More Google Quick Search Box usage tips

In a previous note (recommend reading now before continuing), I introduced Google Quick Search Box for Mac and provided installation instructions and some usages tips.

Dave, one of the QSB developers posted a reply to one of my messages within the QSB Mac General Discussion saying that I had omitted some interesting features. So here are his suggestions and a couple more of my own:

Add Technorati Tags to a Blogger post

One of the things I miss most about using Blogger instead of Wordpress is the use of Technorati tags. I could hand code the tags using HTML; however, there's a better way using the following javascript developed by the now defunct Oddiophile blog.

javascript:(function(){var%20a='';var%20t=prompt('Enter%20Tags:','');var%20tr=t.split('%20');a+='Technorati%20Tags:%20';for(var%20i=0;i%200){a+=',%20';}a+=''+tr[i]+'';}a+='';prompt('Copy%20this%20code,%20press%20OK,%20then%20paste%20to%20your%20blog%20entry:',a);})()

Here's how to make this script an easy-to-use tool:

:: Create a new bookmark/favorite and manually enter the bookmarklet name and code (or copy from above)

or

:: Drag the following text, Technorati Tags, to your bookmark or favorites toolbar for quick access

To use the bookmarklet:

:: Select the bookmarklet from the toolbar or menu - a dialog box will appear requesting the the tags
:: Enter the tags seperated by a space and click the OK button - generated HTML code will be highlighted in the dialog box
:: Copy the code
:: Press the Cancel button to close the dialog box
:: Select the Edit Html tab at the top-right of the Blogger post window
:: Paste the code at the bottom of the post (or wherever)
:: Publish the post

Sample tags can be found at the end of this post. Until Blogger officially supports Technorati tags, this is the best alternative I've found. Now I have to go through all my old posts and add tags!

Reference: http://blog.andrewbeacock.com/2005/10/oddiophiles-technorati-tags.html

Technorati Tags: wordpress, blogger, technorati, tags, docstechnotes

Add Control Center to the GNOME menu in Fedora 10

I'm a bit flustered as to why Fedora 10 doesn't include a Control Center (similar to Mac Preferences or the Windows Control Panel). Instead, only a select number of options are available when selecting System | Preferences from the GNOME menu. Here are the steps to access to the Control Center.

Add critical repositories to your Fedora 10 install

After a Live CD install of Fedora 10 on an old laptop, I noticed that Fedora only included Fedora repositories for non-commercial apps. Without third-party repositories, Fedora will not play/rip CDs/DVDs/MP3 and other media. Let's fix this after the click.

Install Flash on Fedora 10

Flash is not included in the default Fedora 10 install since it's a commercial app. Here's how to perform a quick

:: Download the YUM for Linux package from http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
:: Select the option to run the package manager - the YUM repository will be installed
:: When prompted to install the file, select Yes.
:: Enter root password when prompted and select the Authenticate button.
:: Close Firefox
:: Select Applications | System Tools | Terminal from the GNOME menu- embrace the Terminal if you're new to Fedora or Linux
:: Enter (or copy and paste) the following to install the player and ensure sound is enabled:

su -c 'yum install flash-plugin alsa-plugins-pulseaudio \libcurl'

:: Enter your superuser password (remember the root password selected during the Fedora install?)
:: Answer the next two prompts with "Y" responses
:: Start Firefox and browse to a Flash rich site such as YouTube
:: Enjoy the Flash video

Reference: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Flash#For_i386

Technorati Tags: fedora, flash, firefox, install, yum, docstechnotes

Jailbreak your iPhone/iPod Touch using these simple steps

Wanna see what all the iPhone jail-breaking hub-bub is about? After the click I’ll show you how to open your iPhone up to all sorts of new features and capabilities that Apple doesn't want you to know about.

Why jailbreak? To gain access to some amazing software not available through the iTunes store. Turn your iPhone into a video camera similar to a Flip Mineo, an online streaming camera (using Qik) or just add the ability to SSH in to your phone to grab and upload files using Cyberduck.

These are the steps that worked perfectly for me using a first generation iPhone with the 3.0 OS connected to my MacBook Pro; however, please understand that you are accepting any risk associated with this process regardless of the OS and computer. Understand? Ok...here we go!

Sync your iPhone/iPod Touch with Google using Exchange

I use Google services regularly and have been hacking around trying to sync my gMail, gCalendar and gContacts to my iPhone for quite some time. Now there's an official, Google sanctioned way. Check out the process after the clickity-click:

Activate hidden options in the Google iPhone app

Here's an Easter tip for you (Easter Egg that is).

• Install the Google Mobile app on your iPhone (great app...lot's of search goodness)
• Select the Settings Option
• Scroll down until you see the About button
• Scroll down again... (nothing will happen)
• Scroll down again... (nothing will happen)
• Scroll down one more time and a new Bells and Whistles button should appear (you may have to scroll down one more time, but keep trying, it will eventually appear)
• Select the new Bells and Whistles button to change new options such as; Theme Color, Sounds, Live Waveform toggling and Open Links in App toggling

Technorati Tags: google, iphone, ipodtouch, app, easteregg, docstechnotes

Google Reader keyboard shortcuts you should know

Maximize your Google Reader workflow with these keyboard shortcuts.

e = E-mail item
g + t = display tag HUD, then begin typing tag and then enter
n = Display next item
m = Toggle (mark) as read/unread
p = Display previous item
r = Refresh Reader
s = Star item
SHIFT + s = Share item
SHIFT + n = Share item with note
u = Toggle full-screen mode
? = Display keyboard help
1 = Full item view
2 = List item view
Enter = Display item (list view only)
/ = Jump to search input

Technorati Tags: google, reader, rss, googlereader, keyboard, shortcuts, workflow, docstechnotes

Turn off IR reader on a Mac

Handy when that pesky Apple Remote activates Front Row on your Mac while controlling your Apple TV.

:: Choose Apple Menu | System Preferences... 
:: Choose Personal | Security
:: Select the Disable remote control infrared receiver checkbox as shown below

:: Close System Preferences

Technorati Tags: mac, ir, apple, remote, appleremote, preferences, howto, docstechnotes