Third new process watchdog action added

Process Lasso v3.99.10 will have the ability to temporarily change the CPU affinity of select processes if they exceed a specified CPU quota. This temporary CPU change can vary in duration, or be undone on other conditions (coming soon). Of course, Process Lasso's ProBalance also already offers this feature, though implemented in a different way and not unique to an individual process.

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Flicker-free dual releases: v3.84.7 final and v3.99.9 alpha

For those who don't know, a backport release is one where I migrate important changes from the latest alpha/beta to the older final version. Having parallel development environments enables this. I've therefore released v3.84.7 final. It eliminates the GUI process list flicker seen in some circumstances, has some translation updates, and backports a couple other minor things. I am pushing it on out.

v3.99.9 alpha also lacks the annoying GUI process list flicker found in earlier builds, amongst many other changes. I'm going to concentrate more on coding now, less talk. v4 must come soon, the changes in the latest alpha series are just too important to wait. We'll be in beta soon, and hopefully be able to test it quickly if enough people are involved.

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Per-process CPU history now also graphed when viewing Active Processes

I just completed the little bit of code to allow the per-process CPU history (white line) to be drawn whether you are in the All Processes or Active Processes tab. For those unfamiliar with this feature, when one or more processes are selected in the list, the cumulative CPU history is drawn on the graph as a white line.

In compliment to it, I also enabled the CTRL-A accelerator for this tab. Yes, these are little things that I should have done in the first place, but they are done now.

On to more important items, and I really must quit posting such trivial improvements here, lol ;). If I keep writing a page on every change, this is going to be a long blog. It won't slow me down though, I type much faster than I think ;p.

(changes to be in v3.99.9)

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Accessibility improvement

A user emailed me to let me know that the keyboard focus wasn't being put on the process listviews, and there was no way (via keyboard) to navigate to them. In v3.99.9 (unreleased) I have temporarily corrected this by putting the keyboard focus on the process list when you open the GUI or switch views. Later, I'll properly allow tabbed navigation between the child controls of the main Process Lasso window.

Anyone who finds similar accessibility problems should email me. I'll do what I can to aid in any way.

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RegNow order automation completed

After I had more integration difficulties than with either PayPal or TrialPay, I finally finished the code for full RegNow automated order processing. This is the payment processor we use as our 'alternate form of payment', but it may eventually become our primary form of payment. Small anomalies may exist, and will be ironed out as/if they occur.

I appreciate all those who continue to support the work here at Bitsum Technologies. I know for many customers RegNow was a more viable payment processor, so I hope this helps you to help us ;).

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v3.99.8 alpha released

Version 4 continues on its way to be the best build of Process Lasso ever. Virtual memory usage of the GUI in v3.99.8 is sharply lower, as I indicated in my previous post.

I've even made more improvements to ProBalance. Some of the improvements aren't present in v3.99.8, but will be in v3.99.9. It is all coming together fast.

I'm shooting for beta by the end of the week. Anything not done by then will have to wait until v4.1 (sorry).

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Rewrote process icon extraction code

Rewritten process icon retrieval code means:

• Faster process icon retrieval times
• Asynchronous process icon retrieval (for faster initial GUI load time). Icons will be retrieved in low priority background threads and displayed when they become available. In previous versions, I slowed the load of the icons on all systems, but now we can go 'full speed' without slowing anything down.
• Further optimization to reduce virtual memory usage

Last night I ran into a glitch and finally quit working on it and fell asleep. Naturally, as soon as I woke up, I saw the glitch and fixed it up. Its all good now and it will be in v3.99.8 (coming soon).

I have some really neat surprises I want to unveil, but won't mention them just yet. I know competitors monitor this blog and my web site, as I often see exact replicas of what I say on some 'wanna-be' apps developed for profit (please note, I am not speaking of freeware or other legitimate apps written by people like myself). Just remember, competitors are going to be coming from every direction as people try to make a buck. I'm making SURE Process Lasso v4 represents the best Process Lasso can be. Trust me when I say it will perform better in real world environments without any user configuration changes than any previous version ... not to mention all the great new features ;).

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New licensing system for version 4

The number of editions of Process Lasso v3 got way out of hand. Not only did this slow down build time on my slow computer, so it took an hour to do a very release -- it also made things confusing for end users. I've now simplified my licensing by allowing the Free edition to be converted into the Pro edition via an online activation. Yes, I know this will open it up to crackers, but crackers will always find a way anyway.

So, now the Free edition can be activated. This also makes updates easier, as you don't have to login to our Support area to get the Pro build. Please allow a little time to discover and fix any remaining quirks in this rather large switch of licensing systems. I've planned this for some time, and finally 'pulled the trigger' here in v3.99.7 alpha (coming soon).

Please also note that in a few builds the activation system itself will change. This means you'll have to re-activate the product. I say this to give you a heads up. This change is necessary to facilitate a activation system that is more robust than the previous. It is something typically done on a major new version like this.

The best news, no timed nag screen - no matter how long installed. I am experimenting with removing that. If users still support me, then it'll be gone for good.

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Graph tooltips

The oft-requested and suspiciously missing graph tooltips have finally 'made it' to the top of my todo list. I am going to let v3.99.7 simmer here internally and try to get these finished on up. I've got it pretty well planned now, and have some cool new features related to them not seen elsewhere. I am working on this code, and will have it finished ASAP. Naturally, my implementation is a little more tedious because I didn't want to take certain shortcuts that would have compromised efficiency.

Once I finish this code, then do some additional work on the new Emergency Stall Recovery feature, I'm moving this to beta status. In other words, v3.99.7 will probably be the last alpha build. I've got a few more additions to v3.99.7 alpha done that I haven't even mentioned yet, but you'll see those soon enough. Chances are v3.99.7 alpha will be released in the next 24 to 36 hours.

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Reduction in GUI memory use

I've spoken about optimizing storage of the process icons to conserve virtual memory. These are the largest consumer of virtual memory in the GUI. This optimization is now complete in the latest internal build. It will not only reduce virtual memory usage, but it will also speed initial load time of the 'All processes' list. This will be in v3.99.7 alpha, for sure.

UPDATE: Well, I thought I had finished this code completely, but I thought of one more optimization that will make an even bigger difference. I'm implementing it now, to be in a future build. As always, I'm dedicated to saving a few bytes of memory probably else cares about, lol.

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Change to installer command line switches

For the few (if any) who use the installer command line switches (e.g. /S for a silent install ;p). The /rights parameter will be removed in version 4. That option is now merged with /gui_start_type and /governor_start_type. In either case, along with the start type, include the word 'uac' or 'elevate' and it will start elevated. For example: "/governor_start_type:all,elevate".

Command line switch documentation found here: http://www.bitsum.com/docs/pl/Command%20Line%20Arguments/command_line_arguments.htm

(may not yet be updated)

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Process Lasso v3.99.6 alpha released, to be followed by v3.99.7 alpha

Process Lasso v3.99.6 alpha was released last night, and v3.99.7 alpha will soon follow. I explained most in the last post. I'm really feeling inspired, so expect rapid improvements and progress.

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Inspired and taking v4 to a new level

I am going to do an interim v3.99.6 alpha release to show off the finished watchdog code and updated translations. Other improvements have also been made, but none like are coming. The self-memory-optimization won't be enabled in this build yet, it will be next build (for real). Also in the next build are some great improvements that you'll say "Hell yea, about time!" too.

I'm going to leave it for a surprise. You'll like. My current goal: Get this to release candidate in 2 weeks maximum. It is ambitious, but I am prepared to lock myself in my office for the duration. I'll be fed food under by sliding a tray under the door. I have a bathroom. I'm good ;).

Thanks to all those who continue to support me and my software, whether Process Lasso, PECompact, or some other project or article.

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Now offering more RegNow payment options

Since some people have problems with PayPal, for whatever reason, I've added support for RegNow orders. Unfortunately, integration with RegNow's system was a little difficult. Therefore, there may be a few bugs to iron out. You can rest assured you will receive a license though, immediately. You'll then receive further information within 12 hours (your Support area account).

Well, back to v4... a new alpha is so, so close. I've got a lot of work done the last few days.

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Affinity dialogs now support 32 CPUs

The latest internal alpha build has extended the CPU affinity selection dialogs to show up to 32 CPUs. Of course, I can only emulate tests of this as I certainly don't have a system with that many virtual or physical CPUs. There should be no problems, especially with careful code review. If any user of v3.99.6 actually has a system that supports this many CPUs, please feel free to report back. The core engine and configuration file always have supported any number of CPUs.

I've also completed the watchdog auto-terminate context menus and more. A new alpha, v3.99.6, is coming very soon.

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Rambling status report

I've slowed down a bit, because I want to ensure quality in version 4. I know I've mentioned it a million times, but that one initial v3.80 release that had the GUI positioning bug still haunts me. That won't happen this time, I am determined the final v4 release will be perfect. I've therefore been spending a lot of time tracking down bugs and improving the overall code base. After all, its not just about adding new features - it is about making a quality product.

Additionally, I'm proud to say that the *next* alpha release will have new memory optimization tricks, reducing its memory footprint even further. Yes, even though it uses less than almost any other application you can find, I'm going to make it smaller.

I know everyone is very eager to get version 4. From a business perspective, the quicker I release it, the better. However, I just can't 'skip to the end'. If I lose my integrity as a developer and a person, then everything will be lost. I've seen it happen to more software businesses than I can count. I could throw out v4 final tomorrow, for instance... make money maybe, but lose in the long run because I'd have sold my soul.

Many people are already using version 4 alpha. Although I can not encourage that, I also use it, and I do try to keep my alpha and beta builds safe to use and without any significant problems. So, if you want to use the new alpha, feel free to do so - just remember it is an alpha at present and so bugs and incomplete features may exist.

As an added benefit, there is no nag timer in this alpha. I figure if you nice enough to test our software, I'm not going to annoy you with a timed nag. I hate that I even have to put that nag in, and may permanently remove it if I can manage to generate some revenue without it. I'm not greedy, and just want enough to live on. Once I have that, I need no more. Yea, I know, a strange thing for a businessman to say ;p. Well, I'm not a businessman, I'm a software developer simply trying to remain independent so that I can take whatever creative direction I choose.

Hmm... let's see, nah, no more subjects to throw in ;p. I just wanted to update everyone who is eagerly awaiting version 4. I *hope* to have it enter beta status soon.

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v3.99.5 released - new feature to allow user override of hard-coded ProBalance exclusions

I've had many users request I allow them to override hard coded ProBalance exclusions. This makes perfect sense, as in some circumstances certain processes do need to be unexcluded. In fact, at least one of the processes on the hard-coded ProBalance exclusion list probably should not have even be there (it was removed now). I originally implemented these hard-coded exclusions because of my 'do no harm' rule. I always take the safest approach, as I feel that is my duty.

Anyway, I have completed this code, and it will be available in v3.99.5 alpha, now released. When you try to unexclude a hard-coded exclusion, you'll simply be asked if you want to over-ride the hard-coded exclusion. Previous builds would have simply told you the exclusion is hard-coded and can not be removed.

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System reset

Well, there's nothing like a couple days of vomiting to reset your internal systems. I am coming back online now after encountering a brief illness of some sort. Everything tastes and smells different now, for the worse. I look forward to having my senses return to normal in the coming days.

This did delay the release of the last Process Lasso alpha build, and I apologize for that. It takes a lot to knock me out of the game, but it does happen on rare occasions. I hope to get caught up quickly as my body's systems come back online.

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Happy Independence Day to USA

I'd like to wish a happy independence day to my Process Lasso users here in the states. I also have some good news; a new alpha is coming soon that makes a large stride towards completion. I'm tempted to try to rush it out before I leave to go watch fireworks, but I'll wait and work all night to get it released. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll have everything done and can launch it. I would *really* like to see v4 go final this month, or at least be very close. A LOT of work lays ahead, but I can handle it.

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