Did You Know Google Is More Than Just A Search Engine?

Did You Know Google Is More Than Just A Search Engine?

Did You Know Google Is More Than Just A Search Engine?

Optimizing Firefox 3 Hacks And Tweaks

Optimize Firefox 3

As I was trying to tweak Firefox 3 to suit my needs, I realized that it is more cutomizable and user friendly than the previous version. I used the 'about:config' to do most of the tweaks. If you want to them please take a back up of your settings first, so that you can revert back, if you don't find the hacks and tweaks useful for you.

Firefox 3 Hacks And Tweaks

The following tweaks are obtained by typing about:config and then modifying the page. Make sure you take a back up copy just in case something goes wrong. Here are some of the hacks for the experimantally oriented.

Step one: Type about:config in the address bar and hit enter
Step two: Make the following modifications to the file by typing in the values on the respective fields to get the desired result (feel free to experiment)
1. To enable/disable Single Click Select URL of address bar
browser.urlbar.clickSelectsAll = True
browser.urlbar.clickSelectsAll = False
2. To auto Complete URL while typing in the address Bar
browser.urlbar.autoFill=True
3. To set the number of auto complete URL in the address bar
browser.urlbar.maxRichResults = #(# indicates the number of auto complete URLs shown. The default is 12)
4. To disabler Browser Toolbar Tip
browser.chrome.toolbar_tips = False
5. To paste copied content by clicking the center button on the mouse
middlemouse.paste = True
6. To disable blinking text
browser.blink_allowed = False
7. To create a single close button to for all Firefox Opened Tabs.
browser.tabs.closeButtons = 3
8. To increase number of recently closed tabs.
browser.sessionstore.max_tabs_undo=15
9. Right click view source in your editor
view_source.editor.external=True
view_source.editor.path= Path of Editor
10. To enable fast scrolling across tabs
toolkit.scrollbox.scrollIncrement =75
11. To stop displaying website icon in address bar and on the tabs
browser.chrome.site_icons = False
12. To enable spell check in text fields
layout.spellcheckDefault = 2
13. To speed up the browser
network.http.max-connections 30 to 96
network.http.max-connections-per-server 15 to 32
network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server 6 to 8
network.http.pipelining false to true
network.http.proxy.pipelining false to true
network.http.pipelining.maxrequests 30 to 8
network.http.pipelining.ssl false to true
network.http.proxy.pipelining false to true
14. To disable annoying browser behavior
Change the followowing values to 'false'
dom.disable_window_open_feature.titlebar
dom.disable_window_open_feature.menubar
dom.disable_window_move_resize
dom.disable_window_open_feature.toolbar
15. To show more tabs on single window
browser.tabs.tabMinWidth = 75
16. To display search results in new tab
browser.search.openintab=True.

I have used many of the above about:config hacks with Firefox 2 before and it is working for the new version as well. If some thing goes wrong after applying these changes, restore your about:config to older setting.

Firetune Using Software to Fine Tune Firefox 3

People will be coming out with more helpful hacks, useful tips, tweaks and tricks soon. FireTune is a simple freeware utility that will help you to fine tune Firefox 3. It is meant for tuning network related settings and is done with respect to your computer speed and Internet speed. This saves your lots of time which you would waste while doing this optimization manually. Click here to download this utility. If you feel that the changes done with Firetune are not upto the mark then you can always revert back to your original settings.

How to Easily Save All Images and Media Files

One other interesting feature I have fond in Firefox 3 is that you can easily save all media and image files. To do this first you need to click on the site identification button sitting just left to the address bar. A “Manage Information” Button will pop up. Click on it and you will see another popup with lot of options. Select the Media Option. Here you can see all the images and other media files availble in that web page. Select any or all, then click on the Save As button. This will ask you to specify a folder where it will save all the media and image files.

I am also using flashblock extension which blocks all annoying video and flash contents and help the pages to load faster. Interclue is another useful add-on I have installed, which helps me see less and know more, click less and do more, and warns me of dangerous sites.

Firefox 3 Easter Eggs

Like most of all other softwares, Firefox 3 is also carrying easter eggs!

To see the first easter egg in Firefox 3, type about:Mozilla in the address bar and hit enter. You can see the following text appear on the screen, (white text in maroon background). "Mammon slept. And the beast reborn spread over the earth and its numbers grew legion. And they proclaimed the times and sacrificed crops unto the fire, with the cunning of foxes. And they built a new world in their own image as promised by the sacred words, and spoke of the beast with their children. Mammon awoke, and lo! it was naught but a follower.

From The Book of Mozilla, 11:9 (10th Edition)"
To see the second easter egg type about:robots into the Firefox 3 address bar. The following will appear!
"Welcome Humans!
We have come to visit you in peace and with goodwill!
* Robots may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
* Robots have seen things you people wouldn't believe.
* Robots are Your Plastic Pal Who's Fun To Be With.
* Robots have shiny metal posteriors which should not be bitten.
And they have a plan."
There is a button saying "Try Again". Try it!

Optimizing Firefox 3 Hacks And Tweaks

Windows XP Downloads

Keep your computer current with the latest fixes, enhancements, and drivers straight from Microsoft.

Featured Downloads Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista. Windows XP Service Pack 3 Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system, and a small number of new updates to ensure that Windows XP customers have the latest updates for their system. Windows XP SP3 will not significantly change the Windows XP experience. Try Windows Live OneCare today for free Help secure your computer with round-the-clock protection and maintenance?virus scanning, firewalls, tune ups, and automated file backups. Try Windows Live OneCare free for 90 days. Experience Pack for Tablet PC Extend how you use pen and ink and make your Tablet PC more productive, convenient, creative, and expressive with this free download. Education Pack for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Five programs to help students get organized, study effectively, and have a little fun while they’re at it. Photo Story 3 for Windows Capture memories, bring photos to life, and share your stories with Photo Story 3. New Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet for Windows XP This new tool helps you manage Windows color settings in one place. Download it today! SyncToy for Windows XP With new sources of files coming from every direction (such as digital cameras, e-mail, cell phones, portable media players, camcorders, PDAs, and laptops), SyncToy can help you copy, move, and synchronize different directories.

PowerToys and Add-ins for Windows XP Create great photo stories, make movies like a pro, copy or synchronize directories, find games to play on a Tablet PC, and more. Software Updates Check here to learn about the latest hotfixes and security updates. Plus, find ways to keep your system current and tuned. Tools and Utilities Get Remote Desktop downloads for Windows XP and accessories for Tablet PC. Desktop Enhancements Put fun on your PC with these cool skins, screensavers, images, songs, and more. Professional Photographers: Experience the Power of Windows XP Spend less time on photo management and more time shooting. Download Windows XP photography-related PowerToys today!

Related Download Sites • Microsoft Update Featuring the same updates and downloads available from Windows Update—plus the latest updates for Office and other Microsoft applications—it can help keep your computer more secure, up-to-date, and performing at its best. • Office Update Check for free updates that improve Office's stability and security. • Microsoft Download Center At the Microsoft Download Center you'll find updates for other Microsoft products, including Internet Explorer, DirectX, Windows Messenger, and many more. • WUGNET Shareware Picks In every edition of the Exploring Windows XP newsletter, WUGNET and Microsoft feature a shareware pick demonstrating the highest standards available today in shareware for Windows XP.

Windows XP Downloads

Windows XP: The facts about the future

The future of Windows XP

The future is here and it's better than ever. Windows Vista is Microsoft's latest operating system with proven benefits over past versions of Windows. Better security, improved productivity—and that's just the beginning.

Maybe you're one of the people who haven't tried Windows Vista yet. See the experience in action with the Mojave Experiment where we exposed users to a whole new experience. Studies prove that people love what Windows Vista has to offer, so why not upgrade and see the benefits of Windows Vista today?

An overwhelming majority of Windows Vista customers like it better than their last operating system. Perhaps that's why more than 140 million copies of Windows Vista have already sold, making it the fastest selling operating system in Microsoft history.

Move to Windows Vista with confidence today. The Windows Vista Compatibility Center and the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine whether your hardware and applications are compatible and help you find solutions to problems you might encounter.

We know you love Windows XP and you’re in good company. Hundreds of millions of Windows XP users are fans of the operating system, and many depend on Windows XP to run legacy applications and hardware not yet compatible with Windows Vista. Even though we’re retiring Windows XP, we won’t leave you hanging. Our Microsoft Support Lifecycle explains it all.

You can still buy new PCs and use Windows XP. Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate have downgrade rights that let you return your operating system to Windows XP. We plan to provide support for Windows XP until 2014.

Did you know?

	Windows Vista now supports 77,000 printers, cameras, speakers, and other devices. In all, over 2.3 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista.
	Over 2,700 software programs are now certified to work on Windows Vista, including 98 of the top 100 consumer applications. The Windows Vista Compatibility Center alone lists close to 1,000 applications for small businesses that are compatible with Windows Vista—and more are added every day.
	According to an independent survey, 62% of small businesses said Windows Vista saves them time, and 70% said that it makes them more productive.

We know there have been lots of questions—and some confusion—about what to do if you still need Windows XP. This page and the FAQs below will help you answer those questions.

Top questions we hear about Windows XP

Why do you have to stop selling Windows XP?

We love that you love Windows XP. We've seen your passion on our website, in e-mails, and through independent online petition drives. Our engineers work hard to build innovative software that empowers our customers, so we're happy we made a difference.

The lifespan of every Microsoft product is carefully mapped from launch to retirement. Windows XP is no exception. We do this to ensure you always get the most out of your PC experience. Read about Windows lifecycle policy.

And another reminder; we're not "pulling the plug" on Windows XP. Although Windows XP won't be sold in stores, Microsoft and its partners will continue to offer technical support for Windows XP for months and years to come. In fact, Microsoft plans to support Windows XP until April 2014.

We're proud of Windows XP, a product that has empowered and entertained hundreds of millions of people in the last eight years. But technology doesn't stand still. And neither can we.

Can I still buy Windows XP now? I'm confused. Some places have it, some don't.

We understand your confusion. On June 30, Microsoft stopped distributing Windows XP as a stand-alone product shrink-wrapped in the store. We'll also stop sending it to Dell, HP, Lenovo and all the other major PC manufacturers who would sell PCs that exclusively run Windows XP.

All and all, Windows XP isn't going to disappear overnight. If you need Windows XP, you can still get it through what we call "downgrade rights" that downgrade a new PC with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows XP.

Also, you may see devices called Netbooks or ultra-low cost PCs (ULCPC) running Windows XP Home. We intend to sell Windows XP Home for these machines with limited hardware capabilities to run until June 2010. (Read about the ULCPC program on Microsoft Presspass.)

You may even still see copies of the software, or computers pre-loaded with it, as stores and PC makers work through their inventory. Smaller, local PC makers—known in the industry as "system builders"—can continue to sell PCs with Windows XP until January 2009.

I've heard I can get Windows XP through something called "downgrade rights." What are those exactly?

If your business relies on Windows XP, there's still a way to get it. When you buy Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate, you're automatically entitled to return to Windows XP Professional via what we call "downgrade rights."

Downgrade rights do not expire. As more customers make the move to Windows Vista, we want to make sure they’re transitioning smoothly and with confidence. Part of that commitment involves providing downgrade media to OEMs to make the process easier for customers that need to downgrade. Programs like Windows Vista Small Business Assurance ensure our commitment to small business.

If you're interested in learning more about downgrade rights, contact your preferred PC manufacturer.

My business relies on Windows XP. What'll happen if I have technical problems?

We understand some of our customers aren't ready to upgrade their PCs to Windows Vista. Although Windows XP will disappear from stores, we'll continue to offer Extended Support for the operating system until April 2014. For more details, see the Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Your PC manufacturer can also provide technical support for your PC. Please contact them for more information.

I've heard about two types of Windows XP support—"mainstream" and "extended." What's the difference?

Mainstream Support delivers complimentary and paid support, free security updates, and bug fixes to all Windows customers who purchase a retail copy of Windows XP (i.e., a shrink-wrapped, not pre-installed copy). Mainstream Support for Windows XP will continue through April 2009.

Extended Support delivers free security updates to all Windows customers. Customers can also pay for support on a per incident basis. Extended Support for Windows XP will continue until April 2014. New bug fixes require the Extended Hotfix Support program.

Read more in the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ.

General questions about downgrades

Which versions of Windows Vista have downgrade rights?

Only PCs with Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate pre-installed come with downgrade rights to Windows XP Professional. No other versions of Windows Vista come with downgrade rights.

Why do only Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate have downgrade rights?

We believe a new PC with Windows Vista will provide the best experience, deliver the best results from today's hardware, and work well with the vast majority of hardware and software solutions available today. At the same time, we know that our business customers often use older applications and hardware and may need more time to conduct testing as they prepare to upgrade to newer technologies. That is why we offer downgrade rights through our volume license programs and with Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Business. Microsoft wants to be sure anyone who needs Windows XP can still obtain it, and they can with these versions of Windows Vista.

What is the general downgrade process?

We try to make downgrading as easy as possible for our customers that need to use Windows XP. The best way is to ask the manufacturer of your PC. They can tell you if your PC will downgrade to Windows XP, supply you with the media to downgrade, and guide you through the process.

How to downgrade if you need to

How should I downgrade?

If you know that you want to downgrade, please contact your computer’s manufacturer. We call this company your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Only owners of PCs with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate are eligible to downgrade.

Why should I contact my OEM instead of Microsoft?

There two major reasons to contact your OEM.

1. Your OEM can supply you with downgrade media (physical CDs) that matches the license on your version of Windows Vista. This will help make the downgrade process problem-free.

2. Your OEM can help you find Windows XP drivers for your hardware. Not every new PC has been tested for use with Windows XP and your OEM is the one who can advise you on possible compatibility problems and help you resolve issues.

How do I contact my OEM?

To find contact information for your OEM, please visit the Computer Manufacturers' Contact Information page.

What happens if my OEM has no media available or I already have Windows XP installation disc; do I still need to call my OEM?

We recommend that customers always contact their OEM because of potential hardware issues and to make sure that they are using genuine media with a matching license.

However, you may not be able to receive downgrade media promptly, contact your OEM in a timely fashion, or maybe you already have media on hand. In that case, you can still exercise the downgrade rights that come with Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.

There are certain issues when confronting the downgrade on your own. You will be responsible for providing your own Windows XP Professional installation disc and product key. Both of these must be valid for use on the target machine. For example, you may have a Windows XP disc that is specific to a different piece of hardware. In that case, the downgrade will not be successful and you will need to take specific actions (see below) to resolve the problem.

I had problems with my downgrade, who do I call?

In all cases, we recommend that you first call your OEM to obtain both downgrade media and hardware-specific support for your situation. However, there will be times when you will need to contact Microsoft, generally in regards to product activation.

However, you may not be able to receive downgrade media promptly, contact your OEM in a timely fashion, or maybe you already have media on hand. In that case, you can still exercise the downgrade rights that come with Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.

One of the most common issues for customers is mistakenly using a copy of Windows XP that is already in use on another PC. If this is the case, then product activation and the downgrade will fail. If your OEM is unable to assist you, they will refer you to a Microsoft representative who can help guide you through the downgrade process where your OEM has left off.

Windows XP: The facts about the future

Windows Vista - un esec, Windows 7 o salvare sau un (nou) esec al Microsoft?

Cu toate ca a durat cinci ani sa fie elaborat de specialisti si a costat 6 miliarde de dolari, noul sistem de operare produs de Microsoft, Windows Vista, nu are priza la public.

Dupa ce, in ianuarie, gigantul Microsoft a lansat Vista cu mare fast, recent producatorii de calculatoare au luat decizia stranie sa ofere retrogradarea sistemului de operare, oferind reinstalarea vechii versiuni Windows XP, potrivit telegraph.co.uk.

„Daca nu sunteti pregatit pentru Vista, puteti retrograda la XP fara sa va pierdeti garantia Sony VAIO, cu posibilitatea de a reveni oricand la Vista”, promite o nota aparuta pe site-ul retailerului de electronice Dabs.com.

Dell a luat o decizie similara, cand a reinstalat XP pe o categorie de calculatoare pentru clientii americani ai companiei, ca reactie la multele critici ale Vista trimise on-line.

Utilizatorii se plang ca acele calculatoare care folosesc Windows Vista se blocheaza frecvent si ca acest sistem de operare nu permite functionarea multora dintre programele lor preferate, cum ar fi Windows Mobile.


Windows 7 - o salvare sau un nou esec al Microsoft?



Viitorul sistem de operare de la Microsoft, Windows 7, se află abia la versiunea beta, iar cei care l-au încercat deja au descoperit atât lucruri plăcute, cât şi unele ceva mai periculoase. Versiunea beta a viitorului sistem de operare va mai fi disponibilă începând cu 24 ianuarie 2009. Din cauza unor probleme, dar şi a numeroaselor cereri apărute, oficialii companiei au declarat că s-a stabilit prelungirea perioadei în care versiune beta poate fi descărcată.
Un lucru pe cât de neaşteptat, pe atât de folositor, a fost descoperirea faptului că viitoarea versiune de WordPad ce va veni odată cu Windows 7 va fi capabilă să deschidă documentele cu extensia .docx. Această extensie a început să fie folosită începând cu ultima versiune a pachetului Office, pentru a înlocui vechiul format .doc. Utilizatorii pot alege să salveze nou creatul document atât în versiunea compatibilă cu pachetele anterioare de Office, cât şi în noua versiune .docx, ce putea fi deschisă doar de ultima versiune de Word. Chiar dacă WordPad-ul din Windows 7 deschide astfel de documente, unele caractere se pierd, dar cei care nu doresc să achiziţioneze şi un pachet de Office vor putea totuşi să lucreze cu documente.
Unii utilizatori au avut parte de experienţe ceva mai neplăcute. Lăsat în stand-by, calculatorul pe care rula versiunea beta a Windows 7 a intrat în Sleep Mode după abia şase ore. Dar nu aceasta a fost problema cea mai mare, ci faptul că nu a vrut să pornească nici după un număr impresionant de resetări.
Puteti sa vedeti unele dintre optiunile noului sistem de operare, cat RAM "mananca" si cum arata, per total, sistemul de operare creat de Microsoft, fara sa-l instalati, urmarind acest clip.


Asa ca ganditi-va bine inainte de a migra de la Windows XP Home sau Professional... s-ar putea sa nu fi facut alegerea corecta!
Timeline of Microsoft Windows

• 1983 Microsoft Windows was first announced in November, 1983.
• 1985 Microsoft Windows version 1.0 was released in November, 1985.
• 1987 Microsoft Windows version 2.0 was released in April, 1987.
• 1990 Microsoft Windows version 3.0 was released in May, 1990.
• 1992 Microsoft Windows version 3.1 was released in April, 1992.
• 1995 Microsoft Windows 95 was released in August, 1995.
• 1998 Microsoft Windows 98 was released in June, 1998.
• 1999 Microsoft Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) was released in May, 1999.
• 2000 Microsoft Windows ME (Millennium) was released in July, 2000.
• 2001 Microsoft Windows XP was announced on February 5, 2001.

Windows 95

On August 24, 1995, Windows 95 was released in a buying fever so great that even consumers without home computers bought copies of the program. Code-named Chicago, Windows 95 was considered very user-friendly. It included an integrated TCP/IP stack, dial-up networking, and long filename support. It was also the first version of Windows that did not require MS-DOS to be installed beforehand.

Windows 98

On June 25, 1998, Microsoft released Windows 98. It was the last version of Windows based on the MS-DOS kernel. Windows 98 has Microsoft's Internet browser "Internet Explorer 4" built in and supported new input devices like USB.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 (released in 2000) was based on Microsoft's NT technology. Microsoft now offered automatic software updates over the Internet for Windows starting with Windows 2000.

Windows XP

According to Microsoft, "the XP in Windows XP stands for experience, symbolizing the innovative experiences that Windows can offer to personal computer users." Windows XP was released in October 2001 and offered better multi-media support and increased performance.

Windows Vista

Codenamed Longhorn in its development phase, Windows Vista is the latest edition of Windows.

Windows Vista - un esec, Windows 7 o salvare sau un (nou) esec al Microsoft?