David's Blog tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2010://1 2010-02-17T15:49:59Z Stuff I'm doing. Movable Type 3.34 Comment from Dave on "Wanted: Somebody That Works At Pixar" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2008://1.389:4975 2010-03-08T06:31:50Z 2010-03-08T06:31:50Z If you know someone there, talk to them about a tour...they can get you in. Davehttp://davidlenihan.com If you know someone there, talk to them about a tour...they can get you in.

]]> Comment from Fernando on "Wanted: Somebody That Works At Pixar" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2008://1.389:4974 2010-03-07T22:12:19Z 2010-03-07T22:12:19Z Hi David, i am from Argentina and i know a person that is from my country that is working at Pixar. I want to know how u can get in there to see inside the building. I really want to know if it is possible to visit Pixar and how you did it. Thanks Fernando Hi David, i am from Argentina and i know a person that is from my country that is working at Pixar. I want to know how u can get in there to see inside the building.
I really want to know if it is possible to visit Pixar and how you did it.
Thanks

]]> Comment from Steve Terapak on "WinSxS" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2007://1.291:4973 2010-02-22T22:39:51Z 2010-02-22T22:39:51Z Thanks for the info helped me solve a strange annoying problem. Steve Terapak Thanks for the info helped me solve a strange annoying problem.

]]> Windows Phone 7 Series tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2010://1.600 2010-02-17T15:48:36Z 2010-02-17T15:49:59Z This week, Microsoft announced the latest update to their smart phone OS called Windows Phone 7 Series. What I like: Beautiful, unique user interface A task-based interface instead of application-based For example, a contact will contain standard contact information,...

This week, Microsoft announced the latest update to their smart phone OS called Windows Phone 7 Series.

What I like:

  • Beautiful, unique user interface
  • A task-based interface instead of application-based
    • For example, a contact will contain standard contact information, plus that person’s facebook status updates
  • Integration with social networks
  • Unlimited music access via Zune Pass
  • Xbox Live integration (can get achievement points via games on your phone)
  • Strict hardware requirements
    • Resolution
    • 3 hardware buttons (back, start, search)
    • GPS
    • Capacitance Multi-touch screen

I’ll be watching this phone closely…I like what I see so far.

Check out this video to see Windows Phone 7 Series in action.

]]> Comment from Adam Katz on "In Search of the Perfect Keyboard" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.563:4972 2010-02-16T08:48:01Z 2010-02-16T08:48:01Z THE FINAL SOLUTION.... MICROSOFT ENTERTAINMENT DESKTOP 8000!!! Adam Katz THE FINAL SOLUTION.... MICROSOFT ENTERTAINMENT DESKTOP 8000!!!

]]> Comment from Dominic K on "C# vs. C++" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.564:4971 2010-02-13T17:58:00Z 2010-02-13T17:58:00Z If speed is your only deciding factor, then it obviously depends on what your program does. If it's a complex algorithm that you need performed as fast as possible, it's C++, no brainer. But if your program is simply a Twitter client, for example, then speed isn't really going to help you at all. The speed up in development is just worth it for you. Computers are just getting faster anyways and some unnoticable slow downs aren't going to destroy your product when you are counting in milliseconds. Dominic K If speed is your only deciding factor, then it obviously depends on what your program does. If it's a complex algorithm that you need performed as fast as possible, it's C++, no brainer. But if your program is simply a Twitter client, for example, then speed isn't really going to help you at all. The speed up in development is just worth it for you. Computers are just getting faster anyways and some unnoticable slow downs aren't going to destroy your product when you are counting in milliseconds.

]]> Comment from web design sydney on "C# vs. C++" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.564:4970 2010-02-13T05:34:19Z 2010-02-13T05:34:19Z It is really nice written article from you guys. I would suggest it to everyone who wants to read and learn more. There is so many helpful information’s which I couldn’t find on other websites and other similar blogs. Thank You for that. web design sydneyhttp://www.starconfig.com.au It is really nice written article from you guys. I would suggest it to everyone who wants to read and learn more. There is so many helpful information’s which I couldn’t find on other websites and other similar blogs. Thank You for that.

]]> Comment from Andrew on "3D Movie List" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.587:4968 2010-02-01T13:21:25Z 2010-02-01T13:21:25Z Try www.3dmovielist.com Andrewhttp://www.3dmovielist.com Try www.3dmovielist.com

]]> Comment from Dave on "Windows 7 Customization" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2010://1.599:4967 2010-01-11T16:49:39Z 2010-01-11T16:49:39Z My thoughts... 23: For my home system, I don't want to see hidden files/folders/extensions. I almost never need to see them, and they just clutter up what I do need to see. I *especially* like how Windows 7 hides drives that are not in use. In Vista, "computer" had about 10 empty drives for all my memory card readers. They take up space and can not be used. In Win7, I only have a hard drive and a Blu-ray Burner. When I add a memory card, only that drive is shown...much nicer! 24: I *really* like a clean desktop (*no* icons...just a pretty picture). I only put things on my desktop that I am currently working on. If it stays there too long, I'll move it to my document folder. 25: I use the built in support for .zip...it is good enough for my needs. 26: I use google docs and gmail now, so I don't need office and I don't have to install anything. 27: Agree...just haven't needed it so far. 28: Agree...but this will happen automatically over time so you don't have to wait on downloads. Davehttp://davidlenihan.com My thoughts...

23:
For my home system, I don't want to see hidden files/folders/extensions. I almost never need to see them, and they just clutter up what I do need to see.

I *especially* like how Windows 7 hides drives that are not in use. In Vista, "computer" had about 10 empty drives for all my memory card readers. They take up space and can not be used. In Win7, I only have a hard drive and a Blu-ray Burner. When I add a memory card, only that drive is shown...much nicer!

24:
I *really* like a clean desktop (*no* icons...just a pretty picture). I only put things on my desktop that I am currently working on. If it stays there too long, I'll move it to my document folder.

25:
I use the built in support for .zip...it is good enough for my needs.

26:
I use google docs and gmail now, so I don't need office and I don't have to install anything.

27:
Agree...just haven't needed it so far.

28:
Agree...but this will happen automatically over time so you don't have to wait on downloads.

]]> Comment from Bubba on "Windows 7 Customization" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2010://1.599:4966 2010-01-11T14:47:43Z 2010-01-11T14:47:43Z 23. Show hidden files. Start->Control Panel->Appearance and Personalization->Show hidden files and personalization. View tab. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives Uncheck boxes: 1. Hide empty drives in the Computer folder 2. Hide extensions of known types 3. Hide protected operating system files 24. Show desktop icons. - Right click on the desktop and select Personalize. Select Change desktop icons. Check all boxes for Desktop icons. 25. Install 7-zip http://www.7-zip.org/download.html 26. Install Microsoft Office 27. Install Adobe Reader http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/ 28. Windows Update Start->All Programs->Windows Update Bubba 23. Show hidden files.
Start->Control Panel->Appearance and Personalization->Show hidden files and personalization. View tab.
Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives
Uncheck boxes:
1. Hide empty drives in the Computer folder
2. Hide extensions of known types
3. Hide protected operating system files

24. Show desktop icons.
- Right click on the desktop and select Personalize. Select Change desktop icons. Check all boxes for Desktop icons.

25. Install 7-zip
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html

26. Install Microsoft Office

27. Install Adobe Reader
http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/

28. Windows Update
Start->All Programs->Windows Update

]]> Windows 7 Customization tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2010://1.599 2010-01-11T02:33:21Z 2010-01-11T02:34:30Z I kept track of all the changes I made after I did a clean install of Windows 7. Install Microsoft Security Essentials Virus software works without getting in the way Move the recycle bin to taskbar. Gives you a... image

I kept track of all the changes I made after I did a clean install of Windows 7.

  1. Install Microsoft Security Essentials
    • Virus software works without getting in the way
  2. Move the recycle bin to taskbar.
    • Gives you a completely clean desktop
    • The recycle bin is always visible and can be used to drag and drop files you don’t want
  3. Pin Sticky Notes to the taskbar
  4. Pin Snipping Tool to taskbar
  5. Change “Shutdown” button to “Restart”: Right-click Start->properties->Start Menu->Power button action: [Restart]
  6. Switch taskbar to “combine when full”: Right-click Start->properties->Taskbar->Taskbar buttons: [Combine when taskbar is full]
    • More obvious if an application is active or not (big == active)
    • Active applications include text description
    • Active applications are 3 times larger than non-active: easier hit target
    • Progress bars (shown in taskbar when downloading files or installing software, for example) have more space and are more meaningful
  7. Install Windows Live Essentials: Live Writer (updating blogs), Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker
  8. Install Zune Software
  9. Set power option to high performance (for my desktop): Start->Control Panel->Hardware and Sound->Power Options->High Performance
  10. Install Adobe Flash
  11. Set up black screen saver: Start->Control Panel->Appearance and Personalization->Personalization: Change screen saver->
    • [Blank]
    • Wait [10] minutes
    • [X] On resume, display logon screen
  12. Setup daily backup: Start->Control Panel->System and Security: Back up your computer
    • Every day at 2 a.m.
    • Only backup my home directory
  13. Turn on check boxes for selection: Explorer->Organize->Folder and search options->View->[X] Use check boxes to select items
    • You can select multiple files using the mouse-only (without this, you must hold down the shift or ctrl keys)
  14. Turn on Zune toolbar: Right-click Start->Properties->Toolbars->[X] Zune
    • When Zune is minimized, it shows as a mini-player in the taskbar
  15. Change pictures folder to:
    • Detail view: right click file area->View->Details
    • Set columns to Name, Size, Date, Date Modified: right click column heading to modify
  16. Install Visual Studio C# 2008 Express Edition and Visual Studio C++ 2008 Express Edition
  17. Install Windows 7 SDK
    • Contains *lots* of helpful sample code
  18. Change account picture to match Facebook profile picture: Start->Control Panel->User Accounts and Family Safety->User Accounts->Change your picture
  19. Install Maya 8 Unlimited
    • 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visual effects software
  20. Install Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) Production Premium
    • Contains…
      • Photoshop (image editing)
      • Illustrator (vector editing)
      • Premier Pro (video editing)
      • Soundbooth (sound editing)
      • After Effects (video compositing)
  21. Install Quicken Deluxe 2009
    • Finance software
  22. Closing Internet Explorer closes all open tabs: IE->Tools->Internet Options->General->Tabs->Settings->[ ] Warn me when closing multiple tabs

*Now* I am ready to go!

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]]> 3D in Theaters tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.598 2009-12-31T21:22:13Z 2009-12-31T21:28:20Z There are multiple ways to do 3D in movie theaters. My favorite is RealD because of the image quality and the potential of getting normal sunglasses that work in a theater. I saw Avatar in both RealD and Dolby... RealD Home Page Sample_BL_2008-10-06

Dolby_3D_logo logo

There are multiple ways to do 3D in movie theaters. My favorite is RealD because of the image quality and the potential of getting normal sunglasses that work in a theater. I saw Avatar in both RealD and Dolby 3D and could not tell a difference…both looked great.

Here’s a table to help keep it straight:

Company

Company Technology # of Theaters Cost of Glasses Can tilt head Notes
RealD Circular Polarization (passive) 5,000 $0.65 Yes
  • Polarized light reduce image brightness
  • Requires special silver screen to maintain polarized light and reflect more light to make up for brightness loss during polarization
  • Projector must be brighter than normal to address light loss during polarization
  • Silver screen has more narrow viewing angle and issues with over-saturation in the center of the screen (NOTE: 2D movies may not look as good in 3D equipped theaters)
  • Can get prescription glasses and sun glasses with circular polarization so you can wear your own glasses during movie/outside of theater
  • Theater locator
Dolby 3D Color Filter (passive) 2,200 $28 Yes
  • Works with normal screen,  normal brightness
  • Glasses can’t be used outside of theater
  • Theater locator
XpanD LCD Shutter (active) 2,000 $50 Yes
  • If something blocks the sensor on the glasses, the shutter stops
  • I notice the flicker of the shutter glasses and get eye fatigue
  • Glasses use batteries
  • Glasses can’t be used outside of theater
  • Theater locator

IMAX 3D uses either linear polarization (which means you *cannot* tilt your head), or LCD shutter glasses, depending on theater.

My biggest issues are…

  1. Letting you tilt your head during a movie
  2. Headaches from LCD shutter glasses

For now, I’m avoiding XpandD and IMAX 3D for 3D movies.

Much of this info is from this article.

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]]> Comment from Sharoma on "WinSxS" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2007://1.291:4965 2009-12-28T04:31:01Z 2009-12-28T04:31:01Z A very usefull and informative article. Good work. Thanks Sharoma A very usefull and informative article. Good work.

Thanks

]]> Comment from Kelvin on "WTF by OK Go" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.596:4964 2009-12-10T23:35:12Z 2009-12-10T23:35:12Z Haven't seen this effect since I had my Video Toaster up and running. Still put to good use, though. Kelvin Haven't seen this effect since I had my Video Toaster up and running. Still put to good use, though.

]]> Comment from Kayes on "3D Movie List" tag:www.davidlenihan.com,2009://1.587:4963 2009-12-10T03:27:48Z 2009-12-10T03:27:48Z Thank u very much. Kayes Thank u very much.

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