Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with tool

Fix my MDE, for free, oh please

bhance — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:50:11 -0800

Free, non-sucky Microsoft Access repair tool? I have a large-ish (800m) possibly corrupted Microsoft Access .MDE file.

I'd like to run a free repair tool on it, but this is one of those tasks where Google fails me miserably-- because there are 10,000 dodgy software vendors out there that all want to sell me solutions from $10-1000 to perform this task. A pox on those guys for muddying my @#$ Google searches!

This is not an option, I need free.

So: Anybody out there know of a free, non-sucky Microsoft Access file repair utility?

Need name for English-pronunciation website for Japanese learners

Dragonness — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:49:34 -0800

Help! Need name for English-pronunciation website for Japanese learners. The tool is based on speech recognition. The intention is to eventually make it work on mobile devices and also extend it to Korean and Chinese users.

This is for a startup that is based out of Boston and currently attempting to get funding. (I know.)

Tracking tool for open source projects

wodow — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:09:41 -0800

Does there exist a web-based tool that tracks open source projects and informs subscribers (by email, RSS etc.) about major developments, e.g. when they release version 1.0? All projects are not equal! Some have a single mailing list, some have dedicated announcement lists, some have strange conventions.

I would like to be able to track a number of projects via simple view, e.g. web-based RSS reader style, like Google Reader. Or a service could provide RSS feeds directly.

Rotting fences make bad neighbors

mecran01 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:49:49 -0800

I am shoring up a sagging fence that I will help replace in a year. The original posts are not in cement and are rotting at the base. I'm trying to figure out how to attach some support posts. 1) I am trying to put in those metal posts (not chainlink) that are used to build wire fences, and use them to support the sagging fence.

a. How do I get those green metal posts in the ground? Do I pound them in? Dig a hole adjacent to the rotting post? There are a lot of roots in the soil from an adjoining pine tree.

b. Is there a good webpage or a youtube that shows how to use those channel lock fence tool/pliers? I have got it partially figured out, but could use some tips.

c. Should I need to use guy wires to hold the fence up, how do I cheaply tension the baling wire, and what should I use as an anchor? Rebar stakes?

Thanks. I obviously didn't grow up on a farm...

I'm attaching the floppiest part of the fence to our adjoining shed with stranded 20 gauge baling wire. I know from perusing earlier threads that there are some serious load tying geeks out there and I hope to hear from you.

if i had waited ten more exits the gas would have been 10 cents cheaper!

kidsleepy — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:31:58 -0800

How can I find the cheapest gas along a route? I know how to find the cheapest gas in my area code or city, but I'm going on a 6-hour round trip this weekend and would like to figure out where to stop along the way for the best gas prices. Are there any websites out there that will let you plug in a starting city and destination city? Or perhaps a google maps plug-in? Ideally the results would be limited to gas stations within a few miles of a highway exit (or whatever route you choose).

Could my Great-Grandfather Have Used this Saw?

hworth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:00:42 -0800

Is there a way to determine the date range that this saw might have been made? I got this saw at a thrift store in South Eastern Kansas. I was wondering if anyone has any idea about the earliest and latest it might have been made. Just a general sense, like what decade a saw like this might have first been produced, and at what point a saw like this might no longer be manufactured.

Here are three pictures.
Side One
Side Two
Handle

Alternatively, does anyone know a better site I could use to date a piece of equipment like this? Thanks!

How much is my 18-19th Century Barber & Genn dovetail saw worth?

Glendale — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:45:21 -0800

How much is my Barber & Genn dovetail saw worth? I recently purchased a 14" dovetail saw at a local antique tool store. It's a perfectly straight Barber & Genn "Cast Steel" saw with no rust or pitting, no missing teeth, and no cracks in the handle. The only defect is where a previous owner stamp/burned his name into the handle. Aside from that, the thing is in great shape.

I did a bit of research and found out that Barber & Genn produced tools in Sheffield England between 1781-1817. I bought the thing for 55 bucks. I know I got a deal, but I'm wondering, how much is this thing worth?

If need be, I can post some pictures tomorrow.

Timely, comprehensive, accurate blog-searching website?

WCityMike — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:21:43 -0800

What's the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date blog-searching site? I've looked around and not really been very impressed with what I've found. I would've once upon a time thought Technorati, but now that site seems layered with so much crud that it really doesn't appear useful anymore. They've "lost the mission," so to speak.

Although I've usually been impressed with Google's offerings, Google Blog Search really doesn't seem to be anywhere near as frequently updated as a blog search tool should be.

What site do you use to do a broad sweep through coverage of a topic on the blogosphere?

(Extra karma for a site that has bookmarkable search URLs so that I could construct a Firefox keyword for same.)

Need the name of a piece of equipment

cazoo — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:00:54 -0800

Tool Filter: Can someone tell me what you call a certain tool used by land professionals? I don't know what you call it but it seems to be a piece of equipment used to see into the distance and make measurements. It looks like a kind of telescope with very tall tripod-like legs and a viewing mechanism much smaller than a telescope. You sometimes see people using them on the side of roads or on undeveloped land.

And if you've seen the film "There Will Be Blood", Daniel Day Lewis's character uses one in the film when he is scoping out his neighbors properties.

I just want to save my web site locally

amtho — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:41:36 -0800

I'm willing to pay for a really good tool to save a copy of a web site locally, downloading through HTTP. HTTrack isn't quite cutting it, and I need CSS background images. I also used a free trial of WebCopy, and did a bit of research before downloading that. It does a lot, but (as far as I know, and it's been a few months) it doesn't detect and save background-image properties specified in a (separate) CSS file.

Can anyone recommend a really good web site downloader/copier that just works well and magically? I want it to recurse through the entire site, saving all images, CSS files, JS files, images referenced in CSS files, and make all site-internal links work locally, such that I can put the entire site onto a CD/DVD for reference.

This is for backing up my work, created in a dynamically-served CMS. Links tend to look like http://domainname.com/section/subsection/ (with or without the trailing slash, not necessarily a .html extension). I'd like the tool to be able to handle CGI query strings too, though.

Many thanks if this works. My budget isn't huge, I'm thinking $30-$40, but am interested in the state of the art.

And if Firefox has an add-on that does this, I'll eat my hat. I did look.

Sawing boards sans garage

Foam Pants — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:52:22 -0800

What set of power tools can I assemble that will allow me to build things out of wood and will store in a closet? I bought an apartment recently and I really want to put in some shelves, build a simple platform bed, modify a kitchen counter, etc. I am a woodworking novice but I have a lot of need and enthusiasm.

I have access to a relatively calm street for cutting but everything has to fit in my closet-sized storage area. A full-sized table saw is most definitely out. What sort of tools should I get to cut things like a large sheet of plywood? Anyone who has lived in an apartment but figured out how to build stuff, I would love to hear your solution.

An "Expert List" tool?

rev- — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:11:30 -0800

Can anyone recommend a simple web-based tool to compile and manage an "experts list?" So, if I wanted to keep a simple database with people's names, contact info, expertise (which would be categorized), and a few basic "notes" fields, and I wasn't a database programmer (but I am a heck of ascript installer), how would you recommend I do that?

Best case scenario: someone knows about a PHP-based script that I can install and modify on my own server.

I really appreciate the help.

Does anyone know what this web application is?

andytmp — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:06:40 -0800

Does anyone know what this web application is? It's a "WebUI Administration tool". There's a background image and a favicon. It's setting two cookies named mingzi and kouling.

The website I'm referencing is just a random example, I've found other sites that have the same exact login screen, which makes me think that it's a commercial or free package of some kind.

But the big question is... what is it? What does it do?

Figured I'd post in case someone recognizes it and can let me know.

How do you keep track of a whole world?

DetonatedManiac — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:56:59 -0800

Help me find a (hopefully free and easy to use) tool that could be used to create and organize a Fantasy world for a Paper and Pencil Role Playing Game. Something like a hypertext database that fiction writers might use. I'm looking for something where Characters, Lore, Location maps, Politics, Godly affairs, Economic relations, Timelines and more can all become an interconnected tapestry that can also be easily updatable to account for Player Character's actions.

I am thinking some sort of Database where relations are dynamically created and altered and can be viewed visually (I am quite a visual thinker).

I am looking for something with a simple user interface as I will want to access and alter parts of the world on the fly while running games and keep a log of the Player's actions and how they are viewed by other characters in the world etc.

I know there are programs that screenplay and fiction writers use that have a hypertext database element, something like that might work but any ideas are welcome. Thanks in Advance.

Best font-management tool for Windows?

perissodactyl — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:31:09 -0800

What is the best font-management utility for Windows? I have many, many fonts I need to manage. Install/uninstall, preview, search, etc... What is the best tool for this?

Tool tips for a tool tool.

Gordion Knott — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:44:09 -0800

The perfect tool: a drill, screwdriver, and wrench combined into a single, battery-powered device. Does it exist? I've been on the lookout for a three-in-one tool that combines a drill, screwdriver, and wrench (along with other features) . . . initial signs point to impact drivers (by DeWalt or Ryobi) being what I'm after, but as a tool newbie, I'm confused.

Mefi tool experts, weigh in!

Ideally, I'd like a device that replaces the above three tools for most tasks. Strictly amateur, household maintenance work is on the planning board: I'm not gearing up to build cabinets or desks.

-What categories of tools should I be looking at, and what adapters will I need?
-Brand and model recommendations?
-Pluses and minuses of this tool vis-a-vis handpowered wrenches and screwdrivers?

I will only complicate you, trust in me and fall as well, but before that, where should I sit?

threeze — Wed, 16 May 2007 05:29:25 -0800

Say I have a friend who is travelling from Australia to the Grand Old US of A to see Tool. Let's say this friend wants to see them at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Where should she sit? There are two options available:
1. 16th row for not a great deal of money.
2. 1st row for what some people would say is a great deal of money.

My question is, is the 16th row going to be as painful as prison sex, or will she enjoy her view enough to not regret spending the extra green? My view is that if you're going to travel internationally to see a band, you may as well make the most of it, right?

Generating Hyperlinks Automatically?

0bvious — Fri, 04 May 2007 07:09:08 -0800

I would like to automatically generate hypertext links from a list of text. Ideally this would mean pasting a series of comma separated words into some online tool and having the system turn each word into a relevant google/wikipedia link... Does anyone know any sites/tools that will do this? Just for anyone who is interested, here's the text I want to auto-link:

Zeus, Zam, Zababa, Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti, Yeng-Wang-Yeh, Yara Ma Yha Who, Yahweh, Ya Mughnee, Ya `Aallah, Xochiquetzal, Xipe Totec, Xbalanque, Winabozho, Warohunugamwanehaora, Waramurungundi, Wakahiru-Me, Wadjet, Voltumna, Vishnu, Venus, Uttu, Urcaguary, Ulaulekeahi, Uke-Mochi-No-Kami, Ukapirmas, Turiacus, Tsukuyomi, Torngasoak, Tonatiuh, Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, Thoth, Thor, Tharapita, Tekkeitserktock, Tāwhiri-matea, Take-Mikazuchi, Swāikstiks, Spandarmet, Sobek, Skadi, Shiva, Shina-Tsu-Hiko, Shamash, Shai'-ha-Qawm, Seaxnéat, Saraswati, Saosyant, Runesocesius, Roonikka, Rimmon, rDo-rje-rnal-hbyor-ma, Raluvhimba, Quirinus, Qaynan, Ptah, Prajnaparamita, Potrimpos, Poshaiyankayo, Persephone, Pellon Pekko, P'an-Chin-Lien, Osiris, Odin, Occupirn, Nzambi, Ninhursag, Nevinbimbaau, Nephthys, Nanghaithya, Nana Buluku, Nai-No-Kami, Mudungkala, Morrigan, Morpheus, Morgan, LeFay, Moaalii, Mar'rallang, Marduk, Mao, Mantis, Manisilat, Mama Pacha, Maahes, Lonomakua, Leviathan, Lemminkainen, Lakshmi, Laima, Kunapipi, Kukalikimoku, Ku, Krishna, Koko, Kiskil-lilla, Kishar, Khnum, Khahdoma, Kapohoikahiola, Kaluannuunohonionio, Joukahainen, Jengu, Jehovah, Jahwe, Izanami, Isis, Inanna, Igaluk, Huruing Wuhti, Huitzilopochtli, Horus, Hine Raumati, Hiiakawawahilani, Hendursanga, Heimdall, Hecate, Hastshehogan, Hanuman, Hades, Gudratrigakwitl, Gebeleizis, Garuda, Ganesha, Gandarewa, Frigga, Estasanatlehi, Ereshkigal, Epona, Dolichenus, Dionysos, Dhakhan, Demeter, Dēiwas, Dattatreya, Coyolxauhqui, Chimata-No-Kami, Ch'eng-Huang, Cernunnos, Carmenta, Caillech, Bunbulama, Branwyn, Birrahgnooloo, Bikeh Hozho, Berekyndai, Balac, Bahá'u'lláh, Baal-Qarnain, Athena, Asha Vahishta, Arnarquagsag, Archons, Aramurungundju, Apollo, Apocatequil, Aphrodite, Antero Vipunen, Anitun Tabu, Angwusnasomtaka, Amaunet, Amaterasu, Amaethon, Aji-Suki-Taka-Hi-Kone, Ahmeto Lela Okya, Agadjimbiri, Adnoartina

How can I find and replace text in multiple files?

techfreak — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:07:59 -0800

I have recently been looking for free tools, which can replace multiple lines in plain text- and Word-files. However, I could not find any effective freeware. What would you recommend?

Document management on a shared hosting server?

sprocket87 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:43:18 -0800

Help me find an online document management system / digital asset management system. I'm looking for a document management system (DMS) / digital asset management system (DAM) for my scanned documents. I plan to store all of my important documents, from credit card statements to bills to receipts to insurance info, etc, digitally. I'll be using a scanner with ADF & duplexing to digitize my papers. I need a management system to organize and archive them.

Ideally, I'd like to have some software that can be set up on Dreamhost for a hosted solution. However, to allow for more flexible responses, here are my overall stipulations:

1. Must be free or inexpensive. See 2.

2. Must be hosted online. I don't trust local copies (hardware failure/fire/theft/etc). This applies to portable (DVD, etc) media as well. It does NOT need to be a hosted system per se, in that Company X provides the DMS/DAM software and hosts it. I am willing / would prefer to use a 3rd party host, such as Dreamhost, for cost reasons. They are much more flexible in that they offer tons of storage and bandwidth and whatever else you want for a much lower cost. I don't want to pay $X/mo just for an online DAM. I am willing to pay $X/mo for a shared host that allows me to host anything else I want as well though.

3. Must be somewhat easy to install, configure and use, whether it is a provided & hosted service or a service I set up on a shared host.

4. Does not have to control my scanning experience; I can use a separate tool to get the files digitized but I'm looking for the DSM/DAM service to organize them. Obviously an online service wouldn't have much control over my hardware anyway :)

5. Should have the usual DMS/DAM features: File indexing for a wide array of filetypes (doc/pdf/all images/tiff/archives/etc), support OCR if possible, allow categories and advanced naming/file control, exporting, etc.

I love the looks of Linux DMS tools like DocMGR, but the setup looks somewhat overwhelming. I'm comfortable with basic Linux tasks, but configuring a shared host is a bit confusing to me. Is there any way to even set up such services on a shared host? For instance, is it possible to install DocMGR on Dreamhost? I suspect not, as it uses PostgreSQL and Dreamhost uses MySQL. But beyond this limitation, how does one go about installing their own applications on a shared host? I mean, Dreamhost provides a shell prompt, but not root - are you even allowed to install software? And what about dependencies, etc?

I know Dreamhost offers several "One-click" installable services, like MediaWiki, Wordpress, Joomla, etc, but I don't think any of these are exactly what I'm looking for. I'm assuming it's possible to set up some other service, albeit with more work, but I'm not having much success finding documented "How To's" for this. For instance, how to set up docmgr/doxfs/etc on a shared host.

Also, I know there are some basic Windows tools like PaperPort and Docsvault that do a great job of managing local copies of digital files, but I want them online. I understand I could simply backup a directory to an online host, but I'm thinking a hosted database would be preferable for advanced administration, etc.

Obviously I have a lot of "wants" so this is pretty wide open. Understand that I'm not a corporation and don't need any huge DAM solutions, but I'd like something a little more advanced than a basic client-side software.

How to get power tools to work in Eastern Europe?

dyerfr — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 06:05:03 -0800

Do power tools need more than just a voltage converter to work in Eastern Europe (Belgrade, Serbia)? My father wants to purchase a power tool for my father in law (think a drill...). (more inside) We know all about the need for power converters and adapters, but my dad is worried about there being a difference in 'cycles' for the power. he mentioned 60 cycle and 50 cycle power... thinking that this difference was relevant and important due to the electric motor in the tool.

I asked some people in Belgrade, but they didn't know what I was talking about...

New Leatherman! Where can I bring it?

electric_counterpoint — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:23:42 -0800

Am I setting myself up for any trouble by tossing my new Leatherman tool in my bag and forgetting about it? I got a Leatherman Wave for Christmas this year, and I'm pumped -- it just seems so useful, right? Anyway, I want to put it in my main messenger bag, which stays with me almost every moment I'm outside the house. But will I run into any problems having, essentially, a 4" knife on me at all times?

I don't go through a lot of X-ray checkpoints and I expect (hope) I'll remember to take it out before I fly, but is there anything else I should know? I guess part of me is thinking back to my public school days, when having anything like a knife would result in expulsion, local news coverage, etc.

ogg -> mp3

jlub — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:58:13 -0800

Please suggest a Windows or Linux tool to batch-convert ogg files to mp3. I ripped a lot of CDs over time, and thinking I was clever I ripped them to ogg format. I recently bought a car that has a CD player that will play mp3 files, but not ogg files. I would really like to find a tool that:

is free (or very cheap)
will batch-convert all the files in one go
will maintain the directory structure of the original files
will maintain the tag information

I searched around a bit but I haven't found anything. Any suggestions?

Online tools for novel-writing?

tastybrains — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:12:23 -0800

Are there any great online tools for working on writing a novel? I've seen previous posts on desktop software for this purpose, but I haven't found any nifty online tools. I want to be able to keep the text of one of my writing projects online so I can access it & work on it anywhere with an internet connection. I also do not want it to be public.

I know I can use things like Yahoo! Notepad or make private LJ posts, but I am hoping that there is some tool more appropriate for what I want to do.

Oooh, after that haymaker his eye looks bad!

nekton — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:07:49 -0800

What is being used by the cutman to heal your boxer (reduce swelling) in the video game ESPN Fight Night Round 3? In ESPN Fight Night Rd. 3, when you are injured your cutman can heal you between rounds. To reduce swelling, he rubs what looks like some sort of block with a handle against your boxer's face. What is this tool? Is it used to reduce swelling "in real life"?