CITguy's Adventures in IT

magicExcel Makes Excel Spreadsheet Generation Simple

2010-09-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had trouble wading through the ColdFusion 9 documentation pertaining to the new CFSpreadsheet Functions? Have you ever gotten frustrated with generating Excel documents with ColdFusion? Are you tired of boring spreadsheets? Don't you wish there was an easier way to do it all?

You're in luck! A new RIAForge project called "magicExcel" makes all this super simple. Using a custom tag, all you have to do is write HTML.

Wait! What?

Yes, that's right! All you need to create sleek spreadsheets is knowledge of HTML tables.

Don't believe me, check it out for yourself at http://magicexcel.riaforge.org.

Creating Custom Tags with Flexible Closings

2010-09-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

While I was cleaning up some code in a portal of ours, I realized that I could condense some of the code by combining a variable assignment with a custom tag attribute assignment.

To make things simple, the tag I am trying to optimize creates a database record with a note assigned to it.

  <cfset notes="A ton of html code here.">
  <cf_my_tag notes="#notes#">

The issue is that this code wouldn't necessarily add a note in the same manner, every time. There might be times where I have to build the notes in a loop before I run the tag. Then there are times where I want to run the tag and NOT add a note. Also, I might want to define the note directly in the tag contents.

So here are the requirements for my new custom tag:

The tag must be willing to accept an attribute named "notes"
The tag must be willing to run without defining "notes"
The tag must be willing to transform its contents into "notes", if it is not empty.

With the above constraints in mind, here's what I came up with.

This setup fulfills all three requirements:

I can refer to the ATTRIBUTES.notes variable to insert my note.
I don't need to define ATTRIBUTES.notes as it is param'ed at the top of the tag.
If I have a closing tag with a non-empty string for its GeneratedContent, the ATTRIBUTES.notes variable will be overwritten with the GeneratedContent. This works for self-closing tags as well.
It also allows me to place my logic into a single function rather than splitting it up in an if..else block.

So there you have it. A simple solution to create a custom tag with flexible closing tags. If you have any questions/comments/concerns, please let me know. I'd love to hear your feedback.

cfsavecontent cannot be defined and used in the same cfoutput block

2010-08-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with cfsavecontent to generate dynamic HTML variable values for use as an argument to a function when I came across an interesting behavior regarding the tag. The issue I ran was that Coldfusion was giving me an error that the variable saved by cfsavecontent was not defined when I was trying to output the value. Take a look at the code below:

As soon as I figure out how and where, I will be submitting a bug report on this issue. You shouldn't have to use separate cfoutput blocks to create and then display content from a cfsavecontent.

CFUnited Day 3

2010-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's a bit late to post this, but I figured what the heck.

Day 3 of CFUnited presented some interesting talks. The highlight of my day was the talk on FW/1 by Sean Corfield.

FW/1 seems to be a very solid MVC framework in ONE file (that's actually how it got it's name) and works on certain conventions. This is great for development at my job because it allows us to move toward conventions with a lightweight footprint as well. I have a feeling you'll see more posts about my experiences with FW/1

That's all for now.

CFUnited - Day 2

2010-07-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of CFUnited was (honestly) a little overwhelming, but there were a few very good talks that should help out at work. As our shop does not use any ColdFusion MVC frameworks, the conference is focusing on a lot of framework stuff. As such, the topics today should hopefully fill in some of the blanks. Today is pretty much filled with talks about the CF on Wheels framework. I'm extremely excited to learn about it. Otherwise, I'm having a blast at CFUnited.

CFUnited - Day 1

2010-07-28T05:21:00.001-07:00

I haven't submitted any blog entries in a while. I figured I would pick it back up again.

It's day one of CFUnited. I'm extremely excited to be here and I'm looking forward to learning more about ColdFusion and meeting cool people.

I <3 Kate

2009-03-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have recently started work at a company that codes primarily in Coldfusion for their sites. If you are astute enough to realize my predicament so far, I tip my hat to you. Thus, I would require an editor that would allow for quick editing of the coldfusion markup. To the best of my knowledge, the best editor that supports Coldfusion editing is Eclipse with the CFEclipse plugin. However, I have found that the Eclipse IDE is too heavy for my tastes.

My needs for a Coldfusion editor would be:

Lightweight (first and foremost)
Support Coldfusion syntax highlighting
Support Code Folding (preferred, but not essential)

There are no editors that fulfill my top two requirements within the GNOME desktop environment. However, KDE has a handy editor named "Kate." Kate fulfills my top two requirements in that it is quick to open and edit files. (It even allows me to save sessions, so that I don't have to open the same set of files manually, thus saving time.) Kate has native Coldfusion syntax highlighting, and if I play around with it for a weekend, I'm sure I can get the code folding working properly with Coldfusion files. Needless to say, I might be on the track to converting to KDE.

UPDATE: Rest assured that I will not be converting to Kate.

If you have any suggestions for editors that may restore my faith in GNOME desktop editors, please comment or email me.

How to Install NVIDIA drivers in Ubuntu.

2008-10-19T21:36:00.001-07:00

Since I have begun using Linux, it never fails for someone to ask me how to install NVIDIA drivers on their machine. When someone asks how to do it in an IRC chatroom, it never fails for someone to mention either Envy or using the drivers made available with Ubuntu. Supposedly, the reasoning is that it is easier. Bullocks, I say. So here is how you install your NVIDIA driver for Ubuntu.

This routine has been tested successfully on the following Ubuntu releases:

Dapper Drake (6.06)
Gutsy Gibbon (7.10)
Hardy Heron (8.04.x)

Update: Intrepid Release Notes

The latest Ubuntu release (8.10 - Intrepid Ibex) does NOT support "legacy" graphics cards. If you have a TNT, TNT2, TNT Ultra, GeForce, GeForce2, GeForce3, or GeForce4 card, you will have to use the "nv" driver included with the distribution and will NOT have 3D Acceleration.

I have been researching this issue and have found rumors that the latest beta drivers should fix this problem. I will have more information as I receive it. I would highly suggest staying put with the latest Long-Term Support release (8.04 - Hardy Heron) for graphics support.

Preparation

This guide is for use with a 32-bit version of a Debian-based Linux distribution with the GNOME desktop. Ubuntu users, this includes you. Fair warning though, there will be commands issued via the command line. For those of you that don't feel comfortable without a GUI, I would suggest using Envy.

Step 1: Obtain the driver from NVIDIA.com

Head on over to NVIDIA.com and navigate to the "Download Drivers" section. Choose your proper graphics card family and your version of Linux (32-bit or 64-bit). Download the *.run file to your computer.

Step 2: Installing the required packages

In order for your driver to work correctly with your system, it has to be generated specifically for your system. To do this, the *.run file you downloaded above needs some packages to work correctly.

In a terminal, issue the following command.

sudo apt-get install libc6 libc6-dev xorg-dev linux-headers-`uname -r` make

This will install all of the needed packages.

Step 3: Shutting down X

I'm not going to lie to you. This part may seem a little intimidating, but bear with me.

For the driver to install correctly, your GUI (aka. the X server) needs to be shut off. You need to use a special command in order to do this. Since the server is going to shut down, you will need to log out and switch to a virtual terminal by pressing CTRL+ALT+F5. (You can use any of the function keys so long as the number is less than 7.)

With administrative privileges, (aka. sudo or root), issue the following command:

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop

This will stop the program keeping the GUI turned on. Now we can install the driver.

Step 4: Installing the Driver

Once you have logged into the virtual terminal and shut down the GUI, we need to navigate to the location where we downloaded the *.run file from NVIDIA.com. Use the command cd to navigate to the appropriate directory.
Once there, run the following command.

sudo sh ./NVIDIA-{TAB}.run

The {TAB} is where you press the Tab key on your keyboard. If you only have the one *.run file in your current directory, the terminal will auto-complete your command.

When you issue this command, the installer will begin. Confirm all prompts in the installer. The installer will generate the required driver for your system and configure your display settings automatically.

Step 5: Restart the GUI

Once complete, you can issue the following command to restart the GUI.

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart

You will most likely see an NVIDIA splash screen before you reach the login window.

Step 6: Test the Driver

Once you have logged in, open the screensaver preferences and test the "Hufo's Tunnel" screensaver to see if it runs smoothly. If it does, you have just installed the NVIDA drivers.

A few notes

There may be an issue with the driver you've downloaded. If so, follow the onscreen instructions to obtain the proper driver.
This tutorial has NOT been tested with 64-bit systems.
This tutorial has NOT been tested with KDE distributions.
This will NOT work for Red Hat derivatives.
This will NOT work WITHOUT apt-get
You will need to reinstall the driver EVERY TIME you update kernel versions.

Conclusion

There you go. With a few installations under your belt, you'll feel more and more comfortable installing your driver. Unfortunate as it is, you will need to reinstall the driver when you update your kernel, so this is a fair warning.

Thanks for reading. Please leave any questions or comments. I'm always willing to improve my tutorials.

Timeline of a PCs Profitability

2008-09-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been pondering on the topic of profitability in relation to the personal computer and operating systems. I have realized that the business and economics associated with the operating system and PC are fading quickly. If you look at the history of computing, you can see a pattern emerges from the advancement of technology.

Capability

First there was the adding machine. The expected end was the input and output of data by means of the hardware. The required need was the capability to produce consistent data (whatever that may be). The profitable component here is the hardware. Without the hardware, you wouldn't have usable data.

Interactivity

After that, there was the introduction of the personal computer (PC). The required need for the PC was a way of utilizing and organizing data so that a person could interact with the hardware. The profitable component here was the inception of the operating system. Without it, there would be no way of interacting with the PC. Over the span of computing, many operating systems were released, but several failed to gain widespread use.

Productivity

With every subsequent release of an operating system, the amount of interactivity increased to a point where developers began to ask the question, "What can I do with a PC?" The answer came in the form of software and software suites. Thus the target of profitability shifted from the operating system to the software that ran on it. Users no longer cared for what system they were running, but for what software they could run on it. Microsoft Office, for example, can be run on both Windows and Mac OS.

Connectivity

As software [suites] progress, users begin to ask "What am I supposed to do with what I've created?" The solution came in the form of community and the Internet. Sharing and selling information became the target of profit and praise. Many businesses are already reaping the benefits of the Internet through expanded markets as Open Source projects reap those of community involvement.

Possibility

With the advancement of community and connectivity come the applicable possibilities that stem into every day living. The idea of a PC is becoming less and less of a bulky system that sits on a desk and more of a device that can be used for entertainment, medical and security purposes (among countless other applications). The target of profitability becomes the answer to the question, "Where can I apply computing where it hasn't been applied before?"

From capability to interactivity to productivity to connectivity to possibility; what does the future hold for computing? One could only imagine.

Windows Without Walls...?

2008-09-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has a new advertisement campaign with the slogan "Windows: Life Without Walls." There's an advertisement already public supposedly ripping on the "I'm a Mac and I'm a PC" commercials. If you listen to what the people are really saying, you can see the humor in it too. Check these out after the jump.

"I'm a PC and I challenge the law."

Translation:"I pirated all the software on my computer and don't get me started on my MP3 collection."

"I turn number 2 into energy."

Translation:"I work with a pile of $#!t every day."

"I'm connected to a billion others, worldwide."

Translation:"I have no personal information. My Social Security is nonexistant. Credit? Hello little worm, would you like to come into my PC out of the harsh Internet?"

"I'm a PC and a human being; not a human doing, not a human thinking, a human being."

Translation:"I bought my PC at Wal-Mart. I can surf the AOL. I have three internets on floppy disk at my home. Hey look! Solitaire!"

For anyone with a skeptical cell in their entire body, this advertisement is a rip on Microsoft and Windows more than it is on Mac. I think someone on the inside is trying to take Microsoft down. If not, Steve Ballmer sure does have a sense of humor.

Source (Engadget)

Does the OS Really Matter?

2008-09-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Based on the evidence read between the lines in the comments of a recent Lifehacker article, I don't think the OS matters at all for the average PC user. Having said that, I believe that the available software as well as the supporting community make a huge difference. The thing that really matters is what you plan on doing with your PC. The following are my suggestions for OS based on purpose.

Mac for Creativity

The software made available for the Mac OS has primarily been driven toward the development of creative media. For example, the Macromedia (now Adobe) Suite was originally designed for use on the Mac OS. Some others come to mind as well. iLife anyone? What about the Adobe Suite or Corel?

Linux for Servers and Programming

Linux is an OS made by geeks, for geeks. The available software has open source code and the developers encourage programmers to fiddle with the code. Pertaining to servers, there's no comparison to a Linux server. Try running a functional Windows server 24/7 for an entire year without updating.

Windows for Clerical and Entertainment

Let's face it, the primary use for Windows is either to play games or create documents in Microsoft Office. Another thing Windows has going for it in the entertainment genre is that Windows has the best Multimedia Codec support in the industry. If you don't know what I mean, try playing a DVD on Linux.

GUI or Operating System?

2008-09-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

I recently came across an article at Lifehacker that asked it's readers "Does the Operating System matter?" As I read through the comments, I realized that the vast majority of the readers fail to understand the difference between the OS and a graphical user interface. So, I want to help inform those that don't know the difference.

Operating System (OS):

The program or collection of programs that enable your software to play nice with your hardware. In other words, the OS is that program that lets your web browser use your modem to connect to the internet. An effective OS is one that goes unnoticed. (I guess they work.)

Graphical User Interface (GUI):

(pronounced "goo-ee") The GUI is an elaborate software program that lets the user access any and all functionality of the OS. For any system, the GUI is the collection of windows, icons, menus and buttons that you manipulate to do things with your computer. Since this is what the user sees, it is often mistaken to be the OS.

Now you know the difference between an Operating System and a Graphical User Interface. -CITguy

[Article: Lifehacker]

Encounters with the Hardy Heron (Part II)

2008-05-28T13:13:00.001-07:00

Huzzah! I've switched yet another PC to Linux. Eat that Windows! Anyhoo, I've got a few things to add to my encounter with Hardy Heron. To start off, I'd like to note an apparent glitch in either the sound system or with Macromedia Flash. Last week, there was an update to the system that broke sound with Flash. On one of my machines, I was able to temporarily fix the problem by switching back to the 2.6.24-16 kernel. However, upon doing the exact same thing on another machine, I wasn't so lucky. If you have had issues with your sound breaking with Flash, I'd like to hear about it. Secondly, I wanted to note my newest PC convert. My younger brother has become increasingly annoyed at the stability of his Window$ XP system. He said, "The next time Windows pisses me off, I'm want you to install Ubuntu." Sure enough, Window$ XP took a crap on his documents and wiped with the registry (figuratively speaking). In all seriousness, XP has been randomly changing his password. I've been using OphCrack to get him logged on. The machine was built to be a basic PC for homework and web browsing. At one point it had 7 different users setup on the system. Time has passed and now my brother is the only one using the PC, so last weekend I installed Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04) and configured everything for him. He said that it will take some getting used to, but he's a quick learner. Heck, he even installed some games on it by himself. All in all, I'm looking forward to the experiences with all four Ubuntu machines.

Encounters with the Hardy Heron (Part I)

2008-04-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

I recently installed the newest version of Canonical's Linux distribution, Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron). To start, I'd like to note a few features that have gone into this newest version. First off, this is the second Long-Term Support (LTS) version of Ubuntu with Dapper Drake (6.06) as the last. Hardy Heron has implemented quite a few improvements on the front end such as the latest and greatest GNOME 2.22, including improved cooperation with the Evolution mail application, "unbreakable" X, and easier installation. For those of you who attempted the upgrade from either Feisty Fawn (7.04) or Gutsy Gibbon (7.10), if you were able to get it to upgrade successfully, congratulations. I however, initially attempted to upgrade my PC using the Upgrade Manager tool included in my Gutsy installation. Partially due to the massive server load on Ubuntu's repository servers, I had trouble communicating to retrieve the necessary updates. After figuring out how to change to an official mirror, I was able to attempt the upgrade. Using the mirror site, I was able to upgrade the system to a teetering mess. One by one, my apps began to fail and there was nothing I could do to save them. I was left with no choice but to perform a fresh install. Fortunately, I had my /home partition (My Documents for you Windows fans) separate from my system and programs. I did a complete wipe of the system and apps, reinstalled and I was up and running in no time--to start. Logging in the first time, I was able to get to my desktop to install my needed applications. However after restarting for some reason, I lost all access to the desktop. I could get to the login screen, successfully login, but no desktop. All I could see was a beige rectangle in the top left of my screen and the familiar Ubuntu tan in the background--no icons, no panels, no nothing. After a hour of frustrated searching and fiddling, I found out that the problem was located in one of my gnome dot files (dot file = hidden configuration file in your /home directory used to save your settings for just about any application you use.) Apparently, GNOME 2.22 didn't like my 2.20 configurations. After moving ALL of my dot files to a temporary folder (just in case of further dot file problems) and logging back in, SHAZAAM! Gnome was working again. Onward to my driver experience. In the past, I've been in chat rooms where others have suggested using Ubuntu's restricted drivers manager to install their NVIDIA graphics drivers. Having gone through the NVIDIA driver dance, I know that's not the way to go. However, I made an exception this time to test how well the driver works. Using the restricted drivers manager, I installed the NVIDIA graphics driver for my GeForce FX 5700 AGP Graphics card. Huzzah! The driver actually worked, somewhat. Ubuntu recognized the driver however, the 2D/3D acceleration didn't work properly (look at "Hufo's Smoke" screensaver and tell me if it's choppy). So I proceeded with the installation of NVIDIA's official driver (169.12). After installing the driver, I restarted to test if the system would take it. Upon reboot, I was greeted with a little window to reconfigure my X.org.conf file (X.org = Configuration file used to set up the display)--"Unbreakable X." My hero! Because of the Unbreakable X, I was able to pinpoint the problem with the X.org.conf and restart X successfully. Finally, a Linux distribution that figured out the solution to X errors! My final observations of this post are some mere observations that I've seen. Overall, it appears that the menus have become slightly faster than the previous version. In Gutsy, it would take a second for application menu items to appear. In Hardy, they're almost instantaneous. Second, I've already encountered the authorizations in action when I configured my time settings. (I live in Indiana, so the timezone stuff is all screwed up.) The authorizations tool is great when I need to lock myself out of performing routine system tasks. Personally I don't see why this tool is needed for an account that has administrative privileges, but it is very useful for a multi-user system. Lastly, I've got to compliment the developers on the Terminal Server Client Applet. I have to remote into other computers constantly, so the applet helps out tremendously. Well, that's all for now. Tune in soon for yet another post of interesting Heron encounters.

AOTS interview with Lifehacker.com

2008-04-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

If you have cable TV, and you are a self-proclaimed geek, you need to be watching Attack of the Show (AOTS) weeknights on G4. This clip is part of the show called "The Loop" and in it, AOTS is interviewing the lead editor for Lifehacker.com. I have recently become accquainted with Lifehacker.com and I've got to say that it is one of the most helpful how-to sites on the net. Enjoy the clip.

Source