Hope you can use it:
http://network54.com/Realm/QBZips/CallURL.zip

Problems solved:

1) You are reading a post and there is a URL in it you would like to go to. You do a copy to get it in the Clipboard. You now have to somehow open a new explorer window or lose your current page by pasting the URL and starting.

Click on my utility and it will start the page for you without losing your place in QBasic forum!

2) You have written a program and want to post it. So you copy the program into the Clipboard. But you have to paste it in a NOTEPAD and change all double spaces to CHR$(160) to conserve spacing, etc.

Click on my utility and it will convert the Clipboard so it is ready for immediate paste on the QBasic forum!

===============

I made a shortcut and put it in my office shortcuts and it is always visible for immediate use. A real neat program!!!

Mac

any time i hit start url it just says "file not found"
WTG

- neuro

The code, which you can read, is equivalent to typing this at the prompt:

C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore

Heh - didn't think that not all people have iexplore.exe at that location.

First, please make such a directory path and copy iexplore.exe from whereever it is to the other place.

(COPY, not create shortcut)

Then try the program and let me know if it works.

If so, I will have to do whatever you were trying at one point - to find out where iexplore is on all machines.

If it doesn't, then I have a bigger problem to find.

Thanks for trying.

Mac

How about rewriting your code so the program can be reconfigured by the user? Maybe you should do it in VB.

It is not only in VB, but the source is included.

Mac

It seems to work nicely. I was able to access a website. Also looked at the code. Will need more time to check out the rest of the features later.

Good job!

I do not have a "C" drive.
Windows and everything non-unix is on drive letter F.

so....

-- neuro

OK, I fixed it so it will set you enter the name of your IE. Might work with others, too.

You are only prompted once. Thereafter, it remembers by building CallURL.DAT in the directory where you have CallURL.EXE installed. The VB stuff is for info only and can be deleted. (Unless you are afraid of Trojan Horses, like me, and have a copy of VB and can thus compile it yourself.)

I got carried away (remember V'GER) and added some more options.

Mac

P.S. The new version replaced the old at
http://network54.com/Realm/QBZips/CallURL.zip

So download it again.

Mac, once again you have managed to make a utility that does not only seem pointless to me, but also incredibly counter-intuitive to use.

So if I want to follow a url I have to select it, copy it, start a seperate program, click on a button and only then will I get the page someone refers to. How is that any better than selecting it, copying it, paste it in the url bar and hit enter?

Trying the program there is another thing I find very confusing: as soon as I click on of the buttons, the respective page is started, but the program itself disappears. I didn't tell it to exit! What if I want to use it again? It's gone. I'll have to start it again.

I also found it confusing that the program only reads the clipboard when it starts. This means that if I started it, and then copied a url it won't appear in the textbox and I can't start it unless I click the refresh button I didn't notice at first.

The idea of a program that automatically replaces the spaces with CHR$(160) seems okay to me. However, the way you did it now is combine two totally different functionalities in a single program. It's like a blender-vacuumcleaner combination or a dustbin-dvdplayer. It makes no sense at all.

For a program that can replace spaces from a text, it is however strange to have a single line inputbox. If it was just a program that replaces the spaces, had a proper multiline textbox, and a standard file menu to save and load, I might consider using it. As it is, I just don't see any use for it...

>Mac, once again you have managed to make a utility that does not only seem pointless to me, but also incredibly counter-intuitive to use.

LOL - Yep, something is definitely different in our backgrounds and assumptions.

> So if I want to follow a URL I have to select it, copy it, .....

True, you have to do that in any case. But now that the URL is in the clipboard, what do you do if you do not want to lose the place on your current page without my utility? You can
a) Enter cntl-N or something to duplicate the page or start a new page.
b) Click to set focus on the URL field
c) Enter cntl-V or something to paste
d) Press Enter to activate the desired URL

But using my utility, instead you can
a) Find utility and click on it (more on this)
b) Click on Start URL

That's one half the work, especially if "find utility" is easy.

I use the Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar. I removed all the bogus icons that are standard and inserted instead shortcuts to things I want to do without pressing many buttons. So I added CallURL to that, so it is always visible and easy to click regardless of what I am doing.

> Trying the program out is another thing I find very confusing: as soon as I click on one of the buttons, the respective page is started, but the program itself disappears. I didn't tell it to exit!

Well, the HELP button explains that you can expect the program to terminate.

> What if I want to use it again? It's gone. I'll have to start it again.
> I also found it confusing that the program only reads the clipboard when it starts. This means that if I started it, and then copied a URL, it won't appear in the textbox and I can't start it unless I click the refresh button I didn't notice at first.

Yes, I see where we think so differently. You imagine a program that you start and let it sit around and feed it input from time to time. I imagine a utility that is easily startable from the shortcut bar and terminates as soon as possible because its function is over.

Here's my scenario: I am happily scanning QBasic forum posts or EMail when I run across one that has a URL I am supposed to start. Highlight-(cntl-c)-click-click! Now the URL is running. I'm sorry you can't see the beauty and efficiency in that. It is "incredibly counter-intuitive" because our basic assumptions are fundamentally different.

> The idea of a program that automatically replaces the spaces with CHR$(160) seems okay to me. However, the way you did it now is combine two totally different functionalities in a single program. It's like a blender-vacuum cleaner combination or a dustbin-DVD player.

LOL - True. I thought of a separate program for that, but that would be another icon in my shortcut bar and a decision to make.

> It makes no sense at all.

Well, I wouldn't say "at all". The program has the unifying function of "process what is in the clipboard when I am started".

> For a program that can replace spaces from a text, it is however strange to have a single line inputbox. If it was just a program that replaces the spaces, had a proper multiline textbox, and a standard file menu to save and load, I might consider using it. As it is, I just don't see any use for it...

Again, we don't see the same scenario. Let me explain mine again for what it is worth:

I have just written a QBasic program I want to post on the forum.

1) Get it into the clipboard
2) Click, Click
3) Paste into forum

That's a REAL improvement to me. (The first click is for the utility in the shortcut bar, the second is double-space).

> I just don't see any use for it...

Well, considering the number of programs you post, I don't either. Any method, however clumsy, would suffice and you would forget the button was available even if it was installed in your office shortcut bar.

But for some, doing all that alt-160 replace stuff is a bigger pain.

Mac

It no longer has the Office Toolbar! I use it extensively and couldn't do without it.

If you try to copy an older version of the toolbar to Office 2003, it won't work.

Microsoft goofed this time (and not for the first time, either).

I received a free copy of Office 2003 at a Microsoft meeting, but didn't bother installing it.

> Well, the HELP button explains that you can expect the program to terminate.

But most users will not click on Help until they think they have a problem. As it is now, I am sure most users will at first think: "Where's that program gone I just started?" and begin to worry that it still hangs around in memory somewhere ready to mess up other processes. Because the program doesn't behave as other programs do, people start to think it is not functioning correctly.

> Yes, I see where we think so differently. You imagine a program that you start and
> let it sit around and feed it input from time to time.

Indeed. As a user of GUIs I expect programs to behave as much as possible like other programs do, just like they should according to the general guidelines of GUI design. A program that behaves in a vastly different way becomes confusing and counter-intuitive. And frustrating to use, because a user cannot use the knowledge they have gained from other programs in this one.

A good rule in GUI design: make programs work the same way as other programs as much as possible.

> I imagine a utility that is easily startable from the shortcut bar and terminates
> as soon as possible because its function is over.

The problem with this is that I want to decide for myself when its function is over. The program should not decide that for me.

> It is "incredibly counter-intuitive" because our basic assumptions are
> fundamentally different.

Yes. My basic assumption is that programs follow the common guidelines other programs use. Silly me. I guess I should be more like you and expect every program to use a completely new way of thinking and I should not expect to be able to tranfer my knowledge about how programs work. :-)

> Well, I wouldn't say "at all". The program has the unifying function of "process
> what is in the clipboard when I am started".

In taht case you should give your program the functionality of all possible other programs. All of them process the clipboard.
The difference is HOW it processes them. That's the real functionality of the program. Nobody (except you maybe :-) ) will use a waste-compacter/washing machine combo because both functionalities are completely alien to eachother. You can't rationalize such a combination by saying that both have the unifying function of throwing something dirty in a machine. It's what the machine does with it that is the real function.

> That's a REAL improvement to me.

I sometimes get a sense that anything that doesn't involve punchcards is a real improvement to you... :-)

Well, whatever works for you.

> Well, considering the number of programs you post, I don't either.

That has nothing to do with it. I see no use for it at all, and can't imagine I would find it useful if I had to use it more often. It would frustrate me everytime.

Put this url in your wonderful program:
http://digilander.libero.it/chiediloapippo/Engineering/iarchitect/mshame.htm

It's a fun and educational read. Perhaps you should send one of your programs to them and see what they make of it. :-)

> I sometimes get a sense that anything that doesn't involve punchcards is a real improvement to you... :-)

ROFL

> It would frustrate me everytime.

That's because you are Dutch (stubborn) and every time you use it you would keep thinking "This is not the way it should be" instead of adjusting and happyly using the program.

> Put this url in your wonderful program:
http://digilander.libero.it/chiediloapippo/Engineering/iarchitect/mshame.htm

I did. I highlighted the URL and did <cntl-C> click click. Immediately it was up and my program was gone. (As it should be since I am doing something else now and "click" will bring it back if I need it.)

After navigating around, I could X-out the window and be immediately back where I was, reading your post.

I believe if you installed it in your Microsoft Shortcuts and used it a few times, you would eventually wonder how you lived without it.

> (The site) is a fun and educational read. Perhaps you should send one of your programs to them and see what they make of it. :-)
 
Heh - I couldn't find the reference whereby they accepted programs for evaluation.

Anyway, cheers and seriously, thanks for your input. Maybe next version, I will put the HELP key first and rename it "READ FIRST". Or else do one of those Microsoft standard things on terminating,

       The case is that a URL was started.
       Do you want to terminate now?
       - Yes
       - No
       - Yes, and always terminate automatically in this case
       - No, and never terminate in this case

And, after converting strings
       The case is that the string in the Clipboard has been edited.
       - Blah, Blah

Mac

The one next to the start menu? I find that invaluable. So invaluable that it's full! I also upsized my start menu to get a complete line for that toolbar.

On another note, I use the Opera browser and
1) I don't really want to open an IE window,
2) A new, blank page comes instantly on ctrl-n (unlike IE which takes around 3 seconds) and it's part of Opera's main window; the address bar is already selected
3) If you right-click a link there is a "Go to URL" (sadly there is no in a New Window option)

I'd like to try your program, but I'm being lazy right now so I don't know how long it'll take me, lol.

I would like to know if that option is possible.

Mac

In the upcoming election they are certainly better than E-Voting machines: http://www.wired.com/news/evote/ (Except if you actually LIKE Bush)

I personally prefer the traditional Red Pencil though.

> That's because you are Dutch (stubborn) and every
> time you use it you would keep thinking "This is not
> the way it should be" instead of adjusting and
> happyly using the program.

Ah, yes. I want to adjust to every whim of every programmer too proud to submit to usability guidelines. ;-)

> I believe if you installed it in your Microsoft
> Shortcuts and used it a few times, you would
> eventually wonder how you lived without it.

I already now how I lived without: very comfortably, thank you very much!

> The case is that a URL was started.
> Do you want to terminate now?
> - Yes
> - No
> - Yes, and always terminate automatically in this case
> - No, and never terminate in this case

Very smart. :-( You are doing this on purpose, don't you?

Anyway, if you are serious, I would at least word this differently:

You started a webpage. (clear concise wording please!)
Do you want to terminate now?
- Yes, also delete this program and erase my memory of it
- No
- Yes, and next time automate this violent breach of GUI consistency (a more accurate way to describe what the user can expect!)
- No, that would be ridiculous

Mac, as much as it's functionality is somewhat... wierd, I still think it has promise, although I agree the two functions should be seperated! Seperation, however, does not always mean a seperate program/icon. How about this...
As far as opening URL's goes, forget about opening a window. If the clipboard contains a valid URL and the program is run, just open the new browser window. It's safe to assume that the user probably has that in mind, anyway.

If the clipboard does not contain a valid URL, then bring up your interface and let them do the chr$(160) replace.

Simple, easy, and streamlined... and it saves a click :)

Jonathan Simpson

I'm just doing specifications now. Here they are so far.

Mac


Runmode=0:
  Always display GUI

Runmode=1:
  On Good URL, Submit and terminate. No GUI
  On double-blank fixed,
    Change Clipboard
    Display message* and terminate. No GUI
    * (Some of the clipboard so you can see what's happening)
    * "Clipboard changed - Ready to paste in forum"
  Otherwise, goto GUI

Runmode=2: (For Earthborn)
  On Good URL, Submit and terminate. No GUI
  On double-blank fixed, change Clipboard and terminate. No GUI
  Otherwise, display message* with user choice
    * "Nothing legal to do. Terminate immediately?"
    If Yes, terminate immediately and do nothing
    If No, go to GUI

Runmode=3 (For Mac)
  On Good URL, Display message* with user choice
    * "Will submit this URL: "(url)
    If OK, submit and terminate. No GUI
    if Cancel
       Display message* with user choice
       * "Clear the Clipboard"
       If Yes, clear it and goto GUI
       If No, just go to GUI
  On double-blank fixed, display message* with user choice
    * (Some of the clipboard so you can see what's happening)
    * "Will change Clipboard so it is ready to paste in forum"
    If OK, change Clipboard and exit. No GUI
    if Cancel, goto GUI (Clipboard unchanged)
  Otherwise, goto GUI

Put the following in a text file and save as 'Start Selected URL.URL'. Then place it in your favorites folder (probably only works in IE).

[DEFAULT]
BASEURL=

[InternetShortcut]
URL=javascript:A=location.href;Q=document.selection.createRange(). text;if(!Q){void(Q=prompt('Please%20enter%20a%20webadress',''))};window.open(Q, '', '');location.href=A;
Modified=208A864C78AEC30166

To start a a url all you have to do is select it and then choose 'Start Selected URL' from the favorites. NO copy and NO paste. It should then start a new browser window with the selected page in it, provided that Javascript is available.

[DEFAULT]
BASEURL=

[InternetShortcut]
URL=javascript:Q=document.selection.createRange(). text;if(!Q){void(Q=prompt('Please%20enter%20a%20webadress',''))};window.open(Q, '', '');history.back();
Modified=208A864C78AEC30166

The previous code saved the present webadres in a variable and resets it, because when the javascript code in the URL file is started, the present explorer window becomes empty. Therefore it needs to reset immediately to where it came from. However, the previous code entered the same url again, which meant that in the history there are suddenly two references to the same place. It had the unfortunate side effect that if you wanted to get back to the page you used before the present one, you had to click the Back button twice.

The above code corrects that: it runs the code to start the new window and then returns from the empty page to the page you left off. You won't notice that it ever left.