Install new software eclipse GAE loop

Sometimes I think it is more difficult setting up your development environment than writing a complex program.  I refer today to setting up Google App Engine on the Eclipse Platform.  I took me a whole week to get it set up and working.  There were a few times where I wanted to smash my laptop or kick someone in the face, but I tried again and again.

Why did it not work? I don't know but what happened was that I downloaded the latest version of Eclipse, went to help -> install new software, added the repository

(http://dl.google.com/eclipse/plugin/3.7)

and started the installation.  All was fine until it came to about 49% (in later cases I tried to install the core files and it stuck on 27%) and then it downloads the same file over and over again, from multiple mirror sites.  Not only did this waste a lot of money, it never worked.

In the end I downloaded the latest Eclipse Java EE version and downloaded the google repository so that I could install GAE from my local machine.  I also had to disable "Contact all update sites during install to find required software"  before installation.  This seemed to have done the trick and now I can start writing again.  A massive sigh of relief.

Hopefully if anyone happen to have the same problem as I did they would stumble upon this post and not frustratingly bash their heads against the wall until they pass out.

Problems with rooihub and ApexDC

I would just like to add to my previous post the different problems that crept up while using the software.

1. Sometimes when you want to open Rooihub this weird error pops up saying something like "Set of local port failed (bind()): No Error", what this means is that Rooihub is open and active.  You should then go have a look in your system tray (it is at the righthand  side bottom of the screen where your clock and time is) and click on the white heart in a red circle icon.  If you do not find it there then you have one of 2 options.
       
          a)  Restart your computer.
                   OR
          b) Press control+alt+delete (at the same time), open or click on the start task manager option.                The task manager will no open.  Under the processes tab you will see a lot of process.  Find the          one with the image name RooiHub.exe or something.  Click on it, then click on end process.                    Click ok on the pop-up message and open rooihub again. (You may close the task manager now)

2.  You open RooiHub and BOOM no chathub or user list available on your righthand side as you are used to and you cannot seem to fix it.  You cannot download anything and only your name is displayed.
There are a few things that might have gone wrong.  Here is a general check list that needs to be correct in order for RooiHub/DC to work:

         a) You have to specify the network that you are connected to as a Home network not a Public one.
         b) Your username may not collide with another and it may not contain invalid characters, it will
             tell you otherwise.

That is about it and remember if all else fails, then re-install or restart, it usually does the trick.  Also explore and play around with things on the computer so you can find out how they work.

Add comments if you had any problems with DC or RooiHub, I would love to hear from you.

ApexDC++ and RooiHub on Stellenbosch

One of the many problems faced by new students in residences on Stellenbosch is the set-up and download of  DC.  Here is what you have to do:

1) Download Rooihub from http://www.rooihub.co.za/download/

2) Install Rooihub

3) Download ApexDC++ from http://irc.sun.ac.za/downloads/DC_clients/Installation%20files%20(for%20experts%20only)/ or get the new version from the internet (http://www.apexdc.net/download/)

4)Install ApexDC++

5) Double click on Rooihub and then click the "Connect" button in the Rooihub window, ApexDc++ should automatically start.

6) Set a username for yourself on ApexDc++ (A settings window will be displayed where you can set it)

7) If the window is not displayed go to File -> Settings

8) Choose the "Sharing" tab or menu button in the Settings menu and add a lot of files to share (More is better)

9) Exit and Reconnect. You should be able to browse and download from your fellow residents.

ADDTIONAL You can also set the file you download to, to be shared or share your downloads so that other residents will be able to access those files at much greater speeds and availability won't be an issue.

For those finished with exams, have a nice vacation.