Return of the Delphi - RAD Studio Roadmap 2010

Embarcadero has published the new RAD Studio Roadmap. This Roadmap includes information on the upcoming :

- Delphi Fulcrum, supporting both Windows and Mac OS X application development,
- Delphi Wheelhouse (adding Linux support),
- the 64-bits Compiler Preview (early 2011),
- Delphi Commodore (the full 64-bits version) and
- project Chromium.

Source:
http://edn.embarcadero.com/article/39934

So, Delphi is still very alive and he has bright future :-)

Ubuntu - Enable root account

Issue

Under Ubuntu the access to root account is only blocked and only the sudo/gksu commands allow the use of features as superuser.
Solution

To enable the root account and access directly via the console in root mode, you must type the command:

$ sudo passwd root


This command allows you to set up the password modefor the root user which will be activate for the console sessions only (no GUI). Once the password is initialized, it will be possible to open a console session with the user root.

To enable access to the graphical user root, go to System/Administration/Login, click the Security tab, then tick the box allow connection of the local System Administrator.
Disconnect and reconnect with the root account.

How I became a software developer

(Original document translated from Google Translate service)

Today I stumbled across one of my old document, which is made at 2001 year. It's nice to remember the beginnings of programming, and save it from oblivion in this blog ...

"Therefore, development of application software, I started my first project for NET 1.0 Gallery Gallery Serbian Matica. That May 1995. The MS Windows was in the early stages, the version 3.x. Developer tools are just be in sight, and the only current tools for visual programming, MS Visual Basic 3, is suggested as a natural environment. Discuss the project in principle: MS Access basic foundation + MS Visual Basic user interface.

Unfortunately, during the beta test installation, the user began to appear progressive performance problems in database, so I have almost completed the project, switched to MS FoxPro 2.6 for Windows. The main reason was, then superniorni Rushmore principle of processing base, which is impressive given the speed performance of large amounts of data.

Just going to be the main reason for the continued development of the next Windows 21 applications, the same tool. Although MS FoxPro four 16-bit Windows development platform, with some elements of visual programming, the appearance of 32-bit MS Windows 95, software developed in it is still work consistently.

Well aware of the base set of the project, as a prerequisite for successful application, ready to meet the specific requirements of one or more users, through endless changes of the same, we've been through MS FoxPro to support fully, but with a lack of - the data dictionary as the central place of the application, because What is MS FoxPro and did not consider the relational database. The need for standardization of software, through an executable code on all installations stressed the need for restructuring projects.

Then is born the concept NETIS (NET Information System - oa), the internal complement Fox's environment, which is concerned with referential integrity of all podaka, regardless of application or user. This setting and return to the DOS platform, through MS FoxPro 2.6 for DOS, where the development of applications has continued to this important reinforcement. I programmed in this phase, just 4 DOS applications, mostly from aversion to outdated operating system.

Although at the time, MS-DOS platform was largely downward path, before coming technologies MS Windows (9x, NT - oa.a), in our business environment, many users are shown as jefinije information solution. Therefore, the sector continued to develop parallel applications to the MS-DOS and MS Windows, identical versions through MS FoxPro a 2.6. It should be noted that the migration project from one platform to another was completely transparent.

However, at one point, the appearance of MS Windows NT platform, is starting to cause some functional problems in inconsistent work MS FoxPro 2.x applications (distorted preview data and the like. - Oa). Aware of limitations of 16-bit development tools, we set out to investigate the current offer RAD software. Microsoft has released Visual FoxPro 3, but the expected continuation of the work involved in it reprojektovanje base basis, redesigned user interface, prekodiranje application, in one word - reprogramming the entire project. MS FoxPro has become the object-oriented relational database, but still as translator pseudo code.

When we saw that we will move to 32-bit development platform, the cost of re-setting concepts of programming, we decided to use Borland Delphi, then and now, the undisputed Windows compiler, object-oriented RAD (Rapid Application Development - oa), with built-in mechanisms relational database (Paradox look through records - oa). Openness of its architecture to third-party data types (dBase, FoxPro, Access, Informix, SQL Server, Oracle, etc. - oa), through the ODBC (Open DataBase Conect - OA) or ADO (Advanced Data Objects - oa) concept, was the only reason for to convince us the development environment. We have not repented, because it takes programming to date.

At that time I coded 14 Client / Server applications, traditional accounting packages (Personnel, Finance and so on. - Oa), which krojenih to specific customer requirements (Plan, Action, Information, and the like. - Oa). Unlimited programming in Borland Delphi-ju, in terms of choice of many different types of Windows applications, basic or not, only strengthened his position as a parameter of quality tooling, primarily for developers, and then for the end user.

During this period raises the NETIS 2 concept. It contained the full use of the principles of object-oriented programming through class inheritance and instance. Molds are born blank application, ready for the concrete faster in real project. This review NETIS standards, the emphasis is moved from the core dictionary data base and the user interface and the class form. We are also with the concept of security relations within the database (NETIS) move to a faster generation of end-user interface (NETIS2) of the same.

It should be noted, and more current trend in working with databases. The previous record formats (FoxPro, Paradox, Access, etc.. - Oa) have been shown to be local variations, or for relatively small networks (up to 5 computers - oa). The real Client / Server concept, the emergence of strong hardware configuration (Pentium, etc.. - Oa) and stable operating system (Microsoft Windows 2000, XP - oa) performance of large databases, such as MS SQL Server, become satisfactory for quality use regardless of the number of clients in the network. In this segment, and began development of a new generation NETIS, under Specification: MS SQL Server - Base base + Borland Delphi - user interface. Development of this platform is applicable in progress, through the set, but not completed projects accounting standard applications (financial, Goods, etc.. - Oa).

The issue of incomplete applications treated as the inevitable nature of the work I performed on this job. Simply put, there are always projects that are in its infancy (eg NETIS Staff XP - oa), applications whose development is well underway (eg NETIS Financial Accounting 2000 - OA), installations that are in the full implementation of the frequency user requirements (eg . NETIS Ramp 2001 - OA). More and more the impression that the work on a project finished when the user ceases to occur.

The advent of the Internet, the sector expanded its work to create a web site, and through those of static HTML (umetnost.co.yu - oa) with JavaScript and dynamic gain (pkv.co.yu - oa). In that sense, and use two tools: MS FrontPage and Macromedia UltraDev Dreamveawer (dictated by the Internet provider - oa). In this field, I realized 2 Internet applications, according to these structures. This segment of activities, programming moves to the design, a creative step forward in previous work. These applications are easy to maintain, and rarely lead to problems in their operation, which is why this field of application activity as one of the strategic direction ..."

Today I work in the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina. I still associate with the Delphi programming tool, you need to create a classic MS Windows desktop application.

I discovered the world of open source, Linux, php CMS system which makes extensive use of maintaining a corporate portal at www.pkv.rs. I also addressed in the Microsoft side of the same CMS stories, through the MS SharePoint Portal Server for our Intranet needs.

In my free programming time fascinated me Java Micro Edition, MS Visual Studio for Windows Phone, as well as fresh new Android platform, and everything related to the SmartPhone concept ...

MS HotFix for problem with 1 year recurrences synchronization (Pocket Outlook - ActiveSync - MS Outlook 2007)

I experiencing problem with Pocket Outlook and MS Outlook 2007 synchronization. Problem is that appointments which has recurrence set to 1 year like birthdays, anniversaries ... are correctly transferred from PC -> PDA (when edited by MS Outlook 2007), but when I made some modification to such appointments in PDA with Pocket Outlook (for example changing reminder time, name, ...) then after next synchronization when changes from PDA -> PC were sent the 1 year recurrence is changed to 12 years!!! And the worst and most frustrating thing is that when I synchronizing between two PCs then all appointments with such settings are changed from 1 year to 12 years!!!

Here is a hotfix that is supposed to fix the 12 year problem that has been driving me crazy:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=981048

HTC Touch Pro TAEL ROM My Location fix

In some cases, brilliant TAEL ROM don't update weather for My Location...

It did not work at all regardless of the many ROMs tried so I figured it must be my phone company blocking the Weather updating...... After much trial and error I discovered my phone company configuration through "Connection Setup" is putting in a proxy server on the internet connection settings... By simply unticking the proxy it works now AWESOME!!.... Everything else seems fine, and the proxy dosent seen to be needed...

My mobile phone history

Ubuntu Grub - MS Windows 7 reboot loop

Vista and Win 7 should use rootnoverify and no makeactive lines. like: title Windows 7 Ultimate, chainloader (on /dev/sda1) rootnoverify (hd0,0) savedefault chainloader +1 If you installed Win7 to an empty drive it creates a separate 100mb boot partition. If the drive is not empty it includes the boot in its partition. On Windows XP either rootnoverify without the makeactive or root (hd0,0) with the makeactive is correct.

Delphi 2009 Distiller

To avoid Delphi 2009 registration, just start Distiller before Delphi, and press Ctrl+Alt+L on Tweaks Tab, to provide extra Tab Secret Stuff, that include this checkmark.

Nokia E51 firmware 300.34.56 changelog

Share online

• Users can upload and share images to Nokia's Ovi or 3rd party services. Internet radio
• User can stream Internet radio channels using packet data.
• Mobile search enables user to search on the Internet using popular search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Replaces in- device search. User can also search in device for own content. Improved end user interface. Nokia email service

Bluetooth

• BMW and Audi BT carkit support added.

Other changes

• White theme "Dots white" added

Updates, changes and improvements:

• Setup Wizard
• Updated Email set-up Wizard. The Wizard checks the availability of Nokia email service in the country in question. The service is visible only in the countries where service available, otherwise hidden.

Maps

• Update to 2.0 version with better user interface and functionality.
• Mail for exchange
• Baseline update to version 2.7.22

VOIP

• Baseline Update
• Stability fixes
• SIP: Usability correction

Usability improvements

• Bluetooth
• Driver security update
• Improved interoperability with 3rd party Bluetooth accessories
• Stability improvement with headset
• End user experience improvements
• Nokia BH-903 correction

Security corrections

• Messaging
• MMS stability fix

SMS correction

• Calendar / PIM

Contacts correction

• User experience improvement
• Calendar: printing correction
• Office tools
• Team Suite: Chinese PRC layout fix
• Quick Office corrections
• Backup & restore
• Metadata restoration correction
• Performance
• Audio performance improvement
• 3rd party application stability corrections
• Telephony
• Better conference call performance.
• Nokia BH-604 usability correction

A2DP corrections

• Nokia CK-20W correction
• Spool icon correction
• Voice call stability improvement
• WLAN
• WLAN usability correction
• WLAN-SIM interoperability improvement

Stability fixes

• Client that enables the use of Nokia Email service (push email) in the countries where it is available.

Debian : OpenOffice.org 3 installation

Successfully installed oo.org by apt pinning. Include experimental repository in /etc/apt/sources as:

#Experimental
deb http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ experimental main non-free contrib
deb-src http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ experimental main non-free contrib

Do an aptitude update and then:

aptitude install openoffice.org/experimental This worked like a charm.

Debian : Play WMA (win32codecs)

To play Windows Media Audio just :

sudo apt-get install w32codecs

after adding this in your sources.list :

deb ftp://ftp.debian-multimedia.org sid main

Debian : How to build local APT repositories

1) Create folders for the package files you plan to keep in your repository. Here is an example: in your home folder, create a new folder called repository in which you will keep all your downloaded packages. If you plan to burn the package files onto a CD, I suggest you create separate folders for each disk. The naming is up to you – disk_1, disk_2, etc (I’ll assume this naming convention throughout the rest of the tutorial). This is just to ensure that you use the next folder once your cache reaches the size of a CD (usually 700MB). If you are using a local hard drive or a DVD, you obviously have higher limits to keep in mind. If you do not plan to create a CD/DVD, you may simply dump all the files in the repository folder.

2) The next step is to copy all your deb files (those files that end with .deb) to the repository folder(s). Open Nautilus, navigate to /var/cache/apt/archives and copy all the deb files to the appropriate folder(s). For instance, /home//repository/disk_1 - keep an eye on the size of the folders. To do it in the terminal:

cp /var/cache/apt/archives/*.deb ~/repository/disk_1

If you have many files, it may take quite a while so be patient.

3) Change into your repository folder:

cd ~/repository/disk_1

4) Now do the following command to create the Packages.gz file that is needed to for Synaptic to “see” your repository:

sudo dpkg-scanpackages . /dev/null | gzip -9c > Packages.gz

I suggest you copy and paste this to avoid any typos.

• Please note that every time you add any more .deb files to this folder, you have to create a new Packages.gz file using the above command before the new file(s) will show up in Synaptic (or Aptitude).
• Be sure to install the build-essential package (sudo aptitude install build-essential) before running the above command.

There are several ways of using your newly created repository.

I) Keeping the files on a local hard disk…

Edit your /etc/apt/sources.list file like so:

gksudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

And insert this on a new line (preferably the first):

deb file:/home/username/repository/disk_1/ /

Remember to replace username with your real username.

Reload your package index like this:

sudo aptitude update

II) Using a CD/DVD as a repository:

a) Burn the repository folder onto a CD/DVD

b) With the disc loaded in your drive, fire up Synaptic and click through the menus like this:

Edit –> Add CD Rom.

c) You will be asked to type in a description for the disc; type in anything, for instance: Offline Repository Disk 1.

d) Click Ok.

Summary
Go to /var/cache/apt/archives and copy your debian packages to a folder of your choice, for example, /home//repository/

• Change into the repository directory

cd /home/username/repository

• And generate a Packages.gz file like this:

sudo dpkg-scanpackages . /dev/null | gzip -9c > Packages.gz

Make sure build-essential is installed (sudo aptitude install build-essential) before you run the above command.

• Add the following line to your sources.list file (/etc/apt/sources.list)

deb file:/home/username/repository/ /

Remember to replace username with your real username

• Reload your package index like this:

sudo apt-get update

That’s it… sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

I found the following tips for using Synaptic very useful:

• You might want to check out the online sources.list generator. It will let you select various repositories for your sources.list. Once you get the output, simply replace the contents of your /etc/apt/sources.list file with it.

• Now have a loom at the Synaptic settings (Settings –> Repositories –> Settings).

• I suggest you decide if you always want to get the highest/latest version or if you want to stick to the feisty version.

• Also, ensure that you have checked the option that allows downloaded packages to be kept in the cache, otherwise you will just have to download them again if you accidentally do an apt-get autoclean or something similar. Have fun.

Debian - Set Sun Java SDK as default JVM

update-alternatives --config java
update-alternatives --config javac

Debian 4 - Dynamic MMap ran out of room SOLVED

Add the following line to either /etc/apt/apt.conf or /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/70debconf

APT::Cache-Limit "50000000";

Debian 4 - sources.list

Here is my APT sources.list

#
deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 r0 _Etch_ - Official i386 DVD Binary-1 20070407-11:40]/ etch contrib main
deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 r0 _Etch_ - Official i386 DVD Binary-2 20070407-11:40]/ etch contrib main
deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 r0 _Etch_ - Official i386 DVD Binary-3 20070407-11:40]/ etch contrib main

deb http://security.debian.org/ etch/updates main contrib
# deb-src http://security.debian.org/ etch/updates main contrib

deb ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian unstable main contrib non-free
#deb ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian testing main contrib non-free

OpenSuse 11.1 : Amarok and WMA files

Choose > Settings > Configure Amarok > Engine > Xine Engine

If you have scratched sound choose > Output plugin > alsa

OpenSuse 11.1 : K3B doesnt recognize my DVD-burner

Add user to cdrom group then u could see your dvd devices.
Then add user to the disk group, then it seems to work fine.
Restart system and thats all.

64-bit flash on opensuse 11.1

Finally adode realised that there are 64 bit machines. not bad it took them only few years.

So the offer a flash plugin for 64 bit.

http://blogs.adobe.com/penguin.swf/2008/11/now_supporting_16_exabytes.html

Now to install it is quite simple for firefox 3

get the file

http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/libflashplayer-10.0.d20.7.linux-x86_64.so.tar.gz

untar

tar -xvf libflashplayer-10.0.d20.7.linux-x86_64.so.tar.gz

sudo cp libflashplayer.so /usr/lib64/

sudo ln -s /usr/lib64/libflashplayer.so /usr/lib64/browser-plugins/libflashplayer.so

Source : http://blog.elenaworld.net/2008/11/64-bit-flash-on-opensuse-111.html

How to: Fix PulseAudio and primary audio issues with Fedora 10

1. open volume control

2. Click preferences

3. Check "External Amplifier" and close

4. Click "switches" on the volume control

5. uncheck "external amplifier"

6. Close

What is Linux ?

Linux is an operating system for your computer, in a similar way that Microsoft Windows and Apple's OSX are operating systems for your computer. Linux is very different however (and we believe, better!).

Linux was started in 1992 by then university student Linus Torvalds, who released his software for free, including all of the source code. Because Linus made his source code freely available, thousands of developers around the world have downloaded it, made changes and sent improvements back to him!

Because of this global collaboration effort, Linux is stable, extremely flexible and well supported. It is the fastest growing operating system in the world and it is freely available for you to install onto your computer! Sound great? It is!

Linux comes with thousands of free applications, which are maintained by thousands of volunteers around the world. These projects also release their source code, which means they too are 'open source'.

"But how can they do all this for free?" I hear you ask. The Linux and open source communities do all this for free because they love the software, not because they try to make money from it. They are doing it for prestige, honour and because they believe in open source ideals.

It is important to note that due to the nature of open source software (the ability to customise it however you like) there are many different version of Linux. This is great because you can find a version that suits you best! These different versions of Linux are called 'distributions'. This is because the creators of the various versions take Linux and make their own changes to it, add their own packages and then distribute it for free. It might sound complicated, but it's not. So don't worry, we'll help you get started on the right track!

We invite you to look further into Linux and welcome you to 'make the move' into an amazing new world.

Please read on, or skip through to the 'Get started!' section if you're ready to jump right in!