Interesting things to do to your Desktop. - Page 3

Zweihander · 06-13-2004, 09:55 PM

I think Andy is looking for a compiler. While most bare-bones compilers are just something run from the command prompt, you can download (or buy, if you're a sucker) an IDE (Integrated Developtment Environment), which adds all sorts of neat stuff to make your life easier. The only languages I know are C++, Java, and a smattering of noncomplex HTML. If I had the time, I'd learn more stuff about scripts, but I don't. The links below will take you to places where you can get the compliers, IDE's, and such.

Dev-C++, an open-source C++ IDE
The Java environment, needed to run a compiled Java program
The Java SDK, needed to make and compile Java programs, scroll down to where it says "Download"

The C++ compiler I linked to is different than what you might find in the more expensive and popular Visual C++ (EDIT: which uses the Borland C++ compiler, also very popular) or whatever they sell. The syntax remains the same, but some class files (mainly conio.h and some other stuff) aren't included in Dev-C++. And JAva is weird; when it compiles, it creates a .class file, which needs the runtime environment to actually be used. In this way, JAva is slower, but much more cross-platform compatible, meaning that a .exe file can't be run on Mac or Linux, but any OS with the environment installed can run a .class file.

I also violently recommend googling some tutorials up. The Dev-C++ page has some links to decent ones, including one on how to use C++ and its GUI stuff. HTML and Javascript only needs a text editor (Word, notepad, etc.) and a browser. Have fun, and as someone once said, "Programming is the act of applying logic to creativity."

Stover · 06-13-2004, 09:57 PM

I would think that having IE always running in the background running a javascript application would take up more reasources than the Windows shell running an .exe. I could be wrong, I've never actually taken a look at how memory usuage would stack up in a case like that.

But the real problem is that you'll have IE running. And that's never good.

Ever.

Sithdarth · 06-13-2004, 10:01 PM

No No. IE doesn't run at all. Your desktop acts like its IE. It decodes and treats the data as IE whould but that is as far is it goes. It doesn't open a new program. Your desktop acts like its a browser but no new programs are opened.

Stover · 06-13-2004, 10:04 PM

Oh, ok, I remeber what you're talking about. Its just that this is the first time I've ever about it in about a year.

But the point about IE still stands.

synkr0nized · 06-14-2004, 12:25 AM

Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer are extremely closely related to one another. Ever browse to a website from your C:\ folder?

Anyway, Explorer.exe, the shell (desktop, icons, start menu, taskbar, system tray) that most Windows users employ, will then hook the appropriate aspects of IE/Windows to run Active Desktop items.

As you may guess, it's a good idea to know what you are putting on an Active Desktop. But, within the frame of this thread and its topic, it's perfectly fine.

Sithdarth · 06-14-2004, 11:54 AM

Ok so I'm about to do something really nice here. Anyone that wants there desktop to switch backrounds and doesn't want to go through a lot of trouble here is what you do:

1) Take all the pictures you want to use for your desktop and put them into one folder and name it something like desktop wallpapers.
2) Somehow get a list of all the image files you just put into that folder and PM it to me.
3) Then wait for me to PM you back with some html code
4) Copy and paste the code into a blank notepad document and click file save as. Then select all files in the save as field and change the extension to html instead of .txt
5) Then in the explorer window find that folder with your desktop image files in it and save the file there as index.html
6) Go into display then the desktop tab and click the browse button next to the background selection field.
7) Then find the folder with the file you just saved and the desktop images and open it.
8) Select the html file you saved and click Open then hit the Apply button and close the display box

Then that should do it. Wait two minutes and your background will change, or if you want a different time delay just include it in the PM with the file list and I'll change it accordingly. I'm doing all this in my spare time but you should have your response within the day if something unforseen doesn't happen.

AndyBloodredMage · 06-15-2004, 05:08 AM

Skweeb, how did you alter the error messages? My bro has an old imac somewhere, is it possible to change it on those?

06-13-2004, 09:55 PM	#1
Zweihander You are not reading this. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ::1 Posts: 1,443	I think Andy is looking for a compiler. While most bare-bones compilers are just something run from the command prompt, you can download (or buy, if you're a sucker) an IDE (Integrated Developtment Environment), which adds all sorts of neat stuff to make your life easier. The only languages I know are C++, Java, and a smattering of noncomplex HTML. If I had the time, I'd learn more stuff about scripts, but I don't. The links below will take you to places where you can get the compliers, IDE's, and such. Dev-C++, an open-source C++ IDE The Java environment, needed to run a compiled Java program The Java SDK, needed to make and compile Java programs, scroll down to where it says "Download" The C++ compiler I linked to is different than what you might find in the more expensive and popular Visual C++ (EDIT: which uses the Borland C++ compiler, also very popular) or whatever they sell. The syntax remains the same, but some class files (mainly conio.h and some other stuff) aren't included in Dev-C++. And JAva is weird; when it compiles, it creates a .class file, which needs the runtime environment to actually be used. In this way, JAva is slower, but much more cross-platform compatible, meaning that a .exe file can't be run on Mac or Linux, but any OS with the environment installed can run a .class file. I also violently recommend googling some tutorials up. The Dev-C++ page has some links to decent ones, including one on how to use C++ and its GUI stuff. HTML and Javascript only needs a text editor (Word, notepad, etc.) and a browser. Have fun, and as someone once said, "Programming is the act of applying logic to creativity." __________________ How to make sure your subtitles take advantage of newfangled things like anti-aliasing.

06-13-2004, 09:57 PM	#2
Stover Uncommonly common. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Level 19. Posts: 1,233	I would think that having IE always running in the background running a javascript application would take up more reasources than the Windows shell running an .exe. I could be wrong, I've never actually taken a look at how memory usuage would stack up in a case like that. But the real problem is that you'll have IE running. And that's never good. Ever. __________________ The Loop. O x Me.

06-13-2004, 10:04 PM	#4
Stover Uncommonly common. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Level 19. Posts: 1,233	Oh, ok, I remeber what you're talking about. Its just that this is the first time I've ever about it in about a year. But the point about IE still stands. __________________ The Loop. O x Me.

06-14-2004, 12:25 AM	#5
synkr0nized synk-ism Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: throughout the Wired Posts: 6,857	Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer are extremely closely related to one another. Ever browse to a website from your C:\ folder? Anyway, Explorer.exe, the shell (desktop, icons, start menu, taskbar, system tray) that most Windows users employ, will then hook the appropriate aspects of IE/Windows to run Active Desktop items. As you may guess, it's a good idea to know what you are putting on an Active Desktop. But, within the frame of this thread and its topic, it's perfectly fine. __________________ Find love.

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06-13-2004, 10:01 PM	#3
Sithdarth Friendly Neighborhood Quantum Hobo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Outside the M-brane look'n in Posts: 5,403	No No. IE doesn't run at all. Your desktop acts like its IE. It decodes and treats the data as IE whould but that is as far is it goes. It doesn't open a new program. Your desktop acts like its a browser but no new programs are opened.

06-14-2004, 11:54 AM	#6
Sithdarth Friendly Neighborhood Quantum Hobo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Outside the M-brane look'n in Posts: 5,403	Ok so I'm about to do something really nice here. Anyone that wants there desktop to switch backrounds and doesn't want to go through a lot of trouble here is what you do: 1) Take all the pictures you want to use for your desktop and put them into one folder and name it something like desktop wallpapers. 2) Somehow get a list of all the image files you just put into that folder and PM it to me. 3) Then wait for me to PM you back with some html code 4) Copy and paste the code into a blank notepad document and click file save as. Then select all files in the save as field and change the extension to html instead of .txt 5) Then in the explorer window find that folder with your desktop image files in it and save the file there as index.html 6) Go into display then the desktop tab and click the browse button next to the background selection field. 7) Then find the folder with the file you just saved and the desktop images and open it. 8) Select the html file you saved and click Open then hit the Apply button and close the display box Then that should do it. Wait two minutes and your background will change, or if you want a different time delay just include it in the PM with the file list and I'll change it accordingly. I'm doing all this in my spare time but you should have your response within the day if something unforseen doesn't happen.