Dot Net Monkey

Here is a snippet of code I found on the microsoft.public.dotnet.framework.windowsforms newsgroup to disable the close button on a windows forms application whilst maintaining the minimize and restore buttons..

1) Add a reference to System.Runtime.InteropServices at the top of your form, like so:

using System.Runtime.InteropServices;

2) Add references to the required Win32 functions and constants, like so:

[DllImport("User32.dll", CharSet=CharSet.Auto)]
private static extern IntPtr GetSystemMenu ( IntPtr hWnd, int bRevert );

[DllImport("User32.dll", CharSet=CharSet.Auto)]
private static extern int GetMenuItemCount(IntPtr hMenu);

[DllImport("User32.dll", CharSet=CharSet.Auto)]
private static extern int DrawMenuBar(IntPtr hWnd);

[DllImport("User32.dll", CharSet=CharSet.Auto)]
private static extern int RemoveMenu(IntPtr hMenu, int nPosition, int wFlags);

MSDN has published 4 FAQ articles on Generics that  should cover just about everything you would ever want to know about generic types. 

• Generics FAQ: Fundamentals
• Generics FAQ: .NET Framework
• Generics FAQ: Tool Support
• Generics FAQ: Best Practices

I haven't had to delve into the depths of Generics yet so I'm just going to hang on to these links for when I need to go into battle.

It looks like the PDC05 session content is going to be available online for 6 months.  Download'em while you can.  Just looking at the session topics it looks like most of the stuff is VS2005 and beyond so VB6 programmers don't bother looking here unless you want to know what the future will look like. :)

You can also buy a DVD of the content if you don't want to go on a download frenzy... but who doesn't!?!

The upcoming release of Vista is looking like it will be a much more reliable product than any previous release of Windows, and for good reason too.  Check out this video to see what I mean.

Inspired by the wonderful Scott Hanselman and his fantastic Ultimate Tool List I've decided to share my very own list of tools that I love to use and that make my life just that little bit easier.

Graphics Tools

• Windows Clippings - A simple but elegant window capture utility.  It's not as full featured as some other screen capture tools but it sure is executed nicely.  For example, it'll handle rounded edges on windows and do it's best to give your captured images meaningful names.  What it doesn't do is allow you to capture the entire screen or regions.
• AVEiconifier - This is a great little utility to convert icons to and from PNG files. You can download it here.
• Cropper - Very clean screen capture utility.  Highly recommended.  source available

Here are some other lists of peoples favourite tools

• Scott Hanselman's Ultimate Tool List
• James Kovacs' Tools of the Trade Slidedeck
• James Avery's Visual Studio Add-Ins Every Developer Should Download Now
• James Avery's .NET Tools: Tem Must-Have Tools Every Developer Should Download

YouSendIt is a web site that allows you to send large files to anyone without using email.  It's easy to use, no need to register and can use SSL if you are sending private information.  It has some other solutions in the same product range that allow you to send photo albums (really just a collection of files).

Here is how it works:

1. Choose who you want to send a file to. It can be anyone with an email address. You can specify multiple email addresses separated by commas.
2. Select a file to send. You can send photos, audio, documents or anything else. Your file will be stored by YouSendIt without ever filling up your recipient's mailbox.
3. Click on the Send button. YouSendIt will automatically email your recipient a link to your file stored on our server. Your file will be deleted after 7 days or 25 downloads, whichever occurs first.

The great thing about this site is that it is completely free and does not require registration.  God knows how they make any money.  Maybe they just use the information in the files for extortion -- After all they must see some pretty funny stuff pass by.

Just thought I'd post a link to this site which does reviews of website designs.  Very nice

http://www.unmatchedstyle.com/

Here is a good little article on providing help on web pages without resorting to popups.  It's nothing particularly now or exciting but I like this solution because of it's simplicity and it is also very intuitive for users.

Here is the deal.  99% of all developers should not be allowed to go near user interfaces because they have a demonstrated inability to make things look pretty.  Here is a little tool that may make it a little easier for our nerdy friends (and that means me).  ColorBlender.com | Your free online color matching toolbox

10) "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."

9) "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in that time management course you sent me to."

8) "Whew! Guess I left the top off the White-Out. You probably got here just in time!"

7) "I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm."

6) "I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance."

5) "I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who practice Yoga?"

4) "Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."

3) "The coffee machine is broken..."

2) "Someone must've put decaf in the wrong pot..."

And the #1 best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk...

1) " ... in Jesus' name. Amen."

Have a look at John Martz web site.  He is a kick-ass illustrator.  over and out