December 2007 - Posts

• Community Credit - They give stupid prizes to smart people

  In my last post about joining the geekswithblogs community, I mentioned the Community Credit folks.  The wonderful thing about the GeeksWithBlogs is that it automatically submits blog postings for community credit.  I had originally thought I wasn't going to bother with it, after all who wants to enter in everything you do into their webform.  But since I only have to add manual things like organizing events and attending user groups, it makes it much easier. I'm also working with David Silverlight to hopefully get his CS plugin to work with CS 2007!  Right now I'm in 11th place at Community Credit, but hopefully by tomorrow I'll be somewhere around 8th or 9th. David Silverlight runs the following websites: http://www.xmlpitstop.com http://www.nonprofitways.com http://www.community-credit.com http://www.DwightBobbleheads.com Posted Dec 30 2007, 01:38 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Misc, Internet, NWA DNUG

• More Vagus Nerve information

  As previously mentioned in my blog, one of my vagus nerves has been resected (removed).  Over the past 2 years I've had dose after dose of antibiotics fighting one thing or another. The document presented here on Scitific Blogging further indicates the link of the vagus nerve to fighting infections.   "And stimulating the vagus nerve sent commands to the immune system to stop pumping out toxic inflammatory markers." Posted Dec 29 2007, 07:50 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Personal

• The newest GeeksWithBlogs member - cross postings from www.mysoftwarestartup.com

  In my role as INETA Membership Mentor I hooked up with Jeff Julian while trying to process his Office User Group application through INETA.  I had heard about GeeksWithBlogs but hadn't ever had an opportunity get familiarize myself with it.  Jeff and I got to talking through e-mail and I joined as one of the members.  I am now cross-posting my technical posts there and since then my readership has gone up quite a bit.  Plus they've helped me automate some submittals to www.community-credit.com.  Hopefully I'll post more about Community Credit in a few days when they announce the winners for the month (I'm expecting to be one of the winners). For those that didn't know, my blog site www.mysoftwarestartup.com focuses on helping entrepreneurial software developers with both my good and bad experiences of running my business. Posted Dec 28 2007, 08:17 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Website, Accomplishments

• Get 2 FREE Vista style Icons

  I've always been a big fan of AHA-Soft.com products.  I recently received an e-mail telling me that for Christmas I could choose 2 free icons for being registered on their website.  This offer expires 12/31/2007. - Visit http://www.777icons.com/ - Select desired icons - Post you query here: http://www.777icons.com/gift.htm Posted Dec 28 2007, 05:38 AM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Gadgets, Programming

• VB.Net Code Example for a 'Sub Main' Startup for a System Tray Application with an Infragistics Context Menu

  It's easy to create an application that uses the NotifyIcon control, you simply add the control to your windows form.  There are even code examples out there that show how to add a Notify Icon through code.  However I had a really hard time finding one that started up from 'Sub Main'.  Add in the fact that I use Infragistics controls and I couldn't find any examples of hooking up a PopupMenu Tool as the context menu ... this took me several hours to hook it all together. Enjoy ... Imports Infragistics.Win.UltraWinToolbars Public Module Startup     Private WithEvents SystemTrayIcon As New System.Windows.Forms.NotifyIcon     Private WithEvents ToolbarManager As UltraToolbarsManager     Private ContextMenu As PopupMenuTool     Public Sub Main()         SystemTrayIcon.Icon = New System.Drawing.Icon(".\Images\Keys.ico")         SystemTrayIcon.Visible = True         CreateContextMenu()         Windows.Forms.Application.Run()     End Sub     Private Sub CreateContextMenu()         Dim CurrentTool As ButtonTool         ToolbarManager = New UltraToolbarsManager         ContextMenu = New PopupMenuTool("ContextMenu")         ToolbarManager.Tools.Add(ContextMenu)         CurrentTool = New ButtonTool("Help")         CurrentTool.SharedProps.Caption = "&Help"         CurrentTool.SharedProps.AppearancesSmall.Appearance.Image = System.Drawing.Image.FromFile(".\Images\help.png")         ToolbarManager.Tools.Add(CurrentTool)         CurrentTool = New ButtonTool("About")         CurrentTool.SharedProps.Caption = "&About"         ToolbarManager.Tools.Add(CurrentTool)         CurrentTool = New ButtonTool("Exit")         CurrentTool.SharedProps.Caption = "E&xit"         ToolbarManager.Tools.Add(CurrentTool)         CurrentTool = ContextMenu.Tools.AddTool("Help")         CurrentTool.InstanceProps.IsFirstInGroup = True         CurrentTool = ContextMenu.Tools.AddTool("About")         CurrentTool = ContextMenu.Tools.AddTool("Exit")         CurrentTool.InstanceProps.IsFirstInGroup = True         ToolbarManager.SetContextMenuUltra(SystemTrayIcon, "ContextMenu")     End Sub     Private Sub ToolbarManager_ToolClick(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As Infragistics.Win.UltraWinToolbars.ToolClickEventArgs) Handles ToolbarManager.ToolClick         Select Case e.Tool.Key             Case "Exit"                 Windows.Forms.Application.Exit()             Case "About"             Case "Help"         End Select     End Sub End Module Posted Dec 28 2007, 05:28 AM by Randy Walker with 2 comment(s)

• Founder of Yahoo! Groups dies in airplane crash in Panama - 12 yr old survives

  Michael Klein's plane was found on Christmas Day containing the bodies of his 13 year old daughter, pilot and himself.  Michael Klein was the President and CEO of eGroups, Inc. before it was sold to Yahoo! in 2000 and is now known as Yahoo! Groups.  He was traveling to or from his personal eco resort in Panama when the plane went down.  The survivor was a friend of his daughter. While this doesn't have any current impact on technology, I found that it was interesting, if not ironic in some sense.  He was 37 when he died, not much older than I or a majority of other industry influencers.  And I say ironic because just like rock singers who make it rich, he too died in a plane crash.  It's definitely sad that his daughter passed away since it leaves her mother behind.  But at least the girl's friend is going to live. Posted Dec 26 2007, 12:28 AM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Misc, Internet

• Go Green, Say no to Fireplace and Yes to Yule Log

  Just think about how much greenhouse gasses you can save if you don't fire up the fireplace, but instead turn your TV on and watch your favorite Yule Log show.  Set your DVR to WGN from 1:30 to 4:30 or you can watch it all day on Christmas on MOJO in HD from 6AM to 8PM.  There are a few local TV stations that also broadcast it, so check your cable or satellite provider. You can find out more about the history of the Yule log by visiting Slate and watching their video.  If you didn't know, the Yule Log is a tv show of a fire burning in a fireplace.  I suppose the old screensaver of an aquarium got it's origins from the Yule Log. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you remember the real reason for the season, celebrating Christ's birth. Posted Dec 23 2007, 11:35 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Misc

• Microsoft's Download Center new Beta uses Silverlight

  I was very pleasantly surprised when I got this popup while looking for some Vista Power Tools.  Low and behold, it does actually use it, however I didn't see anything impressive about their implementation.  You can access the beta by using the following URL. http://www.microsoft.com/beta/downloads/Default.aspx Posted Dec 23 2007, 06:03 AM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Microsoft

• Updated MSDN Flash features Zain Naboulsi

  The MSDN Flash e-Newsletter has been updated with a reorganization of the way it is laid out.  One of the most surprising things was a familiar mug at the top of the page featuring Zain Naboulsi, our MSDN and X-Box Evangelist for our area.  Congratz on the feature Zain! It was terrific seeing the User Group section being second on the list, which will hopefully drive more people to attending our events. You can register for the newsletter here. Posted Dec 18 2007, 04:19 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Microsoft

• Intuit tells you to Join the Entrepreneurial Revolution

  While doing my normal routine and checking out Facebook this morning, I happened to come across the What Kind of Entrepreneur Are You? Quiz.  Of course I had to take it, even though I was somewhat worried it would tell me "You have no entrepreneurial skills, get out now!"  Fortunately, I received the attached picture telling me I was a "Natural Born CEO".  Well the whole purpose of this posting was to tell you about Intuit's new initiative for startup companies.  You can download their free Simple Start 2008 edition (however why would you, when Microsoft's is better?).  You can also network and connect with others as well as get other free help.  It looks like it could be a decent resource. Note that the entry period for the grant is over. http://jumpup.intuit.com Posted Dec 17 2007, 07:45 PM by Randy Walker with no comments

• Microsoft Affiliate Network - Earn $ for AdCenter, Toolbar & OneCare Referrals

  Microsoft has a new program called their "Affiliate Network" which is in Beta.  Just like Google's AdSense program which pays you for displaying ads on your website, Microsoft hopes to encourage people to help advertise it's programs. While their website does not indicate what you will receive in compensation or the terms, however according to the Microsoft Partner Program "Innovate on Windows Server 2008" initiative, it tells us you will receive $75 for signing up and $100 per customer in exchange for getting people to sign up for AdCenter (Microsoft's online search engine ad delivery system). Depending on the non disclosure they have us agree too, I'll try and update what the benefits are. You can signup for the program here at http://microsoftaffiliates.net/ (Update: I found the following blog post indicating $1.50 per OneCare trial user http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/archives/2007/06/06/microsoft-starting-affiliate-network/) Posted Dec 16 2007, 01:32 AM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: ISV, Microsoft, Business Help, Partner Program, Advertising

• Free $150 towards Microsoft AdCenter Search Engine online ads

  As part of the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Certification program, the Microsoft Partner Program is offering $150 credit to the first 5000 partners who sign up.  You can find out more here: https://microsoft.mrmpslc.com/InnovateOnWindowsServer/KeywordAdvertising.aspx or you can just signup at https://adcenter.microsoft.com with the code MSPP-150QL-08. Note that it requires $5 to sign up. Supposedly you can also receive $75 credit for signing up for the Microsoft Referral Program and $100 for each customer you sign up.  I'll talk more about this in a follow up blog. Posted Dec 16 2007, 01:14 AM by Randy Walker with 1 comment(s) Filed under: ISV, Microsoft, Business Help, Partner Program, Advertising

• Free & Discounted Logo Testing for Windows Server 2008 Certifications

  Just as with Windows Vista logo program, Microsoft is either giving away free certifications or reducing the price on their Logo certifications for Windows Server 2008.  This time, they are calling it their Innovate on Windows Server initiative. If you want your application tested for FREE, you must be one of the first 300 to submit by February 2008 and part of the ISV Microsoft Partner program (note that VeriSign will charge you money though).  This is only good towards the "Works with Windows Server 2008" program.  After February, the test fee is a mere $500 through June 30, 2008. The Certified for Windows Server 2008 also has some significant discounts as well as some marketing benefits if you certify early.  You can read more about all of the benefits for both programs here on Microsoft's website. One of the things I noticed is different, is that you now have to use a Microsoft Product Identification Tool.  Note that these tests can be a real pain, but can alleviate your customers minds and give you some marketing capital (as in something to create buzz for your customers). The next step is creating a Winqual Account with VeriSign, which will actually cost you some money.  The last time I attempted this program on Windows Vista, since my company is completely virtual, I had difficulties signing up with VeriSign.  We'll see if that continues as I attempt to do this program.  As such, I have a very bad view of VeriSign.  Especially considering their web certificates are so expensive. The second to last step is signing up with either VeriTest or Wipro.  I haven't ever gotten this far, so I don't have any words of wisdom. Lastly you're supposed to submit your test logs for verification. I'll try and update you all as I go through the process. http://microsoft.mrmpslc.com/InnovateOnWindowsServer/ Posted Dec 16 2007, 12:52 AM by Randy Walker with no comments

• Tulsa InstallFest = Tons of fun

  A big thanks goes out to Chris Koenig and the Tulsa DNUG for hosting the Tulsa InstallFest on 12/3/2007.  Several of us from Northwest Arkansas .Net User Group traveled over there and participated in the fun.  A big shoutout to Jay Smith for volunteering and driving us over there. Both Jay and I helped Chris register people for the event and I enjoyed getting to see some people I haven't seen in a while from the Tulsa DNUG. Whatever Chris Koenig says about his drumming skills in Rock Band, DON'T BELIEVE HIM!  He definitely showed me up. Important Links: Chris's blog posting on the event: http://blogs.msdn.com/chkoenig/archive/2007/12/04/tulsa-installfest-was-awesome.aspx Jay's blog posting on the event: http://www.jaysmith.us/Home/tabid/101/EntryID/43/Default.aspx Tulsa DNUG: www.tulsadnug.org NWA DNUG: www.nwadnug.org Thanks to Buddy Lindsey for taking Pictures: http://buddylindsey.com/Blog/post/2007/12/Installfest-Tulsa.aspx Note that the registration site to get your free Visual Studio 2008 Pro license won't be up until 12/12/07 per Chris's blog posting. Posted Dec 12 2007, 04:28 PM by Randy Walker with no comments

• Northwest Arkansas MSDN Express Event a Success!

  On December 4th, the first inaugural MSDN Express event was a resounding success.  We had around 17 in attendance and learned a lot about some of Microsoft's new technologies.  A big thank you goes out to Zain Naboulsi, our MSDN Developer Evangelist.  Zain, on his own initiative is helping put Northwest Arkansas on the roadmap for Microsoft's Evangelism team.  It's been a long time coming that our region has seen some focus and the ability to draw in such high level talent. A big thanks to Jay Smith for creating a .Net app which randomly selected a winner of the door prizes.  The door prizes given away were: Visual Studio 2008 Professional (Donated by me) Microsoft Office (courtesy of Zain) Microsoft Mouse & other goodies I can't remember (courtesy of Zain) Visual Studio 2008 T-Shirt (every attendee received one, thx to the Tulsa InstallFest) I hope more of you will in the area will get the word out and participate in such great events. Here are some important links: Zain Naboulsi's Blog Posting on the event: http://blogs.msdn.com/zainnab/archive/2007/12/05/msdn-express-is-a-success.aspx Northwest Arkansas .Net User Group: http://www.nwadnug.org Jay Smith's Blog Posting: http://www.jaysmith.us A big thanks goes out to New Horizons for providing the meeting place: http://www.nhark.com Posted Dec 12 2007, 04:22 PM by Randy Walker with 3 comment(s)