Topics

91

Off Topic / Anti-research supporter caught viewing research

« on: April 12, 2011, 01:16:45 AM »

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/4876055/Anti-research-supporter-caught-viewing-research-quits


HURPHURPHURPHURPHURPHUP

Discuss

92

Off Topic / Mac vs PC: An unbiased view from someone who has used both

« on: April 11, 2011, 10:50:05 PM »

Background
In 2005 I got a second hand iBook Clamshell. Later that year a second hand Acer Travelmate. In 2006 I got a brand new Compaq Presario M2000. On the last day of 2007 (New Years Eve 2008) I got an Intel MacBook. In 2009 I purchased an EeePC 701 notebook, and a second hand iMac G3 Strawberry. In 2011 I purchased a Compaq Presario CQ62-357TX. Throughout my life I have been deeply involved in using both Mac and PC products, and enjoying them equally. I have developed an opinion on both, and I feel I have been able to get really thorough usage from both, with an unbiased perspective.

If you are too much of a child to read this, accept or disagree with it, and respond to it in a civilized way, you will only make yourself look stupid.


Microsoft and the PC
Microsoft's products have a very executive and practical feel. You never get Microsoft making softwaer that is designed to be really dumbed down for the enduser as Apple does. Some think this is good, and some bad. Personally I prefer it when the developer doesn't assume I'm an idiot.

When I used XP I enjoyed it mostly. In hindsight the GUI was gross and cartoonish and I'd never go there again, but at the time it was cool. Windows Movie Maker gave me many memories of making stupid low-framerate cartoons using paint, so I thank you MS.

Gaming on the PC has always been a solid experience. From XP to 7, gaming is an assured asset assuming you have the hardware to boot.

Viruses on Windows aren't as common as some like to flog, but they are definitely something people should take seriously. I hate antivirus products, I stopped using them for a year, but I've recently found peace with the un-intrusive Avast.

The XP interface was okay. I don't love it, I never did, but everything worked nicely and was organized. I've had a few driver problems with my old PCs in the past, but that was some time a go.

My recent laptop is great. Windows 7 is by far the most superior OS in the Windows series I feel. Its beautiful interface is great. Microsoft didn't stoop to ripping off the Apple dock, but instead removed folders and programs leaving a long rectangle button in the taskbar and replaced them with square icons that act almost as a mini-dock. Actually, I prefer it over Apples dock because I love my start menu on the side.

Windows 7 has nice customization options for the window, like changing the color. Hey, its basic, but its more than Apple lets you do at this stage.

Windows is easily customizable. You can add whatever you want easily, pull apart the GUI with a massive bank of themes, and just get down and dirty with your system. With MacOS, its not that easy. There must be one or two programs that let you change the theme for MacOS, and that is sad.

PCs are generally better for your budget. You can get some really good quality hardware for a good price. And when you buy a PC, you have far more range when it comes to design of the case.

Bluescreens... a thing of the past. Hey, I've had a bluescreen once or twice this year but its nothing like it used to be.


Apple and the Mac
Apple is very self contained. They design really superior looking, beautiful machines. If you don't mind the fact every other Mac user has a computer that looks the same, there is no problem. The build quality is always perfect, and you will always be assured you'll get the best performance for your operating system when you get a Mac, and Apple makes their software for their hardware. Its a match made in heaven, un-poisoned by an overflowing range of varying quality hardware like you get in the PC world.

Apple's MacOS is just as beautiful as the hardware. The price for a Mac is far too much for most people when you can compare what the same amount will get you for a PC, but you aren't wasting your money when you get a Mac. You get the customer service, the perfectly crafted OS, the build quality, the brand, and the overall experience of having a Mac. But for some, that is not good enough when a PC is just as much of a contender. For others, the PC doesn't even stand up to a Mac. I think that all comes down to taste and brand loyalty, really.

MacOS Tiger was a bit ugly. MacOS Leopard far nicer. The range of software for MacOS is great, the Steam platform is a start for gaming, and the old rumour of "you can't right click with MacOS" has and still is an ignorant lie spewed by people who never used one long enough to figure out the basics.

Apple has very quality products. But they date quickly, and they cost a lot. You always feel locked down by Apple, and their bundled software is slowly digressing to an audience like your grandmother who needs a dumbed down interface and few things cluttering the interface. I don't like that, because Apple is slowly taking away features that way. iMovie 09' and beyond makes generic stuffty movies, I still use iMovie 6.

Apple does make some things easier, granted. No driver woes, less to worry about when it comes to viruses, and a really fast no fuss desktop space.

Customization is less of an ability. You certainly feel the restrictions of MacOS, if you are a techie that doesn't want to be a slave to Apple's design philosophy-- even though their design is superb.

Apple has some really cool software too. Garageband is fantastic. The iWork suit is superb. Very great tools indeed.


Verdict

The PC is a good choice if you know what hardware is good, and what is not. Assuming you find a quality make, a computer with an OS like Windows 7 pre-installed is a better way to go for reliable gaming, or for people who are likely to need space for customization. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty with the system, the Windows platform is great. Furthermore, you have far more ability to tweak the hardware itself than with a Mac. Price wise you are going to get more bang for your buck, as far as the practical side of things goes.

The Mac is a great choice if you want a really sleek computer, guaranteed to work well and be no fuss. If you just want a simple computer to use, or if you are an Apple enthusiast or simply like the Apple philosophy, you'll be doing just fine with Mac products-- assuming money is less of an obstacle. Professional work and gaming is capable on the Mac now, Mac computers are no longer just for graphic designs and schools. You aren't missing out on much assuming you like the OS and hardware how it is and don't mind playing catchup with the PC world when it comes to computer gaming.



Anyone else agree? :I

93

Modification Help / Request: A competent coder to assist in mod development with IcyGamma

« on: April 09, 2011, 03:06:42 AM »

Hello,

I am needing an advance programmer, who is able to help me design an audio based mod and will be able to program it. I will cover the multimedia part, I need the other person to help with the playing and management of the sound while in-game (including a key bind). It is vehicle related.

I don't intend to give the details away, if you are genuinely interested PM me and we'll talk the finer points over.


Thanks.

94

Off Topic / Isar Symbolic Code - Learn here, (..I=={} :..==..

« on: April 07, 2011, 02:57:40 AM »

Isar Symbolic Code
Designed by Joshua "IcyGamma" Liddle

Isar is a code (and yes, a Blockland tower ;D) that I have developed which allows for anyone to type using a tradtional QWERTY keyboard in symbols in replacement of traditional letters. It appears as a complex, rather trendy string of characters that will mask your sentences in a very elegant way.

Learn the code, and give it to your Blockland friends. This will allow you to separate yourselves from other Blocklanders and people who are unfamiliar with the code, so you can hold private group conversations in the most egotistical way possible! :D


The Code

Grammatical rules:
Isar uses no punctuation from the English language. Words are ordered the same as an English sentence, and letters are simply converted to their symbol counterpart. Double spacing is required between words. At the end of a sentence, a paragraph can be applied.

Code alphabet:

--This code is being perfected and will be available in a better topic so please wait. :3

How to Learn

The easiest way to learn the code is to use it. Spend time masking and converting some English sentences. Chat with your friends in it. You may even want to randomly generate the symbols in the language and try to remember what its English counterpart is.

Over time you will soon be able to identify each symbol without the need for the sheet. After a long time using the code, you will then be able to identify and recognize entire words without having to read each symbol.

You may feel free to post here and talk in the code. If you are in-game, I am very happy to talk to you over IRC with the code or in my server.

It is possible to learn to read and write basic sentences within hours. After a day or two you will be able to use it in-game easily.


Why Learn?

The code is a fun thing to learn that looks elegant and intriguing when in-game and is a great conversation starter. Its is a great way to talk in groups with people while in servers, and is a generally fun thing to learn and use. If that still doesn't convince you, simply ignore this topic. :3

Furthermore, people have a natural curiosity to read what you say and and prove they understand too.

95

Off Topic / Help with CSS (webdesign)

« on: April 03, 2011, 10:03:22 PM »

I have an image that is on my webpage. The CSS I am currently using is...

#image1
{
    position:absolute; top:150px; right:20%; width:300px;
}

I'm using percentages for some of the positioning values as I'm aiming for a fluid web page that repositions itself relative to the window size. When you resize this page with the current code, the image moves to the right as you increase the width. That is fine, but if you decrease the window width the picture will continue to disappear off the left of the page. I want it so the image freezes about 100px from the left of the page, so you can only shrink the page so far before it just stops. How can I do this? I've been playing with margins and padding and other crap but eh I can't figure it out.

EDIT: I've added a wrapper but while its helped it still doesn't make the content move very well. The wrapper margin shrinks as the window gets smaller it seems, displacing the content. RAWR. God damn you liquid website.

96

Gallery / Peggling City - Home Of Teh Pegleg

« on: April 03, 2011, 02:57:48 AM »

Home of teh pegleg

Well my new computer can run Blockland well, so big fat brick counts here I come!

Peggling is a city project I've always wanted to run. Its not a CityRPG or anything, just a nice well layed out city grid with road networks, many sections & lots to build in, and partitioned districts and other areas. I have built the basis of the city and continue to add to it, but other uses are allowed to add buildings and other content too.
Cool things about Peggling:

• It has different areas for low, mid, and high-rise for a realistic city establishment
• It uses default bricks, colorset, and very very few add-ons (apart from things like the dupe) for a fast load
• All people with varying building skills are welcome to contribute, from beginner to expert
• Hosted regularly for many hours each day
• Everybody who builds a legitimate lot can rest assured that their work will be protected, maintained, and  accessible to them. Your contribution is respected, this is one of the few servers where you can build something and it won't be scrapped the next day.
• Light moments of RP occur every so often. Sometimes players gather at a cafe to have coffee. Other times you might see a sudden car accident on an intersection. Players here manage to integrate a sensible, realistic, and occasional touch of role play into the city to keep them entertained in between constructing their builds or exploring.
• Our road network includes suburbs, districts, lanes, roads, and streets, everything named. This provides a great way to co-ordinate your way through the area.
• This server is moderated by the host only, and the dedicated is regularly monitored when there is no host presence. There is zero tolerance towards those who try to ruin the experience for others.
• Thanks to some experienced and inspirational builders, such as Wehrmacht, the city's growth is booming and the overall infrastructure is increasing rapidly.

It started off as a freebuild that had a road grid. Now its turned into an organized, very nice city indeed. Its a fun, no strings attached city build that hopefully will turn into a massive metropolis with many districts, areas, and so much to explore.

Please note this gallery topic is mostly to update the progress of this growing city build and entice you to come. It is still being constructed.




Peggling operates under a few policies to keep things under-control and ensure a positive experience for everyone. Please ensure you are familiar with the policies before joining. You will only be told once on the server what the policies are if you don't have a chance to read them there.

Building

• There are three ways to pick the size of the lot. You must build on a 32x32 baseplate or larger, OR you must fill in the surrounding plots around you to take up the entire cluster of lots in your segment, OR you must align your baseplate/s to allow for an evenly sized lot of 32x32 or bigger to fit in next to you.
• Your lot must be aligned with the road and neighbourly baseplates; it can not be placed randomly within a free area of space and must touch the road. The lot should align to the same height as the pavement.
• A lot may not be invisible, of an un-necessary color, using water FX or using undulo FX
• A building should be sized appropriately in width and height. Ensure high rise is in the central city and lower rise buildings are placed on the outskirts, such as a nearby suburb.
• Buildings that are WIP and haven't been worked on for many days may be removed. Anything considered spam will also be deleted.
• We may request you move your build to protect the city skyline.

Vehicles / Driving

• When driving, a car may take up the entire road but must keep left to let oncoming traffic pass if necessary.
• A vehicle spawn may be placed ONLY on a lot that is established or in development, only in an appropriate manner (for example, placing a spawn on a driveway, in a garage, or in a car park or in an alley is okay, but placing a spawn on your roof is not).
• Intentionally crashing cars, abandoning them in the road, or jamming them against structures will result in removal of vehicle spawn or temporary ban.
• Pedestrians may not push cars or get in the way of drivers, or they may be kicked.
• A driver should follow the speed signs (blue +C sign for slow, red -C sign for fast) but breaking the speed recommendation isn't an offence, take it or leave it.
• On a motorway the driver should be on the left with oncoming traffic on the opposite road to the right; please follow "wrong way" signs to prevent confusion if your American or what have you...

Intersection of Main Street and Barnabas Street, city center.

Alternative view of Barnabas Street, city center.

Alternative view of high-rise buildings in the city center, a skyline in development.

Alternative view of high-rise buildings in the city center.

The Physton District, lowrise section of the city (where the first brick of Peggling was placed)!.

The end of Main Street, the longest street in the city which extends straight through the city center and directly into Physton. To the right, the acclaimed "Black Forest" which grows cake. :3

The lobby of one of Peggling's stunning modern buildings. This elegant black building, with Luxury Suites, is one of many buildings that has been designed and built by Wehr. Builders like him are populating the area with unique architectural buildings which mustn't be missed.

Peggling is hosted daily for several hours by host IcyGamma ID 4127. Timing may vary and is always subject to change. I ask people do not rehost this build but instead help contribute to it if they enjoy it. Everyone is welcome to come. The server is not password. The player limit varies between 5 to 8 players max. Please do not request the limit to be raised regardless of what it is set at, you will be ignored.

City Map: Streets
Map of the city streets so you can locate your way through the area. Last updated: 6th April 2011. Click to enlarge the image!

City Map: Traffic
Map containing data that shows the traffic density throughout the city. This information is relatively accurate, and is based off monitoring the server and where players drive throughout the time it runs collectively. Denser traffic indicates more cars and heightened frequency of driving. Last updated: 6th April 2011. Click to enlarge the image!

City Map: Value & Interest
This map displays the construction rate of areas around the city. A higher construction rate indicates regular construction or development of buildings and recreational areas. A lower construction rate indicates few to no buildings or construction projects in the area. Last updated: 6th April 2011. Click to enlarge the image!

97

Help / LAN network not working

« on: April 02, 2011, 02:05:13 AM »

I have a Mac and a PC. Both are connected to the same wireless network router, which is connect to the modem router (router + router forwarding using DMZ). I can host internet, just can't host LAN. When querying nothing shows up.

Tried connecting to the internet server hosted on one with the other. Doesn't work. Tried hosting a LAN on both. Doesn't work. Both have the same IP, I assume thats why.... what can I do to get this working. Is that the problem or could it be something else?

98

Help / Server preview

« on: March 31, 2011, 11:02:51 PM »

Anyone know how to move the position of the Blockland.us server preview?

99

Off Topic / Favourite Computer Manufacturer

« on: March 25, 2011, 09:26:15 PM »

When I was looking for a computer recently, I really wanted to know what brands were good and what were bad. I had my own opinions of course, but I wanted to justify them by hearing what other people thought.

In this topic, you vote for your favourite major computer system manufacturer of all time. You may elaborate why in post form. This may help people decide what computer they wish to buy in the future. Feel free to post any companies not listed.

The voting does not mean you have to select a computer you currently use-- if you use a custom built machine, please vote for what computer brand you would select if you were to not build a computer.

You may wish to vote for a computer brand that is operated by another company. For example, favouring Alienware over Dell, Compaq over HP, eMachines over Acer.

100

Off Topic / Something is using my bandwidth! HALP!

« on: March 22, 2011, 06:14:02 PM »

We have 10GB capped a month. I am allowed to use 5GB of that personally. I monitor my bandwidth usage so I can do what I want without going over the limit (if we go over the 10GB we get dial up speed). In Windows 7 I find that some process is using up to 10KB a second and it is quickly eating a lot of the Internet.

I tried uninstalling antivirus, quitting web browsers and all of the obvious things but something is still eating my net. I used a program to see what was using the ports, a few system services are open. I've disable autoupdates and such.

What should I do, I really need to stop random processes eating my net like this. It won't stop, its perpetual use!

EDIT: Forgot to mention some of this is uploading.. what could be doing that? :u

101

Off Topic / Rate The Above Users Social Interaction

« on: March 21, 2011, 04:55:30 AM »

Rate The Above Users Social Interaction

This is a classic "rate the above" styled topic with a twist. You copy and paste the following information in the quote and change the rating for each heading. This is an experiment to gage other peoples views of the above user, how they interact with the community, and maybe develop more awareness of how people view you and how your messages influences peoples perspectives of you as a player. The ratings you enter can be based off of your general or direct experience with the person. If you are entirely unaware of the above person, refrain from posting a rating so genuine ratings can be gathered. Do not post for the sake of it or you won't get proper response. The rating should be based on forum activity, not in-game experiences.

Friendliness: x/10
Aggressiveness: x/10
Humour: x/10
Likeability: x/10
Rudeness: x/10
Kindness: x/10
Sincerity: x/10
Intelligence: x/10

Could you be friends with this person: Yes / no
Would you meet this person in reality given the chance: Yes / no

Friendliness determines how friendly you believe the person acts on the forum. Aggressiveness indicates their general posting attitude, if it often comes across angrily or fiercely. Humour is based on how funny you think the person is. Likeability is your opinion on if they are easy to like (for example, some may assume low likeability to someone who regularly offends whereas they might give a higher likeability rating to someone who is more kind). Rudeness indicates how insulting the user can be, whether they know it or not. Kindness determines how kind the person is when talking to someone or reviewing an add-on or build. Sincerity is based upon how genuine the post is for the person writing it (for example, someone who bandwagons will have a less sincere message because they often don't fully believe in what they are writing and do it only because others are). Intelligence is how smart or refined you believe the user to be. The last two are yes or no questions.

Here is an example of a rating given to a user that is angry towards others.

Friendliness: 2/10
Aggressiveness: 8/10
Humour: 5/10
Likeability: 1/10
Rudeness: 8/10
Kindness: 1/10
Sincerity: 10/10
Intelligence: 8/10

Could you be friends with this person: No
Would you meet this person in reality given the chance: No

1 is lowest and 10 is highest.

Protip:  Don't give a good rating because someone gave you a good writing, and vice versa. Be unbiased, and honest.

102

Off Topic / I'm no longer a Mac cigarette :D

« on: March 19, 2011, 01:12:39 AM »

Today I purchased a new computer. My budget was $999 NZ. I picked up one of my favorite brands, Compaq (which I understand some loathe-- personally I find Compaq and HP to be the best... and Asus perhaps). Its all black, with a conservative textured case and a beautiful glossy surround for the screen.

This is my first decent computer purchase since the last day of 2007. :D

It has...

i3 2.40ghz processor
2GB ram (expandable to 8GB apparently, I might consider 4GB in the not so distant future)
512mb ATI Radeon dedicated graphics
500gb HD

Now for my price I think I did a damn good job finding a computer that can handle most of my games on low to moderate settings. Its screen is bigger than my old computer too. Its got Win 7 of course, I'm enjoying using it as the last Windows edition I worked on was XP. :U

Naturally some of you here have computers that blow mine away. However, lets look at my old MacBook.

2.0ghz Intel Core Duo
1GB ram
128mb Integrated Intel GMA X1300
80GB HD

Something tells me I'm going to have a lot of fun with my games now, because after the rape speeds I've been through for the last 3 years it really can't get worse. I've now upgraded to something a little more acceptable. c:

Thanks to Seventh for discussing processors with me. If you'll excuse me I intend to see if ACM city still lags me (hope not >:U)

Discuss any new computers you have bought recently.

103

Off Topic / The Sims 1: Share your humble abode huehue

« on: March 14, 2011, 03:59:19 AM »

The Sims 1
& Livin' Large, Hot Date, House Party, Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar, and Makin' Magic

Thread
This thread is all about The Sims 1, the original series of The Sims which was released in 2000 and had 7 official expansion packs up to 2003. By 2002 it sold 6.3 million copies making it the best selling PC game in history. Now it has been replaced by The Sims 2 and The Sims 3.

Here you can talk about The Sims 1, share your house, discuss the game in general and how to keep it fresh with user-made content packs, or share memories about the game.

It was and still is my favorite game and I own all the expansion packs. I religiously play The Sims 1 today and have never gotten bored. I have not played TS2 or TS3 and have no interest to-- while they are good games surely, the newer ones do not compare to the classic charm and the original game play the first edition had.

This is for The Sims 1 and associated expansion packs only, keep The Sims 2 and 3 out of the discussion-- we don't want your real 3D world, we want our fake 3D, 2D world RAWR.


My Sim c:
A few snippets from my cute home and my Sims life.

Home after a long day at work. :3

After learning how to cook, I prepare a dinner for two friends.

My friends arrive and we chow down. A very successful evening. :D

It gets late and my friends must be off. I'm not ready to call it a night, so I take a bath and watch some TV. A very cosy lounge indeed, note my wine collection next to the bookcase. Great for dinner parties like tonight. ^_^

I grow tired in the early hours of the morning, have work tomorrow as always so I go to sleep. Like my stone feature wall? A real nice touch I feel. c:

Brigit my whore maid cleans up the next morning, I was at work of course. She offers a very affordable service mind you.

Extra content
Wanting more content for The Sims 1? Once you have all the expansions, check out some of the stunning user made content here. I got a lot of great sets from it. Be sure to get the essentials decoration pack, has knick-knacks like soap, towels, and even shelves, ironing boards, radiators, toilet roll, toasters, spice racks, coffee cups-- all the things a Sims house needs to make it more realistic and homely.

104

Off Topic / How To Lucid Dream

« on: March 08, 2011, 02:20:34 AM »

http://www.mediafire.com/?tkgu0dh6pjav062

105

General Discussion / Looking for a really lovey classy room, lobby, or theater for movie

« on: March 04, 2011, 03:04:01 PM »

Going to make a short movie demonstrating the LW Piano in the gallery. Needing a really posh or lovey theater, lobby, or room for filming in. Credit given. Preferably something thats already made, I want to do this today.