08 March 2013

Advanced Uses for Google's Site: Operator



You probably know that Google's site: operator lets you restrict results to a site or domain. Search for [site:cnn.com iran] to restrict the results for "Iran" to CNN's site, search for [site:googlesystem.blogspot.com gmail tips] to find Gmail tips from this blog. You can also use the site: operator for top-level domains and search for [site:fr debussy] or [site:edu ai].



Google's site: operator is a lot more powerful than that. You can leave out some components of the address and replace them with asterisks. For example, you can find results from addresses that match this pattern: maps.*.com. Unfortunately, Google doesn't show all the results that match the pattern.






You can also find results that have URLs which start with "news." like "news.cnet.com" or "news.discovery.com". Just search for [site:news.*].






What if you want to search Amazon's international sites? Instead of typing [site:amazon.com OR site:amazon.co.uk OR site:amazon.ca OR site:amazon.de OR site:amazon.fr], just search for [site:amazon.*].






Google's site: operator also works for directories. For example, you can find last year's posts about Gmail by searching for [site:googlesystem.blogspot.com/2012 gmail].



You can even enter URLs that include parameters and leave out the parameters. Here's a way to search the Google Maps help center: [site:support.google.com/maps/bin/answer.py inurl:"hl=en" 3d]. I've used the inurl: operator to restrict the results to English pages, but it's not necessary to do that.






How to restrict the results for [imap] to answers from Google's help centers? Search for: [site:support.google.com/*/answer imap].






These tricks work for image search, as well:









YouWave: Run Android On Windows [Paid]



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Up until about a year ago, PC users had very limited options when it comes to running Android apps on Windows. Over the last few months, a couple of good applications have been released to install and run Android apps on Windows without having to install virtualization software. BlueStacks and WindowsAndroid are free programs available [...]

Windows System Control Center Adds Dozens Of Utility Tools To Your PC



Being a master of your system really means knowing what’s available to you under the hood and how to get to it. Nothing is truer when using Windows, as there are a lot of configurations available to you that can be unlocked through the registry or by other means. Windows 7 “God Mode” is a perfect example of what I’m talking about.


Sysinterals and NirSoft are just as heaven-sent, being two names that will resonate beautifully with Windows enthusiasts like myself. They put out some of the best alternative software that you’ll ever get your hands on, and I personally consider both suites to be huge contributors to the platform. Both have pumped out dozens of portable applications that truly unlock and polish certain elements of Windows. If you’re not familiar with any of their software, you need to be.


The program that I want to introduce you to today takes the power of Sysinternals and NirSoft and takes it a step further. Windows System Control Center takes managing those individual applications and makes it ridiculously easier.


Windows System Control Center


Windows System Control Center will work on any version of Windows past 2000 and comes available as a completely portable application. It allows you to install, update, and completely manage applications that you’d find in major system utility suites. The latest version focuses on the software made available by the Windows Sysinternals Suite and NirSoft Utilities.


Upon launching the application, you first need to fix your options. It’s great for them to immediately prompt the user with these options, because I’d almost always recommend that one of the first things you do with an application is look at the options and settings.



The General tab includes a lot of basic and aesthetic settings, as you can see above.



The Software tab is the most significant of the options, where you’re able to tweak the local storage path and live URL of both application suites. You’re also able to tick which pieces of Windows you’d like Windows System Control Center to be able to manage.


After Windows System Control Center has been tweaked to your liking, you will then have a massive list of applications available for you to download.



Be advised that every one of these applications is portable, and the Install button does nothing more than automatically extract each application from the archive that it’s in.



As the applications begin to “install,” you can check the folder that you set them to download to and see a heap of brand new executables.



Overall, Windows System Control Center is an awesome layer over two software suites that many Windows fans can’t live without. I’ve actually seen a Sysinternals batch script that gets their applications updated by command line, and NirLauncher is doing a great job of keeping that suite together as a group, but as of right now I definitely see Windows System Control Center as the best way to keep your applications as recent as possible. It’s a great management tool for these two software suites.


After handling downloads and updates, the main window of Windows System Control Center shows your entire library, by category, in the left pane and the applications that belong to each category in the right pane.



Windows System Control Center even offers its own console window for advanced users who are interesting in playing with the applications via command line.



Other than these small features, Windows System Control Center simply does its job of keeping your software fresh and easy to access.


If you’ve never used software from Systinternals or NirSoft, here’s a quick recap of each:


Windows Sysinternals


Sysinternals was actually created by the people at Microsoft to help power users like you and I get the most of their PC. Sysinternals software includes names like Autoruns, Process Monitor, and Process Explorer. Most of their software is very technical.


NirSoft Utilities


NirSoft is well-known for lightweight, niche applications of all sorts. Names like Mail PassView, CurrPorts, AdapterWatch, SiteShoter, and ShellExView are some of the most popular. NirSoft does a great job of pushing out applications with features that make your Windows experience much easier. While Sysinternals improves parts of Windows that already exist, NirSoft adds completely new functionality with many of their applications.


By itself, Windows System Control Center isn’t much. However, if you’re someone who already uses these two application suites or someone who is trying to make the most out of their system, Windows System Control Center is your way to constantly stay up-to-date with a massive amount of some of the best third-party software on the web.


Let us know what you think of Windows System Control Center, Sysinternals, and NirSoft in the comments.


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RedditToGo Offers An Intuitive Reddit Experience For Windows 8



reddit for windows 8Browse Reddit intuitively, with columns. Reddit To Go is a Windows 8 app that opens every link you click in a column, allowing you to quickly browse from one story to the next. You can even see an open link right next to Reddit’s comments about it.


One of the most common criticisms of Reddit is that it’s confusing. Go to the site and you see a list of links; click those links and you’re taken away from Reddit. If you want to join the conversation around a link, you need to find the “Comments” button below the link. It’s simple enough for those who’ve been using the middle mouse button to open new links in a background tab since 2004, but for everyone else it’s understandably confusing.


Other apps try to help. Reditr, for Mac, Linux and Windows, embeds content for quick browsing. RedditToGo attempts to be a little more straight forward than that (spectacular) advanced tool, and I think it does a good job of making Reddit simpler.


Columns Make Reddit Better


Start up RedditToGo and you’ll be asked to sign in. Do so and you’ll be presented with your subreddits:


reddit for windows 8


Tap any of these to start browsing, or click the “Front Page” button to see the best of the subreddits you’ve collected. You can up- and down-vote articles, as usual. Whatever you’ll do, you’ll be presented with the usual collection of links. Tap one and you’ll be taken to the page, with the collection of links on the left:


reddit windows 8 app


You can quickly jump from one article to another, because the list of articles are on the right. Embedded support for a service like Readability would be nice, but isn’t offered – perhaps in a future update.


Tap the word “comments” while an article is open and you’ll see the comments to the right of the article – so you can see the story and check out what the hivemind has to say about it.


reddit windows 8 app


Of course, “self” posts on Reddit don’t have an article: they’re mostly just to start a conversation. Tap one of these posts and you’ll be take directly to the comments:


reddit windows 8 app


You can up- and down-vote comments, as usual, by hitting the arrows. You can leave your own comments as well, which will be up- and down-voted depending on whether or not you’re cool.


Configuration Options


There are a few notable settings here. The NSFW filter can block questionable material (ie, nudity) so set that according to your tastes. You can also set the number of comments/articles that are loaded when you first tap a subreddit or link:


reddit windows 8


If you’re using a Windows RT/8 tablet, congratulations: there aren’t many people with your bravery/curiosity/tolerance for wasted storage space. You’ll be happy to know that this app supports gestures:


reddit windows 8


I haven’t tested them myself, because I lack the aforementioned bravery/curiosity/tolerance for wasted space.


Finally, if you’re the sort of person who values the ability to slightly change the color scheme of the apps you’re using, you’re in luck – RedditToGo allows you to do just that.


reddit for windows 8


Other Reddit Clients


Like the idea, but don’t have access to Windows 8? There are Reddit clients for most platforms out there. Be sure to check out the previously mentioned Reditr, which works on all versions of Windows as well as OS X and Linux.


If you love your portable Apple device, check out Alien Blue, which James Bruce calls the best Reddit app for iOS. Android uses also have options, including the specatular Reddit Is Fun.


None of these are exactly like RedditToGo, but they’re all great in their own way. Check them out.


Conclusion


Is this app the prettiest one out there for Windows? Not really. It is, however, highly functional: after using it for a couple of days I have to say that my time-wasting has become much more efficient. That’s probably dangerous in and of itself, but whatever.


I really enjoy seeing the article list, articles and comments all from within one interface. There are other Reddit apps in the Windows 8 Store, but this one is the highest rated and (in my opinion) the most functional. Disagree? Make your recommendations in the comments below.


Of course, no app alone is going to make Reddit simple to use: you need to read the rules on every subreddit and lurk long enough to learn the culture. Our own Dave, a long-time Redditor, wrote Best of the Web, Delivered: The Reddit Manual to help guide anyone through the process of learning to use Reddit. Check it out if you’re confused by the entire premise of Reddit.


The post RedditToGo Offers An Intuitive Reddit Experience For Windows 8 appeared first on MakeUseOf.



07 March 2013

8 Of The Biggest Geeks On Twitter (Who Just Happen To Be Girls)



geeks on twitterGeekdom has long been perceived as the domain of men, with teenage boys who are fascinated by technology and Star Wars becoming grown adults who are obsessed with technology and Star Wars. While it’s true that there are some facets of being a geek that seem to appeal more to the male of the species, there is a growing army of female geeks more than capable of teaching men a thing or two about all things geektastic.


Having already looked at 10 websites all geeks should bookmark, 10 webcomics drawn for geeks, and 8 TV shows all geeks should have watched, it’s time to explore geekery in the social networking space.


What follows is a list of the geekiest geeks who are on Twitter, all of whom just happen to be girls (or, more accurately, women). This is celebrating the glory of geek girls, and should in no way be mistaken for a negative or misogynistic piece. I follow all of these geeks on Twitter, and you should do so too.


Felicia Day @feliciaday



Felicia Day is an actress who has starred in various Web television shows, including The Guild, which she also wrote and produced. Mainstream TV watchers may know her from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Bring It On Again.


Geek Credentials: A big gamer who makes a living mostly through new media.


Veronica Belmont @veronica



Veronica Belmont is a Web video presenter who specializes in technology and gaming. She has previously worked for CNET, Slate, and PC Gamer, as well as being the original presenter of Qore on the PlayStation Network.


Geek Credentials: A gamer, podcaster, and tech blogger also into science fiction.


Cali Lewis @calilewis



Cali Lewis is a television presenter and reporter specializing in technology and gadgets. Host of GeekBeat.tv, contributor to BBC Click, expert talking head for mainstream news channels, and social media speaker.


Geek Credentials: Lists her occupation as “Making Technology Fun!” Which says it all.


Justine Ezarik @ijustine



Justine Ezarik, better known as iJustine, is an actress, YouTube star, and lifecaster. This new media star has uploaded thousands of videos to the Web, and gained millions of video views. She has also appeared on mainstream television.


Geek Credentials: One of the best-known Internet celebrities, with an iconic name.


Sarah Lacy @sarahcuda



Sarah Lacy is a technology journalist who specializes in writing about entrepreneurs and start-ups. Formerly a writer for BusinessWeek and editor for TechCrunch, she now runs PandoDaily, which often gets the scoop on Silicon Valley and beyond.


Geek Credentials: Knows Silicon Valley and its inhabitants better than anyone else.


Randi Zuckerberg @randizuckerberg



Randi Zuckerberg is the lesser known of the Zuckerbergs, with her brother Mark being the founder and CEO of Facebook. This led to her being in charge of marketing at the social networking site, but she has since left to explore other avenues of interest.


Geek Credentials: Mark Zuckerberg’s sister… that’s enough, surely.


Gina Trapani @ginatrapani



Gina Trapani is a programmer, author, and blogger best known as the founding editor of Lifehacker. She has also helped create many other websites and apps, and written articles for publications including The New York Times and PC World.


Geek Credentials: An app developer, tech writer, and podcaster who founded Lifehacker.


Kara Swisher @karaswisher



Kara Swisher is a technology journalist currently co-executive editor of All Things Digital alongside Walt Mossberg. She’s been writing about digital issues for more than 15 years, and has made friends and enemies in the business during that time.


Geek Credentials: Has interviewed Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and other luminaries on stage.


Conclusions


The fact is that all of the people who made this list would be worth listening to regardless of their gender. Unfortunately while some old-fashioned notions still persist about what men and women should be interested in there’s a need to try and balance the scales in this way.


This list of geeks on Twitter isn’t complete, so please add to it with your submissions for the geekiest geek girls to follow on Twitter. Save the geekiest geek guys for another time, as that list is sure to appear at some point in the future. If you’d prefer you can instead air your thoughts on the subject at hand in the comments section below.


Remember to also follow MakeUseOf on Twitter, especially as we boast our own geek girls.


Image Credit: Cristiano Betta


The post 8 Of The Biggest Geeks On Twitter (Who Just Happen To Be Girls) appeared first on MakeUseOf.



Change Distance Units in Google Maps for iPhone



The latest version of Google Maps for iOS added a small feature that's really useful: manually changing distance units. Just tap the "people" icon next to the search box, tap the "wheel" icon, go to the "distance units" section and select "miles" or "kilometres".






Until now, the application used the unit that corresponded to the country you've selected in the iPhone's settings (General/International/Regional format). If you've picked "United States", Google Maps only displayed distance information in miles.



Unfortunately, the "regional format" setting affects a lot of features, including the Google URL used by Safari's search box. If you select any other country than the United States, you're always sent to the corresponding international domain.



Google Maps 1.1 for iOS also integrates with Google Contacts and adds a feature that lets you "quickly search for local places by selecting popular categories such as restaurants, bars, cafes, gas stations". Right now, the most important missing feature is the lack of native iPad support.


The Trouble With Google Drive



When you can use Google Music to store 20000 songs, Google+ Photos to store an unlimited number of photos up to 2048 x 2048 pixels and videos up to 15 minutes, YouTube to store all your videos, Gmail to store 10GB of messages and attachments and when the files converted to the Google Drive formats don't count towards the Google Drive storage, what are the use cases for the Google Drive storage and why would you buy extra storage?






You could use it to store the original photos, PDF files, store documents/spreadsheets/presentations without importing them into Google Docs, backup all your files, but the most popular file types are already covered. Google wanted to encourage people to use Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, Google Music, Google+ and free storage was an important selling point.



The trouble with Google Drive is that Google has a lot of other services that are better suited for storing your files and Drive doesn't even integrate with those services. When your photos are in Google+ Photos, your videos are uploaded to YouTube and your music is in Google Music, Google Drive feels like an afterthought, not the "go-to place" for uploading your files.


Add Close Button To Windows 8 Apps With ModernMix



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If you have been using a Windows 8 powered PC or have tested one of the preview builds of Windows 8, you must be aware of Modern or Metro apps introduced with Windows 8. Unlike the legacy programs, Modern apps can run on both x86 and ARM based chipsets. As you know, modern apps can [...]

How To Setup GoDaddy Email on Your Android Device






Hello Friends, Today I have come with a Simple But Effective article, We all know that Emails are now become part of our Daily life and for Bloggers like me too, It is really important for Us, We all know that GoDaddy is Largest Domain Provider on Web, the reason behind this is Because GoDaddy provides Cheapest Domains Rate with Great Support, TricksHunt.com Domain is also Purchased via GoDaddy and this Domain I got a Personal Email Account ie; Siddharth@trickshunt.com.

My This Email Address is Really important for me because it Gets lots of Email Everyday, I used Godaddy officail App on my Android Device but I m not completely Satisfied with it because sometimes its loads mails very slow :( Then I Tried An amazing app MailDroid. This app is really amazing, I have configured my all Emails account on this app Even my gmail too..


So Today I will Show you How to configure/Setup your Godaddy Email Account on any Email client of Your Android Device.


Note : You can also Use Inbuilt Email App of your Android Device.


BEFORE YOU START: To set up Android with your email, you need to know your POP or IMAP Email Server Settings and ports. To find them, go to the InfoCenter and write down the information that displays under Email Server Settings.


NOTE: The steps to set up email on your Android device might be a little different depending on your make/model and your network provider. However, all the information you need to set up your account (username, password, server settings) is in these steps.


To Set up Email on Your Android-based Device :




  • Open your device's email application.

  • If you already have an email account set up, press Menu and tap Accounts. Press Menu again and tap Add account.

  • Type your Email address and Password, and click Next.

  • If you have IMAP, tap IMAP. If you're not sure, tap POP3.

  • Use these settings for your incoming server, depending on the type of email you have:

























POP3
Username Enter your full email address.
Password Enter your email account password.
POP3 server pop.secureserver.net
Port 110

























IMAP
Username Enter your full email address.
Password Enter your email account password.
IMAP server imap.secureserver.net
Port 143


  • Use these settings for your outgoing server:






















SMTP (Outgoing Mail Server)
SMTP server smtpout.secureserver.net
Port 80
Security type None



  • Select Require sign-in and make sure your Username (your full email address) and Password are correct. Tap Next.

  • Tap Next again. Name your account and enter the name you want to display on outgoing messages.

  • Tap Done.


Do this Same Process in your any Mail Client like MailDroid, K9 mail etc.





That's it. If everything is working OK, you should see some email messages. To make sure you can send messages, go ahead and compose an email and send it to yourself.

Hope You Enjoyed the Article, If you got any problem during the Process please feel Free to ask via comments :)





Look At That Photograph: 7 Websites Full Of Funny Photos



funny photo websitesThere are quite a few of us here at MakeUseOf who are very keen on photography. I count myself as one of those people, though I do it purely for fun. I’m not even that good at it, but in an age when smartphones have made everyone capable photographers (as well as making life easier) the quantity of shots taken has somewhat taken over from the quality of shots taken.


However, although the quality of photographs has suffered of late, the fact that people can easily take photos anywhere and everywhere has provided content for the Web. What follows are seven websites which have photographs at their core. They’re also all funny and/or entertaining.


Pointer Pointer


funny photo websites


Pointer Pointer is a very simple concept, but one which is more than worthy of spending a few minutes exploring. You’re presented with a rectangular photograph-shaped space and told to place your cursor somewhere within it. A photograph will then load which shows someone pointing at your cursor, no matter where it is placed.


There’s something strangely addictive about seeking to beat the system, trying to place your cursor somewhere not covered by the photos on the server. It isn’t possible. Believe me, I’ve tried everywhere.


Eyebombing


websites with funny pictures


Eyebombing is the act of placing eyes on inanimate objects in order to humanize them. Forget anthropomorphizing animals, this goes one further. The rules are simply that googly eyes need to be used, and all photos must be taken in the public space. But that’s it.


This site is the online home of eyebombing, with countless photographs posted of examples of the art. The aim is to bring some sunshine to the streets, with things such as fire hydrants and post boxes smiling to passers-by.


Awkward Family Photos


websites with funny pictures


Awkward Family Photos exists for one reason and one reason alone: to publicize those horrific shots of family members posing in weird and wonderful costumes or against strange backdrops. Why people would subject themselves and their kids to these ill-conceived photo-shoots is beyond me.


The photographs displayed on the site are submitted by readers, meaning you could feature on Awkward Family Photos yourself. Some of the stories behind the photos are as funny as the photos themselves.


People Of Walmart


websites with funny pictures


People Of Walmart has been around for several years (having already appeared in our list of things to do when bored at work), but age hasn’t dented its ability to entertain. Walmart is something of an American institution, and some of the people who shop there are, to put it mildly, slightly weird. This website catalogs those people to the point that non-Americans will be put off ever visiting the store, and perhaps the country as well.


As well as the photos, which can be viewed chronologically, by popularity, or by rating, there are videos and stories associated with Walmart. Some are funnier than others, while some are just downright scary.


Engrish


websites with funny pictures


Engrish is the slightly racist term for the mistakes made when people around the world try and use the English language. This website catalogs the best examples of these mistranslations, many of which are extremely funny. The best Engrish attempts are from Japan (the home of WTF music videos), where English words and phrases are used as a design element.


The slightly uncomfortable feeling you may experience when laughing at Engrish only makes this website more compelling. Embrace the awkwardness, and if you’re ever in Asia you may find your own examples to offer up for perusal.


Awkward Stock Photos


websites with funny pictures


Awkward Stock Photos is full of those frankly quite bizarre photographs offered up on stock photography websites. While many, or indeed most, of the stock photos offered by these sites have a use somewhere, those listed on Awkward Stock Photos would appear to be absolutely useless. Talk about appealing to a tiny niche.


Recent examples include a rhino trying to mount a tree stump, a woman with lobsters on her head, and someone holding a truck driver up at gunpoint. If you can think of any possible use for these scenarios then let us know below.


Rich Kids Of Instagram


funny photo websites


People use Instagram in lots of different ways, though many users do seem to have an obsession with posting pictures of their food. Rich Kids Of Instagram mostly ignores pictures of food, instead compiling the worst examples of excess by young people with too much money and a distinct lack of subtlety and style.


There isn’t all that much fun to be wrung from seeing endless photos of rich people living it up… unless everyone taking part (except those actually in the pictures) knows that we’re extracting the urine.


Conclusions


These seven websites have provided me with hours of entertainment already, and as most of them are updated on a daily basis they’re likely to provide me with many more hours from here on in. Do you have a favorite amongst those listed? Or your own offering to add to this choice selection?


As always we’d love to hear from you on the subject matter at hand, so please feel free to let us know your thoughts and views in the comments section below. All are read, many are replied to… even the offensive ones we suspect are written by trolls.


Image Credit: See-ming Lee


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