How to block ads in Google Chrome with AdSweep

Filed under: Google, Freeware, Open Source, How-Tos, Beta, Browsers

Whenever a post goes up about Google Chrome on Download Squad, Firefox users that would like to make the switch usually have two gripes. First, the lack of extensions. Second, the lack of one extension in particular: AdBlock Plus.

Chrome users don't have to put up with ads if they don't want to, though. If a proxy-based blocker isn't your thing, then why not install AdSweep - either as a Userscript or a Chrome extension. They're essentially the same thing right now, since extensions are basically Userscripts in a wrapper. Whichever way you want to install AdSweep, here's what to do.

Since it's available as a Userscript, users of other browsers can take advantage of AdSweep, too - just check on the homepage for instructions. Now, let's get it working in Chrome.

Continue reading How to block ads in Google Chrome with AdSweep

How to block ads in Google Chrome with AdSweep originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stupid Windows 7 / Vista trick: who needs Hawkscope?

Filed under: Windows, Microsoft, How-Tos, Windows x64

Hawkscope is an interesting app. It's got some good features (especially if you install the GMail or Twitter plugins), but I really don't like the fact that it kills Aero Glass on my Windows 7 machine. The same is likely true for Vista, but it's been so long since I tested the app that I can't quite recall.

At any rate, one of the key features of Hawkscope is that it allows you to "access all your partitions from the system tray." Wait a tic - haven't we been able to do that as far back as Windows 98 (possibly even 95, but again, memory fails me)?

Right click your taskbar, choose toolbars -> new toolbar and browse to My Computer. Press select folder, and you're done. Even your removable drives will show up when they're plugged in since the toolbar updates the same way the My Computer window does.

Now you've got the best of both worlds - fast access to your drives and Aero Glass!

Stupid Windows 7 / Vista trick: who needs Hawkscope? originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Reader - Send To buttons for Instapaper and Evernote

Filed under: Internet, News, Google, How-Tos, web 2.0, Web

One of our favorite people evar, Jordan Running, former lead blogger at Download Squad sent us this great tip as a follow up to yesterday's Google Reader post about sharing stories to social networks and creating custom links.

Jordan created a Send To link for Instapaper, a web app that allows you to save web pages for reading later. While he was at it, he made one for Evernote too. Here's the skinny.

Instapaper Send To link for Google Reader
1. Copy the following URL to your text editor

https://www.instapaper.com/api/add?url=${url}&title=${title}&username=USERNAME&password=PASSWORD

2. Replace USERNAME (in caps) with your Instapaper username and replace your Instapaper password with PASSWORD. If you don't have a password, just delete everything after your USERNAME.

3. Go to the Settings tab in Google Reader and click on Send To. Then scroll down to Create custom link.

Continue reading Google Reader - Send To buttons for Instapaper and Evernote

Google Reader - Send To buttons for Instapaper and Evernote originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to fix Flash video performance in Firefox

Filed under: Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Browser Tips, How-Tos, Troubleshooting

Do YouTube and other Flash-based videos stutter when you view them in Firefox, but work fine in other browsers like Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari? This appears to be a problem that affects both the Windows and Mac versions of Firefox, and the problem (surprisingly enough) turns out not to be Flash - it's Firefox's session restore feature.

Lifehacker has a post based on information that one of their readers wrote in with. Basically, Firefox takes a snapshot of all of your open tabs every ten seconds, so that if you close your browser, you can open it to where you left off. Though you wouldn't think grabbing the plain text URL of a few webpages would be such an arduous task for the browser that it causes video to stutter, for some reason it is.

So what's the solution? Well, if you want to throw the baby out with the bath water, you can turn off the session restore feature altogether. A more sane solution is to simply lengthen the period of time between snapshots. To do this, type about:config into Firefox's address bar, then in the filter box enter browser.sessionstore.interval. The default value is 10000, which is the number of milliseconds between snapshots. Setting the number to 120000 lengthens the period to two minutes, a more reasonable but still useful period. Of course, you can set it to whatever you want, as long as you keep in mind that you're dealing with milliseconds.

I can't tell you how happy I am with this little hack - it has already prevented me from cursing Firefox a few times today.

How to fix Flash video performance in Firefox originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stupid Windows trick: print to your new USB printer from crappy old DOS programs

Filed under: Hardware, Windows, How-Tos

Plenty of people out there are still running the odd DOS application - many of them for business purposes. So what are you to do when that trusty old printer breaks down and you can't find a new one with a parallel port?

Why not buy a fancy new USB-only printer and make use of a stupid Windows trick that's been around for a while? It's a fairly simple process.

Step one is to install the printer as you normally would - making sure you follow the instructions provided, of course. Once that's done, you're set for Windows printing. Go to control panel and open your printers, then right-click on the newly installed one and choose properties from the context menu.

Once the printer properties are up, click the ports tab and make note of which port has the check mark in it. You'll need that information in just a minute.

Close that window, and choose to add a new printer (the option to do so should be on the file menu, or you may see an icon). Click next to start the process. On the second screen, select local printer but take the check out of automatically detect and install.

Continue reading Stupid Windows trick: print to your new USB printer from crappy old DOS programs

Stupid Windows trick: print to your new USB printer from crappy old DOS programs originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed up Firefox by cleaning out your SQLite databases

Filed under: Mozilla, Browser Tips, How-Tos, Browsers

A while back, Jason mentioned giving your Firefox performance a boost by limiting the length of time items are saved in history.
At Mozilla Links, they've shared another handy tip from Mozilla developer Jeremy Orem.

His advice: take a vacuum to your SQLite databases. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Firefox tools menu and click on error console.
2. Paste the following command into the code box as a single line (as pictured):
   Components.classes["@mozilla.org/browser/nav-history-service;1"].getService(Components.interfaces.nsPIPlacesDatabase).DBConnection.executeSimpleSQL("VACUUM");
3. Hit [enter] or click the evaluate button.

After a momentary hang, you'll be able to close the console and return to your main Firefox window to enjoy your leaner, meaner browser!

[via Lifehacker]

Speed up Firefox by cleaning out your SQLite databases originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MoneySeize - Time Waster

Filed under: Fun, Games, Kids, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Browser Tips, How-Tos, Time-Wasters, Troubleshooting, Web

Moneyseize is a very straightforward single-screen platformer with charming 8-bit graphics and music. The goal in Moneyseize is to, well, seize all the money.

You're in charge of the 'gentleman', and your job is to jump around in each level and collect all the gold coins. Your gentleman is attempting to build a skyscraper, and needs to collect 1000 coins to complete it. There are critters in most levels, and they also hold coins, and you must also avoid the various obstacles and hazards, like the prototypical spikes.

An interesting twist in the game is that while there are 25 coins available in each level, in many levels it is not possible to reach them all. As you progress through later levels, you can press switches that will occasionally change the layout of previous levels, making once impossible-to-reach areas reachable. Since you control which levels you visit from the map screen, the game takes on a bit of a puzzle flavor to go along with the straight platform style, which feels very reminiscent of early Mario Brothers games.

While I can't imagine actually completing MoneySeize, my building has already grown far larger than I ever intended it to get, just in testing it for this post. That's usually the sign of a good game.

MoneySeize - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to add a bookmarks button to your Google Chrome toolbar

Filed under: Google, How-Tos, Browsers

Most users of Google Chrome enjoy its minimal interface. So why use a clunky toolbar to display your bookmarks full-time if you don't have to? Like many other excellent Chrome features, adding a miniscule bookmarks menu button is only a command line switch away!

Just right click your Chrome shortcut and choose properties. In the target box, add a space and --bookmark-menu after chrome.exe. the result should something look like this:

C:\Users\LeeM\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe --bookmark-menu

This works on versions 2, 3, and 4 of Google Chrome, so it's a tweak anyone can use. That is, as long as you're running Windows - my Linux and Mac versions don't seem to be able to add the button yet.

Netbook users, enjoy your extra 28 vertical pixels!

Note: as mentioned in the comments, yes, you CAN add multiple switches - just put a space in between each one like so:

chrome.exe --enable-user-scripts --enable-sync --bookmark-menu

How to add a bookmarks button to your Google Chrome toolbar originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Synchronizing multiple Google calendars to iPhone

Filed under: Productivity, Apple, Google, How-Tos

On today's This Week in Google, Gina Trapani presented a tip on how to synchronize your Google Calendar to iCal on a Mac. As it turns out, it is possible to subscribe to sub-calendars, but it's not immediately obvious how to do so. The same holds true on the iPhone.

If you've attempted to synchronize your Google Calendar to your iPhone only to be disappointed that it only allows you to synchronize one calendar, you'll be happy to discover that although it's somewhat hidden, there is a way to synchronize multiple calendars.

Once you configure your iPhone to synchronize with your Google account using your phone's Exchange functionality, you should have your contacts and primary calendar items synchronizing. To then choose what other calendars to display, use the instructions given on this page. They will instruct you to visit m.google.com/sync on your phone, which gives you the option to set some sync settings.

One big frustration with the iPhone's calendar is that though it displays multiple calendars in different colors, it doesn't give you any control over a given calendar's color. With some patience and fiddling, you can use the Google Sync settings described above to enable one calendar at at time and get them set to the color you want. If your primary calendar is the wrong color, it's harder to make it switch, but you can do it by disabling calendar synchronization entirely on the phone, then changing which calendars are synchronized via the Google Sync page, then re-enabling it. It takes trial and error, but with enough patience you can get things set up just as you want, as long as the colors you want consist of red, blue, orange, green, and/or purple.

Synchronizing multiple Google calendars to iPhone originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stupid Windows 7 trick: get a functional recycle bin icon on your taskbar

Filed under: Windows, How-Tos

For a while now, I've been hiding my desktop icons and using a taskbar toolbar instead. It's a lot tidier, and one somewhat useful benefit is having the recycle bin always close at hand -- without having to windows + D.

The only downside to using the desktop as a taskbar toolbar is that the recycle bin won't move in front of Libraries or your user folder. If you want the bin in full view, you're stuck displaying at least three icons -- two of which you don't need if you already have Explorer pinned.

TechSpot's Matthew DeCarlo points out that if you use the QuickLaunch (or any custom folder of your choosing), you can simply drag the recycle bin icon off your desktop, onto the toolbar, and ba-da-bing, you've got a functioning bin like the one in my screenshot.

Here's the short and sweet way to pull this off:

1. Right click in some empty space on your taskbar and choose toolbars -> new toolbar from the menu
2. Paste %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch into the "folder" box and click select folder.
3. Drag the recycle bin icon from your desktop onto the newly-created toolbar.
4. Position the bin icon so it's first in line.

You're done! All that's left to do is to grab the slider and place the toolbar where you want it, and shut off the title and text labels if you want a seamless look. To do that, right-click the slider and untick show title and show text.

One note: this doesn't look all that hot if you have a vertical taskbar since the toolbar icons are left justified while your taskbar icons are centered.

Thanks, Julio!

Stupid Windows 7 trick: get a functional recycle bin icon on your taskbar originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to get your old system ready for a Windows 7 upgrade

Filed under: OS Updates, Features, Windows, Microsoft, How-Tos

While most computer techs and savvy users usually advise against performing an upgrade from one Windows version to another (what's called an "in-place upgrade"). There's always the chance that your new OS could inherit some problems from the old, after all, and it could potentially cause issues with your current programs or hardware.

Truth is, some users want to upgrade and Windows 7 handles the process pretty well. While it might not be an ideal situation, there are plenty of people who are going to take a stroll down the upgrade path. A little careful prep work will help make the experience a pain-free one.

Continue reading How to get your old system ready for a Windows 7 upgrade

How to get your old system ready for a Windows 7 upgrade originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to replace the crappy pre-installed software on your new Windows 7 PC with great free apps

Filed under: Utilities, Features, Windows, Freeware, How-Tos, Windows x64

So you picked up a new Windows 7 laptop (or desktop) or you're planning on buying one in the very near future?

If you took a look at display models in stores like Best Buy or Frye's, you no doubt noticed that new systems come with a lot of programs pre-installed. Lots of software is a good thing, right? Not always.

Trouble is, what you get is often a) not really useful software or b) a time-limited trial. Office 2007 and the antivirus protection the salesperson told you about? They're 60 day trials. After that, they're going to ask you to pay up...But you don't have to.

No, you can tell those apps to keep their hands off your credit card! With all the great, free software Download Squad has covered over the years, there's really no need to burden your new system with that kind of software timebomb.
With just two simple apps you can quickly strip away all the bloatware (that's what us techy types call the excess crud preinstalled on your new system) and get yourself a nice selection of totally free software that will never expire!

Continue reading How to replace the crappy pre-installed software on your new Windows 7 PC with great free apps

How to replace the crappy pre-installed software on your new Windows 7 PC with great free apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Share your screen easily, and for free, with Adobe Creative Suite 4

Filed under: Windows, Adobe, Commercial, How-Tos

I noticed this function a while ago when I upgraded to Photoshop CS4 -- I never dared use it, but I did notice it!

Now there's a handy little video from Adobe that shows you exactly how to enable the free screen sharing available to you in their latest suite of tools.

You're probably thinking: Neat! But what can I actually do with it? The first thing that comes to my mind is for businesses that are using an external graphic designer -- want to see their current progress on some work? Want to make sure they're sticking to the draft? Use the screen sharing!

You could also use it for collaboration -- there is chat and video conferencing functionality included. You could suggest changes and watch them occur in real time. I can just see it now... 'No, no, move it a bit to the left. That's it! Up a bit! How about if you make it luminous pink? And the font slightly more interesting... how about Comic Sans?'

Share your screen easily, and for free, with Adobe Creative Suite 4 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to fix a Windows 7 upgrade from Vista that is stuck at 62%

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, How-Tos

A number of message boards around the net have been receiving comments from users upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 who have been unable to complete the upgrade install.

Once the installer hits 62% complete, it locks up. You can sit and wait as long as you want, but it's not going anywhere.

The problem occurs when the Windows IPv6 helper service (which allows automatic IPv6 connectivity over a much more common IPv4 network) stops responding . Microsoft has posted a fix to this particular problem, and it's not terribly complicated.

1. Restart the computer - your system will automatically roll back to Windows Vista.
2. Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
3. System Properties will open. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Environment Variables.
4. Click the New button.
5. Enter MIG_UPGRADE_IGNORE_PLUGINS into the Variable name field.
6. Copy the following bold text: iphlpsvcmigplugin.dll and paste it into the Variable value field (or type it manually)
7. Click OK three times to close the dialog boxes.
8. Re-launch your Windows 7 Upgrade installer!

Please note that this fix won't help if your install is stuck at some percentage other than 62. Strange but true. This is a specific fix for a very specific issue.

You may also want to run the System Readiness Tool for Vista and Windows 7 before trying the upgrade again. It can detect and correct certain issues that may cause trouble during the process.

How to fix a Windows 7 upgrade from Vista that is stuck at 62% originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to convert Hexxeh's Chrome OS build image to a VirtualBox .VDI

Filed under: OS Updates, Google, Open Source, How-Tos

Been wanting to check out that Google Chrome OS developer build put together by Hexxeh, but don't have a spare netbook or laptop to run it on? Why not fire it up in Virtualbox instead?

Sure, the original Chrome OS builds that were made available were already in virtual machine-friendly formats, but I found them to be pretty sluggish. Hexxeh's Diet Chromium build runs much more smoothly - on both physical and virtual hardware.

Rolling your own .vdi for VirtualBox is actually a very simple process -- and necessary, since I was never able to get the .img file to boot (just a blinking cursor on a black screen). Here's how to do it on a system running Windows:

1. Download or torrent the latest version from Hexxeh
2. Extract the image from within .tar.gz file using an archiver like 7-zip
3. Open a command prompt
4. Change to the directory where you saved your download (e.g. c:\users\you\downloads\)
5. Type path=c:\program files\sun\virtualbox\ and press enter (*note: your path may differ)
6. Type vboxmanage convertdd ChromeOS-Cherry.img ChromeOS-Cherry.vdi and press enter
7. Wait patiently

Once you've got the .vdi created, you simply need to create a new virtul machine in Virtualbox. During the creation process, choose Linux/Ubuntu for the OS type, select use existing hard drive image when prompted, and add your ChromeOS-Cherry.vdi.
Input is still a little laggy, but it's definitely more usable than the first builds. If anyone manages to get guest additions working - by all means, share your tips in the comments!
Share

How to convert Hexxeh's Chrome OS build image to a VirtualBox .VDI originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Download Squad guide to making your new holiday PC more kick-ass!

Filed under: Features, Hardware, Windows, How-Tos, Lists

Many of you probably received a shiny, new netbook, laptop, nettop, desktop, HTPC, or something else with a CPU in it running Windows for the holidays. One thing that has come to be synonymous with new PCs is dreadful preinstalled software (nerdy types call it crapware or bloat).

For the most part, the programs OEMs pack onto their systems suck. They're marginally useful at best, and just eat away at your PC's performance and disk space. Since you've got a nice, quiet weekend to get things done, let's take a look at how you can un-suck that new system!

It's really just a two-step process! Step 1: uninstall all the garbage. Step 2: install some free, kick-ass software.

Ok, so the steps might be kind of long, but it's still only two key steps. Let's break it down into a few more for clarity's sake...

Continue reading The Download Squad guide to making your new holiday PC more kick-ass!

The Download Squad guide to making your new holiday PC more kick-ass! originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need an effective presentation? 6 PowerPoint tips

Filed under: Office, How-Tos

PowerPoint slideshows can be a good way to get ideas across -- when used correctly. Sometimes, they can be boring and confusing, even doing more harm than good. Here are a few tools and techniques you can use to create engaging and effective presentations.

1. Use the Lessig Method
All too often, PowerPoint presentations become bogged down in graphs, long quotes and giant chunks of text. My advice? Simplify, simplify, simplify. The simpler your presentation, the more memorable it will be. Lawrence Lessig is a professor at Stanford University widely credited with nailing down the perfect presentation technique: extremely simple slides (though I think Lessig uses Apple Keynote, but no matter). Often Lessig's slides will have only one or two words on them to emphasize what he wants his audience to focus on. Dick Hardt gave a presentation in this style and I highly suggest you watch that here. Of course, this method does require a bit of synchronizing and a lot of practicing. You don't necessarily need to go as far as Lessig and Hardt do, but simplifying slides will be a huge help.

2. Get Inspired
Feeling stuck? Try searching SlideFinder to get some ideas for slide shows.

3. Go Opensource
Sometimes computers you are giving your presentation on do not have the latest version of Microsoft PowerPoint and file types can be incompatible. By carrying around a portable version of OpenOffice.org's Impress slide show software sometimes this dilemma can be avoided.

Continue reading Need an effective presentation? 6 PowerPoint tips

Need an effective presentation? 6 PowerPoint tips originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stupid Windows 7 trick: unlock the secret God Mode folder

Filed under: Windows, How-Tos

So, what exactly is God Mode in Windows 7?

Well, for starters, it's not really a mode. And it's nothing you need to be a deity to pull off, either.

Rather, it's a folder packed with shortcuts to just about every settings change and administrative function in Windows 7. Everything you'll find in the Action Center, Backup and Restore, Autorun, Desktop Gadgets, Devices and Printers -- it's all there. All dumped in one central location for easy access.

No, this trick doesn't involve entering IDDQD in the run box - but it's just about that simple. Here's the magic, as provided by the guys at Windows 7 Themes:

• Create a new folder anywhere (I set mine up in d:\)
• Rename the folder and paste in the following text: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

That's it! You've now got your new, somewhat handy folder. Why somewhat handy? Well, because you can already access everything in there by typing a few letters into the search box on your start menu.

Share

Still, it's a pretty long list of things to remember - so having a nice reference like this could actually be useful from time to time.

[via JKOnTheRun]

Stupid Windows 7 trick: unlock the secret God Mode folder originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to add command line switches to Google Chrome or Chromium

Filed under: Google, Browser Tips, How-Tos, Browsers

We've published a lot of posts about features in Google Chrome and Chromium which require you to add command line switches to activate them.

So how exactly do you do that? Watch the video above, and refer to the notes below -- it's a simple process!

1. Locate your Chrome or Chromium shortcut. There should be one on your desktop and one in your start menu - either one will work!
2. Click the shortcut with your right mouse button and choose properties.
3. Find the target box (it will be highlighted when the properties screen appears).
4. Left click at the end of the line (after chrome.exe).
5. Press space.
6. Add your command line switch. The result looks like this:
   C:\Users\LeeM\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe --bookmark-menu
   
   
7. If you want to add more than one, separate each switch with a space. The result looks like this:
   C:\Users\LeeM\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe --bookmark-menu --enable-phantom-tabs

How to add command line switches to Google Chrome or Chromium originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to subscribe to specific Download Squad feeds in your RSS reader

Filed under: Blogging, How-Tos, Ask DLS

We often get comments from readers who would like to be able to subscribe to specific feeds here on Download Squad -- Windows, Google, Firefox -- you get the picture.

As it happens, you've always been able to do that. Here's how!

The easiest method is to check out our Feeds Page. You'll find direct links to dozens of specific RSS feeds for the categories we use. Whether you're an Open Source supporter, keen to stay on top of web browser news, or just looking for Time Wasters to kill your productivity there are loads of dedicated feeds listed.

You can also subscribe to a specific author. Underneath the title of any post you'll see his or her name -- and just to the right of that you'll see (RSS feed). Like Jay's posts? Just grab his RSS link from any post he's penned!

Here's another handy tip...

We've started using tags more heavily than categories (for various reasons). For an even more personalized experience you can subscribe to a specific tag! To add a tag feed, use the following format:

http://www.downloadsquad.com/tag/yourtaghere/rss.xml

Tags are listed at the end of every post. We try to be straightforward with them - Google, Chrome, Firefox, Windows, Facebook. You'll notice some Categories and Tags clash -- if anything, we'll be dropping categories in favor of tags, but we'll let you know of any changes if and when they happen.

There you have it! Feel free to custom tailor your Download Squad RSS experience any way you choose, and thanks again for reading!

How to subscribe to specific Download Squad feeds in your RSS reader originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switching to Ubuntu Linux: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #1

Filed under: OS Updates, Features, Linux, DLS Podcast, Podcasts

It's been an interesting year so far for operating systems. Microsoft released its first major upgrade in 5 years with Windows Vista, and Ubuntu Linux continued on its way toward world domination with the release of Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn. Even Michael Dell's running it on his home computer (and shipping it on yours).

With that in mind, we bring you the first in a limited edition Download Squad Podcast. Collect them all. Trade them with your friends. Today we speak with Download Squad's Grant Robertson and Alex Hung, two guys with a boatload of Windows and Mac experience who have been trying out Ubuntu Linux.

Continue reading Switching to Ubuntu Linux: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #1

Switching to Ubuntu Linux: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #1 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switching to Mac: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #2

Filed under: Hardware, Macintosh, Apple, DLS Podcast, Podcasts

While Steve Jobs has been busy dropping "computer" from Apple's name and pushing out iPod after iPod, the company is still probably best known by loyal fans as a computer maker.

Unlike Windows PCs, Apple controls the hardware and software that goes onto every Macintosh, meaning they have a reputation for working the instant you plug them in. No struggling to make all the parts play nice together.

But while Macs have a loyal fan base, it's still a PC world, and there's plenty of software out there that just won't run on a Mac.

Today we speak with Download Squad's Jason Clarke and Lisa Hoover about their recent decisions to become full time Mac users. Both are experienced Windows users who have switched to Mac for one reason or another. We wanted to find out why, and to share their wisdom with you.

Continue reading Switching to Mac: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #2

Switching to Mac: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #2 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Mobile tools for commuters and travelers - Mobile Minute

Filed under: Audio, Games, Internet, Video, Features, Windows Mobile, Mobile Minute, Podcasts

Back when I was a full time commuter (spending almost as much time on the train every day as I did in the office), I spent a lot of time and energy converting my Windows Mobile PDA from a simple productivity tool into a one-stop entertainment shop. While you could buy a fancy phone that will be obsolete in a year and sign up for an expensive data plan so that you can watch the occasional YouTube clip, my weapon of choice was the off-line media viewer.

My commute is now much shorter, but every time I go away for the weekend or take a vacation I'm glad I spent so much time tracking down these tools.

News/eBook readers

During the early years of Windows CE, AvantGo was the undisputed champion of mobile web browsing software. The service allowed you to save mobile versions of selected web pages to your device's memory and catch up on news from The New York Times, CNet, and hundreds of other sources on the go. Every time you sync your device, your subscriptions are updated.

But the software hasn't been updated in years, and for many users it has become obsolete. While offering up hundreds of websites was sufficient a few years ago, today AvantGo's offerings seem terribly limited.

Continue reading Windows Mobile tools for commuters and travelers - Mobile Minute

Windows Mobile tools for commuters and travelers - Mobile Minute originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DLS Interview: Free Software Foundation's Peter Brown

Filed under: Video, Features, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Web services, Microsoft, Open Source, DLS Interviews, DLS Podcast, Podcasts

As we mentioned on Monday, the Free Software Foundation's Defective by Design campaign against DRM paid the U.K. a visit yesterday with protests outside the BBC's London and Manchester locations against the use of Microsoft DRM technology in their highly debated iPlayer software.

The BBC iPlayer has been in development for a number of years now, costing the BBC public £130 million (nearly $260 million) to date. The use of Microsoft's DRM technology has been highly contentious, especially with the appointment of Erik Huggers (previously director of Microsoft's Windows Digital Media division whose technology the BBC now employs in their iPlayer software) as controller of the BBC's future media and technology group which is managing the iPlayer project.

The BBC is a publicly funded body, governed by the BBC Trust who protect, amongst other things, open access and independence form corporate influence. The BBC has been told to make the player platform independent, however Mac and Linux users are likely to be out in the cold for some time.

Download Squad decided to visit the protest and spoke to Peter Brown, Executive Director of the Free Software Foundation, about the reasoning behind the protests and what the campaigns hopes for the future. We've made the interview available either as a text transcript after the break, or via the Download Squad podcast feed.

Download the Podcast

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Podcast Links

• BBC iPlayer homepage
• Defective by Design
• Free the BBC

Gallery: Defective by Design, London: Protest Pictures

Continue reading DLS Interview: Free Software Foundation's Peter Brown

DLS Interview: Free Software Foundation's Peter Brown originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get your Photoshop version control for free -- Timeline giveaway!

Filed under: Photo, Utilities

Hopefully by now you've read my review of Timeline and decided whether you want a copy or not. In a nutshell though, Timeline is a front-end for Subversion (SVN) version control within Photoshop. It automates the process of checking files in and out -- that's it. I want to say that casual users probably won't find Timeline very exciting -- but is there such a thing as casual Photoshop users when a license costs a few hundred dollars?

Anyway, if you gave the 30-day trial a go, and you're now ready to get the full version, you're in luck! The folks at PixelNovel have given us five licenses to give away. They're valued at $60 each, and you can enter the giveaway by simply leaving a comment. Good luck!

Continue reading Get your Photoshop version control for free -- Timeline giveaway!

Get your Photoshop version control for free -- Timeline giveaway! originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photoscatter uploads your iPhone pics to multiple sites at once

Filed under: Photo, iPhone

I'm a big fan of iPhone photo apps, because the built-in Camera and Photos applications certainly don't handle every photo-related task you might want to do with your phone. You can email photos from the Photos app, for example, but you can't upload them anywhere.

Various photo sites have their own uploader apps, but what if you use more than one site? Orli Yakuel at GO2WEB20 just posted about an app called PhotoScatter that can help you with that.

PhotoScatter lets you send a photo to several different sites at once, including Facebook, Flickr, ShutterFly, PhotoBucket, Picasa, and Twitpic. There's an ad-supported free version and a $3 pro version (with the same features, but faster upload speeds).

The main feature missing from Photoscatter, from a serious photo junkie's point of view, is the ability to add new services or custom URLs to upload to. It would be amazing to send photos to your blog or photo portfolio site and Flickr at the same time.

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Photoscatter uploads your iPhone pics to multiple sites at once originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrome Corner - weekly updates, extensions, themes and tips for Google Chrome

Filed under: Features, Google, Browsers

More subtle-but-useful updates landed in Google Chrome this week, including some welcome functionality for Mac users. Submissions to the Extensions Gallery continue at a frantic pace, and I'll look at two which have taken up residence in my browser.

There's also an interesting take on where the design for the Google Chrome logo came from - could there be a sinister message behind the four-color sphere? Keep reading after the break, and help me sort it out in the comments!

That chap Hexxeh has also been busy. Let's start with his latest effort!

Chromium OS Zero released
With no official download of Chrome OS or Chromium OS coming from Google any time soon, the builds created by Hexxeh have gained quite a loyal following. And with good reason - they're easily the most pain-free way to play with the OS.

Apart from speed and stability improvements over the previous release (Cherry), Hexxeh has begun laying the groundwork for an auto-update system in his Chromium OS builds. That addition will make it easier for testers to stay current - and will sidestep the hassle of re-downloading full releases.

Continue reading Chrome Corner - weekly updates, extensions, themes and tips for Google Chrome

Chrome Corner - weekly updates, extensions, themes and tips for Google Chrome originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 awesome Personas themes for Firefox 3.6

Filed under: Design, Fun, Features, Mozilla, Browsers

Happy Firefox 3.6 release day! In honor of the official release of the latest and greatest version of Mozilla's browser, I thought I'd highlight one new feature in particular: Personas. Firefox 3.6's Personas support allows you to change the look of Firefox with a single click, no restart required. If you've used themes in Google Chrome, you're already familiar with the idea.

The Personas gallery features a daunting 35,000+ themes already, but I took on the challenge of combing through them to separate the good and usable from the just-plain-ugly. I ruled out Personas that lacked contrast or otherwise made the Firefox toolbar tough to read (note to Personas designers: there were way too many of these), and then picked the most visually pleasing candidates from what was left.

I hope you enjoy these Firefox skins, but my list is by no means definitive. If you find a Persona that puts mine to shame and deserves a top place on the list, leave me a comment!

Take the jump to explore the gallery!

Continue reading 10 awesome Personas themes for Firefox 3.6

10 awesome Personas themes for Firefox 3.6 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Off the clock: The Ultimate Porn Surfing Firefox Add-ons

Filed under: Internet, Features, Mozilla, Browsers, Lists

A lot of people use the Internet to find porn.

A lot of people use Firefox (go download Firefox 3.6!)

In fact, I'd go as far to suggest that porn surfers -- or at least the search for naughty, illicit, adult-only material -- account for Firefox's biggest market demographic. The 'young' Internet -- blogs, social networks, porn -- is predominantly ruled by the spotty teenagers of the browser world: Firefox and Chrome. Internet Explorer's total market share is larger, but corporations, geriatrics and aging family computers -- i.e. the non-porn world -- account for most of that.

I'm not expecting you to raise your hand or even nod your agreement, but let's face it: most of us, at some time or another, will search for porn. It makes sense to be prepared for such an eventuality -- I think we all know the perils of loud, auto-playing sex music or aggressive pop-ups of hairy, German MILFs that just. won't. close.

Note: all of the links in this feature are safe. Don't worry: you should be fine to read this at work.

Continue reading Off the clock: The Ultimate Porn Surfing Firefox Add-ons

Off the clock: The Ultimate Porn Surfing Firefox Add-ons originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefox Friday Five (3.6!!!)

Filed under: Internet, Features, Mozilla, Browsers

Phew! What a week for the Firefox!

With this flurry of activity things, you'd expect things to calm down for a little... but no! Mozilla will try to capitalize on their new fleet-footed approach to updates and minor revisions. With Chrome now barking at its heels and Microsoft's IE9 likely to arrive this year, it's never been more important for Firefox to keep its lead.

Let's start with the best one:

1. Government warnings about Internet Explorer cause massive influx of Firefox downloads

Lee, like the great impartial reporter that he is, pointed out that there were lots of Firefox and Opera downloads -- but as always when talking about Opera, it's on the same scale as a tiny, uninhabited Pacific island, so let's just go with the Firefox statistic.

Basically, the governments of Germany, France and Australia told its citizens to dump Internet Explorer... and that's what they did! From Firefox's usual 50,000 downloads a day, they spiked up to 200,000!

(It's worth noting that IE has now been patched and is safe again... but for how long?!)

Continue reading Firefox Friday Five (3.6!!!)

Firefox Friday Five (3.6!!!) originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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