18 September, 2014

The best Android feature you’re not using: voice commands

ok-google
Google Now has become a central part of the Android operating system, introducing new functions and capabilities with every candy-flavored iteration. While voice commands have been core to the service since its launch, Google has done their part to continuously add new options regularly. Did we mention it’s now easier than ever to control your phone just by speaking to it? As of the latest Android KitKat update, users can jump right into Google Now simply by saying “OK, Google” at any time.

If you haven’t checked out voice commands in a while or are not acquainted with some of the newer (and very useful functions), here is a sampling of what you can do. Simply replace the text in brackets with whatever you are searching for or inquiring about and wait for Google to spit out the pertinent information.

Essential commands

  • “Go to [some website].”
  • “Search for [ Samsung Galaxy S5].”
  • “Open [Gmail].”
  • “Take a picture.”
  • “Record a video.”

Productivity

  • “Remind me to [call John at 6PM].”
  • “Remind me to [buy toilet paper at Target].”
  • “Set an alarm for [6PM].”
  • “Create a calendar event: [Happy Hour at Union on Friday at 5:00PM].”
  • “Where’s my package?”
  • “Note to self: [remember to buy milk].”
  • “What’s the tip for [$42]?”

Communications

  • “Call [George Smith].”
  • “Call [Mom mobile].”
  • “Text [Lee that I'm running 5 minutes late].”
  • “Send email to [Rob Jackson, subject, Google Now, message, Check out these Voice Commands].”
  • “Listen to voicemail.”
  • “Find [Bruce’s] number.”
  • “When is [Mary’s] birthday?”
  • “Post to [Google+]: [Google Now is awesome].”

Media

  • “Listen to: [TheDirty Projectors].”
  • “Play: [The Beatles].”
  • “What’s this song?”
  • “Play some music.”
  • “Watch [Toy Story 3].”
  • “What movies are playing tonight?”
  • “Where is [X-Men] playing?”
  • “Show me pictures of the [Chesapeake Bay Bridge].”

Navigation and Travel

  • “Navigate to [Ocean City, MD].”
  • “[Biking] directions to [The Brewer’s Art].”
  • “Find [the Eiffel Tower].”
  • “Where is [the Empire State Building]?”
  • “Where’s the nearest [ice cream shop]?”
  • “Show me the menu for [Holy Frijoles].”
  • “Call [Ledo's Pizza].”
  • “Show me my flights.”
  • “Where is my hotel?”
  • “What are some attractions in [Baltimore]?”

Information

  • “What time is it in [London]?”
  • “Do I need an umbrella today?”
  • “What’s the weather in [Cape Cod] for [the weekend]?”
  • “Where was [Albert Einstein] born?”
  • “How old is [Brad Pitt]?”
  • “How do you say [‘hello'] in [Spanish]?”
  • “What does [onomatopoeia] mean?”
  • “What’s [Google’s] stock price?”
  • “What is [Twitter] trading at?”
  • “What’s [16 ounces] in [pounds]?”
  • “What is the square root of 2209?”
  • “When is sunset?”
  • “Did the [Orioles] win today?”
  • “How did [the San Francisco Giants] do?”
Then, of course, Google has also included some Easter Eggs. Try telling Google Now to “Do a barrel roll,” or asking “What does the fox say?” for a giggle or two. And don’t forget, many if not all of these commands should work just as well with Google Glass and Google’s web voice search, as well.
What else can you do with Google Now? Let us know your favorite voice commands, Easter Eggs, tips, and tricks in the comments below!

Courtesy: Phandroid

How to find your parked car with Google Now [Android 101]

Google Now parked car
One of the most annoying things about owning a car is parking. First you have to find somewhere to park, which can be very difficult in big cities or at popular events. Once you finally find a spot you’re just dying to get out of the car. Oops! You forgot to take note of where you parked. Now you’re ready to go home, but you have no idea where to find your car.
There are dozens of great Android apps for finding parked cars, but most of them require you to input your location before you leave the vehicle. If you’re already forgetting to note where you parked in the first place you probably won’t remember to use an app. What if there was an automatic way to do this without any effort on your part? The good news is there is, and you probably already have it installed.
Did you know that the Google app you already use can include parking data? The app uses your device’s sensors to know when you leave a previously moving vehicle. When Google detects you’ve left a vehicle it will take note of your location, the time you parked, pinpoint the location on a map, and add it to your Google Now stream. All of this information will be displayed on a card like the one above.
How do I enable this?
parking steps
All you have to do is make sure “Driving” is set as your main mode of transportation.
  1. Open Google Now, scroll all the way down, and tap the Magic Wand icon.
  2. Go to Customize > Everything else > “How do you usually get around?”
  3. Choose Driving.
Can I choose when I see the parking card?
Like most Google Now cards, there are some additional options. Follow these steps to customize parking location cards:
  1. When a parking location card shows up in Google Now, touch the Menu icon on the card.
  2. Answer the questions to choose when to see the card.
parked car google
How do I turn off parking cards?
If you find that the parking location cards aren’t working well, or you just don’t need them anymore, you can turn them off.
  1. When a parking location card shows up in Google Now, touch the Menu icon on the card.
  2. Touch No when you’re asked if you want to keep receiving reminders about your parking location.

Courtesy: Phandroid

18 November, 2010

The Definitive Windows 7 Commands Guide

This definitive, mammoth guide contains a complete list of  Windows 7 commands you need to gain access to all Windows 7 features. These commands are divided into two different categories :Shell commands and Run commands. Thanks to them you will be only one click away from all Windows 7 tools, utility, folders and features. Dont you remember the path to gain access to that neat Windows 7? Do you wish to clean Internet Explorer cache without rummaging among tricky options? Here is the guide you have always been looking for!
Shell Commands
These commands are especially useful to users, power users and administrators who need to gain access or create shortcuts to difficult-to-reach Windows 7 utilities or locations (such as folder for example).  There are two ways you can use these Shell Commands: To create a shortcuts or through Run…
How to Create a Shortcut using a Shell Command.
  1. Right-click any empty space on your desktop.
  2. Click New.
  3. Click Shortcut.
  4. Now, if you want to create a shortcut, you will need to add “explorer.exe” , whiteout quotes,  right in front of each Shell command. Here is an example: explorer.exe shell:PicturesLibrary.
  5. So, right after clicking the shortcut link a new window will appear. In the blank field, write: shell:(your Command).
  6. Click Next.
  7. Click OK.
At this point you should see a shortcut icon on your desktop pointing to the the Picture Library.
How to access folders using a Shell Command.
  1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
  2. In the blank field, type Shell:(your command). This will let you access every folder in your Windows 7, including hidden folders.
  3. Click OK.
List
  1. shell:AddNewProgramsFolder
  2. shell:Administrative Tools (hidden folder)
  3. shell:AppData (hidden to users)
  4. shell:AppUpdatesFolder (installed updates)
  5. shell:Cache (hidden folder) (Temporary Internet Files)
  6. shell:CD Burning (hidden folder)
  7. shell:ChangeRemoveProgramsFolder
  8. shell:Common Administrative Tools (hidden folder)
  9. shell:Common AppData (hidden folder)
  10. shell:Common Desktop
  11. shell:Common Documents
  12. shell:Common Programs (hidden folder)
  13. shell:Common Start Menu (hidden folder)
  14. shell:Common Startup (hidden folder)
  15. shell:Common Templates (hidden folder)
  16. shell:CommonDownloads
  17. shell:CommonMusic
  18. shell:CommonPictures
  19. shell:CommonRingtones (hidden folder)
  20. shell:CommonVideo
  21. shell:ConflictFolder
  22. shell:ConnectionsFolder
  23. shell:Contacts
  24. shell:ControlPanelFolder
  25. shell:Cookies
  26. shell:Cookies\Low (hidden folder)
  27. shell:CredentialManager (hidden folder)
  28. shell:CryptoKeys (hidden folder)
  29. shell:CSCFolder
  30. shell:Default Gadgets
  31. shell:Desktop
  32. shell:Device Metadata Store (hidden folder)
  33. shell:DocumentsLibrary
  34. shell:Downloads
  35. shell:DpapiKeys (hidden folder)
  36. shell:Favorites
  37. shell:Fonts
  38. shell:Gadgets (hidden folder)
  39. shell:Games
  40. shell:GameTasks (hidden folder)
  41. shell:History (hidden folder)
  42. shell:ImplicitAppShortcuts
  43. shell:InternetFolder (Internet Explorer)
  44. shell:Libraries
  45. shell:Links
  46. shell:Local AppData (hidden folder)
  47. shell:LocalAppDataLow (hidden folder)
  48. shell:LocalizedResourcesDir
  49. shell:MAPIFolder
  50. shell:MusicLibrary
  51. shell:My Music
  52. shell:My Pictures
  53. shell:My Video
  54. shell:MyComputerFolder
  55. shell:NetHood (hidden folder)
  56. shell:NetworkPlacesFolder
  57. shell:OEM Links
  58. shell:Original Images
  59. shell:OtherUsersFolder
  60. shell:Personal
  61. shell:PhotoAlbums
  62. shell:PicturesLibrary
  63. shell:Playlists
  64. shell:PrintersFolder
  65. shell:PrintHood (hidden folder)
  66. shell:Profile
  67. shell:ProgramFiles
  68. shell:ProgramFilesCommon
  69. shell:ProgramFilesCommonX86
  70. shell:ProgramFilesX86
  71. shell:Programs
  72. shell:Public
  73. shell:PublicGameTasks (hidden folder)
  74. shell:PublicSuggestedLocations
  75. shell:Quick Launch (hidden folder)
  76. shell:Recent (hidden folder)
  77. shell:RecycleBinFolder
  78. shell:ResourceDir
  79. shell:Ringtones (hidden folder)
  80. shell:SampleMusic
  81. shell:SamplePictures
  82. shell:SamplePlaylists
  83. shell:SampleVideos
  84. shell:SavedGames
  85. shell:Searches
  86. shell:SearchHomeFolder
  87. shell:SendTo (hidden folder)
  88. shell:Start Menu (hidden folder)
  89. shell:Startup
  90. shell:SyncCenterFolder
  91. shell:SyncResultsFolder
  92. shell:SyncSetupFolder
  93. shell:System
  94. shell:SystemCertificates (hidden folder)
  95. shell:SystemX86
  96. shell:Templates
  97. shell:TreePropertiesFolder
  98. shell:User Pinned
  99. shell:UserProfiles
  100. shell:UsersFilesFolder
  101. shell:UsersLibrariesFolder
  102. shell:VideosLibrary
  103. shell:Windows
Run Commands
Run Commands are quite useful if you want to reach, use, open anything in your Windows 7. What follows are the easy steps to use these commands.
How to use Run Commands
  1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type the command in the blank field.
  3. Click OK.
List
  1. Add/Remove Programs = appwiz.cpl
  2. Administrative Tools = control admintools
  3. Authorization Manager= azman.msc
  4. Calculator = calc
  5. Certificate Manager = certmgr.msc
  6. Character Map = charmap
  7. Check Disk Utility = chkdsk
  8. Command Prompt = cmd.exe
  9. Component Services = dcomcnfg
  10. Computer Management = compmgmt.msc
  11. Control Panel = control
  12. Date and Time Properties = timedate.cpl
  13. Defragment User Interface = dfrgui
  14. Device Manager = devmgmt.msc
  15. Direct X Troubleshooter = dxdiag
  16. Disk Cleanup Utility = cleanmgr
  17. Disk Management = diskmgmt.msc
  18. Disk Parmelonion Manager = diskpart
  19. Display Properties = control desktop or, alternatively desk.cpl
  20. Ditilizer Calibration Tool = tabcal
  21. Downloads = Downloads
  22. DPI Scaling = dpiscaling
  23. Driver Package Installer = dpinst
  24. Driver Verifier Utility = verifier or, alternatively reset
  25. DVD Player = dvdplay
  26. Encryption File System = rekeywiz
  27. Event Viewer = eventvwr.msc
  28. Fax Cover Sheet Editor = fxscover
  29. File Signature Verification Tool = sigverif
  30. Folders Properties = control folders
  31. Fonts = control fonts
  32. Free Cell Card Game = freecell
  33. Group Policy Editor = gpedit.msc
  34. Iexpress Wizard = iexpress
  35. Internet Explorer = iexplore
  36. Internet Properties = inetcpl.cpl
  37. IP Configuration = ipconfig.exe
  38. iSCSI Initiator = iscsicpl
  39. Keyboard Properties = control keyboard
  40. Libraries = explorer or, alternatively Windows key + E
  41. Local Security Settings = secpol.msc
  42. Local Users and Groups = lusrmgr.msc
  43. Logs You Out Of Windows = logoff
  44. Microsoft Paint = mspaint.exe
  45. Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool = msdt
  46. Mobility Center (mobile) = mblctr or, alternatively Windows key + X
  47. Mouse Properties = control mouse
  48. Mouse Properties = main.cpl
  49. Network Connections = control netconnections
  50. Network Connections = ncpa.cpl
  51. Notepad = notepad
  52. ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32
  53. On Screen Keyboard = osk or, alternatively Windows key + U
  54. Optional Features Manager = optionalfeatures
  55. Performance Monitor = perfmon.msc
  56. Phone and Modem Options = telephon.cpl
  57. Power Configuration = powercfg.cpl
  58. Printer Migration = PrintBrmUi
  59. Printers and Faxes = control printers
  60. Private Character Editor = eudcedit
  61. Regional Settings = intl.cpl
  62. Registry Editor = regedit.exe
  63. Remote Assistance = msra
  64. Remote Desktop = mstsc
  65. Resultant Set of Policy = rsop.msc
  66. Scheduled Tasks = control schedtasks
  67. Security Center = wscui.cpl
  68. Services = services.msc
  69. Shared Folders/MMC = fsmgmt.msc
  70. Shuts Down Windows = shutdown
  71. Snipping Tool = snippingtool
  72. Sound Recorder = soundrecorder
  73. Sound Volume = sndvol
  74. Sounds and Audio = mmsys.cpl
  75. Spider Solitare Card Game = spider
  76. SQL Client Configuration = cliconfg
  77. Sticky Note = StikyNot
  78. Stored User Names and Passwords = credwiz
  79. System Configuration Editor = sysedit
  80. System Configuration Utility = msconfig
  81. System File Checker Utility = sfc
  82. System Information = msinfo32
  83. System Properties = sysdm.cpl or, alternatively Windows key + Pause
  84. Task Manager = taskmgr
  85. Trusted Platform Module = TpmInit
  86. User Accounts = netplwiz or, alternatively control userpasswords2
  87. Utility Manager = utilman
  88. Windows Activation = slui
  89. Windows Backup Utility = sdclt
  90. Windows Fax and Scan = wfs
  91. Windows Firewall = firewall.cpl
  92. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security = wf.msc
  93. Windows Image Acquisition = wiaacmgr
  94. Windows Magnifier = magnify
  95. Windows Management Infrastructure = wmimgmt.msc
  96. Windows Media Player = wmplayer
  97. Windows Share Creation Wizard = shrpubw
  98. Windows Standalong Update Manager = wusa
  99. Windows System Security Tool = syskey
  100. Windows Update App Manager = wuapp
  101. Wordpad = write
Different shortcuts
These shortcuts let you access specific features and tools in Windows 7. Simply, copy and paste them to the blank field Run.. window and that’s it!
  1. Action Center = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL wscui.cpl
  2. Add Network Location = rundll32.exe shwebsvc.dll,AddNetPlaceRunDll
  3. Add/Remove Programs = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl
  4. Add/Remove Programs = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,0
  5. Add/Remove Windows Components = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,2
  6. Advanced Restore = sdclt.exe /restorewizardadmin
  7. Aero (Transparency feature) Off = Rundll32.exe DwmApi #104
  8. Aero (Transparency feature) On = Rundll32.exe DwmApi #102
  9. Backup Location and Settings = sdclt.exe /configure
  10. Content Advisor = RunDll32.exe msrating.dll,RatingSetupUI
  11. Control Panel = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
  12. Date and Time = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl
  13. Date and Time (Additional Clocks) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl,,1
  14. Date and Time (Properties) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl
  15. Device Manager = RunDll32.exe devmgr.dll DeviceManager_Execute
  16. Device Manager = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl
  17. Display Settings = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL access.cpl,,3
  18. Folder Options = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0
  19. Folder Options (File Types) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_Options 2
  20. Folder Options (Search) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 2
  21. Folder Options (View) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 7
  22. Forgotten Password Wizard = RunDll32.exe keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW
  23. Hibernate = RunDll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState
  24. Indexing Options = control.exe srchadmin.dll
  25. Keyboard Properties = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @1
  26. Lock Screen = RunDll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
  27. Manage Wireless Networks = explorer.exe shell:::{1fa9085f-25a2-489b-85d4-86326eedcd87}
  28. Map Network Drive = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL Connect
  29. Mouse Properties = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @0
  30. Network Connections = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL ncpa.cpl
  31. Notification Cache = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 5
  32. Open Control Panel (All Items) = explorer.exe shell:::{21ec2020-3aea-1069-a2dd-08002b30309d}
  33. Pen and Touch Tablet PC (Settings) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl
  34. Pen and Touch Tablet PC (Settings Flicks Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl,,1
  35. Pen and Touch Tablet PC (Settings Handwriting Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl,,2
  36. People Near Me = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL collab.cpl
  37. People Near Me (Sign Up Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL collab.cpl,,1
  38. Personalization = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,2
  39. Phone and Modem (Options) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL telephon.cpl
  40. Phone and Modem (Options Modems Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL telephon.cpl,,1
  41. Phone and Modems (Options Advanced Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL telephon.cpl,,2
  42. Power Options = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL powercfg.cpl
  43. Power Options Modify Plan Settings = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL powercfg.cpl,,1
  44. Regional Settings = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl,,3
  45. Restore Files = sdclt.exe /restorewizard
  46. Screen Resolution = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl
  47. ScreenSaver = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,1
  48. Set Program Access and Computer Defaults = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,3
  49. Sound Control Playback Tab = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLmmsys.cpl
  50. Sound Control Recording Tab = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLmmsys.cpl,,1
  51. Sound Control Sounds Tab = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLmmsys.cpl,,2
  52. Stored Usernames /Passwords = RunDll32.exe keymgr.dll,KRShowKeyMgr
  53. System Properties = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl
  54. System Properties (Advanced Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,3
  55. System Properties (Hardware Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,2
  56. System Properties (Remote Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,5
  57. System Properties (System Protection Tab) = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,4
  58. System Properties (Advanced) RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,4
  59. System Properties (Automatic Updates) = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,5
  60. Taskbar Properties = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 1
  61. Unplug Eject Hardware = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll
  62. User Accounts = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL nusrmgr.cpl
  63. Welcome Center = rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter
  64. Windows (About) = RunDll32.exe SHELL32.DLL,ShellAboutW
  65. Windows Firewall = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl
  66. Windows Firewall = rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl
  67. Windows Security Center = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL wscui.cpl
  68. Wireless Network Setup = RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL NetSetup.cpl,@0,WNSW
  69. Wireless Networks pop-up = rundll32.exe van.dll,RunVAN
Internet Explorer Advanced Settings
  1. Delete All (Deeper Cleaning Including Add-on Data Deletion) = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 4351
  2. Delete All = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 255
  3. Delete Cookies = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 2
  4. Delete Form Data = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 16
  5. Delete History = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1
  6. Delete Passwords = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 32
  7. Delete Temporary Internet Files = RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 8

16 October, 2010

Exploring Firefox Cache: A Bunch Of Really Cool Tips

firefox cacheThe browser cache temporarily stores images, scripts, and other parts of websites while you are browsing. This is normally a good thing because this enhances performance and load time.
The browser cache usually works behind the scene: you are unlikely to notice it even exists unless you feel like digging deeper.
But do you know that you can actually have quite a bit of fun viewing your browser cache? Do you know why and how you can clean it? Today’s tutorial is just about that: what you can do with your Firefox cache.

Viewing Your Firefox Cache

The cache statistics and directory location can be viewed in about:cache. Then:
  • about:cache?device=memory – Lists memory cache entries.
  • about:cache?device=disk – Lists disk cache entries.
It is really not easy to make sense of that interface but luckily we have an addon to make it easier.
CacheView is a GUI Front-end of “about:cache”. It allows searching and sorting memory and disk cache files. CacheView gives you a preview pane for any images, and makes it really easy to save MP3s and flash files from the sites you’ve visited.
After you have it installed, just go to Tools ->CacheView (or just use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C) and you will be presented with a nice table containing your cache files and a preview pane.
The table is sortable by column (key, size, MIME Type, storing device, Last Fetched date) and what’s more it has a search function which adds a lot of sense to your cache database:
firefox cache
You can also right-click on an entry and delete it. It won’t delete things if the page is still opened in one of your tabs.
firefox cache viewer
CacheSearch is another useful cache addon for FireFox which can search through the full-text of cache records:
firefox cache viewer

Clearing The Firefox Cache

There are a few reasons why you may want to clear the Firefox cache, including privacy concerns and technical problems. I usually do it when I have any issues with a website: problems on sign-up, incorrect interface loading, etc.

Clearing the Cache Manually

Official Guide:

  • Navigate: Tools -> Options -> Advanced panel -> Network tab
  • In the Offline Storage section, click Clear Now.
firefox cache viewer

FireFox Addons:

If you find yourself clearing the cache too often, you can find this little addon helpful. It adds a button to your browser toolbar – with it you can clear the cache with one click of a mouse.
firefox cache folder
Note: After installation, you will need to manually install the button to where you want it to be. For that, right-click on the sidebar and select “Customize“.
Here’s an alternative addon that can be used for that: Cache Status which will both monitor your cache statistics for both memory and disk devices and allow to clear it any time:
firefox cache folder

Clear The Cache Automatically:

  • Navigate: Tools -> Options -> Privacy panel
  • In the drop-down select “Use custom settings for history. “
  • Select the check box for Clear history when Firefox closes and in the Settings next to this check box select Cache:
FireFox cache
Courtesy: Make Use
Author: Ann Smarty

19 August, 2010

Avoid Getting an Unwanted Surprise on Twitter

twitter surpriseYou have come across an application on Twitter that will find your level of smartness with a click. You connect it to your Twitter account (using OAuth) and then you suddenly realize that that app has published your score to Twitter as well using your own account.
Such Twitter apps may be rare but they do exist and may sometimes embarrass you.
For instance, a popular directory would automatically change your Twitter profile as soon as you added yourself to that directory. More recently, we saw another Twitter app that would automatically tweet on your behalf and it nearly went viral.

How to Avoid Surprises on Twitter

If you would like to prevent apps from fiddling with your Twitter stream without asking, the easiest solution would be to not use them at all. That’s however an extreme approach as you’ll then miss a whole lot of other apps that are both nice and useful.
The solution is however simple. When you add an app to your Twitter account, you’ll see an authorization page where you can either allow or deny the app access to your Twitter data.
Read the language carefully. If it read something like “the app would like to access and update your data on Twitter,” you are granting the app permission to post to your Twitter stream. Majority of the Twitter apps won’t misuse that privilege but some may.
access and update Twitter
Therefore, if you are trying out a new app on Twitter that you have never heard of before, it may be a good idea to authorize only the ones that require read-only access to your Twitter data as seen in the screenshot below
Twitter Read Only