About Stephen Jackson Expertise I can help with questions regarding VB.NET syntax and object references, with data interfaces and with the design and creation of robust, data aware object classes. I can also be very helpful with creating distributable applications and provide tricks and tips on .msi creation. I also have extensive experience in designing SQL Server Databases and interfacing them with VB.NET. I try to avoid web specific questions, as that is an area of expertise all its own.
Experience
Experience in the Area: I have been a programmer in Visual Basic since version 1.0 and have worked with VB.NET (which is infinitely more powerful than previous versions) since its initial release and SQL Server, both as a corporate IT professional and professional consultant. I first wrote Basic in 1976 on a TRS 80 and have worked in Visual Basic 1.0 and every subsequent release of Microsoft Visual Basic. I worked for over 7 years as a Senior Level Consultant in the area and currently hold a Project Manager position in IT.
Education and Credentials: MBA in Econometrics, 1983, University of Memphis.
BBA in Financial Management, 1982, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, University of Memphis. Microsoft Certified Professional
Areas of Special Expertise:
My specialty is the design of Object Oriented Solutions with robust, data aware object classes. I generally avoid the classic ‘Three Tier’ model as I find it redundant and cumbersome to maintain. I also specialize in the creation of ‘User Friendly’ User Interfaces which help lessen the need for user training and help prevent user error. I work best with Windows Forms based applications, and while I do work in C# as well, I prefer to limit my questions here to Windows Forms based applications created in Visual Basic.NET and SQL Server. I wil also address questions relating to the distribution and installation of Windows Forms based applications created in VB.NET.
Expert: Stephen Jackson Date: 4/18/2008 Subject: Screen saver custom text
Question QUESTION: Hi,Stephen. Why can I only put no more than 20 words on my computer screen saver to see? Is it possible to input more words on the Screen saver? My computer is Operation System is Windows XP (home edition). I discovered this by clicking on my lower left hand screen start button, clicking on the control panel, then clicking on the display icon inside this window & lastly this window called 3D Text Settings appears. It it seems that if it gives us a choice for custom text it would be more than 20 characters. I would appreciate any knowledge you have about this topic. Thank you for your time. Have a blessed day.
ANSWER: Sterling,
While this is really not a VB.NET question, I surely do not mind answering it. XP comes with 2 standard screen savers which allow you to enter your own text: Marquee, and 3D Text. 3D Text does only allow you 20 characters (I just checked on this) ... of course the manipulations of the graphics are complex, and this is probably why. Now the Marquee Screen Saver will take a lot more text ... 255 characters, but it does not have such a cool graphic, so, like so many things in life, it is a trade-off.
Thanks,
Stephen Jackson
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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply Stephen. How do I go to the Marquee screen saver to add up to 255 characters? Have a good weekend.
Answer Sterling,
The easy way to get there is to just right click on your desktop, and select Properties from the right click menu. That will give you display properties. Select the Screen Saver Tab, then from the Screen Saver selection combo box, select Marquee. This is a standard windows screen saver and every version of Windows I know has it. Then on that dialog box, select the Settings Button, and you will see where you type in your text and set scrolling speed. There is also a Format Text button that will let you select Font and size (I am known to use Symbol Font so I can write in ancient Greek, but I am pretty much a geek that way!)
