Message Board
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| I updated Windows 11 and now GRUB is not displaying. |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2023-10-25 | Message #m468 |
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Problem: After updating Windows 11 on my Lenovo Legion 5, GRUB no longer displayed when rebooting. Whaaat? But I want to boot up Ubuntu now. Answer: For me, the boot order got changed (by Windows?) in UEFI BIOS. * Restart your computer * Keep tapping the F2 key (or on some computers press Del) as it restarts * UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) BIOS will display * Look at the boot order and place Ubuntu at the top * Now GRUB displays once again allowing dual-boot! This article has some tips for finding BIOS keys by manufacturer: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bios-keys-to-access-your-firmware,5732.html For the interested and curious, a Wikipedia article about BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS |
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| Why is the power light red on my Lenovo Legion? |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2023-10-22 | Message #m467 |
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Situation: The power light on my Lenovo Legion laptop is red?? Whaaat?! What does that mean? Answer: I have a number of custom keyboard shortcuts set up and I inadvertently pressed Fn+Q. This is the keyboard shortcut for switching power modes: * Red = performance mode (for gaming etc.) - will tend to run hotter * White = balanced mode (the default) * Blue = power-saving mode (helpful in extending battery charge) - will lose some performance for certain tasks Fn+Q cycles through all three. |
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| VLC on Ubuntu won't play my audio CD?! |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2023-10-20 | Message #m466 |
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Problem: In the "Media" menu, I choose "Open Disk" then leave "/dev/sr0" selected (the default) from the "Disk device" drop-down list. I click play and get an error message, "VLC is unable to open the MRL 'dvd:///dev/sr0'. Check the log for details." Solution: Ok now I look more closely! The "DVD" radio button is selected by default in "Disk Selection." * I change to the "Audio CD" radio button * Leave "Disk device" as-is with "/dev/sr0" and... * Leave the "Starting Position" as-is at "Track 0." * Now I click "Play." All tracks show up in the playlist and the correct album art is displayed! |
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| SkullCandy bluetooth earbuds - only one works? |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2023-03-17 | Message #m452 |
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Problem: I put my usual wireless earbuds on and only one has sound. Whaaaat? They were working just fine. Did one fail? As it turns out, not at all! Solution: My earbuds needed to be reset. Why? Gremlins? Here is how. * With the buds in your ears, hold each sensor/button down for 6 seconds until you hear "power off." * Forget/remove the buds in your device's Bluetooth settings and turn Bluetooth off. * Take the buds out of your ears, hold each sensor button down for about 10 seconds, and wait for the LEDs to go dark. * Put the buds back in the case for a few seconds shutting the lid, then open the case insuring both LEDs are red. * Place the buds back in your ears so as to turn your device's Bluetooth back on and re-pair the buds. I found very similar answers out there in the forums but this is what worked for me! |
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| Speedtest.net displays wrong provider? |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2022-12-11 | Message #m448 |
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Problem: Speedtest.net displays the wrong provider? What?? Verify current IP#. Run the test again. Provider displays T-Mobile, but I'm connected to Comcast! Solution: Restarted browser and all is well? Then I remember, I needed my phone's hotspot last night. Ah hah! Without closing the browser, I put my laptop to sleep and awakened it today - and yes I'm currently connected with Comcast. |
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| Camera on Lenovo Legion stopped working |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2022-11-30 | Message #m447 |
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Problem: I wish to use my Legion laptop for a video call and... my camera isn't working!? I am puzzled because I've used this cam a number of times with no problems. Solution: Look closely - *very* closely for a small switch or toggle just above the cam as you face the screen. It had been accidentally switched to the off/closed position probably when opening or closing the lid. I moved the switch to the right, which is back to the on/open position. NOTE: Hats off to my daughter, Myra, who had spent days online searching for the answer to a nearly identical problem related to another laptop. Thank you! |
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| Copy files from Linux to Windows |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2022-09-23 | Message #m444 |
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Problem I'm running Windows 11 on one machine and I need to securely copy files from another computer running Ubuntu 18.04. However, this should work with a few different OS versions. Win10, Ubuntu 20.04, etc. Solution The example here copies all Open Office format files ending in .odt to the current directory on Windows. * "someUser" is replaced by the relevant user on both machines, first on Linux, then on Windows * "192.168.1.42" is replaced with the target IP# or host name, which allows copying locally or through the Internet * Notice the colon character following 192.168.1.42 * Next comes the source file path * Finally, the dot character indicates a destination at the current folder, but this can be any file path scp someUser@192.168.1.42:/home/someUser/Documents/invoices/*.odt . |
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| Disable Firefox session resume after crash |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2022-09-12 | Message #m443 |
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Problem Firefox attempts to restore all tabs / session after a crash or unexpected shutdown. I find this rarely successful and I want to disable it. Running Firefox 104.0 (64-bit) on Ubuntu 20.04 Solution * In the address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter * This message (or something similar) displays Proceed with Caution Changing advanced configuration preferences can impact Firefox performance or security * Click the button labeled "Accept the risk and continue" (or something similar) * In the resulting search field, type "browser.sessionstore.resume_from_crash" * Change the value "true" to "false" (for me, it was a double click) That's it! This value can always be changed back to "true." This helpful tidbit was found at: https://askubuntu.com/questions/426443/how-do-i-disable-restore-previous-session-in-mozilla-firefox |
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| Twitter in iFrame not showing in FireFox |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2019-09-09 | Message #m431 |
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Problem: Just recently, in the past week or so, my Twitter feed contained in an iframe on my website stopped displaying in desktop Firefox. I haven't encountered this with Firefox installed on various Android versions, 4.x, 6.x or 9.x running on various mobile devices. Solution (at least for now): * Open a new window or tab in Firefox * In the address bar, type about:config * Click the "I'll be careful, I promise!" button... then please do be careful! :) (If you are uncertain at this point, ask someone more experienced with Firefox for help) * In the search bar type "security.mixed_content.block_active_content" * Double-click this item to change it from the default TRUE to FALSE Discussion at StackOverflow.com: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/18373592/iframe-contents-cant-appear-in-firefox#18767241 NOTE: Dear Reader, I *will* be working to resolve this for the typical user. Meanwhile, Mozilla has been more security-conscious than many other browser projects, so before we send any angry crowds with flaming torches and pitch forks marching up the hill, let's consider the many problems and level of harm caused by personal information hacks and identity theft - then compare that to a bit of inconvenience. Stay tuned and thanks so much for visiting! -Rick |
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| FTP config file HP Media Vault MV2010 |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2018-12-20 | Message #m416 |
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Question: Where is the config file for the FTP server daemon on my HP MV2010? Answer: /etc/vsftpd.conf This file begins with the following... # Example config file /etc/vsftpd.conf # # The default compiled in settings are fairly paranoid. This sample file # loosens things up a bit, to make the ftp daemon more usable. # Please see vsftpd.conf.5 for all compiled in defaults. # # READ THIS: This example file is NOT an exhaustive list of vsftpd options. # Please read the vsftpd.conf.5 manual page to get a full idea of vsftpd's # capabilities. # Problem: Whaaat?!? I don't have man on my MV2010 to view this info! Solution: Read man pages for vsftpd(8) and vsftpd.conf(5) at these URLs https://linux.die.net/man/8/vsftpd https://linux.die.net/man/5/vsftpd.conf NOTE: Linux man pages may be found online at a number of sites - * I recommend searching with https://www.DuckDuckGo.com * These search words provide a pretty good place to begin: "linux man pages vsftpd vsftpd.conf" |
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| Arris Modem TG862 Login Error |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2018-11-05 | Message #m415 |
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Problem: Every 24 to 48 hours or so, an attempted login to my Arris TG862 DOCSIS 3 modem would result in an error. ............................................................................................................. UPDATE!! 01/21/2019 * I eventually had the very same problem recur! - The "Unknown Model()!" message was displayed as before requiring a reboot of the modem. - This is part of login-time checks performed much by, or exclusively with JavaScript. * At one login, I noticed a connected WiFi device called "Pink Fuzzy Unicorns". Uh oh! - WiFi is not enabled on the modem and it is in Bridge Mode. - A LinkSys/Cisco router is handling all routing and WiFi inside. * Rebooting made the bogus device disappear, but what was going on? A hack? * I then changed my password (which was due anyway) as part of "process of elimination" trouble-shooting. Now, the battery always shows an 86% charge and the login has not failed in some time. I am doing more research, but I suspect a brute-force password hack is possible. Hey Arris, what's up with no special characters allowed in a password??? Ok, I will be using regularly-changed yet longer and weirder random passwords as much as possible. ............................................................................................................. Posted 11/05/2018 * A dialog displaying the message "Unknown Model()!" would appear on any device. Upon a full power-down/power-up including unplugging power cord and removing battery, the login would function normally again for a day or two. BUT... lather, rinse, repeat got very old. * I noticed that the battery percentage was unusually low upon logging in to check status, and remained very low, always somewhere well below 50%. I didn't think much of this at first as the battery is due to be replaced. Solution: I decided to try a soft-boot from the admin interface. Problem fixed. * Monitoring the modem to determine if anything was different, the battery level came back up to normal. (this slightly old battery reads 86%, normal for it) * Logging in has not failed since! NOTES: Best guess, the battery had somehow gotten in an odd state providing wrong info to the modem. Or perhaps it was Romulan force fields. The TARDIS got too close? Hmm ;-) |
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| Insecure Login Message in Firefox |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2018-04-25 | Message #m408 |
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Problem: Firefox repeatedly displays a login warning for every HTTP site (not HTTPS sites). Ok I understand the message and the risk, but I don't want to see this message EVERY time I select the same field on the same site! Quick Fix: Press [Esc] to clear the warning box (yes, it often covers other fields you would like to see) Fix: Disable the warning. * In a new Tab, enter about:config * In the search bar, type insec * Double-click the security.insecure_field_warning.contextual.enabled Preference Name * Verify that the value true is changed to false WARNING: - If you are uncertain about any of the above, please don't attempt these changes without assistance. It is possible to damage your installation of Firefox! - If you are uncertain about your logins or any site is unfamiliar, stick with HTTPS sites. It is possible for your login info to be intercepted! Helpful link: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1199382 |
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| Positioning images in LibreOffice Writer |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2017-10-24 | Message #m406 |
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Problem: I just inserted an image on a page in Writer. I want to adjust its position very precisely, but I can't find the tool to do so. (In this case anchoring to "page" and setting flow to "through" yielded the intended result, placing the image over the top of some existing text.) Solution: * Verified that Tools/Options/LibreOffice Writer/Grid/Snap to Grid was UNchecked. * Selected the image, then used [Alt] + [arrow key]. Fine tuning position made easy! |
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| Ensignia (SquirrelMail) hack |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2017-10-16 | Message #m405 |
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Problem:When checking email with Ensignia, which is really SquirrelMail, a file attemps to load or download * It's name is ensignia.html * It's source is dl.dropboxusercontent.com * It refers to a remote JavaScript file at "www DOT dropbox DOT com/static/api/1/dropins.js" Solution: (at least a workaround for Firefox users until investigated further) * Install the FireFox add-on "Block site" from https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/blocksite/ * In Block site's preferences, add dl.dropboxuser.com * Block site's notifications may be disabled |
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| Firefox 39.0 Doesn't Provide Hiding NavBar |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2015-07-25 | Message #m388 |
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Issue: I miss being able to hide the navigation toolbar in recent version(s) of Firefox. Solution: * Browse to https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/hide-navigation-bar/ * Install "Hide Navigation Bar 1.41.1-signed" * Restart Firefox NOTE: Hotkey may be customized if you don't prefer the default F2 key. Other behaviors may be customized. (See: Add-ons Manager) |
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| Libre Office Spreadsheet - Adding Months |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2015-01-16 | Message #m386 |
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Problem:Using LibreOffice Calc, I want to add a one or more months to a date. Solution:Use the edate() function as below. edate([date-value],[months]) * date-value may be literal as a quoted date string or a reference to a date cell * months is a whole number of months to add (positive value) or subtract (negative value) |
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| FireFTP error in Firefox v32.0 |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2014-09-05 | Message #m382 |
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Problem: When attempting to edit a FireFTP account after a recent update on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS running Firefox v32.0, an error similar to the following appeared. XML Parsing Error: undefined entity Location: chrome://fireftp/content/accountManager.xul Line Number 216, Column 17: <menu label="&charsetMenuMore1.label;" accesskey="&charsetMenuMore1.accesskey;"datasources="rdf:charset-menu" ref="NC:BrowserMore1CharsetMenuRoot"> ----------------^ Fix: * Found this helpful post https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1047766 * Followed this link from the post https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1047766 * Installed the FireFTP addon * Restarted Firefox Everything appears to be functioning normally now although the post includes further discussion. Thanks to "Mime ÄŒuvalo" for the Aug 11, 2014 post. |
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| Quantum Cryptography |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2014-02-16 | Message #m379 |
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The following sites provide relevant information about Quantum Key Distribution DARPA http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0503058 NIST http://w3.antd.nist.gov/qin/index.shtml TOSHIBA https://www.toshiba-europe.com/research/crl/qig/quantumkeyserver.html SECOQC http://vcq.quantum.at/publications/all-publications/details/643.html SWISS http://swissquantum.idquantique.com/?-Quantum-Cryptography-# |
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| HP Media Vault MV2010 telnet access |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2013-09-05 | Message #m375 |
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Problem; I wish OS/shell access to my MV2010 and the typically documented access is web-based only. This device's OS is BusyBox Linux. Solution: * Browse to the following link in a browser on a machine in the Media Vault's network * Click the "enable telnet" button http://hpmediavault/image/hptelnet.asp * Now telnet to the device with its IP number - example telnet 192.168.1.199 * Note that you may need to use your own assigned network name in place of "hpmediavault" or the device's IP address - examples http://devicename/image/hptelnet.asp http://192.168.1.199/image/hptelnet.asp * The physical path of this file is /www/English/image/hptelnet.asp |
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| Bad Sectors - Failing Hard Drive? |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2012-12-10 | Message #m357 |
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Problem: Error message something similar to "ata2 error 16" displays after GRUB menu. Shut down, restart, no errors - what next? Fix: Linux RUN DIAGNOSTICS (I'm using Fedora) Run the SMART diagnostics utility found in Applications/System Tools/Disk Utility. * Select the appropriate hard drive device in the tree to the left * Click the "SMART Data" button (may require enabling in BIOS) * Make note of any problems in the status report * Click the "Run Self Test" button for a current test * I recommend selecting Extended The smartctl command may also be used (your drive device's path is displayed in the Disk Utility - look for the "Device:" label) * smartctl -H /dev/sda (general Health) * smartctl -a /dev/sda (more info) * man smartctl (more about using this utility) ADVANCED Users - This is NOT a complete discussion of these commands * The badblocks command (ex: badblocks -v /dev/sda1) -> Searches for bad sectors -> Defaults to non-destructive read only mode -> READ man badblocks * The fsck command (ex: fsck -t ext4 /dev/sda1) -> Will attempt bad sector repairs -> The filesystem being checked MUST be UNmounted! -> READ man fsck! Fix: Windows RUN DIAGNISTICS (I'm using Win7) * Open "Computer" or "My Computer" * Right click the appropriate hard drive device (usually C:) * Select "Properties" * In the newly-displayed dialogue (window), click the "Tools" tab * Under Error Checking, click "Check Now" -> Select "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" (I recommend) -> Select "Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" (I recommend) ADVANCED Users - This is NOT a complete discussion of this command * The chkdsk command (ex: chkdsk c: /f) -> Attempts bad sector repairs -> Forces a dismount if necessary -> READ "chkdsk /?" or "help chkcsk"! Finally BAD SECTORS? * Should I... -> Burn more time attempting to fix the sectors? NO, NO, NO -> Image the hard drive to make reinstall faster and easier? NO, NO, NYET * I MUST... -> Backup important files, backup important files, backup important files -> Replace the hard drive -> Reinstall OS & software * Copy the files backup to the new drive |
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| Another New Thread |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2011-11-15 | Message #m337 |
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Check out the new SQL Server thread for issues focused on SQL Server management and development. -Rick |
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| New Thread! |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2011-02-11 | Message #m327 |
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Check out the new web development thread for all things PHP, ASP, JavaScript, HTML, MySQL, SQL Server, Flash, etc... and their relationship to development in the web environment. -Rick |
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| Comcast Email Settings |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2011-01-10 | Message #m325 |
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Problem: I need settings and server names for setting up Comcast email in my chosen utility. Fix: * POP3 mail.comcast.net (receiving) * SMTP smtp.comcast.net (sending) * Username and Password are the same as for web email |
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| Web Ad Blocking! |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2010-12-30 | Message #m321 |
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Hey all you techies and web surfers, tired of all those annoying ads while you browse? Check out userContent.css for FireFox and etc.! What? You're using Internet Exploder? I'm so sorry! ;-) Look here to get a pre-made download and instructions. http://www.floppymoose.com/ NOTE: I added the following line to the beginning of the first section of rules A:link[HREF*="imwx.com"] IMG, /* added for weather.com */ |
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| Enhanced Editing! |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2010-09-05 | Message #m312 |
| Users may now edit messages since it's a lot easier than deleting and re-entering a message... I know I know! (It took me long enough) ;-) | |||
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| Message Delete Added |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2007-06-12 | Message #m127 |
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Users may now delete only their own messages when logged on. Other users or those who are only viewing this blog cannot affect messages posted by logged on users. So, if you do typos (like I do occasionally), then you can start over. ;-) Enjoy.
-Rick |
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| Message Formatting |
Submitted By:
rburton rburton@datapathways.com |
2007-06-01 | Message #m107 |
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The use of HTML tags for underline, bold, and Italics has been added.
Double space characters will now display along with new lines. When clicking the New Message button, this info appears on the posting form. Hyperlinks are not allowed but URLs may be underlined for clarity. -Rick |
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| The Awesomeness |
Submitted By:
Michael michael.burton@datapathways.com |
2007-05-07 | Message #m82 |
| This is really cool! Gets better with every iteration. | |||
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