For software As Compact As Possible
For software As Compact As Possible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
Software Registration
Sinner Computing General
Programming Other Stuff
What is Assembly Language?Microcomputers were originally programmed by entering in what is known as the "Op Code" (Short for "Operation Code"), which is the exact number that is sent to the CPU to let it know what instruction to do. Soon it was realised that while this "Machine Language" was a good for the CPU, humans found it difficult to read. This made programming, and especially de-bugging, a slow process. Assembly Language simply has a three letter representation for the Machine Code equivalent. For example, with the 6502 (used in the Apple II series):
Today, Assembly Language is seen as only being necessary for device drivers or kernels (if that), and is by most seen as deader than last nights dinner. We disagree. The general excuse for not using Assembly is lack of code portability. That is, languages like C, unlike Assembly, can be recompiled to work on other processors with little or no modification of the existing code. This, in our humble opinion, is largely only true for UNIX where the processor could be nearly anything. Most computers running Windows use a x86 or compatible processor so the only reason to use C is for ease of programming, but this also introduces inefficiencies. Early versions of WinNT (the predecessor of Win2K and WinXP) were insulted at the time for this reason. Besides, MASM32 has most of the structural advantages of C anyway. Remember, just because you have a fast computer with lots of memory it doesn't mean that you should not be concerned about inefficient programming. What is the point having the extra speed if you lose it the instant you get a software "upgrade"? Back to TopWhat is MASM32?A revised version of Microsoft-Assembler. In short, it combines Assembly language efficiency, with some of the higher level structures of languages such as C. The higher level structures, such as IF, WHILE and REPEAT are directly translated at compilation to their Assembly equivalents. This gives MASM32 the speed and efficiency of Assembly Language, while reducing the coding time and improving the readability of the code. For more info. Back to TopHow can I pay the Registration Fee?Currently our preferred method of payment is via PayPal, but we also accept payments via Reg.Net. Each program information page has a link to a customised page for payment. If there is any payment service that you would like us to use please contact us. However, you can also send the money via Mail. Cash is preferred, but if you must use a check please note that the Registration fee is greater to cover the bank fees and it must be addressed to Andrew Glina. (It is also possible to send Cheques using Reg.net.) You'll find the current details (including the exact price) on the individual program payment pages. Back to TopWhat are the terms of your licenses?We've moved this information to our unified payment page. Back to TopGuiltware? What is that?We've moved this information to our unified payment page. Back to TopDoes Sinner Computing do requests?Yep. Ask and ye might receive. However, things are more likely to happen if they are to do with programming, possible without breaking any of the laws of physics, and a variant of an existing program. We generally will not do completely new programs, unless they are simple. In addition, we generally do not sell, re-brand, rename or make custom modifications of existing programs to resellers. This is largely to avoid the support and upgrading issues that can result. Often we will be happy to do minor modifications for no additional charge for registered users. The way we see it is that if you want the feature, chances are someone else does but they just haven't asked. But for some major modifications, especially if we feel that the feature is unnecessary, we will charge for our services. This is always the case for custom and personal programs. Due to several cases of taking-the-program-and-running we expect a non-refundable consultation fee ($24.00 USD) prior to starting any project. (This payment includes licenses to all of our programs.) Please do not pay until we agree to take up the project. Unless there are special circumstances, the minimum charge for a custom program will be $500 USD. Back to TopWhat are Sinner Computings next projects?Generally we are in the middle of a few programs at once so they can be tested while others are being actively worked on. Currently we are working on Break. Expansions to CPUSpy and SmEdit are also planned. New program plans include ACAPtxft, a desktop notes program, IPScour, WhatFile and a clipboard utility. To keep track of what is going on with Sinner Computing keep an eye on the Beta page, our slog and our NewsFeed. Back to TopCould you explain the installer options?Due to the compact nature of our software we needed to write our own installer as it wouldn't be very logical to have a 20Kb program installed by a 1000Kb installer. However, it isn't just a small installer! Aside from being small it has many rare features, including;
Back to TopIs there any logic to the version numbers?The last number is the revision number, the next is the minor version, then is the major number, and the first number is usually one. Generally, "revisions" are bug fixes or tweaks and the minor number is for most upgrades, but frequently we get a bit over excited and go too far. The major number is generally only used if significant features are added, but it can also depend on how high the minor version is. So far the first number is only not "one" if we are waiting for input on program development. For example when " Egg" first came out it was v0.8. This was not because it was a "Beta Release", but because we were not sure if more features should be added to it or not. (Eventually it did receive extensive upgrades due to popular demand.) We used to hope to never do a verion 2 of anything saying that the program would then be so far away from the original that it might as well be called a new program... but we have changed our mind on that. (No comment on the current trend of skipping or even adding version numbers to make a program sound better...) With Beta versions the version number generally does not change at all until the official release. Back to TopWhy were you named "Sinner Computing" and why did you change to ACAPsoft and then change back?See Andrew J Glina Fun Facts for the whys. As for why were aren't/are anymore, the answer is more complicated. Read here for more details on that.
Back to TopAre older versions available?We have available on the website old versions of most programs. However, if you want another program or version, give us a good reason and you might get lucky! (It has happened.) However, the better version is always the newest, and we will never support old versions as well as latest version. For example, while we are always willing to give help, bug fixes or upgrades will not be given to old versions. However, if you feel that a new version is inferior in any way to any of the older versions, please tell us. Regularly features are changed or removed due to problems or lack of interest, but not everyone wants the same from a program. We do attempt to please the majority of people and find the happy medium. Back to TopWhy did Sinner Computing change the name of what is now jFolder?We were threatened with legal action by a certain large company, even though we were first to use the name by at least a month. A bit harsh, but it really isn't worth the fight - due to WinXP having most of jFolder's abilities built in it has no future! Back to TopAre your encryption programs "Snake Oil"?Well, Bruce Schneier sure thinks so. But from reading his essay it seems to us that his opinion is largely based on the fact that he dislikes most programs that can be used with One-Time Pad keys. While we still have the greatest of respect for Bruce Schneier, we feel that he did not do much research into his attack. The fact that his link points to the wrong page, and that he quotes an (old even at the time) ReadMe of XorIt while he is talking about CryptIt, highlights the lack of effort he made when condemning our program(s) to the "Doghouse". However, we at Sinner Computing are not trying to persuade you of anything. If you have doubts on the methods and/or capabilities of CryptIt or XorIt then either do not use them, or do some research and decide for yourself. A suggested place to start is Wikipedia as we feel that this is a quite neutral view, however we have found many sites on the internet that give the pros and cons of the method. Furthermore, any registered user who registered prior to Oct 05 and feels CryptIt or XorIt is "Snake Oil" can receive another code to a different program, or if possible (it must be a recent payment) will be given a refund. This is not a time limited offer and no questions will be asked. If you have any further questions please contact us. Back to TopCan I make a link to Sinner Computing?Sure. Use this highly artistic button if you want. You don't have to, but it will help convince our artist that he is the man.. (Please don't direct link this image however!)
For those that prefer 1000 words here is a text link; ACAPsoft - For software As Compact As Possible - Compact utilities including reminders, encryption, CPU recognition, NIST time synchronization and databases. No download over 150KB!
...or... Sinner Computing - 'cos bloatware sux - Compact utilities including reminders, encryption, CPU recognition, NIST time synchronization and databases. No download over 150KB!
Back to TopCan Sinner Computing make a link to us?Probably not. For one, our link page is an absolute mess and needs to be culled/organized severely. But mostly, we prefer to add links that we actually like, not just add links for enhancing our "Page Rank". Even so, if you think that your site is cool and that we will like it, even if it competes with us, feel free to contact us. Back to TopDoes Sinner Computing need any help?Aside from translations, no, not for the moment. There is no plan for any job offers for this year at least. Currently Sinner Computing is only working due to our minimal expenses and low staffing. Back to TopCan I distribute Sinner Computing software?Permission is given for distribution of any or all of our software on CDs, websites, etc. providing:
Providing you meet those conditions we wish you the best of luck. Back to TopVirus Scanner XXX says that XXX.exe has a virus. Is this true?Most likely not, but it does depend on where you downloaded it from. We check all programs for viruses prior to uploading them using Virustotal, but we can make no guarantees what happens to our files once they leave our control. Additionally, sometimes false detections can occur. Recently Avast detected "Win32:Agent-IYW" in most of our programs and they corrected the problem in under a day. If you do detect any viruses in our software, or even on the site, please contact us and we will forward on the detail to the relevant company. Back to TopCan I have the source code?In most cases the answer is no, so don't ask. It isn't much use to most anyway as few people still program in assembly. However, the source of QWave is available for download and we will be steadily releasing code for other programs. We want to do this as a way to say thanks to other Assembly language programmers who in the past have done the same. We are also happy to give help to anyone who wishes to write programs in MASM32 as well. Back to TopWhy does XP Service Pack 2 and later think you are an 'Unknown Publisher'?Because we have not paid a security company to say otherwise. This message in short simply means that our software has not been digitally signed. Nothing more. Back to TopWhy haven't I received a reply or a registration code?We have received many EMails (and even a few registrations) with invalid EMail addresses. Conversely, sometimes our EMail will not be received by you for various reasons. There have been a few times where we have sent four or more EMails to the address given, but none have been received. If you have not received a reply within 24 hours try sending another EMail to us, from a different EMail address if possible. Remember that registrations can take up to twelve hours to process, with under four hours being more common. What can cause problems? We do reply to every EMail. Honest. Back to TopWhat is the meaning of life?We heard that it is 42, but what was the question? Back to Top |
