Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with software and resolved

Scrobblin on a Mac with no privileges

puritycontrol — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:34:17 -0800

Please help me install a Last.fm scrobbler for iTunes on Mac OSX 10.5.8 without administrator privileges. I'm a Windows guy, so please keep the explanation simple! This is for my iMac at work, which I've been using for a few months.

I know that you can scrobble iPod tracks, but my iPod is formatted for a PC. And my desk is tiny, so I'd rather not have to bring in an extra set of speakers and hook the iPod up to those. Thanks in advance.

What's the best WYSIWYG software for web design these days?

julen — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:03:57 -0800

What is the best WYSIWYG website builder for PCs out there these days? My uncle is still using an archaic version of Front Page to produce his family websites. The results look OK but are unusable (hyperlinks don't work) if you are using a Mac or Firefox, which is pretty much rules out 90% of his audience.

So what is the best desktop app for designing websites on a PC these days? He doesn't know HTML, and online webapps aren't an option. It should be easy to use but produce good clean code. Help me only fix the HTML once!

Quark Problems

aburd — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:58:21 -0800

My mom is a graphic designer and uses Quark. She just switched from a PowerPC based Macbook Pro to an Intel based MacBook Pro. Using the new Macbook Pro, she can't seem to open the Quark files she created using the old MacBook pro. It produces an error saying something about the processor. Is there a nice program for converting such files? I don't know much about Quark or design software but please let me know if I am skipping some obvious detail. I want to get her this software for Christmas so I can't be too obvious but I can probably get some details out of her without being too obvious.

How do you monitor up/down Internet usage on a dial-up connection?

fujiko — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:38:19 -0800

Rural Internet Connection: I need help with gauging current data use before investing in mobile broadband. So, like 4% of American homes, my parents have no access to broadband Internet service. The valley they live in is technically covered by Verizon 3G, and my dad is considering erecting his own cellular repeater. (He's a mountain goat, so I'm not worried about him running cable up 200ft of hillside.) We've already been assured that you can use 3rd party equipment to rebroadcast 3G service directly in the house.

We totally get how the repeater works and is set up.

Here's the real problem: How the hell do you know if you're using 5GB of Internet access in a month? I understand there might be monitoring software out there, but I don't know what it's called. Looking for "monitoring software" leads to software teaching you how to snoop on other people's browsing habits. I just need to know how much data they're pulling down and sending up in a given 30-day period. I want them to have better Internet access (instead of 28.8 kbps) and access to phone service during fire season (lots of things related to the phone lines get burned). He's not going to spend $600-$800 on repeater equipment if I can't make this a watertight presentation.

Anyone know of any good candidates? Remember: this is dial-up. I can't configure a router to monitor or help me monitor their usage.

Thank you!

How can I track how much time I spend sending and reading e-mails?

k8lin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:04:57 -0800

I am looking for an automatic time tracker for my e-mail usage. I would like to track how much time I spend reading, composing, and sending e-mails, which I do for both my job and for school. I need this software to be automatic -- I do not want to have to click a button every time I open my e-mail client or every time I start writing a message. I am also not interested in learning how to write my own software to do this for me (I do not have time, although this seems like a fun project).

I am interested in tracking the minutes and hours that I spend sending e-mails to specific people, but would also be ok with using software that just generally tracked my e-mail usage. However, software that breaks down the data by e-mail address would be ideal. I normally use an e-mail client (Thunderbird) but sometimes I need to use webmail. A program that could track both would be best, but one that just works with Thunderbird or another e-mail client (I am not tied to Thunderbird; if there is software out there that does this with another desktop client I would consider switching) would be fine as well.

I have a feeling that this exists, but my Google searches on the topic aren't pulling up anything relevant. I've asked my friends and co-workers and no one has any suggestions (for search terms or for the actual program). It seems like freelancers and people who work from home would be interested in such a product, so I feel like it has to be out there somewhere. If you do not have a suggestion for an exact program, suggestions for other search terms to use and sites to look on would be helpful as well.

I would consider paying for software that does this if it meets all of my criteria (being able to track webmail and a desktop client, tracking who I sent/read e-mails from and to), especially if it is not too costly.

Little text manipulation help?

yesno — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:54:34 -0800

I need some help repairing some text files. I don't really understand regular expressions and so on enough. I have two badly formed mbox files.

One is missing the "From " indicator that a new message is about to begin. Instead, there's a "From: ." I need this second "From: " to stay there, as without it the messages all show up as having no sender when I import them into any client. Thus, I need a way to add a "From " to the line above each line where a "From: " occurs. As far as I know the "From " is just some mailer daemon's email that I don't really care about.

The second is the same, but the messages also show up has having a bad date. Currently, there is a field labeled along the lines of "Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 1:11 PM." Properly mbox files seem to look like "Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 12:53:22 -0600." While just changing "sent" to "date" fix that, or do I need some really good regexing?

What version are we on now?

Drasher — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:04:25 -0800

How do software authors determine the version numbers of the releases? I am writing software for a specific electronic device. I am not using version control on it yet. (Yeah, shame! Truth is, I am intimidated.) I am working on this project alone. (Details: Front-end GUI in VB.NET back-end work done in a DLL in C++. The other part is embedded in the controller card using a PIC P24FJ256GB110.)
I expect that the software will go through some gyrations when the user figures out what he really wants. I will need to get versions for the GUI and the DLL and check for compatibility between them.
If you have suggestions about version control (for one) I'll take those too. I installed Subversion and TortoiseSVN, but I don't know how to use it effectively. I am confused as to when to do a commit. And don't even ask me about branches... I just don't get it.

Need software that does project management, email marketing and advanced analytics

Incy — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:26:33 -0800

I am looking for an email management program (like campaign monitor) that also includes email analytics (like google analytics) and project management tools (like basecamp). I am in a small marketing department at a non-profit that relies heavily on email (100K+/month messages sent). My google-fu has failed me so far, I can't find anything that has all three components. Does anyone know of a one stop shop that does this? Also open to a using several programs as long as we can get them to work with each other.

Any good books on web penetration testing?

jacobian — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:28:13 -0800

Any good books on web penetration testing? I'm a web developer and consultant, and I often deal with web application security. Everything I know about penetration testing I've learned in a pretty ad hoc manner, and I think it's time to give myself a bit of a more formal background.

I'm familier enough with the concepts (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, etc.); I even teach classes on those subjects. I've got decent knowledge crypto and digital security in general. I also have a few tools I sorta know how to use (Burp Suite being the main one). But I don't really have any good grasp on the "right" way to actually conduct a formal web penetration test -- I usually just flail around for a while trying different things until I "feel" satisfied. Doesn't really make for a very scientific process, I know.

So: any suggestions for books (or any other sort of learning material) on web penetration testing? I'd prefer something more on the advanced side of the spectrum; I'd rather be overwhelmed than bored.

I JUST WANT MY MUSIC

EmpressCallipygos — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:24:44 -0800

Had to give up iTunes. Can you recommend a replacement? Because a new and buggy add-in in the latest version of iTunes was causing serious problems with my Outlook, I decided to ditch it. I copied all the music files from iTunes proper and uninstalled the software, thinking I could just play them on Windows Media player. Alas, I was wrong.

So. I am seeking one, possibly two programs:

1. A music player that works similarly to iTunes, in that it can play audio files and will let me burn the occasional mix CD. Ideally free.

2. Ideally the first program would also let me play the mp4 files that iTunes created, or at least convert them (and/or the mp3 files I already had) into whatever format it needs -- but if it can't, then I need a second program that can convert the iTunes mp4 files I bought into another type of file so I can play them. I'd be okay with Windows Media player, in fact, if I could convert the iTunes files into a playable format.

I have Windows XP, about 4 GB of available disk space, and I do NOT have an iPod. Ideally I would NOT like this new program to crash anything else random, or shove weird plugins into other programs. Something simple that stands alone is best.

So! Any recommendations?

Can I use software to paint with my voice?

ndaguiar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:41:54 -0800

Can I use software to paint with my voice? I'm a High School teacher, but not an art teacher, and I've had an idea for an artwork project in but I don't know whether it is possible. The background is that there is an art event coming up when pupils and staff in the school are being asked to produce original and varied ways of making your mark or art.

I got this inspiration yesterday, but don't know if it is feasible. Please advise me.

It is in 3 parts:

1) Software on a computer which captures the human voice (or at least sound of the voice).

2) Software which takes sound a provides a "visualization" based on the pitch or beat of the sound.

3) A way to combine the two so that it feels like that you are painting or making pictures purely based on your voice. This could be screen shots of a visualization, but it may seem better to come out as a print out or jpg.

I am aware that this may be too advanced and complicated to succeed, but thought I would ask.

What do I need to learn to write a Gmail Labs feature?

Matt Arnold — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:14:09 -0800

What do I need to learn to write a Gmail Labs feature? What programming languages and other technologies do I need to learn to write one of the experimental features for Gmail found in the Labs tab under Settings?

I currently know Python and some Java. In case it is necessary to your answer, here is what I want to develop:

The feature, named Herdcat, is intended to help me keep in touch to make sure I and my friends and associates have not forgotten the projects we're working on together. It uses Spaced Interval Repetition (SIR). I got the idea from flashcard software, in which SIR modifies the rate of how often to repeat a flashcard by recording the number of repeated failures or successes. In Herdcat, SIR determines how often to prompt me to nag someone, based on how seldom they reply in Gmail. Each collaborator's interval starts at a length of two weeks. Every week that a collaborator emails me, the interval until Herdcat reminds me to email that person increases in length by one day. Every week that person does not email me, the interval until Herdcat reminds me to email that person and remind them about our project decreases in length by one day. When the interval on one of my projects reaches zero, I get an alert that I should give up on that collaborator and their contact is removed from Herdcat.

I need iTunes in my life but it won't install properly.

fantine — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:37:27 -0800

How can I get this dangnabit iTunes download to work? OK folks, I was trying to upgrade to iTunes 9 and have run into a snag.

I'm working on an iBook G4, OS 10.4.11. I was running the update and it failed to install properly because I didn't have enough memory at the time (I was running multiple programs and my computer had been on a for a while). Now I cannot open iTunes because the version I have is "corrupted." So, I re-downloaded the installer after freeing up more memory (I'm now working with about 2 GB).

When I open the mounted file thing, all I see is the itunes.mpkg as a blank file; it doesn't look like an open box, just a blank sheet of paper. When I click on it, I get the error message "The destination folder 'iTunes 9" is on a locked volume. Please select another volume destination." Then I get a box to "select a folder to expand the archive in." I selected desktop, and get "An error occurred attempting to expand 'iTunes 9.' A file was specified where a folder was required."

This sort of thing has happened to me before, and the IT guy told me that my computer had lost the ability to associate that .mpkg with a certain program. I have no idea how he got back that ability though.

If someone could please offer some insight into how I can get iTunes re-installed, or even revert back to an older version, that would be great.

"Proactive? Paradigm? Aren't those just words dumb people use to sound smart?"

drjimmy11 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:49:10 -0800

Where does one proactively look for software (specifically Flex) jobs these days? So I'm on the market. I have about ten years web/software development experience overall, with the last 3 focused in Flex. I'm in Los Angeles and not keen to move.

In the past I would just put my resume up on Dice and get bombarded by recruiters. This time though, the response has been a little more sparse, and I'd like to find something sooner than later.

So:

Are the major search sites (Monster, Careerbuilder) as useless as I remember them for tech jobs?

Is there anywhere tech-specific besides Dice I should post my resume, or search for jobs? This would include job sites or message boards or whatever.

Are there any other strategies I'm missing, or should I just browse the websites of specific employers who i think I might like?

Thanks!

Resources for creating a good, extensible file format

SilentSalamander — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:35:32 -0800

My team and I are writing a computer application for which aspects of the file format are very likely to change in future releases. The format is in XML. Does anyone know any resources on the web that lays down general principles about how to make a file format that is as extensible as possible for the future (and minimizes the possibility of cross-version breakage)?

Personal Knowledgebase Software?

AltReality — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:52:27 -0800

I am thinking about setting up a personal knowledge-base of items at work (Help Desk). Looking for a freeware app with a very simple notepad style interface, that will store mostly text based notes. A few preferences inside... I am tired of trying to keep all the data for all the apps we support in my head and on various notes around my desk. My company doesn't have a real knowledge-base solution, instead preferring to keep everything in word/excel documents in a rag-tag folder structure. I would like to keep my KB articles in a stand-alone app...no web space available. Can't store this data on an external site due to it's sensitive nature. So here's the preferences, but all recommendations are welcome :)

Preferences:

Free

Lightweight/stand-alone (not web-based)(Notepad style interface with a sidebar showing a list of articles is what I imagine, but can't find.)

Ability to insert/attach files (Word/Excel mainly)

Ability to export and share data with co-workers

Ability to search would be nice, but not required

I do not need wiki ability. Writing all notes in wiki mark-up would be very difficult, and my co-workers wouldn't want to learn it

I have been playing with Evernote, and it is nice..I may use it for other projects, but I don't think it will quite work for what I'm trying to do.

What do I not need on Windows 7 Ultimate?

mr_silver — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:52:21 -0800

I'm moving from XP to Windows 7 Ultimate. What, that I used to have on XP, do I not need installed any more? I know that defragmentation software isn't needed, but what about Unlocker? What about disk backup software? Anything else?

What software should I use to design a Webpage logo?

hellodonna — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:09:42 -0800

I am trying to create a professional looking logo for a Web site. I am using GIMP but finding I am very limited in terms of what I can do with it. Is there a software package that I should be using that will allow me to create a good looking logo/header image? I understand Photoshop is the best however, it's really expensive (700.00). Are there any software alternatives or do I just have to pony up for Photoshop? By the way, I have a PC.

Seeking shared online multi-part project managing solution

Scram — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:59:36 -0800

I am working with several other people to seek sponsorship for a non-profit event. There is a fairly simple but lengthy series of actions that needs to be completed to track each unique sponsor. We've thought about having a binder with a printed page showing tasks for each sponsor, but it would be preferable if there was an online solution any of us can access for checking off and date-stamping completed tasks, with a place to add notes. A sample workflow would be something like: page is named for a sponsor, sponsor is contacted (checked, need room for notes), sponsor is invoiced (checked, date), check is received and deposited (checked, dates), sponsor is thanked (checked, date), sponsor info is added to website and event map (checked, dates).

Is there some simple, preferably free, way of doing this? We are already using Google Documents to share some text-based information, but none of us is a whiz with the various tools there, and perhaps we're overlooking some obvious solution. Our event website is running Drupal, and one of us knows how to code it.

Thanks, hive mind, for any suggestions you can offer.

High fidelity DVD ripping

sloe — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:28:33 -0800

High fidelity DVD ripping: collecting short videos from separate DVDs without losing any quality Hello

I have a bunch of short movies on separate DVDs that need to be strung together without losing any quality. This is for a screening so, if it is possible, preserving the image fidelity is important. Also note that these are independent artists so there are no copyright/encryption concerns here. I was thinking of a couple of different ways of tackling this and I was wondering if anyone with experience could let me know which is most likely to succeed and suggest software to accomplish this. Different solutions:

I) Rip the DVDs uncompressed to laptop hard-drive and play from there

My concern here is that the uncompressed DVD video will be gigantic and I don't know if the laptop graphics card can handle the data rate (I don't have the specs handy - it's not mine that will be used - it's about 1 year old and mid-range quality). Will the laptop play them back smoothly? What software would you recommend for lossless rips?

II) Rip the DVDs to a hard-drive, burn a new DVD containing all of them

This will work - but will there be quality loss in the uncompression/recompression? Any tricks for eliminating/reducing the quality loss?

III) Copy the video data directly

I don't know if this can be done, but it'd be great to just grab the raw DVD data, copy to the hard-drive, and burn it to a disk containing all of them - either to play consecutively or with a menu (the entire image as an iso won't be useful as it's not just a copy of a single disk I need to make). If this can be done, what software does it?

Thanks for any help in advance.

How many units of Ableton Live sold annually?

SilentSalamander — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:36:18 -0800

Marke research: how can I find out how many units of Ableton Live music software have been sold annually? My colleagues and I are trying to create a startup that develops software that allows people to compose and perform music in a new way. We are currently trying to evaluate whether there is a real busienss opportunity, and it is really stumbling us up, because, frankly, none of us has done anything like this before. Our main competitor is very likely Ableton Live, and the best ways we have thought of trying to understand market demand and growth is to directly ask our competitors, and also to ask suppliers about how many units of our competitors' software they have sold. Unfortunately, both have turned out to not be fruitful.

Does anyone have any idea how we might be able to estimate market size and growth for this software package and for the composition/live performance industry as a whole?

Thanks.

Word count software

carmen — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:40:30 -0800

Is there a word count program that you can set to measure the number of words typed in a period of time rather than the number of words that appear on the page? I'm doing some editing-heavy stuff, and (mostly for personal satisfaction) I would like to know how many words I'm actually typing in a work session. The first minus last word count doesn't work, because I often delete large paragraphs or sections of inline notes that are no longer needed. It's sometimes discouraging to work steadily for an hour and end up with fewer pages than you started with!

Anyway, I need something that works on a Mac and preferably is not specific to a word processing program. (Although if it's important, I use Mellel.)

Anyone know an online tool that randomly scrambles the order of sentences in a body of text?

holdenjordahl — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:04:33 -0800

Does anyone know of a free, online program that, for lack of a better phrase, I'll call a random sentence scrambler? I see there are a lot of anagram makers but I want one for about 500 word bodies of text. Theoretically I could paste in the text and it would spit it out with all the words intact, the sentence structure preserved, just arranged into a new sequence. Thanks.

Morae for OS X?

needled — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:10:34 -0800

Is there an equivalent to Techsmith's Morae for OS X? I will consider running Morae on a Mac through Parallels or some such as a last resort, but was wondering if there was something similar that was OS X-native.

Just screen capture won't do, I want screen capture + audio recording + keyboard and mouse activity logging.

Does anything else play well with Lotus Domino Server?

filthy light thief — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:17:02 -0800

Are there any viable alternatives to the Lotus Notes client for Windows XP? It's the work-provided client for email, calendars and schedules, and whatever else it does. Version 8 is crawling, where the previous version (6?) was at least responsive. More details inside. I've seen people talk about how to use IMAP-compliant mail clients to access their mail off of a Domino server, but I also need to be able to schedule events and resources, which (I'm assuming) connects back to the Domino server to lay claim to resources at set times.

Is my best route to look at ways to optimize my set-up, or are there other programs that could replace Lotus Notes for email and scheduling on the Lotus Domino server(s)?

Additionally: I can install software on this computer, but I don't have full admin rights (at least I don't think so - I haven't tried any significant system tweaks, mostly setting new default programs for image viewing and the like).