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Spellbound for Firefox
Last week I ran a tip on the built-in spell-check function in Mozilla Firefox. After, I received a few e-mails wondering why the function doesn't work everywhere, so today I'm going to show you a program that will extend Firefox's spell-check function.
It's called Spellbound.
My favorite feature of Spellbound is that it spell checks in form fields, so if you're entering text in something like a comment box or other type of information field, Spellbound will let you know.
You can also customize the way Spellbound bring misspellings to your attention by changing the color or boldness of the offending word.
To download Spellbound for Firefox, go to Tools>Add ons and select the "Get Add-ons" tab at the top.
Now click "Browse All Add-ons". This will automatically take you to the Mozilla Add-ons site. Type Spellbound in the search box and click the green arrow.
Now all you have to do is click the "Add to Firefox" button, follow the on-screen prompts and you're good to go!
Sweet!
John W. asks:
How can I safely and completely remove Winamp and Winamp Search from my computer? I have tried program delete and system restore, but it did not work.
A:
Have you tried Winamp and don't like it? Maybe you are getting a new computer and want to uninstall it. Whatever the reason, this article will show you how to uninstall it and remove Winamp Search from your computer. You will also remove the Winamp Toolbar. Most programs can be uninstalled through the Control Panel, but sometimes this doesn't work and it takes a few more steps to completely remove a program.
You have different options to remove Winamp from your computer. One of the best Winamp uninstallers is Perfect Uninstaller. You can do a Google search on Winamp Uninstallers if you would like to use a different program. This program will remove Winamp and all files associated with it. You will still need to remove the toolbar and Winamp Search if you use this program. Instructions to do this are below.
You can also manually remove Winamp from your computer:
Click Start and Control Panel.
Under Programs click Uninstall a program. 
A list of programs on your computer will display. Find Winamp in this list and click Uninstall. Let it go through the uninstallation.
When it is finished uninstalling click Finish.
Whether you manually uninstalled Winamp or used the uninstaller, you need to remove the Winamp folder. Click Start and go to Computer. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Winamp. Right click the Winamp folder and select Delete to remove the folder.
Winamp should now be removed from your computer, but we are not done, though. Winamp puts other applications on your computer, and we will go through the process of removing those now.
Winamp Toolbar
Open your browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.) You should see an icon that looks like a wrench on the toolbar. Click the down arrow and select Uninstall. Click Uninstall Winamp Toolbar.
Remove Winamp Toolbar from the Control Panel
Click Start and select Control Panel. Click Programs under Programs click Uninstall a program. Select Winamp Toolbar and click Uninstall.
How to Remove Windows Search from Firefox
Open Firefox and in the address bar type about:config
You will see a warning but this is okay. Click I will be careful, I Promise button.
You will see a list of items. In the search bar at the top, type Winamp. You will see everything that is associated with Winamp on the list.
Right click on everything that has 'search' or 'search engine' in the Winamp list and click reset from the menu for each
Close out by clicking the X in the corner.
We hope this article has been helpful for you!
Change Chrome Download Location
When you download something in Google Chrome, where does it go? Now where you want it to, eh?
Well, if you have a specific location in mind, then this tip is for you, because today we're going to learn how to change our default download location in Google Chrome!
So go ahead and open Chrome and click the wrench icon in the upper right-hand corner.
Select Options.
In the resulting window, select the Under the Hood tab and scroll down to Download location.
No simply click the Browse button and choose a new location for your downloads! It's that easy!
Note: You can also check the box that says Ask where to save each file before downloading if you don't have a consistent place you save to.
The Week in Technology
Facebook, the popular social networking platform, has purchased Nextstop, a site which provided user added lists of interesting things to do in locations around the world. During the announcement of the purchase, Nextstop stated that they would be shutting down the service on September 1. Those currently using the service have two months to continue using Nextstop and will also have the ability to export the content they created to formats such as static HTML, Google Maps or Google Picasa. The employees of Nextstop will be joining the Facebook team. Facebook has not stated what it plans to do with the product it just acquired.
A developer has created a Chrome Browser plugin which displays a security vulnerability in the popular Google web browser. Developer Andreas Grech coded a Chrome Browser plugin which is able to save user's login information for popular websites and send him an email with the info. The developer even pasted the code for his plugin on his personal website to provide evidence to the exploit. Google has yet to respond, but is expected to quickly fix the vulnerability. Those using the Chrome Browser are advised to only install plugins from people you know and trust, as some Chrome plugins may have unseen intents.
Amazon has been granted the patent for an e-ink display and LCD display in the same e-reader device, which may greatly affect the e-reader market. This new patent allows Amazon to create e-reader devices similar to their current Kindle device, but with two screens: one for displaying the e-book with their e-ink display, and a second screen for displaying textual or graphical information related to the ebook. With Amazon receiving the rights to this patent, it possibly puts Barnes & Noble's e-reader device, the Nook, in violation of the patent.
Arrow Text Selection
Are you having trouble when you try to highlight text? You know, when you put your cursor at the point where you want to start highlighting (selecting) the text and drag it across?
Try this, then: put your cursor where you want to start selecting, hold down your SHIFT key and use your up / down arrow keys on your keyboard. You'll find when you hold down an arrow that the text scrolls (and highlights) at a much more manageable rate.
Oh, if the section is really big, tap your Page Up and Page Down keys till you get close to where you need to stop.
Windows Sidebar Weather Gadgets
I'll be the first to admit it - when Microsoft announced that part of its Vista operating system was going to be a sidebar with "gadgets", I was skeptical. After all, Yahoo already offered something similar called "widgets", and the last thing that I wanted was something else cluttering up my desktop. As I explored the sidebar, however, and discovered that not only can you undock the gadgets from the sidebar and move them to wherever you want on your desktop, as well as close the sidebar itself while leaving the gadgets open, I became a fan.
One of the gadgets that lives on my desktop is a weather gadget, showing current conditions and a three-day forecast. So I thought that I'd offer overviews of five weather gadgets.
Instantly Win at Windows XP Solitaire
Solitaire is the type of game where you can get stuck really fast. Next time you're up against a wall of cards try this:
Press Alt+Shift+2
Voila! You win!!
At least it's a lot more satisfying that starting a new game!
Note: This trick only works in the Windows XP version of solitaire.
When are they going to discontinue Windows XP?
Good question! Microsoft designed the Windows XP operating system to work in desktop and laptop computers, as well as in media centers. It first made an appearance to the computer world in August 2001 and became one of the most popular versions of the Windows operating system. Due to it's extended life, people often wonder when they are going to discontinue Windows XP. Ever since Windows 7 came into existence, more and more consumers have started to make the switch to this new system.
Computer operating systems are constantly being updated, which means there will always be something newer and better right around the corner. The most difficult part is getting used to the new system without dealing with a few frustrations now and then.
The 'XP' in Windows XP is short for 'experience' and this type of system has multiple editions, two of which are the home and professional editions. The home version is, of course, for basic household use. The professional edition has extra features that may be too advanced to be considered necessary for use on a home computer. These additional features include; remote desktop server, an encrypting file system, 2 CPUs, and offline folders and files, just to name a few.
Even though this system has been the most popular version for nearly a decade, Microsoft has decided to do away with it. The homepage for Windows XP even has a link that connects consumers to a page listing the top ten reasons to switch over their computers to Windows 7 including:
1.Quicker Access to Content
2.Easier to Manage
3.Faster to Locate Files, Emails, or Other Programs
4.Can Share Information Among Other Computers
5.Effortless Entertainment
6.Create Movies that Can Be Shared
7.Connects Quickly to Wireless
8.Faster Response Time
9.Runs Most XP Programs
10.Offers Better Protection for PCs
This does happen to be a fairly impressive list of reasons to make the switch. The chart that allows consumers to compare the XP, Vista, and 7 versions of Windows is actually a better view of why there's no reason to continue selling and servicing Windows XP. The latest Microsoft operating system for PCs that is offered does everything that the previous editions are capable of, but includes nearly twice as much capability.
Windows XP users don't have access to Windows Search, which enables programs and files to be located instantly and it takes more than a couple of clicks to open these features once they are found. Navigation through open windows is much slower and sharing music, photos, and other files with additional household PCs isn't possible. It's also difficult to manage external devices and organize easily with the XP edition. In addition, connecting to wireless networks takes some work, and the XP edition doesn't have parental controls - which most parents find necessary today with the plethora of information available on the Internet.
Movies and games are a big part of many people's lives. Windows XP doesn't have the capability to provide game graphics that are as vivid and realistic as the newest version is able to offer. Creating and sharing movies within minutes after they are made is also impossible with Windows XP. Music collectors aren't able to stream their music around the house with the XP operating system and, since traveling is also becoming more integrated with most jobs, portability is the new priority. Since many computer users store most of their data on their home desktop, taking this on trips is near to impossible. Being able to remotely tap into this information source from locations away from home is possible with the newest operating system, but not with Windows XP.
Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP with SP2 (Service Pack 2) due to take place on July 13, 2010. Once support is discontinued for this edition, there won't be any additional security updates coming through making your system more vulnerable to malicious viruses that can easily destroy a PC unless you have a free combination of Avira, Malwarebytes, and SUPERAntiSpyware.
There is a service pack for Windows XP that will buy users a bit more time with this operating system. Service Pack 3 is available for consumers who just aren't ready to make the switch over to Windows 7, but support for that will end April 8th, 2014.
Spell Check in Firefox
Most word processing programs have a spell-checker built right in, so what does one do for the web? I spend most of my time writing out form fields, contributing to forums and writing in blogs. Shouldn't there be a way to spell check in my browser?
There is, actually, but mysteriously enough, it's only for Mozilla Firefox. IE8 has yet to receive a built-in spell checker, but I assume that's not far off.
In the meantime, let's learn how to enable the spellchecker in Firefox! In truth, it's usually enabled by default, but if, for any reason, you find it's not working go to: Tools>Options>Advanced. Make sure the "General" tab is selected. Then make sure the "Check my Spelling as I Type" option has a check-mark next to it.
That should do it! Now when you've misspelled something a squiggly red line will appear underneath it to warn you!
Make a New Folder in Windows 7
If you're the kind of super-organized Windows 7 user that creates a lot of new folders, then today's tip is specifically for you! Sure, you can just right-click and select "New Folder" to get the job done, but shortcuts combinations are always quicker! Besides, you'll look cool doing it, too!
Check this out!
Simply go to the location where you'd like to create a new folder and press Ctrl+Shift+N. A new folder will appear and all you have to do is type a name for it! Quick and easy!
Oh, and this shortcut even works to create a new folder on your desktop, too!
Disable Mobsync.exe in Winodws Vista and 7
At some point, you may have been worried about what that green and yellow icon is doing in the notification area of your Taskbar. The problem is quite common with Windows 7 and Vista users, and is due to Mobsync.exe, which is mostly unnecessary for common users. Unfortunately, it keeps popping up every time you boot your OS, even if you have stopped it from within the task manager. Let us learn more about this process and how to disable it permanently.
What is Mobsync ?
First off, Mobsync poses not threat to your PC. It is a process which belongs to Microsoft Sync Center and the Offline Files feature. The process is generally associated with a SQL Server installation, Windows Mobile with Active Sync, or if you have Internet Explorer, (IE 6 only), it's configured to sync pages for offline viewing. If you go into Control Panel you can start the program right away and configure it. This is available in Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Show Desktop in Windows 7
I've seen all sorts of little tips and tricks on how to get your show desktop icon back in Windows 7, but the truth is that most of them are too complicated to explain here.
And honestly, why do we need a show desktop icon proper when there's already one in the lower right-hand corner of your screen?
See it?
If you click it your desktop becomes visible; hold your mouse pointer over it and the open windows on your desktop will fade. It's just like the show desktop icon of the old days, only better!
Give it a try!
Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disk
Did you know that Windows 7 has a utility that allows you to create a system repair disk? If you've ever turned on your computer and found you can't get into Windows, this is a great thing to have, because it contains a suite of recovery tools that will help you recover from a serious system error or restore your computer from a system image.
Here's how you do it:
Click Start, then in the Search Box, type Create a System Repair Disk. An icon should appear in the list above. Click on it.
A wizard should open up. Put a blank CD/DVD in your CD/DVD Writer and follow the on-screen instructions.
That's all there is to it! If you ever find your computer in an un-bootable state, just pop this baby in and you'll be on your way back to good!
Note: You may need to go into your system's BIOS to change the boot order of your devices so your CD-RW or DVD-RW is the first boot device.
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"Send to" and Beyond!
We're all familiar with the "Send to" option when we right-click a file. It allows us to specify a location for the file in question quickly and easily, but why are there so few options?
Look at this:
Windows 7 users have some expanded options, however. Try holding Shift when you right-click a file and see what you get.
Look at all those locations! Now you can send that file just about anywhere!
Neat!
"Send to" and Beyond!
We're all familiar with the "Send to" option when we right-click a file. It allows us to specify a location for the file in question quickly and easily, but why are there so few options?
Look at this:
Windows 7 users have some expanded options, however. Try holding Shift when you right-click a file and see what you get.
Look at all those locations! Now you can send that file just about anywhere!
Neat!
The Week in Technology
Last week the iPhone 4 make a well known entrance into the world, with 1.5 million devices being sold on the first day of its availability. But almost immediately after the release, consumers began to report problems with the device, relating to the loss of cellular reception when holding the bottom left corner of the phone in a certain way. As more users began to report this issue, the media began to pick up on the problem and reported it all week without a response from Apple. On Friday, Apple stated that signal degradation may occur if users held the device in the bottom-left corner. Their recommendation was to hold the device in another way or to purchase one of the many available cases for the device. In an email to a customer, Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, stated that "There is no reception issue.". Apple has already stated that there would be a software update to the iPhone 4's iOS 4 which may correct this issue.
A new vulnerability on Twitter has been discovered by a user of the popular micro-blogging website after the user created a new Twitter account to display the security hole. The issue is a cross site scripting vulnerability, allowing a hacker to inject malicious code into the Twitter Application Registration page. The vulnerability has been published knowledge for the past few days and Twitter has already taken action to make correction to current and new applications. Twitter's quick response to the issue is believed to have prevented the issue from greatly impacting the micro-blogging platform.
The American College of Emergency Physicians has partnered with Legacy Interactive, a video game developer, to create a game which will educate users about the different types of disasters and how respond in case those disasters occur. The game, titled "Disaster Hero" is being developed by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Through the course of the game, the user will become the Disaster Hero and visit different families to help them prepare for different disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. The game will be web-based and accessible through a web browser. It is expected to launch next year.
