DIMES: This project uses nil CPU and can be run right along with other DC Projects

[Smoke]

Originally posted by: Fardringle
Is there a way to run this project completely hidden? I have about 25 different machines in various locations that I could install it on if I can make it so the users have no way to see it is there. Bandwidth is not an issue (and I can always tweak the intervals if it becomes one) but programs running visibly - even just an icon in the system tray - won't work. It's OK if the program is listed in Task Manager but it can't be visible on the normal Windows desktop/taskbar. A distributed installation like the one Find-a-Drug used would be great as well, but not really a requirement.

I spent a good bit of time searching the DIMES forums but saw nothing about a service install or hidding the "cactus plant" icon.

 

[RaySun2Be]

If you are running XP, you can hide the system tray icons:
Right click the Taskbar, and choose Properties. In the Properties window that appears, on the Taskbar tab, check the box next to "Hide Inactive Icons" if it isn't already checked, and then click the "Customize..." button. That will bring up a window that allows you to choose one of three behaviors for each program icon that appears in the system tray: "Hide when inactive," "Always hide," or "always show."

And there are shareware apps out there that can let you hide system tray icons as well.

Not as clean as a good service install, but may work.

 

[Smoke]

Hey, that's a good tip Dennis.

I didn't know you could do that.

 

[mk]

Welcome to TeAm DIMES, guys. :beer:

 

[Slatzman]

Originally posted by: Smoke
Hey, that's a good tip Dennis.

I didn't know you could do that.

thanks from me too, that is handy to know!

Slatz

 

[Vikesrock]

Alright, I got it to play nice with my router, now I just need to get it to work with my firewall. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them. I am running Kerio Persoinal Firewall and I have set all permissions for javaw.exe to allow, but something is still blocking it. I may just switch to Zone Alarm.

It also still can't ping for some reason, but Traceroute is working if I disable Kerio.

 

[Silverthorne]

Maybe some of this info from the dimes forum can be applied to your firewall.

 

[Vikesrock]

Thanks for the effort, I figured it out though. If anybody else wants to knw how to get DIMES to work wit Kerio Personal Firewall just let me know.

I still can't figure out why it won't ping though.

 

[Fardringle]

Originally posted by: RaySun2Be
If you are running XP, you can hide the system tray icons:
Right click the Taskbar, and choose Properties. In the Properties window that appears, on the Taskbar tab, check the box next to "Hide Inactive Icons" if it isn't already checked, and then click the "Customize..." button. That will bring up a window that allows you to choose one of three behaviors for each program icon that appears in the system tray: "Hide when inactive," "Always hide," or "always show."

And there are shareware apps out there that can let you hide system tray icons as well.

Not as clean as a good service install, but may work.

That's not quite what I was hoping for, but at least for the XP machines it might let me get the client installed (about half of the 25 machines I was thinking of). My hope is to get enough going to give your turbocharged Red Rascal a run for the money.

 

[RaySun2Be]

My hope is to get enough going to give your turbocharged Red Rascal a run for the money.

LOL!

Well, if you get half of those 25 up on Dimes, you'll more than have enough to overtake the Red Rascal, as I'm only running it on 2 PCs right now, as I can't run it at home due to conflicts with our VoIP phone, and we don't have a lot of bandwidth at work. I was running it on 3 PCs, but I had to take it off of one of them due to conflicts with my remote control software.

I say go for it!

 

[Freewolf]

Originally posted by: RaySun2Be

My hope is to get enough going to give your turbocharged Red Rascal a run for the money.

LOL!

Well, if you get half of those 25 up on Dimes, you'll more than have enough to overtake the Red Rascal, as I'm only running it on 2 PCs right now, as I can't run it at home due to conflicts with our VoIP phone, and we don't have a lot of bandwidth at work. I was running it on 3 PCs, but I had to take it off of one of them due to conflicts with my remote control software.

I say go for it!

I'm running it on 14 machines at home and I have voip phone

 

[RaySun2Be]

Freewolf,
What's your bandwidth, and what VoIP company? I've got a cable modem with 512K down, 256 up, using Vonage. One PC seems to usually be ok, but more than that plays hell with the phone.

And I catch heck with the wife if there are problems with the phone.

 

[Fardringle]

I have three computers up and running now. One has a flaky NIC in it that needs to be replaced (soon as possible!) but I'll get a few more running in the next day or two if these play nice with the networks they are on.

 

[Freewolf]

Originally posted by: RaySun2Be
Freewolf,
What's your bandwidth, and what VoIP company? I've got a cable modem with 512K down, 256 up, using Vonage. One PC seems to usually be ok, but more than that plays hell with the phone.

And I catch heck with the wife if there are problems with the phone.

My Cable company is Cox my phone is through Packet8.
I have a 4 meg down connnection so that has something to do with it I'm sure.

 

[compudog]

I just added DIMES to 1 of my home machines and I will add it to one of my work machines. Does anyone know, since this is more of a location based project, that adding it to a bunch of machines at one IP address will help the TeAm??? I can put it on more machines if it would make a difference.

 

[rise]

it'll help your points but i dunno how much it'll help the project. i only run it on one of my home machines.

 

[Assimilator1]

Welcome to Dimes Fardringle, Freewolf & Compudog

Compudog
Dimes on different PCs at same IP is still worth it as each client will branch out in different directions & 'map' a different route

Originally posted by: Slatzman

Originally posted by: Smoke
Hey, that's a good tip Dennis.

I didn't know you could do that.

thanks from me too, that is handy to know!

Slatz

Yea ,new to me too ,nice 1 Ray

 

[compudog]

Well that settles it. I will put it on as many PCs as I can.

 

[Assimilator1]

 

[RaySun2Be]

Originally posted by: Assimilator1

 

[Fardringle]

Well, it does look like I won't be able to put DIMES on most of the computers I have available. At least not for now. It isn't having any noticeable effect at all on the network, but I can't hide the system tray icon the way Ray suggested since that requires turning on the "Hide Inactive Icons" function and I can't do that. These computers have programs that run in the system tray that aren't "used" on a regular basis so they would eventually be hidden but they have to be visible all the time or the end users will start to complain (many of them are the type that have to have everything exactly the same or I get complaints of "this stupid computer is broken"). If the DIMES project, or a creative cruncher somewhere, can come up with a way to run the client without having a system tray icon at all, I'll be able to bump my current 4 computers up to 25 or so.

I might still be able to slip it in on one or two more of the PCs of the users with actual brains in their heads, but otherwise the rest are going to have to sit idle for now.. :\

 

[Smoke]

The "Hide Inactive Icons" tool really didn't do what you were looking for and probably made the situation even worse. On each re-boot, the dang thing has a pop-up window announcing that "there are hidden icons" which attracts more attention than just having the blasted icon sit quietly in the startup tray.

 

[Wiz]

One thing BOINC did right (shows they were listening to us) is they made a service install so you don't have to see any icons at all.
It's not that difficult, but you do have to be a fairly accomplished Windows programmer to get it to work.
The trouble is getting the project leaders & programmers to listen to / or even want input from us. They all want the millions of minions to run their DC project but they don't want to pull their collective heads out of their arses long enough to find out what makes sense to us.

This is a widespread systemic problem with all programmers & project leaders. It's actually pretty rare to fine those who do a thorough survey of their clients wants & needs before developing the application. I have termed it: Field of Dreams Development... if they build it we will want it.

Ok, my daily rant is over.

 

[RaySun2Be]

Yeah, sorry about the hidden icons thing. I forgot that stupid annoying message would pop up.

This is a widespread systemic problem with all programmers & project leaders.

back when I was in development, programming, then project leader, then project manager, we ALWAYS involved the client from the very start, and especially in the design phase and through the entire process. A strong partnership between the clients and development group that works together the entire project has a far better chance of being successful.

But sadly, I do have to agree, too many programmers/project managers go off with too little client input up front then spend a lot of time on the back end doing "enhancements" to get it to where the client wanted it in the first place.

/rant off

 

[OhioDude]

This is a widespread systemic problem with all programmers & project leaders.

At least you didn't make any sweeping generalizations there, Wiz...