AutoIt is not only a great language to automate any MS Windows based tasks, but also has the best Help file I have EVER seen for any language or framework out there. Then you add the forums on top of that. The forums are a great resource to search through, and also to ask your questions!
I have created an entire testing framework for a previous employer completely written in AutoIt. It allowed them to easily create new test cases without writing any code, and then it allowed them to schedule the test cases to be automatically executed. AutoIt is a very flexible language, and is quick and easy to pick up and learn. I would recommend it over VB or VB.NET as those have a higher learning curve, and I don't feel they can do the same job with the same ease that AutoIt provides.
AutoIt allows you to create simple scripts, or complex GUI Applications. It's your choice. It compiles into a single executable. You can even include files into your executable to be unpacked at runtime to be used. There are so many unique features. A simple AutoIt script is also a little over ~200kb. That's all the overhead. As your script gets more complex that grows, but not significantly. (Unless you add files like I was saying). AutoIt was originally designed to automate tasks across the network, and it needed to be small enough to be able to be sent all over the network without clogging the "pipes". That vision has continued to be maintained.
I wanted to address what someone said above about upgrading to the latest and having some issues with the functions they were using previously. AutoIt is very good at marking changes that have occurred, and they try to not implement things that break previous versions, but as with any living language things do change, and before you upgrade to the latest framework of anything you should always test it first. I understand the frustration...(I had multiple scripts to update as well)...but all that had to be done was a bit of research, and then things would have been much easier.
I would also highly recommend TaskCoach. It's under constant development, as well as it's cross-platform so you can keep track of your tasks no matter what machine you're on.
I believe it also covers the entire range of features you're looking for in a task tracking program. It's certainly one of the best I have seen thus far! Very customizable as well so it fits YOUR needs!
I would highly recommend having your child learn a high level language. One that I really enjoyed learning more on when I got started was AutoIt. Unfortunately it's only for Windows. Also web programming is a lot of fun and provides quick returns for minimal investment. If after they still are showing interest in programming, then they can then spend a bit more time and learn a few lower level languages.
I appreciate your response. That is what I was pointing out they are simply changing the risk. There's never a way to remove all risk. If someone wants something they will get it. Not saying not to try, but there's certain limits that go beyond reasoning. A phone call isn't one of them, but I was trying to point it out that people will get what they want. You have to be reasonable in your choices of security measures.
If not, courier it and use encrypted email to transmit the password (or just tell the guy over the phone).
I would like to point out that while we're discussing all this information about being secure that several times people have mentioned passing information over the phone as a secure method of transport for passwords or other secure information. Without having a secure phone line (not available to many people) you are still creating a weak spot in your plan.
There are a few things you would probably want to check on if this is a major concern to you. (It definitely sounds like it is) First is the forum open to public searching, or did you have to log in to view the information? If it's public, then I would just say read the Forum Policies to be sure that there are no hidden licensing added in there. The reason I say to do this is due to the fact that a couple of programming forums I am on have a few lines in their terms of use that states the poster has sole rights to the source code, and that before using any of said source you are to contact the poster for permission.
I hope this helps some. I don't have a problem using posted code, but I do check the forums public vs registered policies.
There is a bundle of good advice on this thread, and I really appreciate you posting the question. I am a small IT consultant as well, with some experience with the big guys. What I have found to work wonders is if you can have the computers doing some work for you. Some items that you normally do that eventually get old and tiresome. You mentioned Manual Rollouts, and how that wouldnt really be possible for larger clients. You are correct, but with a little scripting you can have this all done.
I would like to recommend to you and to the/. community; AutoIt (a scripting language) http://www.autoitscript.com/. It was originally created for pc rollouts, but has turned out to be quite a powerful scripting language. I understand you may not have time to learn this language, but if you can do it in your spare time it will eventually save you hours a week, and be able to start being profitable to you and your staff. The community is quite active and willing to help in most any situation.
I would also like to recommend that you find someone who can manage your large accounts for you, and help show you the ropes. Finding a competent person that is willing to teach, and learn.
Also if there is any way I can help as an IT professional let me know.
JS
Starting from the point the government decided SSN's were how they were going to track us financially you have had the choice on whether or not that number is used anywhere else. If they have automatically used your SSN without your permission, then I would send them a Certified Letter stating that you do not want to use your SSN in their IT Ticketing system, they will have to change it or face the law themselves.
I dont know where to find these laws, but you could certainly contact a lawyer that is familiar with SS, and he/she would be able to help you promptly.
I am not trying to debate whether or not paying for a game as you go is good or bad. It definitely has its pros and cons.
What I am trying to point out is the psychological game they are trying to play. If they (Microsoft or anyone really) can get you to not look at an actual dollar amount, it will in your mind change the "worth" of the dollar. You wont be speaking in terms of dollars, but points. Points arent worth anything to you, they are just insignificant numbers on a TV/Computer screen. Dollars on the other hand are tangible objects you can hold and feel when you lose. Same reason it is easier to spend money on a credit card vs cash. You dont feel the loss of it being gone from your wallet.
What they are trying to do is similar to stores pricing things at $19.99, have you ever wondered why they dont just price it at $20.00 even? There is psychological difference in peoples minds.
Thanks for listening. This is my first post ever on/.. I have been a reader since 1998.
I appreciate all of the discussions, and other things that/. provides for me as a IT Consultant.
Personally, I am always the person that creates a conversion tool for Points > Dollars and Dollars > Points. That way people dont lose the reality that they are really spending money and not just "points".
I must disagree with your PHP statement. PHP is a scripting language. Therefore it isnt for content pages. Can it be used for that yes, but not designed for that. HTML was designed for content pages. I must say I am disappointed in the choice there.
I do agree that the whining must stop. If you dont like the way the hammer puts the screw in the wall find a better tool to do the job.
JS
Slashdot Mirror
AutoIt is not only a great language to automate any MS Windows based tasks, but also has the best Help file I have EVER seen for any language or framework out there. Then you add the forums on top of that. The forums are a great resource to search through, and also to ask your questions!
I have created an entire testing framework for a previous employer completely written in AutoIt. It allowed them to easily create new test cases without writing any code, and then it allowed them to schedule the test cases to be automatically executed. AutoIt is a very flexible language, and is quick and easy to pick up and learn. I would recommend it over VB or VB.NET as those have a higher learning curve, and I don't feel they can do the same job with the same ease that AutoIt provides.
AutoIt allows you to create simple scripts, or complex GUI Applications. It's your choice. It compiles into a single executable. You can even include files into your executable to be unpacked at runtime to be used. There are so many unique features. A simple AutoIt script is also a little over ~200kb. That's all the overhead. As your script gets more complex that grows, but not significantly. (Unless you add files like I was saying). AutoIt was originally designed to automate tasks across the network, and it needed to be small enough to be able to be sent all over the network without clogging the "pipes". That vision has continued to be maintained.
I wanted to address what someone said above about upgrading to the latest and having some issues with the functions they were using previously. AutoIt is very good at marking changes that have occurred, and they try to not implement things that break previous versions, but as with any living language things do change, and before you upgrade to the latest framework of anything you should always test it first. I understand the frustration...(I had multiple scripts to update as well)...but all that had to be done was a bit of research, and then things would have been much easier.
AutoIt
AutoIt Forums
AutoIt Documentation
AutoIt Downloads
I hope this helps you in your endeavor,
Jarvis
I would also highly recommend TaskCoach. It's under constant development, as well as it's cross-platform so you can keep track of your tasks no matter what machine you're on.
I believe it also covers the entire range of features you're looking for in a task tracking program. It's certainly one of the best I have seen thus far! Very customizable as well so it fits YOUR needs!
I would highly recommend having your child learn a high level language. One that I really enjoyed learning more on when I got started was AutoIt. Unfortunately it's only for Windows. Also web programming is a lot of fun and provides quick returns for minimal investment. If after they still are showing interest in programming, then they can then spend a bit more time and learn a few lower level languages.
Repton,
I appreciate your response. That is what I was pointing out they are simply changing the risk. There's never a way to remove all risk. If someone wants something they will get it. Not saying not to try, but there's certain limits that go beyond reasoning. A phone call isn't one of them, but I was trying to point it out that people will get what they want. You have to be reasonable in your choices of security measures.
Just my 3.25 cents.
JS
If not, courier it and use encrypted email to transmit the password (or just tell the guy over the phone).
I would like to point out that while we're discussing all this information about being secure that several times people have mentioned passing information over the phone as a secure method of transport for passwords or other secure information. Without having a secure phone line (not available to many people) you are still creating a weak spot in your plan.There are a few things you would probably want to check on if this is a major concern to you. (It definitely sounds like it is) First is the forum open to public searching, or did you have to log in to view the information? If it's public, then I would just say read the Forum Policies to be sure that there are no hidden licensing added in there. The reason I say to do this is due to the fact that a couple of programming forums I am on have a few lines in their terms of use that states the poster has sole rights to the source code, and that before using any of said source you are to contact the poster for permission.
I hope this helps some. I don't have a problem using posted code, but I do check the forums public vs registered policies.
Imaginary Friendly,
/. community; AutoIt (a scripting language) http://www.autoitscript.com/. It was originally created for pc rollouts, but has turned out to be quite a powerful scripting language. I understand you may not have time to learn this language, but if you can do it in your spare time it will eventually save you hours a week, and be able to start being profitable to you and your staff. The community is quite active and willing to help in most any situation.
There is a bundle of good advice on this thread, and I really appreciate you posting the question. I am a small IT consultant as well, with some experience with the big guys. What I have found to work wonders is if you can have the computers doing some work for you. Some items that you normally do that eventually get old and tiresome. You mentioned Manual Rollouts, and how that wouldnt really be possible for larger clients. You are correct, but with a little scripting you can have this all done.
I would like to recommend to you and to the
I would also like to recommend that you find someone who can manage your large accounts for you, and help show you the ropes. Finding a competent person that is willing to teach, and learn.
Also if there is any way I can help as an IT professional let me know.
JS
Starting from the point the government decided SSN's were how they were going to track us financially you have had the choice on whether or not that number is used anywhere else. If they have automatically used your SSN without your permission, then I would send them a Certified Letter stating that you do not want to use your SSN in their IT Ticketing system, they will have to change it or face the law themselves.
I dont know where to find these laws, but you could certainly contact a lawyer that is familiar with SS, and he/she would be able to help you promptly.
JS
I am not trying to debate whether or not paying for a game as you go is good or bad. It definitely has its pros and cons.
/.. I have been a reader since 1998.
/. provides for me as a IT Consultant.
What I am trying to point out is the psychological game they are trying to play. If they (Microsoft or anyone really) can get you to not look at an actual dollar amount, it will in your mind change the "worth" of the dollar. You wont be speaking in terms of dollars, but points. Points arent worth anything to you, they are just insignificant numbers on a TV/Computer screen. Dollars on the other hand are tangible objects you can hold and feel when you lose. Same reason it is easier to spend money on a credit card vs cash. You dont feel the loss of it being gone from your wallet.
What they are trying to do is similar to stores pricing things at $19.99, have you ever wondered why they dont just price it at $20.00 even? There is psychological difference in peoples minds.
Thanks for listening. This is my first post ever on
I appreciate all of the discussions, and other things that
Personally, I am always the person that creates a conversion tool for Points > Dollars and Dollars > Points. That way people dont lose the reality that they are really spending money and not just "points".
JS
I must disagree with your PHP statement. PHP is a scripting language. Therefore it isnt for content pages. Can it be used for that yes, but not designed for that. HTML was designed for content pages. I must say I am disappointed in the choice there. I do agree that the whining must stop. If you dont like the way the hammer puts the screw in the wall find a better tool to do the job. JS