Back in the old DOS days I used Sidekick by depressing left and right shift-key to record while working on my computer, such as passages of interest, thoughts during editing, interesting text parts by highlighting etc. and saved them by depressing left and right shift-key again. This type of program was called a TSR (terminal stay resident). Now in the windows environment there is nothing I know of as elegant as Sidekick was.
It would be nice to have new Notepad page pop up when depressing left right shift, alt or ctrl key into which one could transfer via the mouse pointer a highlighted text portion, whether in a word processor or when reading a online page, or by enclosing a portion of an html page with a line anchored point by point with a number of straight lines, which, when the loop around the area of interest is closed would high lite and allow to transfer to the note pad page. This new page would carry the date and hour and offer a box where one could enter a keyword for later searches. Such an info file would make the task far easier to compile notes on a subject. Today I help myself with printing the pertinent pages and encircling the areas of interest. It is also possible that such a program already exists and I am simply not aware of it.
I would appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Richard C. Meyer
I long for the likes of old Sidekick as an improved PIM
(5 posts) (4 voices)-
meyerrc
MemberPosted 17 years ago # -
I was a sidekick addict also.
A few days ago, we had a giveaway "Wirekeys". While this program was a duplicate of several others I already have (functionality-wise), something else on their website grabbed my attention.
Wirenotes - http://www.wiredplane.com/en/wpt-wirenote/about.php
Been using it more and more since then.
Posted 17 years ago # -
mrgreen
MemberSidekick was the archetype 3rd party TSR utility. The TSR API call was not documented by Microsoft or IBM in those days, and the method to leave a program running in memory while returning to DOS was figured out by Borland ownder Phillipe Khan by reverse-engineering the MS print spooler utility, or keyboard remapper, or something. From there word got about about the TSR API call, and many more resident utilities were developed. I remember learning how to do it myself, not only writing useful resident tools myself, but also modifying other programs to behave the way I wanted. MS did finally get around to admitting the existence of, and documenting the use of, the TSR API call.
As a programmer, the most used SK function for me was the ASCII table.
Posted 17 years ago # -
Whiterabbit-uk
Games GuruI had cause to revisit the wireplane website to see if I could download the latest version of their software wire changer, which i purchased shortly after it was given away here on the giveaway site back in 2008. It was a program that basically gave XP a similar desktop style to Vista with a side panel and loads of desk top gadgets. When I originally ordered the program I accidentally chose wire keys (another giveaway) and it wasn't until I tried to activate the demo of wire changer that I realized my mistake. So I wrote to the developer who immediately (within about 2 hours of me writing) sent me a key for Wire Changer and told me I could also keep the key for Wire Keys at no extra cost. Anyway, while visiting I noticed that one of their other products called Wire Note is free. I don't know whether it was free back then but just in case it wasn't I though i'd post the information here so that the community can check it out.
You can find the main page HERE
p.s. I searched the forums for any info on wire notes and came across this four year old post. Are you still using Wire Notes Bubby?
Posted 13 years ago # -
Are you still using Wire Notes Bubby?
No. Hasn't seen any updates or improvements since late 2007. Some time after that I discovered and started using CintaNotes for my random note taking. It is still being developed and quite a nice program - but it is text only (a lot of my notes come from web and pdf)
At the moment - I've purchased a number of different products that I have been using, trying to find which I like best and that I will use most. However I've found that while they each have some really nice features - they also have stuff I'm less keen on (ie. they are missing features I would like/want). I'm sure there is no golden bullet when it comes to discerning/fussy users.
- Microsoft OneNote
- CaptureSaver
- AllMyNotes Organizer
- Ultra Recall
- PpcSoft iKnow
- Smereka TreeProjects
and the latest addition to the list -
There are also a number of Firefox extensions such as Scrapbook, however it's main strength in being integrated to your web browser - is also it's weakness, when you aren't working in a browser (or another browser).
I'd love to see a full version of Personal Brain 6 (either Core or Pro versions) be offered on GOTD or one of the software discount sites such as http://bitsdujour.com/ - There is a free version available - then the price jumps (!) to Core ($150) and Pro ($250). I really want good file attachment and seaching capabilities (the free version is lacking here) - but I'm hoping that Smereka TreeProjects will come to my rescue.
So, no... I'm not using WireNotes anymore - Things had to change, because I just couldn't tolerate how simple my life was back then.
Posted 13 years ago #
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