Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex
Nov 6, 2008 Software
Lifehacker has 5+ tweaks for the latest Ubuntu linux release (Intrepid Ibex), which I have downloaded and will be making use of myself. If you’ve always wanted to try Ubuntu, but didn’t want to format one of your PCs or try and shrink your existing drive partitions, try Wubi. Wubi allows you to install Ubuntu from within windows to a preset block of drive space (no need to resize or get a new hard drive) and can be uninstalled from within Windows just the same as any application, easing the transition. One good usage of it would be to turn your Windows PC into another Mythbuntu frontend for an existing Mythbuntu server.
What, you were expecting a dissection of the Sabres lineup or a post dedicated to a Thomas Vanek mancrush? Well, no guarantees that won’t happen later today…
Tags: free software, lifehacker, linux, mythbuntu, pc software, ubuntu, wubi
InPrivate, No One Can See You Wank
This may be old news to some of you, but apparently Microsoft has put a feature in IE 8 (currently in beta) called ‘InPrivate‘. It lets you browse without saving any history, cookies, or other information. Good for security, but also for your porn habits. Theoretically speaking, of course. H/T to Gizmodo.
Tags: ie 8, internet explorer 8, microsoft, pr0n
Ubuntu Cheat Sheet
Apr 23, 2008 Software
I’m an occasional user of Ubuntu (had a DVR running with MythTV when I had an extra system), and with the release of Hardy Heron coming up, FOSSwire has created a new Ubuntu cheat sheet for non-Linux folks who want to try it out. Many of these things have Windows-style GUIs you can use, but if you want to learn more about the command-line, it’s a great reference. Spotted at Lifehacker.
Tags: fosswire, hardy heron, lifehacker, linux, ubuntu
Make OpenOffice Work Better with Word
Feb 5, 2008 Software
I’ve used OpenOffice on occasion, and am quite happy with the features it has as far as word processing go. However, conversions back and forth to Word can be spotty. Cnet has an article about how to make OpenOffice play nice with Word docs. Won’t make it perfect, but some of the changes will definitely improve your chances of getting the docs exchanged with minimal formatting impact. Spotted at Lifehacker.
Tags: cnet, lifehacker, openoffice, PC, Software, word, word processing, writer
Batch Rename Digital Photos by Date
Jan 16, 2008 Software
Lifehacker posted a note about Namexif, a quick and dirty tool to rename your digicam photos based on EXIF date info. It’s a feature that you can get via other means (Irfanview and Picasa have ways to do it) buf if you don’t use either of those, you can try this. The comments on that post have a bunch more options, too.
Tags: irfanview, lifehacker, namexif, picasa, Software, windows
Lifehack Your Leopard Mac
Jan 14, 2008 Software
I know I have at least a few Mac readers based on my site stats, so this one’s for you. Lifehacker has a conglomeration of tweaks for Mac OS X Leopard, from killing the reflectivity and transparency of the Dock, to customizing Quick Look and Time Machine. Take a look, they may have a solution if there are any annoyances you have with your new OS.
Tags: leopard, lifehacker, mac, mac os x, macintosh, Software
24 ways - Performance On A Shoe String
Dec 27, 2007 Boring site stuff, Software
Drew McLellan has posted a very good run down of how to improve blog (and general website) performance. It covers caching, outsourcing of feeds, and using something like Amazon’s S3 to host large files, just as an example.
Heck, there are (amazingly enough) 24 different articles on the 24ways site that deal with all sorts of web design quirks. Very good stuff there, check it out.
Tags: 24ways07, amazon, blog, drewmclellan, feeds, performance, s3, web, wordpress
GIMP Plugins
Dec 26, 2007 Software
TechZilo has a post with links to more than 40 very useful GIMP plugins. There’s a good mix of things, for example new filters, anti-aliasing plugins, the ability to stitch together panoramic images, and a Save For Web plugin. Some links at the bottom as well for folks who may wish to author their own plugin.
Lifehacker: Update Windows, Linux Style
Dec 19, 2007 Software
Appupdater is a executable that lets you run command line updates for a wide range of applications, going as far back as Windows 98. If you have used the apt or yum package management available in many Linux distros, it works in much the same way. Looks like it could be a real help to those of us who are a bit forgetful about making sure our software is fully up to date.
Tags: appupdater, lifehacker, linux, PC, pc software, Software, windows
Lifehacker’s Guide To Free Software And Webapps
Dec 18, 2007 Software
Lifehacker has a roundup for 2007 Free Software and Webapps they have featured (and like). Where applicable, they have linked to many of the guides and screenshot tours of the various apps. As usual, anything missed is pointed out in the comments. Some very useful stuff I need to check out.
Tags: downloads, firefox, free, lifehacker, Software, web apps
