MakeUseOf.com: “Cool Websites and Tools [December 4th]” plus 5 more |  |
- Cool Websites and Tools [December 4th]
- How To Open Web Documents In Google Docs (Firefox, Chrome & Opera)
- Hot Tech Deals [Dec 4th]
- Déjà Dup: The Perfect Linux Backup Software
- 6 Awesome Advent Calendar Giveaways Throughout December
- Cloak Camera Bag, SuperHeadz White Angel, SLR Pinhole Lens Giveaway by Photojojo
| Cool Websites and Tools [December 4th] Posted: 04 Dec 2010 07:31 PM PST
These are just half of the websites that we discovered in the last couple of days. If you want us to send you daily round-ups of all cool websites we come across, leave your email here. Or follow us via RSS feed. Follow MakeUseOf on Twitter. Includes cool extras.
    
Similar MakeUseOf Articles
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| How To Open Web Documents In Google Docs (Firefox, Chrome & Opera) Posted: 04 Dec 2010 05:31 PM PST
There are plenty of reasons to love Google Docs: the tool is quick and reliable. It has a set of features that allows you to play with it for multiple purposes: I for one found it great for collaboration. Its comparatively new and improved features (including real-time collaboration and chat) are awesome! Google Docs as a note taking tool works well as well. I found the tool really useful for easy organizing and accessing the information you come across online.
FirefoxFirefox has quite a few addons that integrate with Google Docs, my personal preferences being the following: Open IT OnlineThe Open IT Online tool adds a new option to your download dialog that lets you open the file using Google Docs instead of downloading it locally. Besides Google Docs, the addon supports a few popular document and image hosting services including Zoho, View Docs Online and Vuzit to edit or view documents and Snipshot, Pixlr and Sumo Paint to edit or view images. The addon also shows you the file size of the document you are about to open:
Google Docs Viewer & Google Docs PreviewTwo similar but less useful addons to preview documents in Google Docs are Google Docs Viewer and Google Docs Preview. They both add an extra option to your right-click context menu and they both support only PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX and TIFF files. It proved to be less usable to me as my right-click menu is pretty much cluttered already.
Import To Google DocsWhile the above two tools support only PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX and TIFF files, this one makes it possible to open .XLS files you see in Google Search right in Google Docs. With it, for any XLS file you see in Google search results you will find an alternative link opening it in Google Docs:
Google ChromeGoogle Chrome also has quite a few extensions that allow you to open web documents in Google Docs. My favorite one is Ultimate Google Docs Viewer. It works via the right-click menu but it can also open specified file types in Google Docs automatically (you can enable and disable which files you want to open automatically in the Google Docs Viewer options). It supports doc, docx, pdf, ppt and pps files.
The options page allows to customize pretty much everything in the extension behavior including which file types to support and where to open them:
Opera 11Opera 11.00 does have one handy (and pretty reliable) extension that allows you to preview any web documents in Google Docs. It prompts for document preview when you click links pointing to downloadable documents. Sadly, it works only with .DOC .PPT or .PDF files. (What? No .XLS file support? It’s all I download online!). Well, that’s probably because XLS files are not supported by Google’s Doc Viewer.
Do you think opening documents in Google Docs is a handy option? Please share your opinions! Follow MakeUseOf on Twitter. Includes cool extras.
Similar MakeUseOf Articles
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 04 Dec 2010 12:15 PM PST
For more fresh hot deals, visit our Hot Tech Deals page, which is constantly updated. Keep reading to find out today’s Hot Tech Deals.
Image credit: Modified from Svengraph’s icon set Got Questions? Ask Them Now FREE on MakeUseOf Answers!
Similar MakeUseOf Articles
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Déjà Dup: The Perfect Linux Backup Software Posted: 04 Dec 2010 11:31 AM PST
Linux backup software is certainly nothing new. Many people swear by rsync for their backup needs, while others like Back In Time, an easy backup program for Linux.
Dead Simple
That’s really what the program looks like when you launch it. Obviously you’ll want to backup your data first, so go ahead and click that button and you’ll be presented with the first options page:
Here you can pick where you want to store your backup. You can use an external hard drive, if you like, or a remote connection. Click the “Connect To Server” button to mount any network drive Gnome can, including FTP, SSH, Windows shares and WebDAV. In addition, Déjà Dup can directly mount Amazon S3 storage drives:
These options mean you have no shortage of places to back up your data. Once you’ve selected your ideal backup place you’ll be asked what you want backed up, as well as any files you’d like excluded:
It’s generally a good idea to back up your entire Home folder, though there are some exceptions. For example: I didn’t back up my Dropbox folder, because it is already on four different computers as well as Dropbox’s own server. You could decide certain folders aren’t essential to back up, such as “Music”. It’s all up to you. Once this step is done the backing up begins. You’ll see a nifty progress window:
Go ahead and close this window if you want; the backup will run in the background of your computer. You can monitor progress from the system tray, using this indicator applet:
Once everything is backed up for the first time you’ll have the opportunity to schedule future backups. Set this according to your personal preference and everything is set. Take note: future backups won’t take so long, as only changes you’ve made to your files will be backed up. InstallationInstalling Déjà Dup on Ubuntu 10.10 is easy: just click here. Those using earlier versions of Ubuntu can add the Déjà Dup PPA. Users of other Linux distributions should check their package manager, or find the source code on Launch Pad. AwesomeI, and many people I know, have been looking for exactly this program for a while. If you’re not backing up your data regularly, you really should. With programs as good as this on the market there’s really no excuse to not do so. Download it, set it up and then forget about it. You’ll be glad you did if your hard drive dies. Can you recommend a better backup program for Linux? Wow; that’s amazing. Share it below. Alternatively, feel free to ask any questions about this one. Do you like MakeUseOf articles? Don’t forget to share our articles with others! It’s really important to us.
Similar MakeUseOf Articles
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 Awesome Advent Calendar Giveaways Throughout December Posted: 04 Dec 2010 09:31 AM PST
We’ve put together a list of Advent calendars that have been running for a few days now, but there’s still 3 weeks worth of prizes and apps to snag, so hurry over to these calendars and start stocking up on lots of freebies. AdFontTypography buffs will be delighted to know that FontDeck is giving away one free font a day in their 2010 Advent Calendar giveaway. While it requires a free signup on the site in order to download the fonts, you’ll get one premium font for free per day to use for your posters, websites and all your designing needs.
GameLoftGameLoft is offering a free game a day in their Advent Calendar for both iPhone and Android users. Follow their Twitter account to be sure you don’t miss out on your daily surprise – which strangely enough doesn’t always actually include a free app but rather sometimes is just a video. Each gift will be available for 24 hours until the next app is revealed.
AppVentAppVent are back again this year, giving away one free iPhone/iPad app AND game a day. The apps are available for free on the iTunes app store for free for an entire day. From racing to puzzle games to note-taking apps, in just the first few days, there’s still much to come from AppVent for the rest of the month. T3T3 are running an Android Appvent Calendar with one new free app available on their site everyday. Unlike other advent calendars running this month, you have to do a little more than just click a link to get a free app. After following their Twitter account, you will have to tweet to get yourself in a draw for the free app. 50 winners will be notified at the end of each day via DM.
WhatDigitalCameraThere’s more than just software that you can get for free this month with WhatDigitalCamera’s advent calendar. They’re giving away free or discounted software, books, mugs and more. All of the giveaways are photography related and might give you the perfect opportunity to get some personalised Christmas gifts for free.
NuBlueBritish readers can benefit from NuBlue’s Advent Calendar with prizes ranging from an iPod Shuffle to books to discount vouchers. Like T3, you have to a little bit more to get your hands on the prizes, with following various Twitter accounts and tweeting specific messages. Visit the calendar everyday to find out what you have to do to get your name on the list of possible winners.
FreeAppADayFreeAppADay make you feel like you’re counting down to Christmas every day with free iPhone/iPad apps every day, all year round. It may not be an advent calendar, but once December is over, be sure to keep going back to FreeAppADay for your free app fix, or better yet, download their free app from iTunes with push notifications letting you know the minute a new app is available.
Have you heard of any cool advent calendar giveaways? Let us know in the comments. Image Credit: Shutterstock Hey Facebookers, make sure to check out MakeUseOf page on Facebook. Over 24,000 fans already!
Similar MakeUseOf Articles
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cloak Camera Bag, SuperHeadz White Angel, SLR Pinhole Lens Giveaway by Photojojo Posted: 04 Dec 2010 08:00 AM PST
Although we’re (mainly) embracing the return of film photography in this month’s mega-giveaway, Photojojo has got some products that will make your battle with digital photography a little easier to manage and just a tad more creative than you would have ever imagined. What exactly am I talking about? Read on to find out.
As advertised, the Cloak is better than a bag because you’ll never have to take your camera out to use it. It attaches directly to your camera using the screw attachment for tripods and has loads of access panels and zip openings to let you adjust the zoom or camera settings. It fits SLRs of all sizes and can accommodate zoom lenses up to 6″ in length. Or if you’re like me and only use a short wide-angle lens, the Cloak is able to fold up to just the right length.
Have you ever been fascinated by pinhole photography? Isn’t it amazing that light passing through a tiny hole can result is such wonderful, dreamy images? If you’ve always wanted to dabble in pinhole photography, here’s an easy way to start! Photojojo is offering their SLR Pinhole Lens that you’ll easily be able to slap on any Canon or Nikon digital SLR and begin experimenting.
Despite its namesake, it isn’t actually a lens nor does it have a hole. It’s actually a dSLR body cap and in the middle, there’s a small sheet of opaque film with a tiny clear area that’s been cut by precision lasers to make a perfectly round pinhole. So if used correctly, no dust will ever enter your camera. Instead, all you get is a body cap that works like a pinhole with a focal length of 50mm at f/181 — that produces lo-fi, dreamy images. Genius.
Wondering what pinhole photography looks like? Check out these images: Kitchen pinhole by Kevin Dooley
And lastly, Photojojo also has the Ultra Wide and Slim (or better known as the White Angel). We’ve taken a look at this camera before in the FourCornerStore giveaway but allow me to quickly run through it again. It’s a reproduction of the Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim which was discontinued before they realised that their cameras were exceedingly popular. The design was picked up by a Japanese company called SuperHeadz and they now make the Wide and Slim in an assortment of colours — each one with their own distinct name e.g. Black Devil, White Angel, Pink Dress, Blue Ribbon, etc.
It’s an all-plastic, manual film camera that doesn’t require any batteries to operate. Even the 22mm f/11 lens is made out of plastic and gives the images a very lo-fi look. The shutter speed is fixed at 1/125th of a second so you’ll do best to use ASA400 film. Ultimately, it’s a toy camera which you can throw around and still expect it to work. Plus, it’s a really cheap and affordable way of returning to the fun of film photography. We’re giving away 2 Cloak bags, 2 Photojojo SLR Pinhole Lens and 2 SuperHeadz White Angels. Wouldn’t you want to get them? How do I win one?It’s simple, just follow the instructions.
Giveaway eligibility You must be a fan of our Facebook page to enter; Individuals who are over the age of 18. If you are under 18, get your parents to participate on your behalf; Individuals who reside in a country embargoed by the United States; Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India are not permitted to enter. This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, December 31st at 2100hrs PST. The winners will be selected at random and announced via email. Spread the word to your friends and have fun! MakeUseOf would like to thank Photojojo for their generosity while participating in this giveaway. Interesting in sponsoring? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via email. NEW: Download MakeUseOf iPhone App. FREE!
Similar MakeUseOf Articles
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Check out some of the latest MakeUseOf discoveries. All listed websites are FREE or come with a decent free account option. You can make use of them without spending a dime. If you want to have similar cool websites round-ups delivered to your email daily email subscribe 
If you’re in the market for a new computer, laptop, mobile phone, games and other accessories; don’t waste your time searching online. We’ve taken the liberty of locating the best tech deals and unifying them into a single post for your convenience.
With an incredibly simple user interface and the ability to encrypt and backup your data to network drives, external drives, FTP/SSH servers and even Amazon S3 storage, Déjà Dup is the perfect Linux backup solution. Set up a secure, regularly-scheduled backup in minutes. It’s like Carbonite for Linux, except you can pick where your data goes.
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s that time of year again, when advent calendars start popping up, filled with lots of fabulous free giveaways. Giving you the opportunity to snag free applications for just one day, be sure to bookmark your favourite calendars, and start each morning with a free app or prize, available for only 24 hours. Advent calendars aren’t just limited to iPhone or Android apps, but also includes discount vouchers, books, mugs, and even fonts.
| You are subscribed to email updates from MakeUseOf.com To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment