Technoleros

We are still running Internet Explorer version 6.0 in our organization.  When we open our dashboards that we have built in SAS Information Delivery Portal 1.1, the ActiveX graphs do not display detail information when we mouse over them.  The dashboards are running stored processes that output the graphs.  The easy solution is to left-click on the graph to activate it.  This is easy enough if you have one or two graphs on a page, but some of our dashboards include six or seven graphs, which isn’t hard either, it just leaves you thinking that you shouldn’t have to be doing it.  The graphs work perfectly when using Mozilla Firefox, which unfortunately is not our organization standard.  The problem is caused by one or more security patches that Microsoft has made available for Internet Explorer.  SAS Usage Note 17565 explains this in more detail:

Usage Note 17565: ACTIVEX, JAVA, and JAVAMETA graphs may not be active by default when displayed via Internet Explorer

After application of one or more Microsoft security patches/updates, ACTIVEX, JAVA, and JAVAMETA graphs are no longer active by default when displayed via Internet Explorer. This means that the pop-up options menu will not display when you right-mouse button on the graph.

The Microsoft security patches related to this issue include KB912812 and KB912945.

To activate the graph, left-mouse click on the graph. This will activate the current graph and enable use of the right-mouse button. Once the graph is active, flyover data tips will also now display correctly.

Fred Janssen Business Intelligence, Software, Technology, Web ActiveX, graphs, Information Delivery Portal, SAS

I attended SAS Programming 3: Advanced Techniques and Efficiencies training recently at the SAS’ Austin Training Center.  Programming 3 demonstrates many ways to make your SAS code and programs more efficient, but I also picked up one tidbit that makes coding and testing even easier.  When using the enhanced editor, to create comments in your code or comment out code you do not want to run, merely highlight or select the block or statements to comment with your mouse.  Now type the CTRL-/ key combination and your SAS code will include the required /* and the beginning and */ at the end of each selected line.  To uncomment a block or code or statement, highlight or select it and type the CTRL-Shift-/ key combination.  I did notice that if I select only one word on a line or merely have my cursor positioned anywhere within my code that the key combination will operate on the entire line which contains the highlighted word or cursor.  The quick commenting technique only works in the Windows version of the enhanced editor.  It will not work in the standard SAS program editor or on non-windows systems.

Fred Janssen Business Intelligence, Data, Software, Statistics enhanced editor, SAS

Garmin Communicator Plugin v2.7.3.0 - v.2.7.3 - 6.82 MB

Garmin updated its Communicator Plugin on June 15, 2009 to the 2.7.3.0 version, an upgrade from version 2.7.1.0.  The Garmin Communicator Plugin is a free internet browser plugin that sends and retrieves data from Garmin GPS devices.  The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website.

The plugin works with IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® XP or Vista operating systems with Internet Explorer 6+ or Firefox 1.5+ Intel-based or PowerPC G3 or later Mac OS 10.4 or later with Firefox 2.0+ or Safari 2.0.  It is not compatible with Windows 2000 computers and will not install and/or function properly.

Changes made from version 2.7.1 to 2.7.3:

• Fixed a domain locking security bypass reported by Secunia
• Fixed a transfer issue with legacy USB fitness devices
• Fixed an issue with receiving workouts and courses from Edge 605/705

Garmin’s Communicator Plugin page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/

Fred Janssen Downloads, GPS, Hardware, Maps browser, Communicator, Garmin, GPS

Garmin WebUpdater (Windows) 2.4.2 - v.2.4.2 - 6.03 MB

The most efficient way to keep your Garmin GPS unit’s firmware current is to use the WebUpdater tool.  Simply attach your Garmin unit to your computer with a USB cable and power it on.  Open WebUpdater and your GPS will be automatically identified.  WebUpdater will then check Garmin’s servers to see if firmware updates or other software is available and automatically download and install them if you allow it.  The WebUpdater page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-99999-27, Windows and Mac versions are available.

From Garmin’s web site:

Upgrading software for your Garmin GPS just got easier thanks to WebUpdater—Garmin’s free new application that automatically detects and installs the most recent version of operating software for your compatible Garmin GPS.

WebUpdater’s simple interface makes it easy to upgrade your operating software. Just connect your Garmin GPS to your computer, run WebUpdater, and follow the screen prompts. After confirming that you want to perform an update, WebUpdater will download that update for you and install it on your GPS. WebUpdater always checks for its own update first before performing a unit update. Unlike previous versions, you no longer need to download Web Updater every time you upgrade your unit software. Once installed, simply run it from your computer —no need to download anything else yourself!

As an added benefit to our customers, you can download the latest version of WebUpdater software for free from our website.

Compatible computers: IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® 2000 or XP operating systems | New! Intel-based Macs or PowerPCs (G3 or newer) running OS X 10.4 or later

What is WebUpdater?

WebUpdater is an application which communicates with the Garmin server over the Internet and updates your Garmin GPS with the most current software version available.

It’s easy and it’s automatic. You don’t even have to know the model numbers or software versions of your GPS. WebUpdater takes care of all of the details for you.

How Does WebUpdater Work?

WebUpdater’s simple interface makes it easy to upgrade your operating software. Just connect your Garmin GPS to your computer, run WebUpdater, and follow the screen prompts. After confirming that you want to perform an update, WebUpdater will download that update for you and install it on your GPS. WebUpdater always checks for its own update first before performing a unit update. Unlike previous versions, you no longer need to download Web Updater every time you upgrade your unit software. Once installed, simply run it from your computer —no need to download anything else yourself!

Fred Janssen Downloads, GPS, Software firmware, Garmin

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Motherboard User Manual v1.1 - v.1.1 - 6.75 MB

From Gigabyte:

The GA-EP45-UD3P introduces revolutionary GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 technology featuring a 2 oz copper PCB to help reduce system temperature and dramatically enhance performance. Based on the Intel P45 chipset the GA-EP45-UD3P delivers a record-setting 1600MHz FSB for the latest Intel® Core 2™ multi-core processors, and supports dual channel DDR2 memory at speeds of up to 1366MHz and even higher. The GA-EP45-UD3P boasts dual PCI Express 2.0 VGA card slots for ATI CrossFireX™ support with ultra smooth 3D rendering and blazingly-fast frame rates. Additionally, the board incorporates GIGABYTE DES Advanced technology for industry leading energy saving and enhanced system efficiency.

Fred Janssen Downloads, Hardware, Technology Gigabyte, Intel, manual, motherboard

If you would prefer to not have to type in a password to log in to Windows 7, Microsoft continues to provide a way to auto-login.  This is the exact same method used in Microsoft Windows Vista (you used that too, right?).

• Use the Windows key + R combination on your keyboard to launch the “Run” dialog box
• Type control userpasswords2 and click OK (Figure 1.)
• The Advanced User Accounts window will open
• Uncheck the option “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”  and click “OK” (Figure 2.)
• A new window will appear.  Type in the username of the user to automatically log in as well as that user’s current password and confirmation password and click OK
• The next time the system is restarted , a password will not be required

Fred Janssen Software, Technology security, user, Windows 7

Garmin Communicator Plugin v2.7.1.0 - v.2.7.1.0 - 6.78 MB

Garmin updated its Communicator Plugin on May 12, 2009 to the 2.7.1.0 version, an upgrade from version 2.6.4.0.  The Garmin Communicator Plugin is a free internet browser plugin that sends and retrieves data from Garmin GPS devices.  The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website.

The plugin works with IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® XP or Vista operating systems with Internet Explorer 6+ or Firefox 1.5+ Intel-based or PowerPC G3 or later Mac OS 10.4 or later with Firefox 2.0+ or Safari 2.0.  It is not compatible with Windows 2000 computers and will not install and/or function properly.

Changes made from version 2.6.4 to 2.7.1:

• Added support to download and extract zip files to mass storage devices.
• Fixed an issue with gps data transfer to Windows Mobile devices.

Garmin’s Communicator Plugin page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/

Fred Janssen Downloads, GPS, Hardware, Maps browser, Communicator, Garmin, GPS

Garmin has posted an update to its MapSource mapping software, moving from 6.15.4 to 6.15.6.  Some of the changes are operating system related, including dropping support for Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows NT and continuing to support for Windows Vista.  Other changes in this version include:

• Fixed an issue with the file save dialog when the file extension field is hidden.
• Fixed an issue where MapSource would crash if the route avoidance dialog would be displayed twice.
• Fixed waypoint category filter issue. Now only waypoints of the selected category will be displayed.
• Fixed waypoint prefixes.
• Fixed an issue where MapSource would crash with certain address searches.
• Fixed memory leaks in the waypoint dialog and map rendering.
• Fixed an issue with saving gpx files when the file path contains Asian characters.
• Fixed some hotkey issues.
• Fixed an issue with searching for certain POIs.
• Fixed an issue with how unlock codes were stored that caused incompatibilities with applications like Training Center.
• Support Web Link Extensions in Brazilian Portuguese.
• Changed waypoint image size to follow the user selected symbol size.

MapSource version 6.15.6 can be downloaded here.

Fred Janssen Downloads, GIS, GPS, Maps, Software Garmin, MapSource

Convert - v.4.1 - 779.54 KB

Here is a utility that I have used for a long time.  Convert does exactly what the name suggests: converts just abbout any unit of measure in an easy, straightforward way.  The program is small and fast.  Highly recommended.

from joshmadison.com:

Convert is a free and easy to use unit conversion program that will convert the most popular units of distance, temperature, volume, time, speed, mass, power, density, pressure, energy and many others, including the ability to create custom conversions!

Fred Janssen Data, Software units, utility, Windows

Getting a screen capture from some of the Garmin handheld mapping GPS units or PNDs isn’t as easy as it should be.  I wish there was a button on many of these units that allow me to capture a shot of my screen when I’m not connected to a computer via a USB cable.  If I need a screen shot, I have to turn my Garmin 60CSx off when I get to something interesting.  Once I get back to a computer, I have to connect via USB and quickly turn on the unit and grab the image with xImage before the screen changes.  It works, it’s free, and it’s better than nothing!  From Garmin:

xImage allows you to retrieve and update images on your GPS. For example, xImage makes it possible to get a screenshot from most GPS models. In addition, with certain newer models, xImage allows you to update some images (splash screen, waypoint symbols, etc.) with your own creations.

Garmin reports that xImage works with the following GPS units: eTrex Legend C, eTrex Legend Cx, eTrex Venture Cx, eTrex Vista C, eTrex Vista Cx, GPS 60, GPSMAP 60, GPSMAP 60C, GPSMAP 60Cx, GPSMAP 60CS, GPSMAP 60CSx, GPSMAP 76C, GPSMAP 76Cx, GPSMAP 76CS, GPSMAP 76CSx, GPSMAP 276C, GPSMAP 376C, GPSMAP 296, GPSMAP 396, StreetPilot c310, StreetPilot c320, StreetPilot c330, StreetPilot c340, StreetPilot c510, StreetPilot c550, StreetPilot i2, StreetPilot i3, StreetPilot i5, StreetPilot 2610, StreetPilot 2650, StreetPilot 2720, StreetPilot 2730, Quest, and Quest2.

Fred Janssen GPS, Maps, Software eTrex, Garmin, GPSMap, StreetPilot, xImage