Flowing Fix: Controlling multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse

 Barrier

A virtual KVM switch, allowing for local network control of multiple computers (running either MS Windows, macOS, or Linux) using a single keyboard and mouse. Barrier is a fork of  the Synergy 1.9 codebase (more info on Barrier: https://github.com/debauchee/barrier)

Download link: https://github.com/debauchee/barrier/tags

Note: a common issue is not creating an SSL cert on Windows (via  https://github.com/debauchee/barrier/issues/231)

First, install openssl (either with Git https://git-scm.com/  or standalone https://www.openssl.org/ ), then:

cd %LOCALAPPDATA%\Barrier\SSL

mkdir Fingerprints

openssl req -x509 -nodes -days 365 -subj /CN=Barrier -newkey rsa:4096 -keyout Barrier.pem -out Barrier.pem

openssl x509 -fingerprint -sha1 -noout -in Barrier.pem > Fingerprints\Local.txt

If you use WSL, I recommend you to do it from there, replacing %LOCALAPPDATA% with your Windows path.

If you use WSL, I recommend you to do it from there, replacing %LOCALAPPDATA% with your Windows path.

Flowing Fix: Including Computations in LaTeX

Below are two options for embedding coding into LaTeX files that can be executed and update values in the LaTeX file.

• PythonTeX (Python code inside of LaTeX files)journal paper: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1749-4699/8/1/014010

• MATSweave (using Octave or MATLAB code inside of LaTeX files) webpage: http://staffwww.dcs.shef.ac.uk/people/N.Lawrence/matweave.html

Tracker: Video Analysis and Modeling Tool

Tracker: Video Analysis and Modeling Tool is free Java-based software for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux
For more information: http://www.cabrillo.edu/~dbrown/tracker/

KMLCSV Converter

Useful application to convert CSV to KML files and KML to CSV files:

The KMLCSV Converter is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux
https://choonchernlim.com/kmlcsv/

Flowing Fix: Quickly share a large file via your browser

At some point in time, you might find you need to transfer a large file. There are numerous file-sharing services (Dropbox, Google Drive, Box.com, Amazon Drive, etc.) however if you need to quickly send a file without uploading it to a central server first, File Pizza delivers.

File Pizza is a peer-to-peer file transfer via browser (nothing needs to be installed and it just works), the only caveat is since the transfer is directly between sender and receiver (no middle server for the file to be uploaded to), both sender and receiver need to be online at the same time. It is very convenient for one-off file shares, not for a persistent link that people can download at any time.

File Pizza (your files delivered)
https://file.pizza/



More details via the https://github.com/kern/filepizza website:
"Using WebRTC, FilePizza eliminates the initial upload step required by other web-based file sharing services. When senders initialize a transfer, they receive a "tempalink" they can distribute to recipients. Upon visiting this link, recipients' browsers connect directly to the sender’s browser and may begin downloading the selected file. Because data is never stored in an intermediary server, the transfer is fast, private, and secure."

Flowing Fix: How do I get those data points off an image? [revisited]

A while back, we posted how to get data off an image by running digitizing software on your local system (see the link to the prior post below). However, if you have limited admin access to install/run the software (or don't want to install software), WebPlotDigitizer is a web-based tool that runs directly your web browser https://automeris.io/WebPlotDigitizer/ that allows you to extract data from plots, images, and maps

Link to prior post:
https://digitalspigot.blogspot.com/2011/10/flowing-fix-how-do-i-get-those-data.html

Flowing Fix: Generating QRcodes

Quick Response Codes (QR codes) are a type of two-dimensional barcode (or matrix barcode) which allows for encoding of information that can be read rapidly. For more about QR codes see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code

Websites to generate QR codes:

• http://www.dmcinfo.com/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/296/The-DMC-vCard-MeCARD-QR-Code-Generator-ie-Business-Cards-for-Geeks.aspx

• http://keremerkan.net/qr-code-and-2d-code-generator/

• https://www.qr-code-generator.com/

• http://www.qrhacker.com/

• http://www.javascripter.net/faq/rgbtohex.htm

• http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-generators

LaTeX can generate QR codes: 

To enable this capability in LaTeX, include the qrcode package (https://ctan.org/pkg/qrcode?lang=en) A tutorial with simple example code (see Example 11) can be seen at https://www.hydro-perturbations.com/help-files/latex-quick-examples


iOS apps for QR codes:
http://next140.com/iphone-qr-code-scanner-roundup/


Android apps for QR codes:
http://www.dmcinfo.com/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/296/The-DMC-vCard-MeCARD-QR-Code-Generator-ie-Business-Cards-for-Geeks.aspx

Flowing Fix: Mathpix Snipping Tool

There are times when you need to replicate an equation or block of text from a PDF file. If the PDF file was converted from a typed file, chances are that the text in the PDF can be selected. However, for equations (and if the PDF is image-based), you were out of luck, until now. Mathpix Snipping Tool is perfect for capturing a screenshot of the equation or text and automatically converts it to LaTeX. It is almost magical, capable of converting typed and handwritten information to LaTeX.
Download Mathpix Snipping Tool for MS Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu from https://mathpix.com/

Flowing Fix: Embedding math equations and symbols in Inkscape

You can embed equations and math symbols using LaTeX. In Inkscape versions 0.48(and above) this option was introduced through the top menu: Extensions  >> Render >> LaTeX

However, before you can see the LaTeX option in the Render menu on MS Windows machines, you have to have the following installed:

1.  Install LaTeX: MikTeX  http://miktex.org/ (for Windows)
2. Ghostscript: http://ghostscript.com/download
3. Install pstoedit (with the SVG plugin):  https://sourceforge.net/projects/pstoedit/
4. Then update "path environmental variables" to include the pstoedit folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\pstoedit) OR move the pstoedit folder to C:\Program Files\Inkscape

via
http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/LaTeX
http://tex.stackexchange.com/questions/257147/how-to-use-latex-with-inkscape-mac-os-x


Another option to easily add Greek letters within Inkscape using Unicode
html version: http://www.physics.nmt.edu/~raymond/software/howtos/greekscape.xhtml
pdf version: http://www.physics.nmt.edu/~raymond/software/howtos/greekscape.pdf



------- More about Inkscape below------------

Inkscape (http://www.inkscape.org) is a free and open source professional vector graphics editor for MS Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

For tutorials on Inkscape:
http://inkscape.org/en/learn/tutorials/
http://pigux.com/deviant/source/tutorials/InkscapeTutorial.pdf

Other learning resources:
 http://inkscape.org/en/learn/

Flowing Fix: Simple search to find the large attachments in Gmail

via: http://lifehacker.com/5958583/find-the-large-attachments-eating-up-your-gmail-space-with-a-simple-search

Is your gmail account getting full?  Easily search for large messages which are filling up your account.

To search for attachements greater than 25MB, in the Gmail search box enter:   size:25000000

other examples:

Search for attachments greater than 5MB (size:5000000)

Search for attachments greater than 25MB (size:25000000)

Search for attachments greater than 100MB (size:100000000)

Flowing Fix: Web based services to help schedule meetings and resources

Doodle (web based)   http://doodle.com/:
Web based scheduling service that lets you ( and others) easily schedule appointments.  Integrates with existing digital calendars ( iCal, Outlook, Google, etc.) and allows users to select best times for meetings.

WhenIsGood (web based) http://whenisgood.net/ :
Another option for quick determining what meeting time is good for everyone.

YouCanBook.Me (web based) http://youcanbook.me/ :
Free version of the service allows you to link to one of your calendars (e.g., a Google Calendar) and allows users to schedule resources.  The service has numerous ways to customize the interface as well as auto-responses reminders to those that signed up and the host.  We use it to allow student to reserve survey equipment during the semester. It works wonderfully.

(all of the above site are Freemium based, i.e., the services are provided free of charge, but a premium is charged for the more advanced features)

Flowing Fix: Creating Animated GIFs

Sometimes you might need to have an animation in a PowerPoint presentation and the standard animation controls are not quite what you need. Consider creating you our custom animated GIF.

Multiplatform:

http://www.onyxbits.de/giftedmotion

Photoscape (portable on Windows)

http://photoscape-portable.en.softonic.com/

Flowing Fix: How to create custom animations for PPT presentations

Powerpoint can handle gif images which allows for the image to animate without using the action settings within Powerpoint. Animate your logo or other graphic to make an aesthetic impact on your audience. 

Applications to create gifs:
Photoscape (MS Windows): http://www.photoscape.org/
GIFfun (Mac OS X): http://www.stone.com/GIFfun/

Note: Use Gimp and/or Inkscape to help edit images prior to sequencing with the above applications

GIMP: GNU Image Manipulation Program

Though GIMP is often well known; it is worth mentioning because despite its steep learning curve, its capabilities are impressive and extremely useful.
http://www.gimp.org/

Flowing Fix: How to change color of text comments in Adobe Acrobat

Hold down "ctrl" and press the "e" button to show the properties toolbar

Screen Image Capture Software

MS Windows:
GreenShot:  http://getgreenshot.org/
Screenshot Captor:  http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/index.html
EasyCapture:  http://www.xydownload.com/easycapture/index.html
Screenpresso Free: http://www.screenpresso.com/  (feature rich)
PicPik (free for non-commercial use):  http://www.picpick.org/download

others:
Zscreen: http://code.google.com/p/zscreen/
Faststone capture v5.3 (note newer versions are not freeware): http://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=775 or here http://www.aplusfreeware.com/categories/mmedia/FastStoneCapture.html

Mac OS X, iOS, and Android:
Skitch: http://skitch.com/

Chrome Browser (All platforms):
ScreenCapture: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/cpngackimfmofbokmjmljamhdncknpmg
allows capture of entire webpage



For other screen shot capturing informatio see link to the Tip A Day by GeekBeat.TV video click below:
How to Capture Any Screen - GeekBeat.TV: We're introducing a new feature here at Geek Beat - Tip A Day. To start off, we'll show you how to do a screen capture on any device.

Inkscape

Inkscape (Mac OS X, MS Windows, Linux): http://inkscape.org/
Free, ease to use, and powerful vector graphics editor.  Great for simple and complex figures.  Allows for exporting to various formats including .eps, .pdf, and .png which are perfect for LaTeX documents.

Flowing Fix: I just moved to Exchange and now I cannot forward mail to another address like the older CITES service

Yes, it is true that Exchange 2010 does not support email forwarding option like the older CITES email; however, you can implement a work around using two email rules within Exchange that work just as well.

1) Log into your Exchange email account using the web portal.

2) Near the upper right of the Outlook:WebApp (just under your displayed name) click the "options" button which opens a drop down and select "Create an Inbox Rule"

3) Click "New" to add a new rule

4) Then, select the following for the drop downs (note after setting the second drop down, the a new form might appear which is fine, if not then you should select the "select people" button to open the new form):

5) Then, in the new "address book" window that opened, enter the "to" in the "Message Recipient:" field at the bottom of the form and click "OK" to commit. !! Be sure to enter your correct email address that you want all new incoming messages to be forwarded to !!

6) Back in the "New Inbox Rule" window, click the "More options" link and then make sure the stop rules after this option is "unchecked" as seen in the image below. Click the "Save" button when done.

7) You can now test the redirect by emailing yourself from another email account and the message should be redirected to that new email account.  However, you will note that a copy of the message still resides in the Exchange account.  In order to remove the message from the Exchange account [or have in marked as read, but not deleted] will require an second rule.

8) As in step 3, create a new rule, and [apply to all messages] as before but this time change the "do the following" selection to be "delete the message".  As before in step 6, you can uncheck the "stop processing more rules"  and optionally append the name of the rule with "delete" so you know what the rule is doing.  Then, click "SAVE"

9) Final important step, make sure to reorder the rules so that the DELETE rule is last (e.g, below the redirect rule) or the message will get deleted first and will NOT be able to be redirected. (See figure below for illustration)

 10) Enjoy your new redirected email settings

Thanks Roberto