Posts Tagged: ‘Review’

Trainyard – Originally Published March 2015

March 15, 2015 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

Trainyard is a fun little puzzle solving game that I originally downloaded because my grandson wanted to play it on one of my devices. That was in September of 2013, before he got his own tablet. I’ve still got the game on my machine and I still play it frequently.
The object of the game is simple. You have to get your trains from their departure points into the correct station. You control your trains by drawing track on a square of grids for them to follow. Trains and stations are colored and the train must go to the correctly colored station. Each square on the grid can have two tracks overlapping at angles, but every time a train runs over that square, the track that is on top switches direction. When timed correctly, multiple trains merge into single ones. Two trains can merge together and change color. I’ve relearned the primary colors chart by playing this game.
The games begin with a tutorial that demonstrates the basics of the game. Initial puzzles are simple tracks from depot to station (see figure 1). As the game progresses, you have to route multiple trains, switch track and combine trains (see figure 2).

    
The puzzles continue to get more complicated. Eventually you will get squares that change your trains color, split them up or block them. This is one of those games that is easy to learn, but requiring thought to master. There is no single answer for any puzzle. In fact, most of the Trainyard puzzles has thousands of solutions. If you find a unique solution, you can upload it to the games online data base. If you get stuck, you can also consult the data base for suggested solutions.
With no time limits for solving each puzzle, Trainyard is the perfect game to play when you get a spare minute or two. I’m addicted. Why don’t you give it a try?
Trainyard Express is the free version of the game. You get more than 60 puzzles. The paid version of Trainyard is $2.99 from the Google Play Store. It features more than 100 additional puzzles. There are also some more advanced functions for the higher levels.
Give the game a try. Thanks for reading.

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PathSync – Originally Published April 2015

March 8, 2015 Posted by Tiny

Some Lagniappe for You
By Tiny Ruisch

la·gniappe (lnyp, ln-yp)
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a store owner to a customer with the customer’s purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. Also called regionally boot.

There are many programs for syncing files on your computer(s). The one I use doesn’t have a lot of fancy features, doesn’t come with any help files and hasn’t been updated since August 2007. So why do I keep using it? To borrow a line from Apple, “It just works.”

PathSync is an open source application that allows you to compare and sync two different directories. It lets you seamlessly copy files from source folder to destination folder, destination to source folder, or in a bidirectional manner.

PathSync works by analyzing two directories and showing you a list of the differences. The folders can be on either an internal or external hard drive, portable flash drives and cards or cloud storage. You can define rules to differentiate between file formats. Other masks can be added.

Everything is accomplished from a single screen which is laid out in an intuitive manner. To compare your desired folders, select them by clicking the browse buttons in the “local” and “remote” fields. Select your synchronization action. If you want to use file name masks, click the “question mark” button to get instructions. The ignore field will let you make exception for file size, file dates and missing files. Finally, click the “Analyze!” button.

PathSync Screen Shot

After the file comparison list is generated, right clicking on a file name will give you the options to change the synchronization directions or take no action at all. When all of your options are completed, click the “Synchronize!” button.

When the program starts to synchronize, a new job status window will open. This will display information about the item that is currently being processed, the total progress of the job, and an estimated time until completion.  If you would like to try the program, you can download it here.

If you like the program, just tell everyone that you’ve got a SWLAPCUG extra, a bonus perk, a small gift, a present from the club: a little lagniappe.

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Windows Shortcut Arrow Editor – Originally Published December 2014

December 7, 2014 Posted by Tiny

Some Lagniappe for You
By Tiny Ruisch

la·gniappe (lnyp, ln-yp)
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a store owner to a customer with the customer’s purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. Also called regionally boot.

Whenever you see a little arrow at the bottom of an icon, it indicates that the symbol opens a program and not a file.  I think Microsoft does this mainly because they think I’m stupid enough to not be able to find a program file on my desktop.

If you don’t like the arrow ruining the aesthetic of you icon, there are several methods for removing it.  Most of them involve making changes to the registry which is always dangerous.  There are other methods that involve using the Windows shell which can be difficult.

Over the years I’ve seen many other tweaking programs that remove the arrow.  Once I read about a program that changed the icon picture to one without the arrow.  Needless to say, all of these methods are either time consuming, difficult, unsafe or just plain stupid.

You’ve probably guessed by now that I don’t like the arrow on my icons.  For several years, I’ve used the Windows Shortcut Editor program.  If you download and unzip the program you will find folders for Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.  The program(s) do not install or change anything on your computer.  Just run the correct EXE application and you will see the screen shown in the accompanying screen shot.

ShortcutArrowEditor

There are four different options.  Click the one you want and Windows will refresh to give your icons the new look.  You can select the Windows default arrow for your system, the Windows classic (XP) arrow or no arrows.  The custom option lets you replace the arrow with your own design.  The ZIP file also contains a ‘Shortcut Arrows’ folder for a few ready made arrows that you can use.

A word of caution.  Removing the arrow not only changes the icons on your desktop but also the icons in any of folder throughout the computer.  If you browse your computers folders, you will lose the visual identification of a shortcut.  You can download the software at WINAERO.

If you like the program, just tell everyone that you’ve got a SWLAPCUG extra, a bonus perk, a small gift, a present from the club: a little lagniappe.

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OK Google

November 13, 2014 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

OK Google. What happens if I get laryngitis and can’t say OK Google?  Answer: Google gives you information on how to treat your voice loss.

OK Google is tightly integrated with Google Now, Android’s personal assistant program.  They have almost become synonymous.  In the next year or so, I think there will only be one program combining both.

In the last couple of years OK Google has become an excellent tool for making your mobile Android device easier to use.  Without tapping anything on your phone, you can use your voice to make a phone call, send a text message or compose an e-mail.  I often use it to write these articles for the club newsletter.  I hardly ever key in a Google search anymore.  It is just so much easier to speak my search phrase.

Almost all Android devices come with Google Now installed. For those that do not, the Google app is available from the Play Store.  It works by setting up “cards” on your device to assist you with your personal life.

Google voice searching was first introduced in 2008 in Google Maps.  It has constantly been improved over the years.  Today it is excellent for both searching and phone commands.  Examples of searching commands are:

Where was [President Obama] born?
Define [computer].
Who is the governor of [Louisiana]?
How old is [Bobby Jindal]?
Show me pictures of [the White House].
What’s the weather like? What’s the weather in [New Orleans] [this weekend]?
What’s [182 yards] in [miles]?
What is [12 ounces] in [liters]?
What’s [135] divided by [71]?

Some examples of commands are:

Take a picture (“Take a photo” also works)
Record a video
Call John Doe [mobile]
What’s my schedule?
Send email to [Tiny], subject [Darkside], message [That was a great article in the November newsletter.]
Text [Tiny] [I just sent you an email.]
Open Evernote

Of course, these are only a few of the things that Google will recognize.  If you do a web search you can find complete lists.  There are also a lot of fun “Easter Eggs”.  On of my favorites is “Scotty, beam me up.”  If you’re not a Star Trek fan, I’ll tell you that Google responds with a classic Engineer Scott reply, “I canna do it Captain.  I do not have the power.”

This short article has only given an overview of the powerfulness of OK Google and Google Now.  Click here for Google’s help page on setting up OK Google on your Android.  Google also has a help page on OK Google and voice search.  If it is not already installed, the Google Now app is available in the Play Store.

Thanks for reading.

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Reading List

October 16, 2014 Posted by Tiny

Reading List
By Tiny Ruisch

Ever since I learned how, I’ve always been an avid reader.  My parents didn’t have a television until I was about ten years old.  That never bothered me.  The library had a lot of entertainment.  In later life, when I was in the Navy, I seldom watched the ship’s movie.  I was busy finishing reading one more chapter before lights out.  These days, I still read at least a dozen magazines each month.  I am usually reading four or five books at a time.  I’ve got my bedside book, bathroom book, digital book and an audio book for my morning walk.

Accompanying the August 2013 club meeting library services topic, I thought I’d take a few minutes and share my books to read list.  With one exception, these are all books that I haven’t read.  I’ve included the Amazon link for each title just in case anyone else would like to read them.  I’m not sure, but I don’t think any of them are available from the Parish library.

The Manly Art of Knitting – The description says it all. Who am I to not read a cult classic.

Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World – With a sixteen word title, this just has to be a great book.

Winning Lotto / Lottery For Everyday Players – I’ll read this if I ever start playing the lottery.

The 2009-2014 Outlook for Wood Toilet Seats in Greater China – I’ve been to China two or three times and never realized this was a problem.

Quotations From Chairman Mao Tse-Tung – Confucius say, “Smooth words and fawning looks are seldom found with love.”

Much Ado About Nothing: The Restored Klingon Text – Shakespeare kind of looked like a Klingon.

Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself – I’ve been thinking of taking up woodworking and this looks like an interesting first project.

A Passion for Donkeys – I figure that any book that gets a five star rating on Amazon must be a good one to read.

The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America – I just hate going to the Walmart parking lot.

I guess you’ve probably figured out by now that I don’t really plan on reading all of these books.  I have read one of the books on the list.  I won’t tell you which one.  You can feel free to read any of them and post a review on our club website.

A final thought. Looking at this book list, I’m reminded of one book that it makes me want to read again.  It was one of Ray Bradbury’s best books.

My mind is empty again.  Thanks for reading.

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LopeEdit Text Editor – Originally Published October 2014

October 13, 2014 Posted by Tiny

Some Lagniappe for You
By Tiny Ruisch

la·gniappe (lnyp, ln-yp)
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a store owner to a customer with the customer’s purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. Also called regionally boot.

Notepad has been been Microsoft’s default text editor since before there was Windows.  It hasn’t changed much over the years.  Although the program does an effective job of editing text, there are hundreds of alternatives.

My default note editor is LopeEdit, a powerful programmer’s editor and a replacement of Windows Notepad.  It has tabs to select between open files, supports syntax highlighting of multiple programing languages and incorporates a built in hexadecimal editor.

For most people, the programmers attributes are likely to be overkill.  The other features of LopeEdit make it worth the download.  It comes with a built-in file browser, allowing you to locate and open the files you need.  A versatile tabbed interface means you are able to open multiple documents simultaneously.  There is an excellent search, find and replace tool.  You can send the results of your search to a separate tab.  This means there is no need to scroll all the way through a lengthy document to find all your hits because they are all neatly presented in a single list.

There are many other features including detailed statistics on the current document (lines, words, characters, etc.) A File > Send To menu which which sends your document via email.

Finally, there is a customizable tool bar with many more functions and options than you will probably ever use.  LopeEdit come in both a free and paid version.  The Pro version mostly adds functions that are useful for programmers.  A portable version is also available.  You can download LopeEdit here.  Give it a try.  I think you’ll like it.

If you like the program, just tell everyone that you’ve got a SWLAPCUG extra, a bonus perk, a small gift, a present from the club: a little lagniappe.

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7 Little Words – Originally Published April 2014

September 15, 2014 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

I like word games.  When I reviewed the game Wordiest, one of our club members suggested that I try another word game.  It was another free game called 7 Little Words.  This is one of those games that is doing what seems to be the new gaming trend: In application purchases.  I guess I must like the game a little bit.  I’ve spent money on it.

Like many other excellent games, 7 Little Words is simple to play and difficult to win.  The game reminds me of both anagrams and crossword puzzles.  Each puzzle consists of seven clues for seven different words.  There are twenty letter combinations for you to put together that fit the clues.  The goal of the game is to use all of the letters to solve the clues.

When you download the game, you get three daily puzzles and a puzzle pack of fifty free puzzles.  A new daily puzzle is added each day.  Additional puzzle packs can be purchased.  I’ve purchased an “impossible” to solve puzzle pack.  It hasn’t been impossible, but it’s pretty hard.

A limited number of free hints come with the game.  Unlimited hints can be purchased. I have been sorely tempted to buy the hints but have avoided having to so far.  The game relies on elimination.  If you solve most of the words you can experiment with the remaining letters and usually guess the answer.  I’ll admit that I have searched the web a few times for answers.  For example, I didn’t know that a cherimoya is a Peruvian fruit.  As with many other games, there are cheat web sites with all of the answers.  I haven’t had to use them.

The game has a 4.8 rating in the Google Play Store.  You can Download 7 Little Words by clicking the link.  Give it a try.  I think you’ll like it.

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Revo Uninstaller – Originally Published August 2014

August 31, 2014 Posted by Tiny

Some Lagniappe for You
By Tiny Ruisch

la·gniappe (lnyp, ln-yp)
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a store owner to a customer with the customer’s purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. Also called regionally boot.

Did you know that when you uninstall a program from your computer, you seldom uninstall all of the program?  When you uninstall programs in Windows, they leave bits and pieces of themselves behind, such as Registry entries, file folders, shortcuts, dll files, etc.

There are many free uninstaller programs available to replace the Windows built in installer.  My favorite is the Revo Uninstaller.  It is one of the most popular and highly respected programs that you can download.  It has been around for a long time.  I don’t remember when I first started using it, but I know it has been more than five years.

Revo Uninstaller is an uninstaller for Microsoft Windows.  It uninstalls programs and additionally removes any files and Windows registry entries left behind by the program’s uninstaller or by the Windows uninstall function.  It works by scanning a hard drive and registry for files that would otherwise be left behind.  It removes all the program’s files, auto start entries and all noticeable registry entries.

When you open Revo Uninstaller, you are presented with a list of installed programs that can be uninstalled.  Right clicking on a program in the list will give you the option to search Google for the program’s name or manufacturer.  I have found this useful when I am not sure what the program is.

To uninstall a program, double click on the title.  Revo Uninstaller will first run the program’s built in uninstaller if there is one.  Next, Revo searches for leftover program files, auto start entries, the recently opened file list and any leftover registry entries.  Although, Revo Uninstaller has a few tools for removing junk files, its real forte is program uninstalls.  It is not perfect and occasionally misses a file or entree, but under most circumstances, it is more than adequate.

There is also a portable program that can be run from a USB drive.  A paid PRO version is also available with more features.  Revo Uninstaller can be downloaded here.

If you like the program, just tell everyone that you’ve got a SWLAPCUG extra, a bonus perk, a small gift, a present from the club: a little lagniappe.

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EULAyzer – Originally Published June 2014

August 28, 2014 Posted by Tiny

Some Lagniappe for You
By Tiny Ruisch

la·gniappe (lnyp, ln-yp)
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a store owner to a customer with the customer’s purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. Also called regionally boot.

Before reading this article, you must explicitly agree to abide by the following terms and conditions.  If you do not agree, please either close the newsletter or immediately hit the page down key.

“This review can only be perused during daylight hours except on weekends, holidays, a family birthday, or a solar eclipse.  In the event you decide to continue, you agree that you will not disagree with the author unless you are under the care of a state certified psychiatrist.  By continuing, you are granting permission to the newsletter editor to collect your personal information and sell it to other computer clubs.  The author of this article can change it any time without informing the readers.  Information in this article can be true or false without any repercussions to the author.”

If you’re reading this paragraph, you probably realize that the lead in was probably not enforceable.  I have no idea whether or not it is.  All I know is that almost every program I install on my computer(s) make me read and agree to an End User License Agreement (EULA).  They are often full of lots of legal terms and big words.  Many of them are several pages long.  I’m pretty sure that most EULAs were written by lawyers.

There have been several surveys and tests that show that most end users just check the agree box and install the software.  One company put a clause in the EULA telling customers how to claim a $1000 prize.  It was not claimed until after more than 3000 program installs.

Do you, like most computer users, not read the EULA?  So am I.  Don’t be surprised at that statement.  I hardly ever read a EULA.  I let the computer do it for me.

EULAlyzer Personal is a utility that scans user agreements and analyzes them for “key words” or phrases in the EULA.  It is an easy program to use.  When the EULA shows on your monitor (usually in a small window that you can’t re-size), simply select “scan new license agreement” and drag the cursor to the EULA.

EULAyzer then scans the document and searches to see if the software you’re about to install displays pop-up ads, transmits personally identifiable information, uses unique identifiers to track you, and much more.  Troublesome phrases in the EULA are highlighted so you can easily review the appropriate phrase.

Occasionally, EULAs are found on a web page or some other file.  In this case, you can copy and paste the document into EULAlyzer and analyze it as previously described for potential problems.  You can also review Terms of Service agreements by the same method.

As an added bonus, you can save the EULAs to a file on your computer and read them at you leisure.

EULAlyzer is not the ultimate program and does not offer any advice, but only suggestions.  It is a good utility that I recommend you keep in your junk fighting toolbox.  Did I mention the price?  You can download and install the program for a one time payment of $0.00.

You can download EULAlyzer here.

If you like the program, just tell everyone that you’ve got a SWLAPCUG extra, a bonus perk, a small gift, a present from the club: a little lagniappe.

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TunnelBear VPN – Originally Published March 2014

August 28, 2014 Posted by Tiny

Some Lagniappe for You
By Tiny Ruisch

la·gniappe (lnyp, ln-yp)
n. Chiefly Southern Louisiana & Mississippi
1. A small gift presented by a store owner to a customer with the customer’s purchase.
2. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. Also called regionally boot.

Do you ever download from the internet on unsecured wireless networks?  If you answered “no” to that question, I can say that you are most likely not telling the truth.  The first thing almost everyone does when they come to our monthly meeting is log in to the local WI‑FI.  It is probably safer than the local McDonald’s, Starbucks, or library.  Personally, I’m not willing to bet my personal data on that.

That’s why I use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).  Put simply, a VPN is a group of computers networked together over a public network, namely the internet.  A VPN client is the software that allows you to enter an encrypted network and access the internet.  Anyone intercepting your data will not be able to decipher and read it.

If you search for “free VPN”, “best VPN”, etc. you will find literally thousands of VPN clients.  Of course they will all tell you why they are the best.  I like TunnelBear. I’m not going to tell you it is the best, but I’ll try to convince you that it is pretty good.  The first thing I like about TunnelBear is that it is a Canadian company.  This means that they aren’t subject to a National Security Agency court order.  It’s really not that big a thing, but I know the NSA spies so why make it any easier for them.  TunnelBear has servers in seven different countries.  They create a secure, encrypted connection between your internet device and the host country you are connecting to.

TunnelBear is easy to download and setup.  There is no need for the user to learn about network protocols, IP addresses, encryption levels, etc.  After downloading and installing the program, an account must be created.  The only user information required is name, e-mail address and password.  No need for your phone number, address or Mother’s middle name.

Like all other VPN companies, TunnelBear offers both a free and paid service.  Their free service gives you 500 MB of free data every month.  This should be plenty for the occasional user.  A bonus 1 GB can be obtained by promoting them on Twitter.

TunnelBear is easy to setup and use.  Give it a try and see if you like it.  You can download TunnelBear here.

If you like the program, just tell everyone that you’ve got a SWLAPCUG extra, a bonus perk; a little lagniappe.

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