Friedbeef’s Tech

This is one of those things which I cannot believe I tolerated in the past - The annoying clicking sounds IE makes every single time you click on a link.  Here’s how you turn it off.

1. From the “Start” pop-up menu on your desktop, select your computer’s “Control Panel.”
2. From this list, pick “Sounds and Audio Devices” (for Windows XP) or “Sounds and Multimedia Properties” (for Windows 2000). 
3. From the tabs across the top, pick “Sounds.”
4. Scroll down and you’ll find a category called “Windows Explorer.” The last item under this heading is “Start Navigation.” Click this to highlight it.
5. In the box just below this, called “Sounds,” open the pop-up menu and scroll to the top to choose (None).
6. Click the “OK” button to close the dialog window - and you’re done!

…but then again - why are you using Internet Explorer?  You should be on Firefox!

• Please leave a comment... (17)

An IM bot which works with multiple services

IMified is an instant messenger buddy that works across all major IM networks and offers access to a growing number of web applications, as well as productivity tools like notes, reminders, and todo’s. Imified helps you get things done faster.

Centralize your Internet experience

Because you shouldn’t have to launch your browser to add a new appointment to your Google calendar, or complete a todo in your backpack account. IMified is always open, sitting right there in your favorite IM client ready to help. If you have an IM client running on your mobile phone, you’ve got instant access to your applications wherever and whenever. 

The Good

• Simple & effective
• I like the fact that it allows custom shortcuts to be built into the system
• Works with a growing number of blogging, calendar, and GTD platforms
• Good potential using IM for mobile computing

The Bad

Because all your interaction takes place via IM, certain limitations are expected and features stripped down.  For example:

• You can blog but can’t add pictures
• You can add or view Google Calendar items, but do not have the ability to edit or delete them

The Ugly

MSN is not fully supported so that will hold them back somewhat.  Fortunately, I’m on Meebo, so I don’t really care.

The Bottom Line

If you have a data plan with your mobile provider (which I don’t), I’d say IMified is an essential service.  On a desktop, a web based start page like Pageflakes (aff) or Netvibes really makes more sense.  

• Please leave a comment...

I’ll bet this sounds familliar - you made the size of your program window slightly smaller, and now your program just insists on starting up in that same small window!

Here’s a 2 step process to force it to always open in a maximized state.

1. Right-click the program shortcut or the start menu item and select ‘Properties’
2. Under the ‘Run’ Menu - select maximized

That’s it!  Your program will always open in a maximized state.  Alternatively, you can of course select ‘minimized’ to have the opposite effect.

• Please leave a comment... (10)