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Details: Written by: Richard_McKie; Parent Category: Information Technology; Category: Software; Published: 23 December 2010; Hits: 6967

Over the years I have written many small applications and utilities.

In order of sophistication these include:

Simple HTML web pages
Command line scripted utilities and batch (BAT) files
Embedded Java code in web pages
Word and Excel macros typically written in Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Simple databases with VBA or Visual Basic (VB) VB frontends
Database related SQL queries batch data manipulators, templates and structures
Simple stand-alone utilities in in VB
Windows utilities written in plain C++ or using the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC)
Fully featured relational databases using SQL Server and VB
Complex applications written in C++

Some examples include:

Automatic footers and metadata updater code for Word and Excel; optionally to bring up a dialog to ensure file naming conforms to a standard.
A utility to process business financial data to reveal a variety of comparable ratios indicative of business health.
An applications to change registry settings and to install and run files on desktops and servers across a network.
A library (DLL) of simple encryption routines that add no overhead (don't change the file size) that can be used on any file; or encrypt in URL friendly characters to secure URL strings sent to web pages.
Several applications based around this library that can easily be called by applications written in languages other than C (VB, VBA, Java, C# etc).
File manipulation software for archiving, file moving and general file management; providing scripted batch processing archiving and reporting.

I'm happy to provide more information on any of these on applications or tools. Use the contact facility on this website.

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Travel

Malaysia

In February 2011 we travelled to Malaysia. I was surprised to see modern housing estates in substantial numbers during our first cab ride from the Airport to Kuala Lumpur. It seemed more reminiscent of the United Arab Emirates than of the poorer Middle East or of other developing countries in SE Asia. Our hotel was similarly well appointed.

Fiction, Recollections & News

The Soul of the Matter

It was hot, dry and dusty when they finally arrived in Jaisalmer. But then, how often is it not hot and dusty here?

In the markets a wizened woman, of indeterminate age, is using a straw broom to aggressively sweep the area in front of her shop. The dust will soon be kicked-back by passers-by; or swept back by her neighbours; requiring her to sweep again, and again. She will do the same again tomorrow; and the day after; and the day after that.

Jennifer's mind is elsewhere. She's has dreamt of visiting exotic India ever since a client at the hairdressers told her, with enthralling details, of her adventures here.

They've arrived in the dusty city late in the afternoon, by road from Jodhpur. In spite of his preference to visit California or Las Vegas again, she's finally persuaded Bruce that he might like India. He should try something a bit more adventurous for a change.

Below the entrance to the famous Jaisalmer Fort, is a small square that marks the start of the road winding up, then turning at right-angles, through the protective elephant-proof gates. In this little square, motorised trishaws: Tuk-tuks, jostle restlessly like milling cattle. They are waiting for tourists, like our travellers, who may hire them tomorrow to see the town or, if they are lazy or tired, just to mount the steep hill up to the Fort.

Opinions and Philosophy

Holden - The Demise of an Iconic Brand

I drive a Holden.

It’s my second. The first was a shiny black Commodore. A V6 Lumina edition.

I have owned well over a dozen cars and driven a lot more, in numerous countries, but these are my first from General Motors.

The new one is a white Calais Sportswagon and it's the best car I've ever owned.

Based on the German Opel, it has traction control conferring impeccable braking and steering and ample power and acceleration even with four adults and luggage. Add to that: leather seats; climate control; head-up display; voice commands for entertainment, phone and so on; and it's a luxurious ride.

Yet I’m starting to think that I can put an end to any car brand, just by buying one.

Holden finally ceased manufacturing in Australia just after my present model rolled off the production line.

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