2024-04-19 13:54
It appears that WhatsApp has decided to invade my phone. Not only does their AI logo look like a busy mouse pointer, but the search box in WhatsApp Chats has added a whole load of crap that… Read More
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Insights And Rants Blog
donnedwards.openaccess.co.za
News and general opinion, often privacy, security or computer related, but could be about anything really, including religion, politics, the environment, business or audio books. "Never ascribe to malice, that which can be explained by incompetence." -- Napoleon Bonaparte
2024-04-18 12:10
It's always a shame when a company gets so big and disconnected from its customers that it starts to annoy them. Badly. Discovery Medical Scheme is one example; MTN, my cell phone "service"… Read More
2023-12-10 08:46
A few days ago a friend sent me a WhatsApp voice message warning about the dangers of "tap to pay" cards. I had a look on my TymeBank app but it provides no information, so I contacted them… Read More
2023-10-23 17:36
Trying to get work done at the Wimpy in Cresta
The joys of living in ANC-run Joburg! Last year in September we had a 66 hour power outage. During CIDC2023 in September, I had to use a studio… Read More
2023-10-14 16:36
One of my pet peeves with Clarion is that the applications it generates by default look like they were written for Windows 95, and not for current versions of Windows. In modern versions of… Read More
2023-10-14 16:35
Let's have a look at the data structure. This is a one-pass program, so you can only process one root folder at once. So there is no relationship between the tables.
We need an alias of the… Read More
2023-10-03 12:26
One of the things that drove many of us mad with Microsoft Access was the way (by default!) that all data was editable. It still is in their many examples. But it's dangerous! A user could… Read More
2023-09-25 13:44
Often when I am busy on a Clarion project, I notice something I want to fix or change, and dive straight into the code, forgetting to close the application that is still running. This cause… Read More
2022-12-17 19:30
Clarion can generate the forms you need to add, change and delete data manually, but what do you do when you want to manipulate records using code? We have briefly looked at importing CSV da… Read More
2022-12-17 18:59
This is a continuation from Part 1.Exercise 5: Try Some Error CheckingSo far we have simply assumed everything is working, but we haven't tested for any error conditions. You shouldn't do th… Read More
2022-10-28 17:52
This is an attempt to bring together the various useful Clarion resources, particularly those in Africa, since we have an Africa Clarion WhatsApp Group. Please contact me on WhatsApp if you… Read More
2022-10-15 19:00
The accessories I use from from CapeSoft are updated regularly, as new features and fixes are released. I haven't signed up for the Ohnosoft Update.It! service yet, so I have my own (manual)… Read More
2022-10-06 18:06
Clarion includes some useful templates and extensions, and there are many others, both free and commercial, that you can add. Let's consider some of these. First, go to clarionlive.com, and… Read More
2021-12-16 21:28
I'm tired of all the lies and propaganda about the COVID-19 vaccines in South Africa. So now it's time to call out the unscientific rubbish being published by people who should know better… Read More
2021-08-09 16:57
I have used and recommended LastPass for years. It has allowed me to create random passwords for a gazillion websites that I have used or visited over the years. But I no longer wish to pay… Read More
2021-07-31 17:29
This follows on from Learning Clarion (Part 6). In the lesson below, we’ll create the application’s reports. But first, we need to tidy up the data.Extra Lesson: Tidy Up the Data… Read More
2021-07-22 12:20
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This is falsely attributed to Albert Einsten and/or Benjamin Franklin, b… Read More
2021-06-11 17:16
Whever I visit my Cardiologist, I remember that he doesn't like medical "aids" because they don't actually help their customers, they are there to collect contributions and keep it for thems… Read More
2021-04-11 19:43
We moved into Aldara Park on Saturday 31st May 2003, and immediately Carvers Restaurant became part of our lives: on the day we moved in, my father-in-law celebrated his 60th birthday at the… Read More
2021-04-03 18:45
Whenever you start work on a new project, it's too easy to forget to make backups. Even if you save your work often, what do you do if Clarion crashes, or you break something and need to go… Read More
2021-03-31 13:37
Last Wednesday was not my best day. I went to the Post Office and waited in the queue to pick up an AARTO Infringement Notice. It's the fancy name for a traffice fine. The incident took plac… Read More
2021-02-26 17:46
This follows on from Learning Clarion (Part 5). In the lesson below we’ll create the procedures that will maintain the "Order" and "Detail" data tables.Lesson 11: Advanced TopicsFor th… Read More
2021-02-21 17:26
I used to believe that WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram offered "private" messaging, particularly point-to-point encryption. I no longer belive that, in spite of what they all say. With all the… Read More
2021-02-21 10:11
This follows on from Learning Clarion (Part 4). In the lesson below we’ll create the procedures that will maintain the "Product" data tableLesson 9: Copying ProceduresNow that we&rsquo&hell…Read More
2021-01-29 13:26
Whenever I install a new version of Microsoft Windows, I am always intrigued by what new fonts are included. This started when I was creating websites and didn't want to rely on "Times" or "… Read More
2020-12-31 16:23
This follows on from Learning Clarion (Part 3). First, we are going to create a browse window, and then an update window.These are the ones we created in the Getting Started exercise 8 and f… Read More
2020-11-27 16:53
This follows on from Learning Clarion (Part 2). Now that we have finished defining the data dictionary, we will import some data into the tables.Lesson 5: Importing Existing DataYou may have… Read More
2020-11-13 16:20
The Getting Started section briefly introduced you to Clarion programming at its highest level. Learning Clarion now teaches you how you can use all the rest of the tools Clarion provides to… Read More
2020-11-13 16:15
This follows on from Learning Clarion (Part 1)Lesson 3: Adding Tables and ColumnsThis lesson teaches you how to:Create new table definitions. Create a pool of column definitions from which n… Read More
2020-10-26 18:15
This post follows on from Getting Started with Clarion (Part 1).Exercise 5: Create the Lookup RelationshipThe "Customer" table is going to use the "State" table as a foreign key lookup. So c… Read More
2020-10-05 11:18
From the Windows Start menu, go to the "Clarion 11 PE" menu folder, click on "Help Files" and click to open "Help"In the help contents, go to the "Getting Started" page as shown here:Read th… Read More
2020-09-23 09:25
Now that we have installed Clarion, let's take a very quick look at how to get started. Naturally, we begin with the help file (RTFM!). It contains almost all the official documentation.Run… Read More
2020-09-19 17:54
Clarion is a long-established database programming language and environment from SoftVelocity, but I'm a relative newbie. I have used Microsoft Access 97 since it was launched, and also inte… Read More
2020-09-18 10:34
Recently I have encountered the Windows 10 error "We can't sign into your account", particularly after the recent Windows updates. Instead of fiddling around with multiple reboots and going… Read More
2020-07-28 16:43
It seems that racism is still alive and well in South Africa, but not where you would expect. I refer to the racist diatribe in Sunday's City Press entitled "White people must step up". It m… Read More
2020-05-14 17:30
Medical people like to talk about "Herd Immunity" for the Coronavirus like it's the most natural thing, and some people are saying we should get the population to this level of infection as… Read More
2020-04-20 11:27
The ANC government ordered a stay at home in March, which then became a "Lockdown" on 26th March for 21 days. With only 24 hours warning they banned the sale of alcohol and cigarettes, which… Read More
2020-01-09 12:59
Everyone thinks that because Telkom supplies them with a phone (aka land line) they are a telephone company. Wrong. Nor are they a service company. Their "service" is confusing, contradictor… Read More
2018-12-24 10:22
It would appear that the schemers at Discovery Health don't understand the basic concept of medication and maths. I don't know why the pharmaceutical industry packs all their tablets in mult… Read More
2018-07-14 18:31
Several decades ago a South African leader at his trial: "There is only one race: the Human race." No it was not Nelson Mandela, although he would have agreed wholeheartedly. It was Robert S… Read More
2018-04-06 20:47
We all sit too long, and if you are like me, stare at the computer screen for far too long. On 10th February I injured my back, and one of the discs in my spine started pinching my left Scia… Read More
2018-02-08 12:02
On 31st August I went to the Telkom store in Cresta to get a new FreeMe 1GB cell phone contract. I had seen the advert in the City Press newspaper and noted the "Terms and Conditions" and "W… Read More
2017-12-12 20:16
On 31st August I went to the Telkom store in Cresta to get a new cell phone contract. I had seen the advert in the City Press newspaper and noted the "Terms and Conditions" and "While Stocks… Read More
2017-10-23 13:40
Earlier this week I became aware of a new startup in the taxi business, trying to compete with the likes of Uber and Zebra Cabs in Johannesburg. One of my gripes with Uber is they have no ph… Read More
2017-10-11 19:16
Recently I received SMS messages, phone calls and finally an email from "VVM Debt Collectors" in Randburg. They claim to be collecting money on behalf of the SABC TV License department. Well… Read More
2017-07-23 17:29
Michael Matthews is a prolific writer, and in July last year he updated his book Bigger Leaner Stronger to version 2.1, introducing the concept of a "Strength Week" every 4 weeks. For those… Read More
2017-07-11 19:11
I thought South Africa was a screwed up country, but the greatest hypocrites on the planet have to be the USA. They even have the audacity to call themselves "Americans" to the exclusion of… Read More
2017-07-04 19:21
In the supposed land of the free, visit https://www.battleforthenet.com for more information on how the USA is abusing the rights of its citizens Read More
2017-06-23 08:50
These are the people at MTN who are personally and collectively responsible for the failure of the company to observe even the most basic adherence to the concept of privacy or an understand… Read More
2017-06-01 10:14
On Sunday 23rd April the Sunday Independent published an incorrect and misleading article about the "It's Time" prayer event near Bloemfontein. A million people showed up to pray for the cou… Read More
2017-05-01 15:06
This documentary is from the same producer who did the documentary on Marikana that the SABC refused to broadcast. It paints a chilling picture of the years to come, and is well worth watchi… Read More
2017-04-26 14:13
This is part of a letter I have written to MTN (my mobile operator), following the events that happened after I made a call to my domestic worker's mobile phone. I recived a popup-style "ale… Read More
2017-04-19 17:18
Earlier this week I became aware of a new startup in the taxi business, trying to compete with the likes of Uber and Zebra Cabs in Johannesburg. One of my gripes with Uber is they have no ph… Read More
2016-12-28 08:37
This video was first posted on YouTube on 7 Jan 2009, yet I only saw it the say before Christmas this year, sent via WhatsApp. It's a great parody. Enjoy! You can also download it (without c… Read More
2016-12-09 11:10
A quick glance at these "before" and "after" images shows no dramatic change to my body shape after 2 years of training using the Bigger Leaner Stronger program. Or so you would think. Certa… Read More
2016-11-24 18:00
Microsoft just doesn't understand how annoying they are when they mess with my computer. I have put up with all kinds of weirdness with Windows 10, but thanks to Classic Shell and Spybot Ant… Read More
2016-10-14 15:24
This morning when I was putting out the rubbish bins I nearly tripped over the Vumatel manhole cover that has been partially open in the middle of a busy sidewalk for the past few weeks. So… Read More
2016-10-09 20:08
Vumatel has done what Neotel should have done 10 years ago. It has got internet fibre to my home. And the big losers are going to be Telkom, MTN and MWEB. But I digress. The frustrating thin… Read More
2016-10-03 16:43
Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but if I'm a customer who bumps into a problem, I expect the company who screwed up to at least listen. Of course Google doesn't do that, nor Microsoft, nor App… Read More
2016-09-30 14:12
This report, published by eNCA in May 2016, summarises one of the problems that drivers face in Joburg. But it contains a statement that completely outraged me: "Driver partners have access… Read More
2016-09-21 14:13
I recently learnt that Uber in India has been using a "SOS Button" in the Uber app since April 2015. I have been trying to "reach out" (i.e. contact) the CEO of Uber for Southern Africa, Alo… Read More
2016-09-13 07:26
I have been an Arvixe customer for several years. This time last year my web site(s) went down for several hours because their server was flaky. They moved my sites to a new server, but they… Read More
2016-09-01 08:37
Two horror stories are circulating on social media about people who have been beaten up and robbed after getting into what they thought was an Uber taxi. My subsequent questions on Twitter a… Read More
2016-02-24 12:26
Update noon 22 July: common sense and decency has prevailed and "the committee" has decided that they really don't need to see a photo of my arse after all. See Dr Martin Young's take on the… Read More
2015-11-03 07:48
Given the level of dishonsty and corruption in our political system, should we vote? George Carlin says no. At varsity some wag wrote on a ballot box: "Don't vote, you'll only encourage them… Read More
2015-10-01 08:23
I watched the video clip by Tania Page and my jaw dropped. Marabastad Home Affairs Office collects a R100 bribe for anyone wanting to join a queue. That's at the low end. At the high end the… Read More
2015-10-01 08:22
Couldn't watch this alone and let go. You will watch it 10 times,I assure you.Posted by Ridwan Hussein Abarshi on Sunday, November 9, 2014I watched this video after reading about the money o… Read More
2015-09-13 21:03
Its weird to think that I am "celebrating" two years of hard slog at the gym. For most of my life I have thought of myself as a "weakling", a "nerd", or and "intellectual", but never as a ps… Read More
2015-08-12 14:17
Petty bureaucrats mystify me. They always focus on the wrong thing in order to try to "control" their "message". The Twitter account of the Joburg Water supplier is no exception. Last week… Read More
2015-07-09 20:30
I buy and listen to a lot of audio books from Audible. I have accounts with both Audible.com and Audible.co.uk, because some book publishers refuse to sell me their titles because I don't li… Read More
2015-07-08 11:25
I first heard about Michael Matthews in August last year, when I found his audio book "Bigger Leaner Stronger" on Audible. Even though I had been going to the gym for a year already, I wasn'… Read More
2015-06-20 17:09
Last week I screwed up my Windows configuration on my laptop so badly I had to do a factory reset and reinstall everything from scratch. You'd think I would learn. Thanks very much to Steve… Read More
2015-06-12 13:34
A few years ago, before Jacob Zuma became President Zuma, Julius Malema headed the ANC Youth League and famously said that the ANCYL would "Kill for Zuma" if necessary. Now have a President… Read More
2015-03-15 11:03
I can't believe that I haven't blogged anything for the past 4 months. Time has flown. During that time we got a cute black and white kitten, and I had a big fight with the City Council to g… Read More
2014-11-13 09:47
DStv is the local satellite TV company. Normally I use their "EasyView" option, which has a few free-to-air channels such as the abysmal SABC channels, plus a few useful ones like Aljazeera… Read More
2014-10-31 16:13
One of my customers recently fired an employee for poor performance and not showing up for work. As his "parting shot" to the company that gave him a job he wasn't competent to do, he switch… Read More
2014-10-26 09:07
Microsoft's marketing people talked up the "new features" of Outlook 2013 claiming how much more "productive" it would make users. Well, they neglected to mention how they deliberately remov… Read More
2014-10-02 09:01
Last night I spent a long time with a very helpful guy from Carbonite's chat service (a major improvement over what they had a few years ago) because I have just installed a new subscription… Read More
2014-09-09 21:21
Dear President ZumaIt should not be necessary for me to tell you this, but you seem to have lost your way and are too stubborn to resign; or something. Our parliamentary democracy has a conc… Read More
2014-09-05 14:51
Deon Meyer is a great author, and in his latest thriller, "Cobra", he has some interesting throw-away comments about smart phones. The first one deals with Samsung becoming "the new Illumina… Read More
2014-09-05 14:43
I have had a love-hate relationship with my Hisense HS-U970 phone. It's my first smartphone, and so I have enjoyed all the toys and goodies that come with Android. But it has also been a mon… Read More
2014-09-05 08:49
I first heard about Bitcoin on the "Security Now!" podcast episode 287 in February 2011, and then in January 2013 episode 388 mentioned Litecoin. I installed the basic Litecoin QT software o… Read More
2014-08-19 14:01
Two years after the Marikana massacre, nothing has changed. The government owes us an explanation and apology, and it needs to name (and fire) the people responsible. The problem is that the… Read More
2014-07-04 09:05
If you've even been frustrated with the South African Post Office's "Track and Trace" web site not working, I have found a solution that works much better: www.trackmyparcel.co.zaNot only do… Read More
2014-05-22 08:47
Music has always had the ability to lift one's mood. These songs in particular are doing that for me right now. The Goldfish song has already reached 1.2 million views. They even wrote a son… Read More
2014-03-07 09:33
I heard about the focus@will web site on Security Now, a podcast I follow every week. There is a free version at www.focusatwill.com, which is worth trying out. It will play an hour of music… Read More
2014-02-20 09:16
In 1986 I was one of 143 South Africans who refused to serve in the Apartheid army. It is ironic that it is once again time to take a stand against the arrogance and dictatorial stance of th… Read More
2013-11-21 18:52
I don't usually use IE, except for doing my taxes, because it is incredibly slow. Fortunately IE11 doesn't work on Windows Vista, or I would be wasting a lot of time reinstalling everything… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
Bookdealers of Bryanston: The windows are blackened with a grimy soot on the inside. All the books in the front part of the shop are either burnt, water damaged, or smoke damaged. Some of th… Read More
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