Tips, Tools and Utilities

Tip: Online Storage

2008-09-16T10:38:00.001+02:00

File Savr - Free, it says ...

Tip: Improving Delphi Install Performance

2008-08-04T12:39:00.002+02:00

From CodeGear DevNet #37542

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer
Set a DWORD value named DisableRollback to 1.
Set a DWORD value named DisableAutomaticApplicationShutdown to 1.

Turn the registry setting back after you are done. Either delete the registry entry or set the value to 0.

DisableRollback
The MSI-based Delphi installer uses a transactional database to keep track of its actions. This feature enables you to cancel and "rollback" the installation process, which means you can backtrack the install actions performed up to that point.

You can also use the same setting under HKCU, which will be applied in a per-user basis. Notice that this setting will affect *all* MSI-based installs, not only the help install.

DisableAutomaticApplicationShutdown (Vista Only)
This registry entry setting disables the Restart Manager, which tracks files in use during an install process. (On Vista-based install, this can cause long delays.)

Tip: WinHlp32 for Windows Vista

2008-08-04T10:38:00.003+02:00

You still can get the old WinHelp for Vista.

Details: http://support.microsoft.com:80/kb/917607
Download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=no&FamilyID=0468fefd-b54f-4c57-8340-c6dd2ec20c0a

Source: I.P.Nichols in delphi.non-technical (Message-ID: <48967a2a$1@newsgroups.borland.com>), Sun, 3 Aug 2008 23:43:21 -0400

Paint.NET

2008-07-25T21:52:00.001+02:00

Simple, compact and effective bitmap editor.

Picasa

2008-07-25T21:49:00.004+02:00

It does the job, and the price is right. What more to say?

Beyond Compare

2008-07-25T21:42:00.003+02:00

Compare your files and directories. Compare, edit, sync, transfer, report, etc. Flexible rules, fast, and versatile. User programmable plugin architecture allows custom compares for your weird file formats.

TextPad

2008-07-25T21:36:00.004+02:00

TextPad is my stand-by text file editor. Reg.Exp search/replace, Macros, and customizable syntax highlighting, to mention a few things.

Delphi / RAD Studio 2007

2008-07-25T21:28:00.008+02:00

This is my bread and butter tool. If you need to get the job done, you will be hard pressed to find something better. Probably the most versatile development tool in existance.