INFORBIRO RSS Blog Articles

GIMP 2.8 - What's New

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:35:37 -0500

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open source software image retouching and editing tool[4] and is freely available in versions tailored for most popular operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux.

The latest stable release of GIMP is v2.8 and it seems that it includes many changes, most of them are related to the user interface. This version is available for all main operating systems.

We provide some of the main improvements in GIMP 2.8.

Single Window Mode

This is probably the biggest change available in new version. But it is not enabled by default, in order to turn it on you need to select in the menu:

Windows -> Single Window Mode

Group Layers

This is also one of the most wanted feature, especially by Photoshop users. Now you can group layers and show and hide sets of layers or change their position together, delete them or do whatever you want. This way you can save your time working on many layers at the same time.

Image Navigation

The single window features brings new navigation system for different tabs opened at the same time. Tabs are located above image with a little thumbnail representing image it contains. The navigation between opened canvases is much faster and easier thanks to this feature.

Customisable Toolbars

Toolbars in the earlier GIMP versions couldn't be easily organized, or couldn't be organized at all. Users are now allowed to rearrange toolbars to suit their needs very easily. You can organize your workspace at your will.

Text editing on canvas

So far, GIMP displayed new window for adding text to the working canvas, but now users can edit text directly inside the canvas.

Tip: You need to highlight the text in order to make changes take effect.

Brushes

There are improvement in working with brushes and their organisation, too. They can now be easier find and one new feature, never present before, brushed can be rotated.

Users can tagg and categorize brushes, patterns and gradients and filter them by tags.

Very useful feature is that brushes have an outline of the area that a brush will cover.

Conclusion

It seems that this is the version with the most new long-awaited features so far. Improvements were made both in the user interface as well as in the code.

And what is the most important GIMP is still free software!

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- Geeky Business Cards Created With GIMP

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SilverStripe - How to Logout Inactive Users

Sun, 13 May 2012 05:57:00 -0500

SilverStripe content management system is near version 3, the latest stable version that will be released in several months, and we continue to provide SilverStripe tips and tricks to you.

This article shows how to logout inactive user after some period of time.

First, you need to make changes in the init() function in the Page.php file, class Page_Controller:

...
function init() { 
	parent:: init();
	
	// Call function to logout inactive user
	self::logoutInactiveUser(); 
}
...

After this modification, create the function that will actually logout inactive user after some period of inactivity:

/**
* The function will logout a user after certain amount of time
*
*/
function logoutInactiveUser() { 
	// Set inactivity to half an hour (converted to seconds)
	$inactivityLimit = 30 * 60;
	
	// Get value from session
	$sessionStart = Session::get('session_start_time'); 
	if (isset($sessionStart)) {
		$elapsed_time = time() - Session::get('session_start_time');
		// If elapsed time is greater or equal to inactivity period, logout user
		if ($elapsed_time >= $inactivityLimit) { 
			$member = Member::currentUser(); 
			if($member) {
				// Logout member
				$member->logOut();
			}
			// Clear session
			Session::clear_all();
			// Redirect user to the login screen
			Director::redirect(Director::baseURL() . 'Security/login'); 
		} 
	}
	
	// Set new value
	Session::set('session_start_time', time()); 
}

Now, all users that were inactive in the last 30 minutes will be automatically logout from SilverStripe and redirected to the login page.

- SilverStripe Tips and Tricks

- How to Migrate SilverStripe CMS to Another Server

- Grid Field Tutorial

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SQL Server - Get Column Name and Type From Table

Sun, 13 May 2012 05:56:54 -0500

Microsoft SQL Server provides two methods for obtaining meta data: system stored procedures or information schema views.

Here are the SQL snippets for getting meta information about a database table in SQL Server. These queries could provide answer to the following requests:

How to get the name of all columns of a table in SQL Server
How to get colum and field type in SQL Server
How to get meta data about SQL Server table

Solution #1

SELECT COLUMN_NAME, DATA_TYPE, CHARACTER_MAXIMUM_LENGTH
FROM information_schema.columns
WHERE TABLE_NAME = [table_name]
ORDER BY COLUMN_NAME

Solution #2

SELECT * FROM sys.columns
WHERE object_id = OBJECT_ID('dbo.[table_name]')

We prefer the first solution over the second one (that gets information from "sys.columns") because in the frist case the query shows DATA_TYPE directly.

- SQL Server Tips and Tricks

- SQL Tips and Tricks

- How to Update a Table From Another Table With SQL

- How to Change Column Size using SQL

Ubuntu 12.04 - Most Common Problems and Solutions

Sun, 13 May 2012 05:56:44 -0500

Although Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin is LTS release, long term supported and stable GNU/Linux version, it has some issues.

We provide the list with the most common Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin problems and their solutions.

This article is regularly updated, so stay tuned!

Ubuntu 12.04 can't restart

Issue

Ubuntu 12.04 can't restart following the standard reboot procedure:

Click system button in upper right corner > Shut down... > Restart button

It ends up in a black screen.

Solution

The reason for the problem could be a BIOS issue or the hardware setup of the system

1) Enter the command in the terminal

sudo gedit /etc/default/grub

2) Find GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="" and change it to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX=”reboot=efi”

3) Save the file and run the command:

sudo update-grub

If this is not working, try with some other parameter instead of efi (i.e.: reboot=efi). For detailed list of available parameters read this article.

There is no "Show Desktop" option

Issue

By default, Ubuntu 12.04 doesn't have enabled options to show desktop except using shortcut keys Ctrl+Super+D (the Super button is the Windows button in the most cases)

Solution

Show Desktop in Ubuntu 12.04 via CompizConfig Settings Manager (the first way)

1) Install and run CompizConfig Settings Manager

2) Click on Desktop category on left sidebar

3) Click on Ubuntu Unity Plugin

4) Select the Experimental tab

5) Mark option Show "Desktop Icon" in the launcher

The desktop icon will appear in the Unity launcher and you can click on it in order to show desktop.

For more ways to show desktop in Ubuntu 12.04 read this article.

Unity launcher auto hide problem

Issue

Many users compain that after enabling Unity Launcher auto hide, it doesn't show when cursor is moved to the left edge of the screen in Ubuntu 12.04.

Solution

The trick here is not how hard the mouse cursor is moved to the left screen edge but how far (or fast). Here are the steps that could help you in using the launcher in the way you like:

1) Install CompizConfig Settings Manager (known by its shortname CCSM)

2) After the installation, start CompizConfig Settings Manager

3) Go to Desktop > Ubuntu Unity Plugin > Experimental tab

4) Find the option "Launcher Reveal Pressure"

5) Default value is 20, but you can change it to any lower

Hibernate option missing

Issue

Ubuntu 12.04 doesn't have enabled hibernate feature by default, but you can enable it if your hardware supports hibernation.

Solution

1) Create file

/etc/polkit-1/localauthority/50-local.d/com.ubuntu.desktop.pkla

2) Add the content:

[Re-enable hibernate by default]

Identity=unix-user:*

Action=org.freedesktop.upower.hibernate

ResultActive=yes

3) Save the file, restart the machine and new menu item should appear under the system button in upper right corner

"Ubuntu 12.04 has experienced an internal error" message

Issue

Ubuntu 12.04 contains error reporting system named Apport that can send error information to Ubuntu center in case that something goes wrong on your system. There could be many reported issues caused with various reasons displaying the message error:

"Sorry, Ubuntu 12.04 has experienced an internal error"

Solution

The only solution to stop displaying error messages is to disable the Apport, the error reporting system:

1) Run the command

sudo gedit /etc/default/apport

2) Change the value of the "enabled" parameter from "1" to "0"

3) Save changes

Unity Launcher Hiding Behind Other Windows

Issue

In some cases, Unity Launcher goes in the background, behind all windows and the Unity Shell, and it's not possible to move it to the frontend, in front all other windows (what is its default and normal behavior). This happens no matter whether you enabled Unity Launcher auto hide option or not. Usualy, GIMP causes this annoying Unity Launcher's behavior.

Solution

Sometime, after some further use and without any additional actions, the computer could freeze for a brief moment and Unity Launcher and Dash could continue to work properly. If this doesn't happen here is the way to restart unity launcher without destroying the session and avoiding computer restarting:

1) Start terminal

2) Enter the following command:

sudo unity&disown

3) Hit Enter button

Screen will flick a few times and after that everything will be back again.

Can't change Ubuntu 12.04 default font

Issue

There is no configuration option for changing default font type and size in Ubuntu 12.04

Solution

1) Instal gnome tweak tool:

sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool

2) Start gnome tweak tool either by click on Dash Home and entering "advanced settings" or typing command "gnome-tweak-tool" in the terminal

3) GNOME Tweak Tool window will appear

4) Select the Fonts section on the left

5) Choose your preferent default font, document, monospace and window title font as well as font size and hinting and antialiasing types.

Wireless connection doesn't remember password

Issue

Wireless connecton continue asking for password in window "Wireless Connection Authentication Required" every time the computer is started.

Solution

1) Click on the connection icon on the taskbar

2) Select the last menu item "Edit Connections..."

3) Click on the Wireless tab

4) Select you connection and click the Edit button

5) New window will appear

6) Check "Connect automatically" checkbox

7) Click "Wireless Security" tab

8) Select the connection's Security (usually it is "WEP 40/128-bit Key (Hex or ASCII)")

9) Enter your password in the Key field. You can check the "Show key" checkbox if you want to see what password you entered

10) Click "Save..." button

- How to Enable Unity Launcher Auto Hide in Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin

- Ubuntu Tips and Tricks

SQL - Delete Duplicate Rows

Sun, 13 May 2012 05:56:24 -0500

Working with data in databases could be very intensive and complex especially if you do not have experience and routine.

We still grow our knowledgebase with real-life examples that you could use. One of our favorite SQL tips and tricks is how to delete duplicate records in SQL.

Here is the syntax of query that will delete all duplicated rows except the last one.

-- SQL command deletes duplicate records
DELETE
FROM [table_name]
WHERE ID NOT IN (
	SELECT MAX([id_column])
	FROM [table_name]
	GROUP BY id_column
)

For exampe, if we want to delete duplicates in table Students with ID as an identity column we'll use the following query:

DELETE
FROM Students
WHERE ID NOT IN (
	SELECT MAX(ID)
	FROM Students
	GROUP BY ID
)

- SQL Tips and Tricks

- Ubuntu Tips and Tricks

- ocPortal Tips and Tricks

- SQL Server Tips and Tricks

SQL Tips and Tricks

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:30:26 -0500

Inforbiro is an Information Technology and Marketing Agency with its own Internet marketing network BlicKlik. We have a lot of experience in software development as well as in Internet marketing and advertising. We constantly try not only to develop great web sites, mobile, desktop or facebook applications but also to share our knowledge.

Therefore, below is a collection of SQL Tips and Tricks articles written on our company blog that could be useful to all of you.

How to Update Table From Another Table

How to Change Table Column Size

Deleting Duplicate Rows

Getting Meta Information About Table and Column in SQL Server

- SQL Server Tips and Tricks

- jQuery Tips and Tricks

- SilverStripe Tips and Tricks

- C# Tips and Tricks

C# - Sorting a List Collection of Classes With Properties

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:29:43 -0500

In one of our previous articles we described how to add values to ComboBox together with Ids in C# using class for keeping Id and Value.

Simillar to this logic, you can easily find yourself in a situation that you need to sort values in the list by some of the class property.

Here is, by our opinion, the easiest way for sorting a list collection of classes by some of its properties in C#. In this example we'll use "Name" as a class' property.

// Create the list
List<TestClass> testList = new List<TestClass>();

...
// Populate the list
...

// Sort the list by some property
testList = testList.OrderBy(p => p.Name).ToList();

- C# Tips and Tricks

- How to add values to ComboBox together with Ids in C#

- How to Change Default Enter Key Behavior in DataGridView

C# - How to Add Value with ID to Combobox

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:28:40 -0500

Combobox is a C# class that displays values in a dropdown list. Usually, it keeps simple string data only, but often we need to know an identificator of selected string value.

This article contains information how to add values with Id to combobox in C#. The trick is to use a class with properties, Id and Name and to add an instance of the class as the combobox item.

Class to be used as container for id and value:

///
/// Class for keeping atribute value and id in combobox
///
class ComboboxValue
{
	public int Id { get; private set; }
	public string Name { get; private set; }

	public ComboboxValue(int id, string name)
	{
		Id = id;
		Name = name;
	}

	public override string ToString()
	{
		return Name;
	}
}

How to use the class in the code for inserting value with id into combobox and getting from it:

...
// Create combobox
Combobox cb = new Combobox();
...
// Add class to combobox items
cb.Items.Add(new ComboboxValue(10, "Example value"));
...
// Get values from selected checkbox item
ComboboxValue tmpComboboxValue = (ComboboxValue)cb.SelectedItem;
...

- C# Tips and Tricks

- How to Remove Non Numeric Characters From String

- Changing Default Enter Key Behaviour in DataGridView

MySQL INT Field Length/Size

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:27:39 -0500

A very common question regarding integer datatype in MySQL is: "Are INT(1) and INT(10) the same?" or "What is difference between INT(1) and INT(10)?"

The answer is YES, they are actually exactly the same!

An unsigned int uses 4 bytes of data and it has the max value of 4294967295. It doesn't matter whether it is represented as INT(1) or INT(10)

What does the number in the brackets mean?

The number inside brackets is called the display width. It represents a number between 1 and 255 and you can set it for determing how many ciphers will be displayed, e.g. int(1) will display only one cipher, int(3) will display 3 ciphers.

The display width is not related to fields length and how many bytes of data will be used for data storage. It only represents display width, nothing else. If you, however, would like to use different amount of bytes you need to choose a proper datatype; for example if you will not use values above 127 and -128, you should use a tinyint.

- SQL Server Tips and Tricks

- MySQL Varchar Field Length Changing

- How to Fix Problem With Orphan Users in SQL Server

SQL - Change Column Size

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:52:42 -0500

We hope that the examples below will help you if you want to change the size of a column in SQL.

Changing the size of a column with a SQL query

The syntax for changing the size of a column with SQL query is:

ALTER TABLE [table_name] ALTER COLUMN [column_name] [data_type]

For example, if a database contains a table "Students" with column "Name" that is nvarchar(10) and you want to change it to nvarchar(100) the following query will do the job:

ALTER TABLE Students ALTER COLUMN Name nvarchar(100)

Changing the size of a column in SQL Server with the Server Manager

1) Right-click on a table

2) Click on Design

3) Change datatype of column(s)

Changing the size of a column in MySQL

1) Login to phpMyAdmin and go to a database

2) Select table which field's length you want to change in the sidebar

3) Click Structure in the top menu

4) Click Change in Action column for field which varchar length you want to change

5) Set field Length/Values to desired value

6) Save the changes

- SQL Server Tips and Tricks

- How to Return Bool From Stored Procedure in SQL Server

- How to Update Table From Another Table With SQL

- Changing VARCHAR Field Length in MySQL

INFORBIRO RSS Blog Articles

GIMP 2.8 - What's New

Single Window Mode

Group Layers

Image Navigation

Customisable Toolbars

Text editing on canvas

Brushes

Conclusion

Related Articles

SilverStripe - How to Logout Inactive Users

Related Articles

SQL Server - Get Column Name and Type From Table

Solution #1

Solution #2

Related Articles

Ubuntu 12.04 - Most Common Problems and Solutions

Ubuntu 12.04 can't restart

There is no "Show Desktop" option

Unity launcher auto hide problem

Hibernate option missing

"Ubuntu 12.04 has experienced an internal error" message

Unity Launcher Hiding Behind Other Windows

Can't change Ubuntu 12.04 default font

Wireless connection doesn't remember password

Related Articles

SQL - Delete Duplicate Rows

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SQL Tips and Tricks

How to Update Table From Another Table

How to Change Table Column Size

Deleting Duplicate Rows

Getting Meta Information About Table and Column in SQL Server

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C# - Sorting a List Collection of Classes With Properties

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C# - How to Add Value with ID to Combobox

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MySQL INT Field Length/Size

What does the number in the brackets mean?

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SQL - Change Column Size

Changing the size of a column with a SQL query

Changing the size of a column in SQL Server with the Server Manager

Changing the size of a column in MySQL

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