Resize Finder and Windows Explorer Columns to Fit File Names
I have to browse through lots and lots of files in my folder structure on my Mac. I prefer to use the column view (pictured above) because it allows me to quickly navigate through the entire folder path. But since I have a tendency (read compulsive disorder) to name folders and files with intricate, detailed names, it becomes difficult to read the entire name in the default finder column size.
To quickly make the column size snap to the longest file name in OSX Finder, simply double click in the white area at the bottom of the column. That’s it! You should be able to view the complete file names of all the files at the current level. Note: A coworker confirmed that this works in Windows Explorer as well.
There are all kinds of Mac OSX finder shortcuts, including the ability to make upload windows jump to the correct file.
Quickly Access Firefox 4’s Panorama View with Keyboard Shortcuts
The newest 4.0 version of Firefox has a great built in feature for organizing your open browser windows and tabs. Pressing CMD+SHIFT+E allows you to quickly access Panorama View, showing thumbnails of all your open browser windows.
But if you want to take organization one step further, simply drag your open window thumbnails and stack them on top of each other to create tab groups. You can even label your groups, such as Things to Read Later and Social Media Sites.
So instead of viewing all your open tabs in one browser window, you only see the open tabs for the current group in which you are working. This keeps your browser less cluttered and make finding your open sites much easier.
[Update] Easily Download YouTube Videos from the Video’s Landing Page
Download YouTube videos right from the video’s landing page just by changing the URL. All you have to do is swap the “Y” in the URL with a “3” and you are taken to a download page for that video.
Example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuPwwGEeSLo
changes to
http://www.3outube.com/watch?v=QuPwwGEeSLo
That’s all there is to it. Quick and simple.
UPDATE
It looks like YouTube has made it so this trick doesn’t work. However, you can get around this problem. Instead of just replacing the “Y” with a “3”, you can replace the entire word “youtube” with “voobys” and it will take you to a download page.
Healthy Lunch Alternatives
I haven’t packed a “box” lunch since I had my little red Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers lunchbox back in 1st-4th grade. But this site (lunchinabox.net) really makes me want to call my mom and have her send it to me.
If you’re looking for a way to create some healthy meals for your work-lunch without spending a lot of time or creating a big mess, you should check out all the recipes.
Easily Take a Screen Shot of Your iPhone
Received this tip from a girl at work (@jessicaroselee). To take a screen shot of your current screen on your iPhone, all you have to do is press the “home” key (the big button on the front) and the power key (on the top) at the same time. The screen capture is then placed in your photo album and is ready for sharing.
This can come in really handy if you need to tell a friend how to get somewhere (such as a restaurant) by snapping a shot of Google Maps. You could also use it to quickly make a list of all the apps you use and place it in Evernote as a reminder.
Make Upload Windows Jump to Your File
If you’ve ever uploaded a picture to Facebook or tried to attach a file to an email using the “add attachments” button, you know it can be a pain using the tiny pop-up file uploader window to navigate through your folder structure to the file you want. If you’re on a Mac (and some versions of Windows) you can make this process much quicker by dragging the file to the upload window.
The next time you want to upload a file, keep the folder it is in next to your browser window (or on the desktop). When the upload window appears, simply drag the file over top of it and drop. The upload window will automagically snap to the correct folder and highlight the file. All you have to do is click the upload button.
Create Quick Reminder Alerts with Online Timers
Ever find yourself needing to create a quick reminder but can’t justify creating an iCal or Outlook event? Quickly pop open a browser window and type a reminder right into the URL bar using online timers like TheTinyTimer.
Simply type in “thetinytimer.com/” and then an increment of time. You can type anything from 2m (for 2 minutes) to 3days2hrs20mins15sec. It is very intuitive. Just don’t include any spaces.
You can also do dates: thetinytimer.com/Nov3.
I often find myself needing to create a reminder for a short period of time to remind myself to do something. For example, I may be surfing the internet and really want some hot pockets. If I am reading something rather involved, I may forget to go check on them.
To avoid any forgetful mishaps, I type thetinytimer.com/15min into my browser window. A timer is automatically created with a visual countdown and sound alarm. When the time is up, a notification appears on the screen and an alarm sounds. You’re even presented with a fun fact or literary quote (see screenshot below).
If it is a reoccurring event, you can save the URL to your browser’s bookmarks. This will allow you to quickly access them any time you want.
Other features include the ability to customize the alarm sound and interval, change the fun fact message genre, upload your own alarm sound, and change the display of the timer. Also, you don’t have to worry about accidentally closing the window as TheTinyTimer will give you an alert message asking if you really want to close the window.
Have a tip for reminders? Leave a comment and tell everyone.
Hack Your Wallet for Note Taking
Ever find yourself out and about and need to take a quick note, but don’t want to lug around a notepad all the time? Just stick a post-it note or two to the inside of your wallet. Then you will always have the ability to jot down a quick note no matter where you are.
You can even layer post-it notes on top of each other to create a traveling post-it pad right inside your wallet.
And yes, girls, if you don’t want to carry around a purse all the time, you can do this, too.
How to Properly Clean a Computer
Cleaning your computer is a simple task. Actually doing it right can increase the life of your monitor and polished shine of your case.
First, turn off the equipment you want to clean and make sure the display (i.e. screen) and bottom of the computer is cool to the touch.
Apply whatever cleaning solution you have purchased or made yourself sparingly. Too much can cause streaks and wear down your computer’s screen or protective case.
Polish the entire surface of the computer using a microfiber cloth or other soft materials. Do not use paper towels. They have rough fibers that can damage the screen of your computer.
You should wipe the computer case and screen till it is completely dry. Leaving your cleaning solution on it could damage the structural integrity or protective cover.
Tell everyone what some of the cleaning solutions you use are in the comments.
Quickly Switch Tabs in Firefox
Sometimes I have lots of tabs open all in the same Firefox window. Clicking on each one to find the right tab can take up a lot of time or be irritating if there are more tabs than there is room for on the screen.
You can navigate around Firefox tabs with the below keyboard shorcuts:
- Press Ctrl+Tab to go to the next tab (or rotate forward).
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Tab to go to the previous tab (or rotate backwards).
- Go to a specific tab by pressing Ctrl+the tab number. e.g. Ctrl+7 to go to the seventh tab.
- Press Ctrl+T to open a new tab.
- Press Ctrl+W to close the tab.
- Restore Previously Closed tab by Ctrl+Shift+T.
