Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2006 October 30

=October 30=

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
I stumbled across mention of a Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition in the MS KB, and although I'm an MCP in all of the NT 4 products, I've never heard of this version. Can someone tell me how it differed from other versions? Thanks. - MSTCrow 01:11, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

Strange problem with Internet connections (on Mac OS X 10.2)
Help! I have been experiencing problems with using the Internet for a couple of days ever since I inadventently filled up the filesystem on which my OS X 10.2 system resides. In the past when that has happened, my prefs would be blown away, and the desktop would be all rearranged, but no more than that. This time though, I have problems with Internet connections. I often have to click more than once on links to have them "take". Sometimes the browser returns a "could not find the server" message, other times just nothing happens. Other computers sharing the Internet do not seem to have this problem, so I'm pretty sure it's related to my system only; some file must have been corrupted. I would appreciate any hints. Thanks!

TresÁrboles 04:03, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Your hard drive has no space left, yes? If so, you could probably try setting the browser not to cache any files while browsing, which may fix the problem. It may be encountering errors because it is attempting to cache files when there isn't any room to do so - I doubt many browsers are designed to handle this problem correctly since it probably doesn't happen often. It is probably not a corrupted system file however, as with digital technology things either work fully or not at all (e.g. if you change just a single bit in many image files, it usually corrupts the whole thing) If you mean your hard drive is full, just try disabling file caching and see how that works. If that's not what you mean... well you'll have to explain it again :) -  Рэд хот (t • c • e) 10:19, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Thanks for the reply. Strictly speaking, it was the partition that ran out of space, but yeah...  However, I cleared up space, and there should be enough now.  I deleted the browser cache and tried using another browser (Firefox and Opera).  It does seem strange that it's not an all-or-nothing problem. TresÁrboles 20:33, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Just to be clear... this is still a problem! Hopefully, someone can help.  TresÁrboles 23:17, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I fixed my own problem. For the record, I went into the Network section of the System Preferences utility, changed Location to Automatic, and hit Apply Now button.  I'm not really sure what happened, but the problem seems to have gone away.  TresÁrboles 04:08, 2 November 2006 (UTC)

GUI for GMT
Does anyone know of a Windows GUI for Generic Mapping Tools, which is a straight forward install/unzip (i.e. you don't have to modify files to specify where it is)? Win4GMT seems good, but the file modification (which I wouldn't be able to do), and the fact that you have to download the GMT itself seperately rules it out for me. Although it's probably stupid, I can't figure out how to install GMT itself as, I find, the explanation for Windows on the site, is really bad - unless someone can explain it here (but by any means, I'll still need a GUI - I'm not good with command lines, or more specifically, I just don't like them ;) ). Thanks is advance - Рэд хот (t • c • e) 09:54, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

NT and .net framework 2.0
I just agreed to help out Martinp23 with the RD archive bot he created by running it off my computer, but it seems I can't because I'm running NT4.0 which doesn't have .net framework 2.0. Martin said it doesn't seem like there's a version compatible with my OS, does anybody have any more info? Anchoress 09:58, 30 October 2006 (UTC)
 * Have you tried using Portable.NET? I've found Mono doesn't support NT 4. According to http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/8z6watww(VS.71).aspx, it looks like the client version of .NET 1.1 will work on it, at least.  NT 4 set the benchmark, it really deserves more support. - MSTCrow 20:07, 1 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I'll give that a try. Thanks very much. Anchoress 08:08, 2 November 2006 (UTC)

New IE windows appearing very very very small
This may well be a FAQ, but can somebody help me with the teenyweeny new windows I seem to be getting now, using IE. I'm running the BT Yahoo version 2 of IE (not sure how that corresponds, but it's pretty up to date) on Windows XP. And thanks, but advice to change my browser to something better/cooler/more interesting won't help me much. I can't help being rubbish/archaic/dull, but I'd like to be able to sort out this irritating glitch. --Dweller 12:11, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * When you say 'very, very small', how small are you talking? Because a quirk of IE (and Outlook) is to size subsequent windows to the size of the window in the last closed session. Meaning, if I usually have my windows at 3/4 of the screen size (which I do), but I maximise or otherwise size the last window I close (meaning I have no more IE windows open until the next time I need one), the windows will all be that size until I resize one manually and close that one last. If you're not sure, try this: double-click on the blue bar at the top of the IE screen, and see if that changes the size (and report back how it changed). Anchoress 12:48, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Spot on, as ever. And despite the fact that I wasn't very clear in my question. Thanks... it was the default sizing that was my problem and it's been cured by maximising and then closing IE. --Dweller 16:57, 30 October 2006 (UTC)
 * Wow, that's the nicest thing any Wikipedian has ever said to me! Thanks sooooo much! And I'm glad it answered your question. Anchoress 01:32, 31 October 2006 (UTC)

Make sure the window isn't "maximized". This term is misleading, because it doesn't always make the window the maximum possible size, but rather makes it the same size as it "thinks" the screen is currently displayed. You toggle whether it's maximized by hitting the square(s) icon in the upper, right corner. It should appear as two overlapping squares when "maximized" and a single square when not. Once you have that turned off, you can then resize manually by dragging the window edges out. If you set it to the size you want, then close the window and reopen it, hopefully it will start up at that size, from then on. StuRat 15:08, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

Fall Out Boy CD Cover...
To the copyright owner of all Wikipedia Images,

Hello. My name is Kevin Carroll, and I am a freshman student at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. While I understand that all of your images are under copyright, I need the cover of a specific album (Fall out Boy’s “From Under the Cork Tree”) for a project that I am doing in Photoshop class, and was wondering if I could have your permission to use it. Please know that this image will be modified, and I will recognize that I have your consent to use it. I would appreciate a reply as soon as possible, because my time is limited to complete this assignment. Thanks very much for your time.

Sincerely, Kevin Carroll

P.S. Just to clarify, this is the name of the URL of the image I would like to use

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Fall_Out_Boy_-_From_Under_the_Cork_Tree_-_CD_album_cover.jpg


 * I'm afraid the situation here is a bit complicated. If you open the picture in question and scroll down, you will see that it's being used on Wikipedia according to the fair use provision of US copyright law. This means that Wikipedia does not own the copyright to it (as far as I know, Wikipedia does not own the copyright of any images you will find on this site, with the exception of the logo in the top left corner), it is held by (presumably) the band in question or their record company.
 * So you would need to contact them in order to obtain permission. On the other hand, you may be able to use the image under the fair use provision - but you will need to read up on exactly what fair use covers (our article can help to get you started, and you'll want to read through some of the "external links" at the bottom of it, too), and whether your planned use of the image would be covered by this provision. If not, you'll have to go back and ask the copyright holders for permission.
 * Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and perhaps someone with more knowledge in this area will be able to help you further. &mdash; QuantumEleven 13:36, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

If this is just being used for a high school project, then don't worry about it. Companies are only concerned about copyrights if you start selling their property, thus depriving them of income. StuRat 14:57, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I don't know if I'd be so quick to say that, Universities treat breach of copyright quite seriously. I would definitely talk to your teacher and get them to clarify what it is you should or shouldn't be doing, I'm quite sure most institutions would not look favourably on their students/employees breaching copyright, regardless of whether the copyright owner would prosecute or not.Vespine 23:17, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * It's high school it doesn't matter --⁪froth T C  06:19, 31 October 2006 (UTC)

Recycling In Linux
I was wondering why a 'recycle bin' analogue is not included with Linux distributions or even available as a package? I know there's all this 'Linux is not Windows' stuff, but that can't be the reason people would rather have file deletions so permenant - even computer geeks make mistakes... --Username132 (talk) 13:57, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Well, just as in Windows, when you delete something it isn't really deleted, but rather the disk space it occupies is marked as available for reuse at some future date (whenever the space is needed). So, unless it is overwritten with other data (intentionally or not), a computer geek can still undelete it.  You do have a good point, though; with today's huge disks, it makes sense to provide a convenient way to store and retrieve "deleted" data. StuRat 14:40, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * In both Gnome and KDE, there is a "trashcan" or "recycle bin" or whatever you want to call it. When you delete a file, it is put in the trash.  It isn't deleted in any way until you empty the trash. --Kainaw (talk) 14:52, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * It's called don't delete it in the first place. This sounds terse, I know, but you are correct in assessing Linux as being intentionally 'advanced' both at the OS level and at the UI level.  If you don't want something done, don't do it!  To the 'nix community the recycle bin is seen as 'too nice' on the user, since they should be capable of deciding that something is either worth keeping or not, instead of being indecisive.  That being said, there are a number of desktop systems in Linux that have implemented a 'trash' feature (since we can't always snub our noses at the windows crowd and expect to be taken seriously), keep looking until you find something that suits your habits.  --66.195.232.121 15:02, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Also might teach you to regularly back up your data, something which a recycle bin falsly lulls you into ignoring. Vespine 23:13, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

Keyboard/Mouse Y-splitters
I have some Y-splitters which change one plug into two plugs, one with a picture of a mouse embossed into the casing, another with a picture of a keyboard embossed into the casing. Since you'd have to plug it into the keyboard or mouse socket anyway, I don't understand what it's for. If I plugged on of these into my computer's keyboard socket and then plugged a keyboard and a mouse into the other two ends, then the mouse would be plugged into the wrong thing and we'd have problems - what is are these adapters for? --Username132 (talk) 13:58, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I believe some computers were flexible about which plug went into which socket (either plug could go into either socket). This device then probably allows you to connect both devices to a single socket at once. StuRat 14:51, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * The probably go to a KVM switch. I've had a few of them that use a Y splitter for the mouse/keyboard.  However, they were pretty much junk - often losing sync with the mouse or keyboard and the video would go out for no apparent reason. --Kainaw (talk) 14:54, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

Constant variables
How is "constant" enforced by the processor? Is there special memory for that? --froth


 * No, I don't think so. It's only enforced by the software, which never sends the instruction to change the value (except for memory overflow conditions, perhaps). StuRat 14:53, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * If it is a definition, such as "def MY_CONSTANT 3", then everywhere you use MY_CONSTANT, it is replaced with a 3 before compiling. The computer running the program never gets to see My_CONSTANT as a variable so it doesn't have to enforce anything. --Kainaw (talk) 14:56, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * There is such a thing as a  section; depending on the type of data and the architecture, constant variables may end up there rather than in the instruction stream directly.  I couldn't find much information on it with a quick websearch, but the OS may very well prohibit writing to this area of memory (as it might be shared between different processes, etc.).  --Tardis 16:56, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Yeah must be, it seems awful easy to just get the memory address of a variable and write to that location. --⁪froth T C  20:21, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Yes, it used to be common. I remember learning the memory addresses of variables in my C=64 games.  I could poke a value into a variable and give myself infinite lives and play forever.  Now, it is harder.  Most programs run in protected space - meaning that other programs are not allowed to access the reserved memory.  This is not because they don't want you giving yourself infinite lives.  It is because virus programs made extensive use of grabbing memory information to steal personal data. --Kainaw (talk) 23:12, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * There are other reasons than viruses; for instance, disallowing cross-process memory access prevents one crashing program from bringing others down with it. This protection is one reason why the NT family of Windows versions is more stable than the Win9x series, which did not implement it.  (Of course, all modern operating systems for general-purpose computers support it, and many did before there was Windows NT.)  It also allows restriction of normal user accounts, since they can't write into a root process's memory.  Finally, it's more or less inherent to virtual memory systems that user processes access only their own address spaces.  --Tardis 23:46, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * So does this extend to restricted areas of the current program, like const variables? --⁪froth T C  06:18, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Probably depends on the precise details of the program's creation and the operating system. I'd most expect trapping on writes to a constant variable in a shared library.  --Tardis 21:43, 31 October 2006 (UTC)

Proper Wikitext to Display a Javascript-only Hyperlink?
I want to create a javascript-based link inside my (Media)wiki that can be dragged into the Bookmarks bar of the browser (Better known as a Bookmarklet.) I've asked this question on the Bookmarklet's Talk page, and was directed here. How do I format my wikitext in order to display a "clickable" javascript link on the resulting page, much like Google's examples here?

All of the examples I've seen, including the Bookmarklet Wikipedia article itself, just list the raw javascript and advise users to manually create a new bookmark and paste the text into it. That's not user-friendly enough for me (and judging by this comment in the article's Talk page, it's not user-friendly enough for other people as well). Any help in correctly formatting the wikitext to display a javascript bookmarklet as a hyperlink would be greatly appreciated. Please keep in mind my goal is not just to distribute the correct javascript for my bookmarklet, it is to make it easy for my wiki's constituency to add the bookmarklet to their browser.

Thank you! --Beporter 15:30, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I hope there's no such feature.. the XSS potential alone..... O_O --⁪froth T C  20:23, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * In case you don't know, ⁪froth is talking about Cross-site scripting. --cesarb 00:10, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I do in fact appreciate the security concerns involved, however: this is an internal-only site. Access is restricted to the local subnet. Further, posting is restricted to authorized employees inside the company only. The protential risk here is minimal to begin with and is further mitigated in part by my familiarity with the userbase's technical abilities (read: none of them are particularly advanced to the point of even knowing what XSS stands for). Regardless of that argument, the answer I hear from both of you is that such a thing is impossible with Mediawiki's current codebase. Naturally I would love to be corrected if I'm mistaken. Presuming that is the case though, it looks like my option is to hack in support, which would not only NOT be my first choice but also a colossal a waste of time simply to display a single javascript hyperlink. Thank you for your considerate feedback. I was hoping somebody might be able to provide a lead if nothing else, but it looks like I will have to investigate workarounds on my own. --Beporter 16:13, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Yeah, you're right to say that your wiki's size is irrelevant- mediawiki is designed with security in mind. You could try deleting some code, or if you have the capability just push the bookmarks to the company's computers without involving the wiki at all --⁪froth T C  03:29, 2 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I certainly don't intend to be inflamatory, but maybe you should talk to Stephen Colbert about wiki security. The concept of allowing anyone to post anything on your website is not what I would characterize as "secure". That's not to say a static website doesn't have it's own set of security implications, but c'mon: saying any wiki package is "designed for security" is just ridiculous. Wikis have exactly one design advantage over other types of websites: ease of collaboration (which is directly opposed, in most circumstances, with security.) Again, thanks for the input. --Beporter 21:09, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and IT Compliance issues
Does anyone know if the cabels must be certified to be in complience? Thanks Kathy70.104.142.92 19:20, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Do you mean cables, as in T1 lines ? StuRat 22:50, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

linking cells within an excel spreadsheet
What I want to do seems so simple. I have a spreadsheet with two pages. All my data is in a text format. I want to link a cell in the first sheet to a cell in the second. Just like putting a hyperlink in the first cell, which would take the user out to the internet, I want to have a link that is highlighted, can be clicked on, and takes the user to a particular cell on the second sheet, where there is different text. For example, cell B3 on page 1, which is US cities, has a city name (Seattle), and says: 'to see a list of Seattle's sister cities click here, which takes one to cell D5 on the next page, where there is a list of foreign cities. Thnaks if you can tell me how to do this.


 * You can set a hyperlink to jump to a place in the same document, it doesn't have to be on the Internet. Click on the cell to link from in the first sheet, select "Insert > Hyperlink...", click on "Link to: Place in This Document", select the Worksheet you want to jump to and type the destination cell reference in the box above, then press OK. --Canley 23:00, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

.bin / .cue burned...and so what?
I have a software program downloaded, i've winRARed it successfully, I have two separate .bin/.cue pairs, one for each original CD disk. What I can't figure out is what now? To install the software, I have to presumably get to setup.exe or install.exe, or some such. Who can send me to instructions for transforming these images (I think I understand what that means they are) into CDs (or DVDs) with files I can then see and use to install the software? At this point, I have enough 'coasters' to last me awhile...


 * Now you need a virtual drive software. I am using Daemon tools. This software creates a virtual optical drive and you can mount your BIN file. Then, your computer would have an extra drive under "My computer". Run it and you should be able to install. You can download Daemon tool for free at many site such as Download.com. Rockvee 22:11, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Most cd/dvd burning software will burn those images to disks if you want to do it that way, like Nero or something like that. But yes, as above, if you don't actually need it on a disk, mounting the images directly with something like daemon tools is quicker and easier.Vespine 23:09, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * For those interested in staying away from Nero (for various reasons ...) you might want to try fireburner, that's what I use --⁪froth T C  06:17, 31 October 2006 (UTC)

slow start up
when i turn my pc on, it first loads a screen about my graphics card which is normal, then it goes into the loading up the bios and doing POST but it gets stuck (section 3) like here the picture though it only gets as far as showing the top line about my proccesor, after about 5-10 minutes my computer then loads normaly but is somewhat sluggish in normal useage. i've updated my drivers and i'm running windows xp anyone know what i can do--Colsmeghead 23:17, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * It could be a virus, have you run any virus scans lately ? StuRat 06:10, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * yes ran anti virus and every other disagnostic tool my pc has and nothings come up, alos reverting to a previous nights backup when it was working fine didnt do anything--Colsmeghead 09:15, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Check your BIOS version - your motherboard manufacturer may have an updated version to which you can upgrade (this is called "flashing the BIOS").
 * Go into your BIOS (usually by pressing DEL or F1 or F2 during POST) - does anything appear odd? If not, note down all your BIOS settings, then restore your BIOS' factory defaults (there is a command in the BIOS to do this). Reboot your PC - does it still start up very slowly? If not, change your BIOS settings one at a time back to how they were before, and see if you can identify a setting that may be causing the slowdown.
 * Another thing to try: check if your RAM is okay (use something like MemTest). A hardware problem with your RAM could cause the computer to take a veeery long time when it is checking your memory at startup.
 * Good luck! &mdash; QuantumEleven 10:16, 31 October 2006 (UTC)
 * Am I right in thinking that it appears to take ages to do the memory count? If so (and if not), it may be work trying to disable POST in your BIOS settings, and see if it is improved.  Good luck -- M a rtinp23 11:18, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Sounds a lot like a faulty RAM chip. Download the ultimate boot cd at and try some of the hardware tests starting with the RAM read/write tests. Sandman30s 14:30, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * memtest came back clear, tryed "fail safe defaults" in my bios now windows wont load at all just gets stuck at "computer power failed to load up properly would u like to load up in safe mode" --Colsmeghead 11:34, 1 November 2006 (UTC)
 * okay windows is working now when i put the bios back to how it was, the slow down happens pre post test --Colsmeghead 22:58, 1 November 2006 (UTC)
 * yah its fixed only had to hold crtl and f5 while restarting to fix it--Colsmeghead 15:24, 2 November 2006 (UTC)

html tidying
I've tried to merge Editlet with MediaWiki to create a WYSIWYG type of Wiki for a client. The problem is that Editlet (and all those "in-the-browser" WYSIWYG tools) creates terrible html code. This is an example: &lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;this is some text&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt; I've been trying to use HTML Tidy to clean up the code, but it ONLY appears to merge repeated div tags. It won't merge the repeated fonts, bolds, spans... So, it is rather useless for this problem. Is there a program that removes repeated uselss junk? I can't use regex or anything of the like because I'd have to write it for every possible combination of repeated junk. --Kainaw (talk) 23:54, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Try HTML Tidy Sandman30s 14:26, 31 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Thanks, but as I pointed out in my question, HTML Tidy does not remove repeated tags (except for divs). --Kainaw (talk) 17:10, 31 October 2006 (UTC)