Archive for the ‘Internet’ Category

Setup a Personal Forum

In this post we’ll be describing the process to install a personal forum on your computer using the XAMPP server for Windows, and phpBB3, a free forum script with a decent number of features. We’ll be describing how to setup the MySQL database and the installation of the forum. You’ll need your local server set up at this point.

After installing phpBB3 you’ll be able to deploy a forum across your network (or Internet, if publicly accessible) which can be used for a variety of purposes, including discussion, file uploading, etc. (more…)

Back Up Pidgin Settings and Data

Pidgin stores the buddy list, pounces, preferences, and other data as XML files in a “hidden” directory in Windows. This data can be useful for transferring data between Pidgin clients without reentering your data each time.

To copy/backup your data, head over to C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\.purple\ and copy the XML files.

To transfer them to a Pidgin Portable installation, paste the files in \PidginPortable\Data\settings\.purple\ overwriting any existing files.

Pidgin also stores cached buddy icons in the icons folder of the same directory and HTML logs (if enabled) in the logs folder (which can also be viewed through the main window with Buddies → View User Log.

Three Ways to Get Gmail Redesigned

Gmail Redesigned is a free style that completely changes Gmail’s look by overhauling the color scheme and adding new graphics:

We’re going to detail three various methods to get Gmail Redesigned. All of these methods require Firefox. (more…)

Hold Online Meetings with Adobe ConnectNow

Adobe ConnectNow is a free service offered by Adobe as part of the Acrobat.com suite of tools, by far offering the easiest method to holding a meeting online. It features a number of tools, including screen sharing, collaborative whiteboard, chatroom, shared notes, and voice/webcam chat. We’ll show you how to set up your own meeting room, then show you a more in depth look at each of the features. (more…)

Custom Buddy Notifications with Pidgin

Alert yourself to events in instant messaging, such as a contact signing on or sending you a message using Buddy Pounces in Pidgin. Buddy Pounces allow you to notify yourself in a variety of ways, including playing custom sounds and running programs. We’ll show you how to setup a simple buddy pounce that will alert you when a contact signs on. (more…)

Ridding Skype of Bloat

Skype 3.8 comes with unwanted/unneeded application bloat, including the Skype Extras Manager and features tabs on the main window which you may never use.

Disabling the Extras Manager

I don’t need or want to play games or other activities on Skype. By default, the Extras Manager is set to autostart. Head into Tools → Options, then hit Advanced → Advanced Settings. Uncheck the box where it says “Automatically start Extras Manager.”

Hide Unneeded Tabs

I use Skype exclusively for PC to PC calls. I don’t need any of the extra tabs they have, so go into View → Tabs and Panels and uncheck what you don’t need. I personally uncheck all the settings. Enjoy your cleaner Skype!

Search Seeqpod from Launchy

Get quick access to streaming music through Seeqpod searches — launched directly by Launchy. In this article we’re going to show you how to setup Launchy to allow you to quickly search music. When you’re done you should be able to do this:

You’ll need the ability to copy and paste, and Launchy, of course. (more…)

Selective Idle in Google Talk

Enjoy always being idle, or never being idle in Google Talk - with a small application by the name of GAlwaysIdle:

Once it’s installed, right click on the Google Talk icon and select from 3 choices - Always, Never, and Normal Idle. Note that GAlwaysIdle will run on boot, so you may want to look into disabling its automatic startup.

Disable Javascript’s Annoying Features in Firefox

Some webpages insist on using Javascript to resize or displace your Firefox window. A trip to the options menu in Firefox will fix that: Head to Tools → Options.

Click Content, then next to the Enable Javascript, click Advanced.

Uncheck what you don’t want Javascript to do.

Get Rid of MySpace Ads and Header

This post begins a series on tackling Satan’s MySpace’s crippled profile customization system. In this particular post, we’ll be killing the top ad and header, leaving you with just a profile (You could just use Adblock, but you would have to tell everyone who visits to get Firefox/Adblock).

Note: This tutorial demonstrates using CSS to hide the underworld’s MySpace’s ads, which are against the Terms of Service. And yes, we hate the cesspit MySpace.

Just add the following code into one of your boxes:

<style type="text/css">
.clearfix { display: none; }
</style>


Hope this comes in handy.