Advice Corner
Technology can be really confusing at times. The big companies sometimes love to make it complicated with all those fancy jargon words and numbers that make you get a headache… So, we’ve decided to set up the Advice Corner, where you can ask us questions on anything to do with technology, and once a week we’ll select a few good questions to answer.
So, without further ado, ask away! 
Okay… question… how do you use the spline tool in Anim8or
The spline tool is relatively easy to use, but you’ve just got to understand it first
To understand the tool, follow this quick and simple tutorial I’ve mashed-up a few seconds ago:
(obviously, the application must be open first)
1. Select “Curved Path” tool (either by pressing hotkey “p” or clicking the squiggly line icon)
2. draw a sort of circle
3. draw another circle, but inside the first one
4. select both lines, and make sure they’re highlited in white
5. Click: [Menu] -> [Build] -> [Join Splines]
6. Now make sure that the splines are joined. Do this by clicking out of the selected shape, then click it again, Make sure that, by clicking one of the lines, both the lines are highlighted in white. If not, then go back to the previouse steps and try again.
7. To fill the shape, click: [Menu] -> [Build] -> [Fill…]
And there you have it! The spline tool is really powerful. You could even import reference images, trace them, and fill them using the method I described below. This is exactly what I did for the Shotokan Karate-Do South Africa logo animation…
Hope this helped
Hey! thanks for the help…. nice tool to use as well.
Another question:
In animator, if I wish to save a file as 3ds, can this be done? I am only able to IMPORT 3ds files. I have tried many times but can only (as per usual) save in Anim8or format.
Help?
Your most welcome
Answering your question:
Yes, this can be done. However, .3ds is (as far as I know) the proprietory format for Alias 3D Studio MAX and Maya. However, it is a rather useful format for other applications too. Simply click: [MENU] -> [Object] -> [Export...]
The File Dialog will appear. Just select “*.3ds” from the drop-down menu (it should be selected for you).
Hope this helped
this is a real question. My computer just got replaced and cleaned. however, whenever i switch it on i get this error message saying that there is an incorrect drive. but when i unplug the printer and usb memory stick, it works fine. What is wrong with my computer? oh yes, and have you got any good freeware anti-viruses? as im not too fond of norton, even though ive got last years version
Hmmmm… what I think you should do is, remove the printer and USB, and switch your PC on. Then, once Windows has completely booted up and you are at the desktop, then plug in the two devices. If Windows says something like “these devices are not recognized” or “not working properly”, then click the balloon and use the troubleshooting tool to correct the problem. I have a feeling that the correct drivers are not installed…
And finally, AntiVirus software? Yip, I know of a few, but I personally don’t use these. They’re Open Source, by the way. Here they are:
-ClamAV:
http://www.clamav.net
-clamwin:
http://www.clamwin.com
These two should work on Windows. You should also consider downloading Windows Defender from the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com). It acts as sort of an anti-virus application, but it is still advisable to have another AV installed “just to be sure”
thank you. i currently have AD aware from the Lavasoft company installed. it is pretty good, recognising unfound viruses that Norton missed. However, after running a scan in succession. I discovered that it is “adding” viruses. Probably as a ploy to advertise and make me consider buying this product. What do you say to that?
oh yes. in addition to my previous question. i am pretty good with copmuters but not much with audio. i have a set of Sahara speakers here that are connected and working. however, whenever i attempt to play anything there is a windows error that there is no sound device. i have tried control panel, but i can’t click anything. help?
I seem to recall this happening to me when I got my new PC, and installed the speakers (I also have Sahara speakers).
What you may need to do is install the speakers’ drivers.. You can do this by inserting the CD/DVD that came with your speakers. By the way, is your PC a built-up system or did you buy it as a complete package?
About the AD Aware – sheesh! To me it sounds more like a big marketing plot! If you are frustrated, then I suggest downloading the programs I listed above, as well as Windows Defender – that’s really a great program…
yes. i did download the clam win and defender and they work fine. even though Clam Win appears to stall and takes alot of time. It doesn’t even have a user-friendly interface. my copmuter has been built up. I prefer being the one in charge and “Customizing” my computer. Over the years i have added an extra hardrive, RAM and quite alot if programs. unfortunately, i dont have my speaker CD as they are extremely old. Could you either lend me yours or is there an alternative?
You should find the drivers for the speakers on the main “chipset” disk that came with your PC. If you’ve got an Asus motherboard, then the disk should say something like “P5PE – VM Series Intel 865G Chipset Support CD” or something. Just check in the contents that came with your PC
i’m afraid im gonna have to stop you at that. These speakers are upgraded to the ones i recieved with the computer(like i said, i built it up). Can you please work some Rahul magic and leave a download link in your reply or physically lend me the CD. (i am reliable and have never lost a thing in my life, unlike bryan that left his putter on the 7th green)
Ok SAD-MAN, I may be willing to lend you my disk, but you’ll have to return it as it’s a really important system disk for my PC.
I can lend it to you next week, but I’ll need it before Friday (obviously because next Friday is the end of school)
[ADVICE CORNER IS STILL OPEN! PLEASE ASK AWAY...]
Howdy! I’m Bryan Smith, the newly appointed Author (please don’t confuse me with the Admin and founder Rahul Dowlath) for TechZone online! I’m rather pleased to say I’ll be posting soon, and I look forward to being able to communicate with the entire TechZone community.
I will also be operating in the Advice Corner, so, If you are a Mac user and you are having some trouble, feel free to post your query here, and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
where to find P5PE-VM series Intel 865G Chipset Suppport CD