Tip. Trick. Mod. » Ryan

10 things you didn’t know Google could do

Ryan — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:45:38 +0000

Like most of the globe, I use Google every day, however, in the last year or so I’ve noticed I use it less for standard searches and more for some of its slightly obscure, but extremely useful tools.

Here is a list of 10 tips on how to use Google as more than just your regular old search engine. I’ve tried not to simply rehash different ways you can use the “Advanced Search” feature here. Google’s advanced search function is also very useful, and getting down it’s syntax will undoubtedly save much time and effort (ie. using “” to surround phrases, minus signs, boolean logic operators, etc.). However, in this list I want highlight features that while residing “in the search engine” are external to traditional “searches”:
… [visit site to read more]

How to search Delicious bookmarks with Chrome

Ryan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:55:14 +0000

Last year shortly after Chrome was released I posted a quick tip on how to make a Delicious “plugin” for Chrome. This was a neccessity, as at that writing Chrome didn’t … [visit site to read more]

Syncing and sharing files with Dropbox

Ryan — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:42:34 +0000

As a Web designer I am always looking for convenient ways to share large files between myself, collaborators and clients. I’ve tried several different methods: FTPs; drops like Drop.io; folder-sharing services like Windows Live Sync, and a plethora … [visit site to read more]

List of the best open source software applications

Ryan — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:29:36 +0000

There’s nothing new about the term “open source” as it relates to software – it’s been around for more than a decade now. However, as being a tad tech-suave has settled into the collective consciousness, the reliance on commercial software solutions is dropping daily.

Whereas the connotation … [visit site to read more]

Improve Vista’s Start Menu

Ryan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:07:53 +0000

If you’re a little befuddled by Windows Vista’s start menu and it’s general lack of any sort of organization – check out Vista Start Menu, a freeware program (with a pro upgrade) that enhances the Vista start menu.

On top of the organizational and customizational benefits, the Vista Start Menu’s developers have taken into account the human brain’s cognitive abilities and limitations – particularly that your brain is darn good at using … [visit site to read more]

How to make a Delicious “plugin” for Chrome

Ryan — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:13:07 +0000

When I migrated my browsing habits to Chrome a couple weeks back one of my big holdups was that Google Chrome didn’t have a Delicious plugin for quickly bookmarking links.

However, with just a tad of javascript you can correct this Chrome shortcoming.
… [visit site to read more]

4 free online personal finance tools

Ryan — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:38:41 +0000

I’ve recently dug in and decided to add some method to the madness that is my finances.

Perhaps not unlike many of you, I’m quite clueless when it comes to financial planning. It, in the same way as exercise, is one of those things I know I should do, I put large amounts of effort into thinking about doing, but never actually get off my ass and do it.

Well, no … [visit site to read more]

Google Chrome brings new shine to browser market

Ryan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:41:30 +0000

It’s no secret that near everything Google touches turns to gold, but as of yesterday the company has plans to embed an entirely different metal on your desktop – Chrome.

Google Chrome is a new Internet browser that has been designed from the ground up to simplify the user interface and, perhaps more importantly, streamline and … [visit site to read more]

Check IE6 design layout on Vista

Ryan — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:40:34 +0000

Whether you’re putting together a full-featured Web site or are just maintaining your personal blog – seeing how the layout looks in different browsers is essential in assuring that all your visitors experience the same thing.

In the battle for consistent design there is no more fearsome foe than Microsoft Internet Explorer 6. Despite the browser quickly coming up on … [visit site to read more]

Flip 3D-like solutions for XP and Home Basic

Ryan — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:33:55 +0000

If you happen to be one of the many folks that have a system pre-loaded with an OEM version of Windows Vista Home Basic, or just haven’t stepped into Microsoft’s new generation of OS and are still running XP, here’s a little tip on how you can have your system mimic Vista Aero’s slick new Flip 3D task switcher.

First, I should preface this with the tidbit that I spent a couple hours … [visit site to read more]