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iMovie

With my concern about the loss of Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM) and my “love affair” with my Surface Pro 4 (SP4), I tend to overlook that I have a perfectly good MacBook Pro (13 inch 2014 model) with iMovie.

Up until Apple replaced the old iMovie HD with the new iMovie, I always used iMovie HD on my MacBook for video editing. This was by far the best of the free video editors. In hindsight, I can see why it was replaced as who would spend money on things like Premier Elements or even Final Cut if you had this program – apart from serious amateurs or professionals.

I had a quick look at the Apple Download site and I can’t see a download for iMovie HD. There are updates but they won’t install without the original program.

However, as part of my search for an alternative for WLMM, I have “revisited” the “new” iMovie to see if my opinion (dislike) has changed.

Well, after playing around with it, I have to admit that it is a good basic video editor. More than anything else, my preference for WLMM was probably due mainly to familiarity with that program. The old iMovie HD looked and operated like WLMM and the new iMovie had a completely different interface. (Us old people don’t like change.)

In fact, iMovie does all of those handy things like direct uploads to YouTube, Vimeo etc. and, just like WLMM, is perfect for most ordinary video editing tasks.

Video Editors – OpenShot & Shotcut

I have now installed and tested two more free substitutes for Windows Live Movie Maker – OpenShot and Shotcut.

Right from the start, both OpenShot and Shotcut were easier to install than Kdenlive. Both were a straightforward, standard install with no UAC issues nor any of the other problems documented in my previous post.

There are plenty of reviews on line so I will just briefly confirm the good reviews for all three programs. If I was forced to make a choice, I would slightly favour Kdenlive BUT probably go with either OpenShot or Shotcut because of the install procedure for Kdenlive.

Also, all three could be compared more to programs like Premier Elements or Video Studio rather than Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM). This is because they are far more fully featured and lack the simplicity and ease of use of WLMM.

To use these programs,I had to refer to on line tutorials and YouTube videos but, just like The Gimp, this is a small price to pay for what you get (for free).

However, after using The Gimp for many years I eventually paid for Photoshop Elements when it became available in the Microsoft Store and also as it was at a 30% discount when it first came out in the store . (I also recently paid for paint.net when it appeared in the store. Even though paint.net can still be downloaded for free, it is only a few dollars and I paid for it to partly make up for all the times I downloaded it for free and ignored the donate button.)

I still have WLMM and intend to hang onto it for as long as I can and I can fall back on iMovie on my MacBook. Eventually, if I need a video editor in future, I would probably buy one of the cheaper programs like Nero Video or Corel Video Studio Pro.

Programs like the free ones mentioned and things like Premier Elements are overkill for simple quick projects. But at least there are viable free alternatives.

It will be interesting to see what the video editing add on for Win 10 Photos App will be like.

VIDEO EDITOR KDENLIVE

Refer to post “Windows Essentials A Sad Farewell”

I have been looking for an alternative to Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM) so I checked out Ubuntu to see if anything on that platform would also run on Windows.

Kdenlive is easy to install on Ubuntu as it is in the Software Centre. Just search for it and click to install. You can also install via the terminal – sudo apt-get install kdenlive

This is a great program and there are any number of reviews on line with plenty of instruction videos on YouTube.

After playing with it on Ubuntu, I can confirm that the excellent reviews are justified. Therefore, I decided to install it on a Win 10 machine. I did it on an old PC that I use for things like this – so install at your own risk.

Detailed instructions are on the site here https://kdenlive.org/download/

and on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huZQwS1-eh4

Looks easy BUT I immediately ran into a problem with the download from the KDE Severs. Unlike in the YouTube video, this file is compacted into a .7z file and not a .zip. To extract it I went to the Windows Store for an App. I tried 3 free apps and all three took “forever” to complete – and by “forever” I mean several hours for an 83MB file. Then after the files were extracted and I completed the instructions, the .exe file would not open.

I then went to the .7z site and installed the program from there. (Note you get a UAC warning – “Unknown Publisher” but I allowed it and it seems OK).

This program worked and extracted / unpacked the .7z download quickly and without problems – (When you open the program add the files then Extract).

The next issue I encountered was in copying the contents of the ffmpeg “bin” sub folder. A warning comes up that these files already exist. Select “replace” for all, otherwise H.264 /265 will not be available.

After copying the contents of the “bin” and “presets” sub folders the .exe file worked. Note, it does not actually install the program and you have to run the .exe each time. I pinned a link to this file to the Start page.

Kdenlive seems to run on Win 10 as well as it does on Ubuntu. There is a bit of a learning curve but there are plenty of “How To” instructions on line / YouTube. From what I can see so far, it is superior to WLMM and almost as capable as the paid for editors – a bit like The Gimp.

When I get time, I will look at another 2 similar programs, OpenShot and Shotcut .

Win 8 Product Key to Activate Win 10 Clean Install

I have kept an old HTPC to use to play around with for installing programs and other things that I do not want to do on my main computer.

I wanted to install a video editing program called “Kdenlive” on Windows and I will write about it on my next post. However there were problems with my old HTPC so I decided to do a “Reset This PC”. I started with the reset that keeps your files but it stopped part way so I started again but used the full wipe and restore. However it again stopped part way and when I tried to reboot a notice came up saying that an OS could not be found.

Originally when I built this PC, Win 8 pro was installed and later upgraded to Win 10 using the free upgrades. I still had the Win 8 Pro disc and Product key and I recalled reading somewhere that you could do a clean install of Win 10 using a valid product Key from Win 7 on. In fact it was here on Paul Thurrott’s site.

So I went to the Microsoft site https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows10

Naturally, you need another PC to do this if the target PC won’t boot. Follow the instruction under “Using the tool to create installation media (USB Flash Drive , DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC” to create the Win 10 Installation Media, then boot from the USB (or DVD) and use the Win 7/ 8.x Product Key when prompted.

It worked without any problems and I now have an activated Win 10 back up and running.

This time I made a system image – All Settings / Update and Security / Back Up / Go to Back Up and Restore Windows 7 / Create a System Image – and saved on another drive just in case.

Windows Hello and Cortana

I complained about Apple in my last post so I suppose it is only fair that I now address issues with Microsoft.

Before I start, I want to make it clear that I really like my Surface Pro 4. The only slight hesitation I might have is whether or not I should have bought the Surface Book.

My SP4 is light and small, yet still a powerful PC. I use it as a tablet, laptop and as a desktop when connected to the Dock and keyboard. I really like having a touch screen, issuing voice commands to Cortana and I am almost unable to do without the sign in via face recognition.

The thing I use least is the pen, but I hand write my sticky notes just so I can say that I use every feature.

So it pains me a little to complain. However two recent problems were annoying particularly as they were associated with updates.

About a month ago, Cortana started having issues with opening programs / applications. Everything else seemed to work OK, but instead of opening an app or program, it diverted to a Bing search. This problem occurred with both traditional programs and the new store apps, even apps like Mail that come with the OS.

I tried the on-line suggestions including installing chrome with Google search as the default browser, all to no avail. Even after a “Reset this PC” the problem persisted until one day I noticed that it needed a re-boot to finish installing one of those big system updates. I recalled the the problem started following a previous similar update. So, after the re-start and with some trepidation, I said, “Hey Cortana – open Excel” and she was back to her old helpful self.

I can’t say for certain that updates caused this but I was using the computer normally when it started after an update and it fixed itself following a later update.

The second problem occurred recently and there are plenty of reports on line linking it to an update. The Widows Hello log in via face recognition just stopped working with the following notification: “Couldn’t turn on the camera. Please sign in with your PIN.”

Then to make matters worse, “Sign In” options in All Settings / Accounts was showing : “Windows Hello isn’t available on this device”.

Once again, I tried the various remedies like updating drivers, but when nothing worked, I again resorted to “Reset this PC”. This time it worked and the problem was fixed. BUT, after going to all this trouble, I read this https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/microsoft-surface/132340/microsoft-fixes-windows-hello-issue-surface-pro-4

GRRR! It is not that a “Reset this PC” is an onerous task, but it still takes time with a slow internet to re-install programs like Office 365. Even some store Apps like “Photo Shop Elements” are large time consuming downloads.

This time, when I got it all set up, I imaged the drive using the tool that can still be found under Control Panel / File History/ System Image Back Up. Restoring from an image like this only takes a few minutes as opposed to “hours” to download and re-install the various programs.

I note that Paul Thurrott said on Windows Weekly that this tool is being “deprecated” but I hope it hangs around long enough until we get the NBN so that a fast internet solves the problems I currently have with downloading and re-installing programs after a re-set.

But “all’s well that ends well” and Cortana “obeys” me and my computer signs me in after “seeing” me and I don’t have to go to all that “trouble” to type my PIN!!!

Another Sad Farewell– This time for the iPod Nano and Shuffle

Just as I was getting over the loss of Windows Essentials, Apple has decided to take away another one of my favourites – the iPod Nano.

See https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/07/apple-just-killed-the-ipod-nano-and-ipod-shuffle/

Going by the comments on this article, I am not the only person who will miss these small handy music players. They are the ideal size and weight to carry with you when exercising and far better than a bulky iPod Touch and especially an iPhone.

I like to listen to podcasts, music and occasionally FM radio when out walking or running and my Nano is the ideal solution. It is quick and easy to load via iTunes and the battery lasts – I don’t know how long. Just plugging it into the computer to sync Podcasts seems to always keep it charged and I can’t remember having to charge it outside of this.

Damn you Apple – but I still went out and bought a spare. Apple might have withdrawn both players from their store, but all of the retailers around my place still have plenty of stock. Sales might have slowed, but one reason for this is that they last for a long time. Most people don’t know about it, and, by the time they are looking for a replacement, there will be none left in the shops.

UBUNTU– 16.04.2 – GETTING a DVD TO PLAY AND OTHER PROBLEMS

I have not had a computer running Linux for a year or so. I had Ubuntu running on a very old machine but, when it developed issues, I decided not to repair it.

Recently a friend gave me a computer that was no longer working. The motherboard had failed and it was not worth fixing as an Intel Socket 1156 replacement is not only difficult to find, but just too expensive. At first, I was going to strip it for parts. However, I found a cheap replacement mother board and got the machine running with Ubuntu 16.04.2 – Xenial Xerus.

(I thought they must have stopped naming versions after African animals but I see that an Xerus is a long-tailed ground squirrel native to Africa and Xenial means friendly or hospitable – you learn something new every day!)

Ubuntu has changed a lot since I last used it and one of the first things I noticed was that, like Apple and Microsoft, installing programs from the approved list in the store is “encouraged”. Also, VLC would not play DVDs and I couldn’t even find Synaptic Package Manager to install the relative library.

So this is what I had to do:

After installing, go to System Settings / Software & Updates / Other Software and tick all.

Then I went to Ubuntu Software (this was already locked to the dock) and installed Synaptic Manager, Brasero and VLC.

You will note that at this point VLC won’t play a DVD and Brasero won’t have many of its functions. This article has reference to these matters:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs

I went to the Synaptic Manager but I couldn’t find the relative libraries so I opened the Terminal and input:

sudo apt-get install libdvd-pkg

Keep an eye on it as you have to press Y (yes) a couple of times and it takes a some minutes to run through the process. Then when it completes, a “pop up” gives you an additional command to run to install libddcss. Hit enter to get back to the Terminal and, as instructed, input : NOTE! April 21 – This process is now automated. Now you get a prompt that only requires clicking “YES” / Enter.

sudo dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkg

After all of these processes are complete, VLC and Brasero will run with all of their functions.

Another thing that I had an issue with was getting my trusty old Netgear USB Wi-Fi Adaptor WG111v2 to work. On my first attempt, the computer could see my Wi-Fi network but it would not connect as it would not accept the WPA password.

I ended up installing Ubuntu again but this time I first connected to my router via Ethernet, ensured that the USB Wi-Fi adaptor was plugged in at the outset and I ticked both “Install Updates” and “Install 3^rd party software” when prompted. The adaptor now works.

I don’t remember having any of these issues in the past.

But all is now well and I can now watch DVDs from other regions. Australia is in the same region as the UK for Blu-ray but a different region for DVD. This means that we can buy Blu-ray discs from Amazon UK.

I had bought the Blu-ray Box Set for the original Swedish TV series “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” from Amazon UK. The movies that were available in Australia were just cut from the TV series and, not only had bits omitted, but were not dubbed into English. (I hate sub titles.) The Blu-ray Box Set has nothing cut out and also has an English language sound track. But it came with a DVD of “Bonus” material that I have not been able to play. Now I can watch the “Bonus” DVD on my “new” Ubuntu computer.

PS 4 Random Disc Ejection

I have been having an annoying problem with my PS4. Without warning and, both while it is on and being used and also when it is turned off, it will eject the game disc. Then when the disc ejects it won’t go back in until the console is turned off then back on.

Needless to say this is more than annoying particularly when it ejects in the middle of a challenging part of a game.

It is the original 500GB model and is out of warranty. So I could either pay for it to be repaired or buy the new “Slim” model. I don’t want to upgrade to the PS4 Pro as I don’t have a 4K / HDR TV.

Before spending any money, I decided to look on line for an easy repair.

This YouTube video describes 2 things that I was able to do and it seems to have fixed the problem (Touch Wood !)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF7awGOi7os

I don’t know if “tightening the screw” would work by itself as I did both before turning it back on. Try the screw first to see if this works as the rubber foot can be a bit difficult to put back.

With the screw, be aware that it is down below what looks like air vents and can be a little hard to see and access. Shine a light on it and you will see it.

Also with the little rubber foot, I took it out and then re-inserted it. It comes out very easily as shown, but is a lot harder to put back in. I used a little screw driver to push it back in starting at the front and working back. On the YouTube video it looks like he just leaves it out.

So thank you very much YouTuber MightyMrMustache – you saved me the cost of a repair.

I have always had both a PlayStation and an X Box. The original X Box 360 was the one that I had problems with previously and this time around it is the PS4. (Although nothing as bad as “the red ring of death”on the first 360.)

Another issue with the PS4 is that I find the wireless controller has to be charged much more frequently than the controller for the X Box One. This is not a big deal as you can have it plugged in while playing a game. However the supplied charging cable is short and I have to use the much longer cable that comes with the X Box One if I want to sit back on my chair and play while charging. Thankfully both consoles use the same standard USB plugs/sockets.

Open Live Writer

Comments on the replacement for Windows Live Writer.

First up, it is an ongoing project and their web site is here http://openlivewriter.org/

Improvements and updates are being worked on and, no doubt, it will get better over time.

I am using the latest build (0.6.2 as at 5/7/17) but one thing I did notice is you can’t drag the borders on tables to change the width of the columns.

Even if you specify a size, the program still inserts table columns of equal width to fit page. To get the desired column widths in the previous post, I had to open it with Windows Live Writer.

Apart from that I can’t see much else that is missing. You can “drag” images to change size:-

AND can “watermark” images and change tooltip text,

AND crop, rotate and tilt.. ( Highlight the image / Format Tab. )

The spell check automatically picked up that I was using Australian English and, generally, it works just like the Microsoft version.

WINDOWS ESSENTIALS A Sad Farewell

Windows Live Essentials

If you are not aware, the suite of programs under Windows Live Essentials stopped being available from Microsoft in Jan 2017. If you already have them installed, they will keep working. However, if you have to re-install Windows then you will not be able to download them again.

This was an excellent group of programs and it is a pity that they are gone. These are some alternatives:

*NAME*	*Alternative for Windows 7*	*For Windows 10*
Windows Live Mail (WLM)	Mozilla Thunderbird https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/ CARE! Hotmail/Live/Outlook Email accounts no longer work on WLM If your have G Mail , Yahoo Mail, or Hotmail / Outlook / Live, you can always log in via a browser.	Win 10 Mail App comes with Win 10 &, while not as good as WLM, this App is being continually improved. Mozilla Thunderbird will also run well on Win 10.
Windows Live Writer (WLW)	Open Live Writer (An “open source” fork of WLW) http://openlivewriter.org/	Same as for Win 7 This post was written and uploaded with Open Live Writer.
Windows Live Photo Gallery (WLPG)	Paint.net https://www.getpaint.net/ OR MORE ADVANCED Free “Open Source” program called – The Gimp https://www.gimp.org/	The Photos App that comes with Win 10 will do everything and more than WLPG did (Apart from a Collage) Use The Gimp for a Collage and other advanced editing.)
Windows Live Messenger	Skype messenger but there are plenty of others.	Same as Win 7
Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM)	Loss of WLMM is a disappointment & is the hardest to replace unless you pay for a program. Adobe Premier Elements is probably the best but it is expensive AUD $130 A cheaper “paid” option is Sony Vegas Movie Studio – COST USD$50 http://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-movie-studio/ There are good reviews for the following free “open source” program: “Shotcut” https://www.shotcut.org/	A video editor called “Story Remix” will be a part of the Photo App in Windows 10 . It is due later this year. However, this looks like it will be like the old “Photo Story” but with videos as well as still photos. Until then the alternatives under the Win 7 column will also work on Win 10.