buttons

Worry-free screwing off with the press of a button

Ever had one of those days where you're just not motivated to get any work done? You're sitting there with a ton of projects due, but you just can't pull yourself away from whatever game you're trying to run on your work computer.

Now, I could say that you should probably get your priorities straight and start taking your job more seriously, but screw that. No, you should own the half-assed effort you're putting into your career.

Just don't get caught. The best way to not get caught is to not screw off. The … Read more

Featured Freeware: WebMynd

This Firefox extension takes a stab at solving a common Web problem: finding again that which you had found before. WebMynd adds two very useful functions to your browsing: site-by-site recording of where you've been, and integrating your history and Delicious bookmarks into specific Google searches. It's the Back button with brains.

The site-by-site recording creates a timeline view of your browsing and a photo browser-like display. Want the site you found Friday after lunch? Rewind using the Reel view. Looking for the site with the purple logo thing? The Grid view is good for your visual memory. … Read more

USB Web 'Button' takes a step back in time

It's hard to imagine someone using an item like this more than once, but the "Push Button USB Webkey" apparently isn't intended for everyday use. It's basically a keychain-giveaway type of promotional tchotchke that has just one purpose, to open up a specific Web page when pressed.

The button does include a couple of USB ports, according to Red Ferret, perhaps to encourage its presence on the desktop, rather than being tossed after the first click. The competition has gotten tougher, however, with more useful freebies like USB flash drives and even card-sized MP3 players … Read more

Make Firefox 3's back button smaller

Firefox 3 has a slick design, but some folks may not like the huge honkin' Back button.

It's quite easy to change it. I got the tip from Lifehacker, which got it from zaxour.

Right-click on the Firefox toolbar.

Choose customize.

Select "use small icons".

The Back button is back to normal.

Watch our video to see this tip in action.

Get a few more non-video Firefox tips at Webware.com.

The 404 123: Where DUCK! It's a defective thong!

Would you believe that the 404 gets a little serious on today's show? We push the buttons of the Texas Republican convention, pick apart militant veganism, complain about the PS3, and blow off Jeff's bout with Empathy Deficit Disorder. Don't worry though, it's not all serious--we also introduce a ridiculous new segment in the second half of the show. EPISODE 123 Download today's podcast

Organizing the Start button

If the list of installed programs on your Windows XP computer is annoying long, a little organization goes a long way. Try moving items that you never expect to use to a folder called "NeverUsed" and move items you very rarely use to a folder called "Infrequent". I've done this for years, on many computers, and never regretted it.

To begin, right click on the Start button, "Open All Users" and double-click on the Programs folder. In the Windows Explorer window, right click over nothing and select "New" and then "… Read more

Enough with 'boss buttons,' let them watch basketball in the office

Friday morning, I walked past a colleague's desk and--I swear--saw a basketball game on her computer screen. When I got closer, however, all I could see were a bunch of very official-looking bars and charts.

She was working hard. Real hard. Then she laughed, hit a key, and flipped back to the basketball game in a clear indication that I'm either a boss people can be honest with or a boss who doesn't exactly strike fear into the rank and file. Or both.

The "boss button" and silly office decorum strike again. For those of … Read more

Two quick-launchers for Palm apps

Having something come to you is always better than having to go to it. Like Launchy for Windows and Quicksilver for Mac, Duh Button Launcher Plus and Initiate save you time by getting your apps open fast. OK, it's not like the Palm OS app launcher is an irrevocable time suck, but these apps just make the process smoother.

Duh Button Launcher Plus

Let's start with Duh Button Launcher Plus, because it's the free one. With just a little bit of work, you can map a list of your favorite apps to pop up with the press … Read more

Self-destruct button should be blown to bits

The first self-destruction button was mildly amusing when it came out last year, and it actually served a useful purpose as a USB hub. But a miniature successor, a phone charm seen on Akihabara News, is just plain silly--all it does is flash a red light and play a recording that sounds like an explosion. Even that we could live with, but its $27 price tag is nothing short of offensive. We're tempted to buy one and use it for target practice with a .44 magnum, then post it on YouTube as an instructional video.

The world's longest remote

There's a fine line, it's been said, between genius and insanity. And judging from its latest concept, Art Lebedev Studio has a foot planted firmly on each side.

The Russian-based design firm, a darling of technology circles, may have overdosed on creative license with its idea for the "Pultius" remote--which shuns the very notion of punching in multi-digit codes, according to Engadget, opting instead for 102 buttons that control 399 channels on a 20-inch-long bar. It would at least solve one problem: You'd never lose it between the cushions.

We think the designers got their … Read more