What’s the difference between a ‘Ping’ and a ‘Trackback’ when blogging?

The term PING is used to state that your blogging program (like Writer.. See the tools page) will tell another program (like Technorati, though there is a metric butt ton of sites out there that do the same thing) that you have posted a new entry to your blog.    More or less it’s like a search engine, only faster.  Where as you need to wait for a spider like Google to crawl your site and add your post(s) to the index, since you are telling the index that you’ve added a post it’s up almost instantly.

On the other hand, a trackback is a way to try to have two blogs engaged in the same discussion threading their discussion so that someone who stumbles upon one weblog will see the conversation continued on the other.   The theory is that two bloggers can hold a conversation on each others blogs but still have those two blogs ‘linked’ together though the trackback.

However, there’s a problem here.  Spammers (of course.. *sigh*)  whom quickly figured out that they could use the trackback to their porn site to generate more hits.  Therefore, most bloggers have the trackbacks turned off.

Visual Studio Shortcuts.

S.No. Command Name…………………………………..Shortcut Key

File
1. New Project (Ctrl+Shift+N )
2. Open Project/Solution (Ctrl+Shift+O)
3. Open File (Ctrl+O)
4. Save (Ctrl+S)
5. Save As (Ctrl+Shift+S)
6. Print (Ctrl+P)

Edit
7. Undo (Ctrl+Z)
8. Redo (Ctrl+Y)

9. Cut (Ctrl+X)
10. Copy (Ctrl+C)
11. Paste (Ctrl+V)
12. Cycle Clipboard Ring (Ctrl+Shift+V)
13. Select All (Ctrl+A)
14. Quick Find (Ctrl+F)

15. Quick Replace (Ctrl+H)
16. Find in Files (Ctrl+Shift+F)
17. Replace in Files (Ctrl+Shift+H)
18. Find Symbol (Alt+F12)

19. Format Document (Ctrl+E,D)
20. Format Selection (Ctrl+E,F)
21. Make Uppercase (Ctrl+Shift+U)
22. Make Lowercase (Ctrl+U)
23. Delete Horizontal White Space (Ctrl+E, \)
24. View White Space (Ctrl+E,S)
25. Word Wrap (Ctrl+E,W)
26. Incremental Search (Ctrl+I)
27. Comment Selection (Ctrl+E,C)
28. Uncomment Selection (Ctrl+E,U)

29. Toggle Bookmark (Ctrl+B,T)
30. Enable Bookmark (Ctrl+B,E)
31. Previous Bookmark (Ctrl+B,P)
32. Next Bookmark (Ctrl+B, N)
33. Clear Bookmarks (Ctrl+B,C)
34. Add Task List Shortcut (Ctrl+E,T)

35. Hide Selection (Ctrl+M, Ctrl+H)
36. Toggle Outlining Expansion (Ctrl+M,M)
37. Toggle All Outlining (Ctrl+M,L)
38. Stop Outlining (Ctrl+M,P)
39. Stop Hiding Current (Ctrl+M, Ctrl+U)

40. Generate Method Stub (Ctrl+K,M)
41. List Members (Ctrl+K,L)
42. Parameter Info (Ctrl+K,P)
43. Complete Word (Ctrl+K,W)
44. Insert Snippet (Ctrl+K,X)
45. Surround With (Ctrl+K,S)

View
46. Code (F7)
47. Designer (Shift+F7)
48. Server Explorer (Ctrl+W,L)
49. Class View (Ctrl+W,C)
50. Code Definition Window (Ctrl+W,D)
51. Object Browser (Ctrl+W,J)
52. Error List (Ctrl+W,E)
53. Output (Ctrl+W,O)
54. Properties Window (Ctrl+W,P)
55. Task List (Ctrl+W,T)
56. Toolbox (Ctrl+W,X)

57. Find Symbol Results (Ctrl+W,Q)
58. Bookmark Window (Ctrl+W,B)
59. Command Window (Ctrl+W,A)
60. Document Outline (Ctrl+W,U)
61. Resource View (Ctrl+W,R)
62. Macro Explorer (Alt+F8)
63. Web Browser (Ctrl+W,W)

64. Full Screen (Shift+Alt+Enter)
65. Pending Checkins (Ctrl+W,G)
66. Navigate Backward (Ctrl+-)
67. Navigate Forward (Ctrl+Shift+-)
68. Property Pages (Shift+F4)

Refactor
69. Rename (F2)
70. Extract Method (Ctrl+R,M)
71. Encapsulate Field (Ctrl+R,E)
72. Promote Local Variable to Parameter (Ctrl+R,P)
73. Remove Parameters (Ctrl+R,V)
74. Reorder parameters (Ctrl+R,O)

Website
75. Add New Item (Ctrl+Shift+A)
76. Add Existing Item (Shift+Alt+A)

Build
77. Build Solution (F6)
78. Build Web Site (Shift+F6)

Debug
79. Breakpoints (Ctrl+D,B)
80. Immediate (Ctrl+D,I)

81. Start Debugging (F5)
82. Start without Debugging (Ctrl+F5)
83. Exceptions (Ctrl+D,E)
84. Step Into (F11)
85. Step Over (F10)
86. Break at Function (Ctrl+D,N)
87. Delete All Breakpoints (Ctrl+Shift+F9)

Tools
88. Attach to Process (Ctrl+Alt+P)
89. Code Snippets Manager (Ctrl+K, Ctrl+B)

90. Run TemporaryMacro (Ctrl+Shift+P)
91. Record TemporaryMacro (Ctrl+Shift+R)

92. Macro Explorer (Alt+F8)
93. Macros IDE (Alt+F11)

Help
94. How Do I (Ctrl+F1,H)
95. Search (Ctrl+F1,S)
96. Contents (Ctrl+F1,C)
97. Index (Ctrl+F1,I)
98. Help Favourites (Ctrl+F1,F)
99. Dynamic Help (Ctrl+F1,D)
100. Index Results (Ctrl+F1,T)

Microsoft Windows shortcut keys

Below is a listing of the entire major short cut key in Microsoft Windows as well as the versions of Microsoft Windows they’re supported in. If you’re looking for shortcut keys or information about how to navigate Microsoft Windows using your keyboard instead of the mouse.

Alt + TabXXXXXXXXSwitch between open applications.
Alt + Shift + TabXXXXXXXXSwitch backwards between open applications.
Alt + double-click XXXXXXXDisplay the properties of the object you double click on. For example, doing this on a file would display its properties.
Ctrl + TabXXXXXXXXSwitches between program groups or document windows in applications that support this feature.
Ctrl + Shift + TabXXXXXXXXSame as above but backwards.
Alt +Print ScreenXXXXXXXXCreate a screen shot only for the program you are currently in.
Ctrl + Alt + DelXXXXXXXXReboot the computer and/or bring up the Windows task manager.
Ctrl + EscXXXXXXXXBring up the Windows Start menu. In Windows 3.x this would bring up the Task Manager.
Alt + Esc XXXXXXXSwitch Between open applications on taskbar.
F1XXXXXXXXActivates help for current open application.
F2XXXXXXXXRenames selected Icon.
F3 XXXXXXXStarts find from desktop.
F4 XXXXXXXOpens the drive selection when browsing.
F5 XXXXXXXRefresh Contents.
F10XXXXXXXXActivates menu bar.
Shift + F10 XXXXXXXSimulates right-click on selected item.
F4 XXXXXXXSelect a different location to browse in the Windows Explorer toolbar.
Alt + F4XXXXXXXXCloses Current open program.
Ctrl + F4XXXXXXXXCloses Window in Program.
F6 XXXXXXXMove cursor to different Windows Explorer pane.
Ctrl + Space barXXXXXXXXDrops down the window control menu.
Ctrl + (the ‘+’ key on the keypad)  XXXXXXAutomatically adjust the widths of all the columns in Windows explorer
Alt + Enter XXXXXXXOpens properties window of selected icon or program.
Shift + Del  XXXXXXXDelete programs/files without throwing them into the recycle bin.
Holding ShiftXXXXXXXXBoot Safe Mode or by pass system files as the computer is booting.
Holding Shift XXXXXXXWhen putting in an audio CD, will prevent CD Player from playing.
EnterXXXXXXXXActivates the highlighted program.
Alt + Down arrow XXXXXXXDisplay all available options on drop down menu.
* (on the keypad) XXXXXXXExpands all folders on the currently selected folder or drive in Windows Explorer.
+ (on the keypad) XXXXXXXExpands only the currently selected folder in Windows Explorer.
- (on the keypad) XXXXXXXCollapses the currently selected folder in Windows Explorer.
         

Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running a Microsoft Windows operating system and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts, the Windows key is represented by “WINKEY”.

Shortcut Keys Description
WINKEYPressing the Windows key alone will open Start.
WINKEY + F1Opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
WINKEY + F3Opens the Advanced find window in Microsoft Outlook.
WINKEY + D Brings the desktop to the top of all other windows.
WINKEY + MMinimizes all windows.
WINKEY + SHIFT + MUndo the minimize done by WINKEY + M and WINKEY + D.
WINKEY + EOpen Microsoft Explorer.
WINKEY + TabCycle through open programs through the taskbar.
WINKEY + FDisplay the Windows Search / Find feature.
WINKEY + CTRL + F Display the search for computers window.
WINKEY + F1Display the Microsoft Windows help.
WINKEY + ROpen the run window.
WINKEY + Pause / Break key Open the system properties window.
WINKEY + UOpen Utility Manager.
WINKEY + LLock the computer (Windows XP and above only).

The ‘it doesn’t work’ error and how to help your Tech guy help you.

A friendly word of advise when you are asking for help with a problem centered around your computer.

 

First, realize, a few things about Tech support people:

1) We hate you calling us as much as you hate calling us.
    We are people too.  We dislike picking up the phone fearing that you are going to jump us over something that 9 times out of 10 isn’t our software’s problem.

2) We are people too. 
    Just like you we have good days and bad days.  Life’s, Family problems, Money troubles and here we are stuck behind a phone answers questions.

3) We ONLY know what you tell us.
    Yep, we have no way to magically look into your computer.  We can not see what’s on your screen.  We can’t even really do anything to your computer.
    all we can do is ask questions about the problem so we can figure it for you.

4) We expect you to know ’something’ about computers.
    You own a computer, if you don’t even know how to turn it on.. there’s a problem.  It’s like owning a car and not knowing how to even change a tire or other simple car care.
    You should already know that clicking selects the icon, double-clicking runs the program and a right click brings up a menu.   If you don’t know how to use your computer
    you just make our jobs and your life harder.

5) NEVER just state ‘it doesn’t work’
    Tech Support people work with problems. We need to know those problems before we can begin to support you.  Calling up trying to rip me a new one because
    your ‘Bee Froze’ (true story) isn’t a Error.   Explaining to me something like:  I was trying to install this program and the computer is telling telling me ‘404 – File Not Found’ 
    THAT is an error and THAT is helpful.   Realize that you can shave off a number of hours from a tech support call if you are able to explain the problem you are having.

6) Don’t call me up saying there’s a problem and then precede to tell me ‘I forgot what the computer said.’
    This is a mixure of #3 and #5.  Calling me up saying there’s a problem and then telling me, Oh.. but I already pressed ok.. did you need to read that?
    Simply put.. DUH!  Yes I needed to see that.  Re-read #3.. We only know what you tell us or what the computer tells us.  How can you expect a blind man
    to repair a car if all you tell him is that lights are on?     If you’ve got other things to do then, at least, write down the error message(s)  or take a screen shot (read #4)

7) Do what and only what I tell you.
    If you are calling me then I expect that you know less about computers then I.  Deal with that, and don’t try to use your massive ‘HaX0r’ skills.  Do what I tell you to do
    and nothing else.  I’m trying to help you figure out a problem and changing the parameters in the middle of it doesn’t help in the least.  a Judge wouldn’t like it if 1/2 way
    though a Trial your lawyer is like, OH yeah!!  I need to pass the bar exam.. is that important?

RTFM
    Related to #4, we expect you to have read the manual before calling us.

Turn Vista Auto-Defrag OFF

By default, the disk defrag feature in Vista is set up to defrag your system about every four times you restart your computer. So, of course, it just gets in the way of anything you are trying to do at the time.   So if you are annoyed with it, here’s how to turn it off:

First, double click on the Computer icon on your desktop.

Once there, right click on your C: drive and choose Properties. Next, hit the Tools tab and then select the option that says “Defragment Now.”

Lastly, uncheck the box that says “Run on a schedule.”

Bam!  Done deal.

————————————————————–

 

But what if you don’t want to remember to defrag your drive?  Well… How about having it defrag when your screen saver kicks in?

 

JkDefrag is a disk defragmenter and optimizer for Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/X64. Completely automatic and very easy to use, fast, low overhead, with several optimization strategies, and can handle floppies, USB disks, memory sticks, and anything else that looks like a disk to Windows. Included are a Windows version, a commandline version (for scheduling by the task scheduler or for use from administrator scripts), a screensaver version, a DLL library (for use from programming languages), versions for Windows X64, and the complete sources.

Download here:  http://www.kessels.com/JkDefrag/

I’ve been using this program for months, no problems at all.  Just starts up when my screen saver kicks in, and stops when I move the mouse.   It can’t get any better then that.

InfranView

Tool Type:  Image Utility
        Cost:  Zero, it’s  FREEWARE!

One of the best image tools out there for Windows.  Infranview is a small quick program that will allow you to view just about any image file format out on the net.

you can quickly and easily convert to and from those files.  Infranview also includes a way to batch process images, crop, rotate, and other minor image corrections.
It is also compatable with PhotoShop plug ins!   and though the use of a plugin pack it will enable you to play back a verity of music formats and lessor used image formats. 

and best of all.. it’s FREE!

How to convert VS2003 Class Library project to VS2005 Web Application project

1) Open 2003 Solution in VS2005
2) Run Conversion Wizard
3) Close VS2005
4) Open Class Library project in Notepad
5) Replace line:
<ProjectType>Local</ProjectType>
with
<ProjectTypeGuids>{349c5851-65df-11da-9384-00065b846f21};{fae04ec0-301f-11d3-bf4b-00c04f79efbc}</ProjectTypeGuids>
6) Save project file
7) Re-open Solution in VS2005
You’ll notice that the project is now a Web Application project
9) However, you need to convert all the WebForms and UserControls to the new code-behind model
10) In Solution Explorer, hilight the .aspx and .ascx files (you can select multiple)
11) Right click and select “Convert to Web Application”
12) You should now see that your code behind files have been converted to partial classes and all the control references have been moved to a .designer.cs file.
13) Congratulations, your project has now been converted.

How to Remove Word Smileys from Outlook 2007

How to Remove Word Smileys from Outlook 2007
from Code and Coffee by Matthew R. Miller

With Outlook 2007, and even with Outlook 2003 Microsofts little smiley faces will be replaced for the standard smiley you type. This is both annoying and unnecessary; so how do you disable it? Not too difficult, here are the steps:

1. In Outlook 2007 go to the “Tools Menu” and click on “Options”.
2. Click on the “Spelling” tab and then on the “Spelling and AutoCorrection…” tab.
3. Select the “Proofing” tab on the left, and then the “AutoCorrect Options…”
4. You will now see the a list of character. ON the ride side is the symbol that will be replaced with the text on the left side. You all 4-5 smiley faces and click the “Delete” button.
5. Click “OK” and back out of your dialogs.

With all of the steps you have to go to jut to get to this option dialog, no wonder it’s not commonly known.

How not to get a Virus

1) Make sure you have a GOOD Antivirus program on your computer.
    (By GOOD I mean, no Norton, and no McAffe) If you need a good antivirus
    go to http://free.grisoft.com and download one for free (for personal use)
    and there are plenty of others out there on the net.

2) Remember that Email can ONLY SEND TEXT (yes, you read that right)
    You can not get a standard virus by opening an Email..
    ONLY by double clicking (running) the Email attachment.
 
    However this doesn’t prevent HTML based virus.  So the only way to
    get around that is to set Outlook to TEXT only.   Then you don’t need
    to worry about the HTML side of things.
 
3) You can not get a virus though a ‘data’ file type.
    with computers there’s two file types. Programs, and Data.
     Programs have extensions like EXE, COM, BAT..

     Where as Data files have extensions like ".jpg/.gif"

     BUT!!!!

     You’ve must be careful about some of these. Jerks have figured out if you
     save a file with a name like ‘MyNudes.exe.jpg’ then the computer will show
     a JPG Icon and NOT the EXE icon.. that’s bad..

     So, first things first, be sure to look at the file name BEFORE you open it.
     make sure that you don’t see a ‘double extension’ like above.

     Another way to combat that crap is be sure that you DO NOT hide file
     extensions for known files.  This setting can be changed in your Folder Options.

4) Be mindful of the people that send you things.
    if all of a sudden you get an Email with an attachment from
    ‘SuperMario@ToadstoolCastle.com’ with a message body
    of ‘Hey! I thought you would like this!"
    DO NOT OPEN IT. Just delete it.

    if it really is someone you know, they will have either A)
    told you before hand they are sending you something
    or B) ask about it later. If they ask about it, tell them to send it
     again..

5)  Be mindful of the URL. 
     In HTML it’s easy to say you are going ‘here’ when you are really going to go
      ‘there’  (like the Link could say Yahoo!, but really take you to Microsoft) 
     and be very careful of ’shorted’ URLs from places like TinyURL.  NEVER
     go to those links unless you know who sent them to you.  Verify the LINK
     In the Email before you click on it.

 

As for the pet peeves…
1) Emails are NOT tracked. If you get an Email saying that if you send this to 5 other people then someone somewhere will give you $1000. It’s bull crap.

2) Emails saying ‘If you send this to 5 people, then some really funny cartoon will pop up on your screen" again, this is B.S.
    Remember Email, can only send TEXT. If there’s no attachment.. how can there be a cartoon?  on top of that.. Email isn’t tracked.. Refer to #1

3) If you get an Email saying that the make a wish foundation will donate $.02 to some sick child if you forward this email to everyone you know.. Refer to Pet Peeve #1, and then #4. or.. if you are just lazy.. EMAILS ARE NOT TRACKED AND STOP SENDING CHAIN LETTERS.

4) Chain letters.. just stop it.. you’re clogging up my Internet.

and, of course, if anyone has any Q’s about this.. just ask. =)

(all of this is said in humor.. minus the part about the Chain letters.. really.. stop it. )