MK's own Front End

[thekl0wn]

I am a programmer, and I'm in the process of developing my own front end for use on my carputer (whenever I get it all bought & installed!). My main issue is finding time to work on it! I work as a programmer full time, school for my bachelor's in computer science part time, and do a host of other side jobs ranging from farming to drywall repair to installing systems in vehicles and boats. So be forwarned that I will be slow in the development!

I am however looking for some people to work with me on the user end. Testing it, and telling me how it could be improved. Another thing I need from the user section is the graphics! I do a lot of pen and ink as well as pencil sketches, but when it comes to anything on the computer, I'm a graphical-idiot! So if you guys (or gals) are looking for any kind of look in this sort of application, it'll be up to you to supply me with the graphics.


I'll give you all a little breakdown of my goals, and you can let me know if there's an interest in other areas:

As of right now, I am only working with the core multimedia... Namely MP3's but files such as .wma's have been no issue. Playback is there already, and now I'm working on the whole playlist thing. I've been through iterations on how to handle the playlists, and keep changing my mind. Once I get the whole playlist thing sorted out, it shouldn't take anytime to get video capability up and going (.mpg, mpeg, .avi, .wmv, .etc). Once the video is there, I'd be satisfied to start using it in my vehicle.... for a brief period of time... like a week, then I'd have a million changes I'd want to make.

What I'd really like to know from anyone who is interested is simple things like what OS will you be running? Are you willing to do service pack upgrades, and .NET framework upgrades? The SP & .NET stuff is all free from Microsoft, and can be downloaded from MSDN, or I could even snail mail it to you. Would you be willing to comply to a simple folder scheme that I use to simplify everything? What is your native resolution (I've been developing in 800X480, but keeping different res. in mind)? Are you even interested?

[MadKad]

I will fully test this

I will be using windows xp pro sp2 and am willing to do .NET framework upgrades, the only question I have I will be running derect into my front end so with say a front end program using .NET framework will this effect anything?

I also have others that will fully test the program aswell, not having to do .NET framework upgrades would mostly help as I have tried making software that needed .NET framework upgrades and this put all my testers off when I tried to get them to test it

[thekl0wn]

Originally Posted by MadKad

...I will be running derect into my front end so with say a front end program using .NET framework will this effect anything?

Do you mean this is the only program that you are planning on running, and it'll go directly to this program when booted?

Originally Posted by MadKad

I also have others that will fully test the program aswell, not having to do .NET framework upgrades would mostly help as I have tried making software that needed .NET framework upgrades and this put all my testers off when I tried to get them to test it

Would it help, if I'd be willing to send the application out on a CD with all needed support software included?

I see why someone wouldn't want the .NET hog on their computer, but from what I've seen, it seems to be the way everything (in the PC world) is going.

[MadKad]

Originally Posted by thekl0wn

Do you mean this is the only program that you are planning on running, and it'll go directly to this program when booted?

Yes I will be booting right into the front end, I do this already into RR and then allow that to open the app's

Originally Posted by thekl0wn

Would it help, if I'd be willing to send the application out on a CD with all needed support software included?

I suppose adding the .NET into the install, so that when you click install then it auto installs it if needed, shouldn't see the need for a CD to be needed

Originally Posted by thekl0wn

I see why someone wouldn't want the .NET hog on their computer, but from what I've seen, it seems to be the way everything (in the PC world) is going.

Yes I know what you mean, all of the new developed software these days are starting to use .NET, I found that it doesn't really make any difference having it on my PC and doesn't bother me having it on, its just other they seem to think that there doing something big to there computer and this stops them wanting to do it

[thekl0wn]

Originally Posted by MadKad

Yes I will be booting right into the front end, I do this already into RR and then allow that to open the app's

Not an issue. This is how I've been setting mine up.

Originally Posted by MadKad

I suppose adding the .NET into the install, so that when you click install then it auto installs it if needed, shouldn't see the need for a CD to be needed

I forget about everyone having high-speed internet these days! I live in the boonies... Our internet doesn't use all the new-fangled wires and stuff... I think it uses messenger pigeons!

Yes I know what you mean, all of the new developed software these days are starting to use .NET, I found that it doesn't really make any difference having it on my PC and doesn't bother me having it on, its just other they seem to think that there doing something big to there computer and this stops them wanting to do it [/quote]

Technically, the .NET framework shouldn't slow a computer down any. It's when the applications start pulling from that framework that tends to make it a memory-hog. My view on it was that I'll only be using the PC in my truck for multimedia.

I'm pretty sure I still have all the SDK's at home to work with VB6, so that would be another option as well. Only issue I have with that is much of the new "bells and whistles" take the .NET platform-based langues.

[MadKad]

Originally Posted by thekl0wn

I'm pretty sure I still have all the SDK's at home to work with VB6, so that would be another option as well. Only issue I have with that is much of the new "bells and whistles" take the .NET platform-based langues.

yer I understand I really thing that .NET is best to be start being used and lol messenger pigeons