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Three ways to get more out of Google Chrome

The browser wars are heating up again. Microsoft's touting the improved performance and security of Internet Explorer 8, dozens of new Firefox extensions are released every day, and, according to Apple, Safari 4 will be even faster than its speedy predecessor. Meanwhile, Opera just keeps chugging along at version 9.64, with version 10 beta 3 now available.

Just a few weeks ago, Google announced its plans to create an operating system based on Chrome. Considering that the browser itself is barely a year old, such plans may be premature. Then again, maybe not. But for right now, I'll keep looking for ways to make the Chrome browser more useful.

Last June, I described ways to change Chrome's default settings. Here's a look at ways to revamp the browser's interface and access some of its useful hidden features.

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Basic start menu organizer

Tidy Start Menu is an intuitive way to organize the programs in your Start menu. Although the program is easy to use, we found that some of the features we most like to see in such programs are available only by upgrading to the Pro version.

The program's interface is clean and moderately attractive. The program comes with nine categories, such as Games, Programming, and Entertainment, and a series of check boxes allows users to specify what programs they would like to have appear in each category. Users can also drag and drop programs from one category to another. … Read more

Preview Email Without Opening

When your on the go and you hit the tail end of a streetlight you don't have much time to check that email you just received. Well for the important emails this can be a hassle, not any longer. You can easily preview the beginning of the message without opening the email! This is great for me since in most emails I receive the important stuff is at the beginning of the message. To achieve this "gesture" go to one of your email accounts and than select a message, on that message position two fingers in the … Read more

Easy-to-use macro program

Perfect Keyboard Lite allows users to easily record text and macros to be used later on, saving time for users who find themselves typing the same things over and over. Even novice macro users will be able to benefit from this intuitive program.

The program's interface is clean and easy to navigate; it should be easy for users who know anything about macros to get started. For those who don't, the built-in Help file provides plenty of guidance, including a section on macro language basics. Users who only need to use the program for text purposes--to insert blocks … Read more

Gestures - Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

...well, almost.

I must admit, I love the gesture area and functions of the Palm Pre. Being able to go back to the previous page of an application instead of shutting down and reopening it is genius.

The placement of the gesture area is also wonderful. If the keyboard is open you can just reach up with your thumb and slide back to the previous task. Otherwise, you can use any finger you want. I also like that the gesture area is not actually on the screen because the gesture area gets a lot of the use and the fingerprints … Read more

Keyboard Shortcuts Galore!

Keyboard shortcuts make a huge difference in time it takes you to navigate the internet and other files on your computer. So why not have them on a Palm Pre? Thanks to milominderbinde from www.precetral.net who made possible. He has compiled a huge list of the many shortcuts and special features that the Pre does have to offer. I have reviewed and went through the vast majority of these and have found them to all work thus far. To me these aren't just occasional use items but more than less everyday helpers that save lots of time when navigating your device. New Highlights: * Now with over 225 Tips, Tricks, and Hidden Features in six pages * How to send a text to multiple recipients * Missing Basic Features * Protecting your Pre * How to see what software releases you have, memory available, real signal strength in dbm, etc. * How to cut out a section of an mp3 to make the perfect ringtone. There are literally hundreds of threads on the PreCentral Forums with tips and tricks to help you get the most from your Palm Pre. But how do you sort through it all? Bookmark this thread in your Pre for a constantly updated listing. Download the PDF file below for graphics, links and diagrams on your PC. Some Highlights from the attached Palm Pre Tips and Trick PDF Version 1.0: * 101 Tips & Tricks are summarized in this first draft. * The Tips & Tricks are sorted into categories so that they are easier to find. * Many are from the 344-page user guide that is not included with the Pre. * Graphics are included to show which buttons to use. * The Palm diagrams are included to show where everything is.… Read more

Gmail mobile gets keypad shortcuts, auto-complete

On Wednesday Google released two small but important updates to the mobile version of Gmail. New to the service are keyboard shortcuts and address auto-completion; two time-saving features that desktop Gmail users have been enjoying for years.

The keyboard shortcuts (obviously) do not work on the iPhone. For now, Google is limiting them to Android phones with a physical keyboard. These are exactly the same as on the desktop version, so you don't need to re-learn anything.

The auto-completion, on the other hand, is available to everyone and is quite a time saver. It begins pulling up names from … Read more

Three productivity-enhancing Firefox add-ons

I'll save us both some time by getting right to the descriptions of three Firefox add-ons that shave minutes off my workday. Hey, they add up!

Navigate Web pages using only your keyboard. When it comes to speed, I'll take a keyboard over a mouse any day of the week. A post from April 2008 explains how to create a keyboard-shortcut list you can access quickly. I also wrote about using your keyboard to move and resize windows and shortcuts for Word and Excel.

Now I can park the mouse when I surf. Instead of clicking, I enter … Read more

Learn hot keys like the pros

Keyboard shortcuts don't just save you time, they're also good for you. Using shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to wean yourself from your mouse and cut down on repetitive strain injuries in your hands and wrists. So any app like KeyCue that can help you learn new shortcuts and remember old ones is worth a look.

KeyCue is a very simple app; you just hold down the command key (or any key combination you choose), and KeyCue instantly displays a clear, clickable menu of all the shortcuts currently available in the application you're using.

KeyCue … Read more