps a bit overkill), but I still vouch for the PM. -Wooty Woot? contribs 23:50, 19 April 2007 (UTC)
As my Economics teacher once said..."I'm just trying to save you money exponentially over a period of time. You might not complain about the price of the 1st lower priced item, but I bet your Lockheed Martin shares you will complain about the replacement price." 200.12.231.42 00:38, 20 April 2007 (UTC) Ag for MemTech