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Aug 27, 2015 - Autokeys....

People who are into computer games usually buy expensive programmable keyboards. But now anyone can have the convenience of programmable keys without the need for expensive gamer keyboards. There are programs that you can install on your computer, and then program any combination of alpha-keys or function keys to create your own macros.

For the world of Linux, the program is called AutoKey, available at code.google.com/p/autokey, or use this command to install:
sudo apt-get install autokey-gtk

For the world of Mac there is Keyboard Maestro, available at www.keyboardmaestro.com.

For the world of Windows there is AutoHotKey, available at www.autohotkey.com.

And there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube on how to install and use these programs. For example: AutoHotKey, Autokey and Autokey Desktop Automation Utility.

Aug 13, 2015 - New version of LibreOffice

LibreOffice 5.0 sports a significantly improved user interface, with a better management of the screen space and a cleaner look. In addition, it offers better interoperability with office suites such as Microsoft Office and Apple iWork, thanks to new and improved filters to handle non standard formats. Other improvements have been added to every module of the suite, and Windows 64bit builds (Vista and later) have been added.

Here's a short review/tutorial YouTube video.

Get a free copy of LibreOffice 5.0 for your Win, Mac or Linux computer at www.libreoffice.org.

Jul 16, 2015 - Block ads

Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada claims it cut 25% of its network traffic (40% of video traffic) by deploying Adblock Plus across its internal network. The study tested the ability of the Adblock Plus browser extension (PDF) in reducing IP traffic when installed in a large enterprise network environment, and found that huge amounts of data transfer were saved by blocking web-based advertisements and video trailers.

Source: it.slashdot.org

You can add it to Firefox: addons.mozilla.org

Surf the web without annoying ads!
* Can block tracking, malware domains, banners, pop-ups and video ads - even on Facebook and YouTube
* Unobtrusive ads aren't being blocked in order to support websites (configurable)
* It's free! (GPLv3)

adblockplus.org

May 28, 2015 - HDMI - split audio from video

The new HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is a very easy interace to connect your computer to a projector or TV. Usually, this cable carries both the audio and video signal. But what if you need to maintain the audio output on your computer's speakers or headphones?

Whenever a new device is connected to your computer, including via HDMI cable, it will appear as a new playback device. All you need to do is go to the control panel, select the "Playback" item, and now you will see at leat two items, your computer's speakers, and the new HDMI device. For example, in this case there's a Samsung TV and Computer Speakers. By default, the new HDMI device will be selected. Click on the computer speakers to make them the default playback. And if you want the HDMI device to carry the audio, make it the default output device.

Apr 16, 2015 - Mobile friendly websites

It is no longer good enough to have a good website for desktop computers. Increasingly, people are using smartphones and tablets to surf the net, and websites must adjust their user experience for all posibilities.

Some useful resources:
* A good place to validate your website
* Test your website with Google's google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly test page
* Free advice from Google Developers
* More advice from Moz.com

Mar 26, 2015 - How to send text message from email

Anyone can send a text message (SMS) from one smart-phone to another. But you can also send a text message if you don't have access to a smart-phone, but do have access to email. You just need to know the 10-digit phone number and the carrier of the recipient.

The general formula is this:
[10-digit phone number] @ [the carrier]

These are some of the more common carriers:
* Rogers Wireless: [10-digit phone number]@pcs.rogers.com, [10-digit phone number]@sms.rogers.com
* Fido: [10-digit phone number]@fido.ca
* Telus: [10-digit phone number]@msg.telus.com
* Bell Mobility: [10-digit phone number]@txt.bell.ca
* Koodo Mobile: [10-digit phone number]@msg.koodomobile.com
* MTS: [10-digit phone number]@text.mtsmobility.com
* Solo: [10-digit phone number]@txt.bell.ca
* Virgin: [10-digit phone number]@vmobile.ca

For example, to send a text message to someone with the phone number 555-123-4567 with the Rogers carrier:
5551234567@pcs.rogers.com

And when they respond, you will get it in your email inbox.

Warning, enquire from your carrier about any charges. Some are free, but others may charge for this service.