Things I mind writing about
New beta version (0.0518) of HPI Converter released
This version fixes an issue where you could get an "File class does not understand #longPathOf:" error message under certain conditions.
Things I mind writing about
This version fixes an issue where you could get an "File class does not understand #longPathOf:" error message under certain conditions.
I was notified that the original HPI Converter 0.0517 setup file was corrupted. It seems that some part of the file got lost during upload. I replaced the download with a working one which should work now. Sorry for the inconvenience.
This version features a few things behind the scenes:
ZIP File Support: You can drag/open a zip file in HPI Converter and all included HPI files will be automagically found by HPI Converter
Partial Help: The download now includes a partial help file
Improved error handling during batch convert: Errors during the batch conversion process are now written to a log file. After the conversion the user can choose to view the logfile.
I just uploaded a completely new version of HPI converter. This version offers no new functionalities .... except for a totally rewritten UI. HPI Converter is now able to display all HPI Images in a thumbnail like view - allowing you to easily find that HPI file you were looking for.

The HPI backend now uses the FreeImage Library instead of GDI+ to convert the images. Although this is not much faster than GDI+ FreeImage provides a much simpler API and more possibilities for following versions of HPI Converter.
Due to some requests this version adds a batch conversion capability. Simply select source and destination folder and off you go.
This release is a bugfix release only. If you get "Index out of bounds" errors this version is for you.
After a long testing period I uploaded a new version of HPI Converter to the server. This version now allows you to selectively convert files. This of course requires a preview within the application which is now possbile as well.
I just uploaded a new version of HPI Converter (Version 0.015). This version now features a GUI where you can add files to be converted by dragging them on the Executable, using the Send To Menu, Copy&Paste, Drag&Drop or File-selector. This was done to overcome the limitation of ~20 files which could be dragged on the executable.
I uploaded a new version of the screensaver (see original blog posting) with Multi-Display Support. In addition there were also minor re-enabled things like hiding the cursor and quitting the screensaver on key press.
When Esteban announced is Dolphin Smalltalk Wallpapers in a newsgroup posting I immediately went to his site to take a look ... and what should I say ... I really liked what I saw. Therefore I decided to come up with a Screensaver which is heavily "inspired" by Esteban's wallpapers.
Well, that's the problem. I know that the name will not be ScreensaverStudio anymore because there are already products with this name. However I have no idea how to call it now. Any ideas? Then please leave a comment.
I made it! ScreensaverStudio is running (at least with some bugs). Once finished it will provide a way to test your Dolphin (and Windows) Screensavers from within you Dolphin Smalltalk Environment.

Once I've cleaned up the code (which might take a while because ScreensaverStudio has some dependencies on my own unpublished Goodies) I'll upload the code here.
I finally made Autorun Presenter available. I'm using this tool since a year now and it has helped me in many occasions. Autorun Presenter is basically an "environment" put on an USB Stick which allows you to be totally independent in regards to presenting you presentation. Everything needed to present is on the USB Stick including a nice menu which can be controlled by remote controls.
Just plug the Stick into any computer running Windows and you can start presenting. No need to install PowerPoint or any additional Software.
This is the ideal backup plan solution. Put your presentation(s) on the stick. If anything goes wrong, plug the stick into another computer, connect the beamer and you're set.
This is especially useful for Remote Controls whose USB Receiver is combined with Storage (I'm using an R-Mouse 300 for this).
I already have a framework for Dolphin Smalltalk in place to make a screensaver from every View. It's just that testing these screensavers could be easier.
That's why I decided to start working on what I call "ScreenSaver Studio". When finished it will allow you to test every aspect of screensavers. This not only covers screensavers within your local image but also all installed system screensavers. Just in case your deployed screensaver behaves differently than in the Image.
So stay tuned what's coming.
I did it ... after being around on the Net for several years this is my first Homepage. I intend to share my thoughts and experiences with Dolphin Smalltalk. In addition this seems to be a good place to publish (finally) my Goodies.
Feel free to contact me at Udo.Schneider@homeaddress.de