Failing video on the wife’s computer eventually ended up with a blown video card after a year usage. Not to pleased about the XFX brand nor their XFX GeForce 8600GT video card.

I ran across an interesting API library deep in the Ektron API framework that allows you to pull the actual localization tag (e.g. en-US, en-GB, etc.) for the current language type id of the site (e.g. 1033, 2058, etc.). Previous to this, we had to create our own associative, key/value pair XML file that stored the relationships. Since I could only find a single reference to this library on the Ektron site, I hoping this information proves useful to others. Enjoy.

// get and instance of the current site API object
Ektron.Cms.SiteAPI sAPI = new Ektron.Cms.SiteAPI();
// retrieve the language date for the current site API instance
Ektron.Cms.LanguageData ld = sAPI.GetLanguageById(ContentBlock.LanguageID);
// assign the localization tag
string langTag = Ld.XmlLang;

I have used the service controller command line tool for years. I have finally decided to write something up on it briefly since I have been working with various frameworks/systems that are not completely removing their services after uninstalling them.

1. Open services applet/application: Start | Programs | Administrative Tools | Services
2. Locate offending Service
3. Double-click OR Right-click | Properties
4. Copy the ‘Display Name’ property
5. Stop the service
6. Exit service information screen and services applet
7. Start | Run | cmd | OK
8. Type: cs delete “%PASTE OR TYPE THE SERVICE NAME HERE%”
9. Hit enter key
10. Service has been deleted

You may or may not be able to delete the service depending on it’s dependencies. You will need to follow the chain down to any child services if that is the case and delete them first. You may also be required to reboot.

Feedback welcome.

While prototyping a custom DMS asset handler today I managed to locate actual instructions on configuring your own QuickLink handlers for specific assets. However confusing it may be that these instructions were found in the “Users Manual”, I am just glad I was able to locate it fairly quickly.

Updating Default Template for Multiple Quicklinks

WARNING! This procedure is only necessary if Link Management is set to false in your web.config file. If if Link Management is set to true, Ektron CMS400.NET automatically updates the template within the quicklink when content is moved. See your system administrator for help with the web.config file.

NOTE This action can only be performed on quicklinks. When content is moved in Ektron CMS400.NET, its quicklink does not get changed. After it is moved, you need to update the default template called in the content’s quicklink. To update the default template for one or more quicklinks, follow these steps.

1. In the library, access the quicklinks folder containing quicklinks you want to update.
2. Click the Update Quicklinks button.
3. The Update URL Link Template Quicklinks screen is displayed.
4. Check the quicklinks you want to update. NOTE Check the box in the table header to select or deselect all.
5. In the To: text field, enter the name of the template you want to apply to the selected quicklinks. Last User to Edit Last user that made changes to the quicklink or form. Last Edit Date The date the quicklink or form was last edited. Date Created The date and time the quicklink or form was originally added to the Ektron CMS400.NET library. Field Description Library Folder Ektron CMS400.NET User Manual, Version 7.5 155
6. Click the Update Quicklinks button to update the changes. A confirmation message is displayed.
7. Click OK to continue. The selected quicklinks are updated to use the specified template.

These instructions can also be found in the Ektron User’s Manual

While doing some Flash coding today I noticed the SWFObject homepage had a notice that all the code had moved to Google Code as the new and improved (lowercase) swfobject. For anyone not familiar with swfobject, it is (IMHO) the de facto JavaScript library/API for embedding and enabling Adobe Flash applications on the web. Version 2.0 has been completely revamped with a pretty steep upgrade path, so do not do it lightheartedly.

<swfobject> google Project Page

Today, while reading an article on GameSpy.com, I ran across a cool widget for the AddThis bookmarking service. I had seen it a few months ago but had forgotten about it. It is a great interaction enhancement for an embedded cross site web feature (EXSWF).

AddThis Widget

It’s official, Google and Salesforce.com have joined forces to offer enterprise CRM services coupled with Google’s ever so impressive Google Apps services. The possibilities are endless.

Salesforce and Google team to conquer the enterprise by ZDNet‘s Phil Wainewright

I have been using AceProject project management system for years. First at LANDesk, and now at McCann Erickson. Though it is a great tool for managing projects and tasks, it’s user management system lacks a vital feature, cascade delete user. That is, delete the user along with all it’s assigned tasks, projects etc.

So after having make various request for this “feature” I have written my own sequel procedure to handle the re-assignment and deletion of user accounts. In a nutshell, this procedure will re-assign all relevant data to a new user account, then delete the actual user record from the database. This then allows you to actually take advantage of your licenses (in our case 50 for now.)

Hopefully this helps someone else that is hosting this application as it did me.

Ace Project User Migration Stored Procedure