Useful Facebook Applications

I've already written about all of the junk Facebook applications clogging up user's profiles. On the other hand, there are some useful and worthwhile applications to check out.

List of useful Facebook Applications:

• Where I've been
  Shows a map you can customize for states and countries you've visited, live in, and want to visit. Remember all those places you've been.
• Books iRead
  Displays thumbnail images of books you've read, are currently reading, and books that you want to read.
• Flixter movies
  Keep a list Movies that you've seen and want to see. Write quick reviews and rate movies. See the ratings/reviews from your friends
  
• del.icio.us (bookmarks)
  See a feed of your most recent del.icio.us bookmarks
• Digg
  See a feed your most recent Diggs.
  
• Top Friends
  Keep a list of friends that you contact frequently. (I wouldn't normally use this except it can be useful)
• Free gifts
  This is a good alternative to paying for Facebook's gifts.
• iLike
  Display a list of songs you enjoy.
  

Games and other entertainment (good timewasters)

• Attack
  Risk clone that allows you to challenge your friends in world domination
• South Park Character Creator
  Create your south park characters. A good timewaster.
• Chess
  

Send me an email with any comments on Facebook applications you've found useful

Facebook Application Madness

Since Facebook added the feature to allow custom applications to be added, many Facebook users have gotten out of control with adding these annoying and mostly useless applications to their profiles. I don't mind a few apps here and there, but when you have to scroll down through ten pages of garbage just to post on a friend's wall, that's getting ridiculous.

Also see my list of Useful Facebook Applications.

If you have a friend who litters their Facebook profile with every application they can find, simply click on this little green icon below their profile picture to be taken directly to their wall. (See the image to the right)

If you absolutely must have all of these applications, do your friends a favor and simply drag them to the left hand column so we can get to your wall quickly!

Note to Facebook admins: end this madness before you succumb to mass, trashy feel of MySpace. I wouldn't go back to Myspace, but I'm beginning to get annoyed with the junk accumulating on Facebook. What happened to that clean, unadultered Facebook we all knew and loved?

Here's a short list of the culprit, junk Facebook applications:

• Vampires
• Zombies
• WereWolves
• Happy Hour
• Harry Potter Magic Spells
• Booze Mail
• I love Dogs
• Kind of Eyes
• Superwall
  (It's cool that you can post photos, but then people end up posting junk like they do on Myspace.)
  
• Funwall
• Youtube skins
• Fortune Cookie
• X-Me
• Astrology
• Horoscopes
• Games
• Knock Knock Jokes
• Superpoke (can be mildly entertaining and good timewaster)
• Causes
• Honesty Box
• Emote
• Tarot
• Numerology
• Compare People
• Pirates vs. Ninjas
• Superlatives
• No Mercy
• What's your stripper name
• Double Dare
• Food Fight
• Magic 8 Ball
• Social Profile
• Spark
• Beer!
• I wanna get Leid!
• Scrapbox
• Advanced wall
• Naughty gifts
• My Aquarium
• Jack-o-Lantern
• My Solar System
• Beer Pong
• Are you interested
• Circle of Friends
• Inner Circle
• What flower are you
• What kind of eyes do you have
  

This is just a sampling from one profile. The list could go on and on, there's junk and advertising laden applications being developed every day. Oh Joy!

A note the high school kids, you can show some maturity by NOT adding 100 useless and space-wasting applications to your profile.

Cheers and Happy Facebooking!

Mac Apps - Maybe Someday

There are a lot of great Mac apps out there, and many of them happen to be free to boot! Here's a rundown of the Macs I plan to install at some point in the future. Most, if not all of these applications have been featured on Lifehacker.

• Caffeine ("stay awake" Utility)
  When Caffeine is activated it prevents the computer from going into sleep turning on the screensaver, extremely useful when watching movies, slideshows, etc. After you're finished using it, simply turn if off to have normal sleep functions. I only let my Mac go to sleep once (in two weeks of use) My boss has told me that sometimes his mac is sluggish waking from sleep. I'm sure I'll end up using this to watch movies, and pass it along to friends who also watch lots of video content on their macs
• DiskInventoryX (Hard drive space usage)
  When my 120GB laptop hard drive has less than 40GB of free disk space, I'll probably install this one, or I might use it to analyze which folders on my large external hard drives are taking up the most space. Right now I don't need, but I'm sure I will come 6 months or a year from now. On my Windows computer I used JDiskReport, which is apparently also available for Mac.
• Quicksilver (Application launcher)
  Yes, I've read all about it's features on Lifehacker, but it's functionality for launching apps may not be neccessary with stacks of application aliases. Quicksilver's other features could prove to be useful, and I'm just the type of Geek that would love it for the sake of it's keyboard functionality.
• Handbrake (DVD video ripping)
  This handy application rips DVD to various video formats and has presets for iPods among other things. It's one of the simplest, free ways to get videos converted for your iPod. I've got the DMG saved, but I probably won't use this very often, because I prefer to "backup" DVD movie discs with DVD Shrink. I don't like the loss of quality when ripping below a 1GB video file and I'd rather have a disc that I can pop into any DVD player with the chapters and menus intact, not to mention a great quality boost!! If I run across some novelty movies, then I might install and it and fire it up.
• Backuplist+ 5.0 (Backup utility)
  It looks like a great free backup utility and it's the exact functionality I desire with backup, simply knowing that a few essential folders (pictures, music, documents, software) are backed-up on my external hard drive. I'll give this one a spin to backup the new photos on my laptop.
• Transmission (Torrent client)
  It was picked by Lifehacker in their "2007 Guide to Free Software and Webapps". It's open-source, and the only reason I don't currently have it is because I don't have high speed internet access. In a few weeks, I'll install this one to get some torrents up and running again.
• Google Earth
  I'll probably install this in a few weeks, but unless I'm bored or have some time kill, I would rarely use it all.
• Schoolhouse 2 (assignment/project organization)
  This would have been a great app to have in high school to keep track of all my assignments. I might use it before I finish my college degree, when I have lots of work to keep track of. Featured on Lifehacker here: Download of the Day: Schoolhouse 2 (Mac)

Other apps in the waiting list:

Writeroom (only text on the screen to help focus on writing, $25)
JDarkroom (free alternative to Writeroom, text only writing tool, Windows/Mac)
Celtx (Media pre-production and collaboration tool)
ImageWell (image viewer/editor)
Isolator (applcation focuser/isolator)
Celestia (free space simulation program Windows/Mac/Linux )
FreeDMG (make DMGs for free, and w/ more features than Disk Utility)
Renamer4Mac (free batch/bulk file renaming utility)
DVD2oneX (DVD video compression for burning)



I welcome any comments with applications you've tried, plan to try, or will get around to eventually. Send me a buzz by email.

Macs handle zip files out of the box

Mac can both unzip Zip files and create them, without any additional software!! It appears that this feature was made available with the release of Tiger.

To open a zip file, simply double clip on it and you'll see a new folder appear in the finder within a few seconds with the name of the zip file. Dead simple. No extractors or unzippers needed, unless you're dealing with .RAR files.

To create a zip file, simply select a file, folder, or group of files and right click on them. In Tiger choose Create Archive of . . . In Leopard choose Compress "your-filename" from the context menu. In a few seconds you'll have the zip file, which you can rename if neccessary.

See: Apple Pro Tip of the Week - Making ZIP Files (Compressed Files) in One Click

My essential Mac applications

Here's a list of my current essential Mac applications. Most of these applications I use on a daily basis, and some I couldn't live without!! I've seen lots of lists of "top Mac apps", but a good portions of those applications tend to be specialty items.

• Firefox
  Safari isn't bad, but for web design and a more customized surfing experience it's the only way to go. If you're on Windows this is a must to keep you secure from security holes in Internet Explorer.
  
• OmniFocus
  This GTD (Getting Things Done) based application is excellent for keeping track of every task and project you need to accomplish. Things can be organized by project, "context" or due date. I couldn't live without this at work, and it's helping me stay on track. A license will cost you $80, starting Janurary 8th, 2008.
  
• Thunderbird
  An excellent email client from Mozilla, the makers of Firefox. It's clean, simple, and a much appreciated alternative to Outlook and Outlook Express. If you're currently using Mail for Mac, it might not be worth the switch.
• Lock Desktop
  This automator application is the equivalent of locking the desktop on a Windows comptuer. It keeps all of the applications running, so you don't have to put the machine to sleep to protect it with your password. Stepping away from your desk for a few mintues? Lock Desktop is perfect for keeping your computer secure while you're away. It's compatible with Leopard!
• 1Password
  Have a hard time managing all your different passwords and logins. 1Password comes to the rescue, storing all your logins and encrypting them with one master password. You'll never have to try and guess what username and password combination you used. It integrates with Firefox and Safari among other web browsers. There's a strong password generator for times when you need a secure password on demand. Macworld is still offering a free license giveaway for 1password. It's normally a $30 license!
• Backdrop
  This application is essential for taking screenshots or even watching movies when using dual monitors. It covers your screen in the color of your choice. This will enable you to take screenshots that have smaller filesizes and eliminate distracting backgrounds. Watch movies on a laptop with second monitor? Use backdrop to cover the screen in black so you don't see anything on the screen.
• TextWrangler
  For a free code and text editor, Text Wrangler has some excellent features. Lifehacker has featured TextWrangler several times.
  Lifehacker's 2007 Guide to Free Software and Webapps
  Lifehacker: Rebuild your mac with 20 useful downloads

Coming soon:

Mac Apps - Maybe Someday
A list of great Mac apps that I'll haven't gotten around to trying yet.


Read more:

Lifehacker's Top 10 Free Mac Downloads
Lifehacker's Top 10 Mac utilities

Top reasons to love Macs

I've only had a new Mac laptop for about a week now, but it's been a great experience and a refreshing one after being a PC user for nine years. Without further ado, here are my top reasons why I love my new Mac.

• Stacks
  push away all those lesser used, but neccessary applications to a stock, or add the Adobe suite to a stack to restore valuble space to the dock (got this idea from Lifehacker)
  (Leopard only)
• Exposé
  One thing windows should try to copy. . PC users can get Switcher 2
  
• The Dock
  Essential to my launching apps fast. . .sorry quick launch bigger icons are better. Windows users can get Object Dock
  
• keyboard shortcuts
  see Switching to Mac - keyboard shortcuts
• Less digging through menus
  Mac menus are simplified, especially when dealing with preferences (options). Most things, like setting display preferences are much faster, and I can even open my system preferences with one click from the dock--it doesn't get any better than that.
• Run Windows Virtually, or in Boot Camp
  Parallels is an excellent way to run both Windows and OS X simultaneously. You can switch back and forth. . and don't worry, if Windows kicks the bucket, it's a short 30 minute virtual reinstall away. Boot Camp now lets gamers and others run more intensive PC apps natively, which requires a restart, but may entice many current PC users to make the switch to Mac.
• Learn Linux Virtually
  Someday I'll learn to use Ubuntu Linux or Knoppix through a Parallels virtual machine on my Mac.
  
• Frontrow
  For multimedia and a home theater experience, it doesn't get any better than this! All the new iMacs and laptops come with remotes to boot!!
  
• Built in functionality means less freeware apps to download
  On the PC I used Irfanview, Comodo Pro Firewall, and tried Object Dock for a while. Preview is a prime example of this--no acrobat reader necessary.
  
• No balloon notification madness
  I despised these on PC's. They would always interrupt my work and annoyed the hell out of me, even though I was a seasoned PC user they were an unnecessary evil.
• Mac OS updates are not an issue
  Updating Mac OS doesn't bother me, however by default on XP machines they will try to restart every five minutes after an update is downloaded unless the update settings are changed in the control panel. . I had to keep checking the machine to make sure it wouldn't turn off while I stepped away for ten minutes. The balloon icons to install the updates never stop bothering you!
• No Spyware/Adware
  Mac OS does not only have spyware, it's safeguarded against it by default. When applications want to install, or system changes are going to be made, you have to enter your account password. Microsoft are you listening?
  
• Preview
  No need to download acrobat reader to open PDF files, and it's a great image viewer and allows quick, easy slideshows, even for RAW images
• Screenshot Capability
  Just during the writing of this post, I've used the keyboard shortcuts to take several screenshots and select areas quickly. . .as a web designer and PC trainer easy screenshot capabilites are invaluable.
  
• Backlit Keyboard
  An excellent showcase for Apple. . .and a nice thing to have in dimly lit rooms.
  (MacBook Pro only)
  
• No pesky startup items
  Most common applications you install on a PC will place themselves into the startup, slowing down the machine when logging in, and lowering the user's available RAM. Shame on Microsoft for not making the startup items easily accessible and comprehensible, especially to the average user. My new Mac only has one startup item, the Microsoft Office updater--how ironic!! At this point I would have had to remove Quicktime, MSN Messenger, and other from my PC startup list. Whenever I help a Windows user who says their computer is running slow, I simply check the startup items in Msconfig and voila--after cleaning out several entries, their computer has some of its speed back.
  
• It's not Vista
  Vista has too many problems and a service pack to clean up the mess is still a few months away as of this writing (Dec. 2007). Apple is going to get a real shot in the arm from the Vista users bailing out on Microsoft. Leopard vs. Vista. . Leopard wins hands down. See The Road Ahead: Leopard and Vista
• No Drivers to install
  I have to hand it to Apple for this one. No drivers. That's impossible. Not on a Mac. I'm fairly comfortable with installing drivers, but if I don't know a computer's hardware, that makes the job much more difficult than a Google search for the manufacturer's website. Drivers are especially a pain with Vista. . .
  
• The new Finder Sidebar
  Not only does the new finder sidebar save me time, but it allows me to add my own folders for quick access and shows all my attached devices for easy access without going to the desktop. Yes, Vista does have this, but XP could have had a custom menu.
  (Leopard only)
  
• Display preferences appear on both monitors
  This is invaluable when configuring dual displays, and exceptionally user-friendly and straight forward. Good work Apple!!
• Searchable help
  I'm not sure if this is only in Leopard, but the searchable help is fantastic. Immediately after I start typing anything, a list pops up with the relevant topics in the help file. This means no more digging through help files to find an answer!
  
• Widgets
  They are great. . .I can check the weather for the two cities I live in, see stock quotes, and much more--and they can be displayed/hidden easily
• Less application crashes
  I'll admit, applications didn't crash on my PC that often, but I'm not an average user with spyware, viruses, and fragmented OS on my hands. I've been running my new Mac laptop for a week without an application crashing--that's almost impossible on PC.
  
• No crash reporting
  When applications do crash, I don't get asked to report it to Microsoft (I turned this feature off in XP immediately, it was irritating and wasted my time.) One of the worst annoyances in Windows--but hey, if it helps Microsoft's OS and software to crash less, all the better.
  

Other bonuses:

• Multimedia included
  I know that I have essential multimedia applications available even though I'll rarely use them. . . but PC's are extremely crippled out of the box when it comes to multimedia apps
• They're great for the whole family
  Photobooth, iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, and GarageBand, are worth part of the extra premium you pay for Macs, with PC's you'd have to spend at least $50 on each type of application to get something even remotely comparable. . .
• The fun factor
  In the first 20 minutes that I was using my new mac, my family crowded around my laptop to have some fun with Photo Booth. . you just don't get this kind of experience on a PC. . .at least not before configuring the webcam, downloading the software for it, etc.
• Macs aren't ugly
  Most PC users will argue that some people like Macs just because of the way they look, and yes I'm sure some people buy Macs to be hip, but Macs are much more than just than just eye candy.
  

Share your experiences with Macs. Love them? Hate them? Do they help spend less time solving issues and more time getting work done?

Please email me with any comments and stories. (My email is on the right column).

Switching to the Mac - keyboard shortcuts

After eight years using PC's I was worried that my switch to the mac would be problematic because of my love and usage of keyboard shortcuts. Immediately after using the Mac I've already discovered several keyboard shorts that I use regularly. There's only a few shortcuts that I miss from the PC, but so many new ones that I use to save me time on my Mac laptop.

• Command + ,
  Open an application's preferences
• Command + Q
  Quit an application (saves time over going to dock or using the menu bar)
• Command + Tab
  Equivalent of Alt+tab on windows, easily switch between two applications or any applications. . .I couldn't work without this, especially in web design
  

F11 Show all Windows in Exposé (I custom set this key for this)
F12 Hide all Windows and show the desktop (custom set)

• Command + N
  Open a new finder window
• Shift + Command + N
  Create a new folder (one of my favorite shortcuts on the Mac, and unfortunately there's no equivalent on PC's)
  

Option + arrows Move a word left or right, helps to quickly get through a typed line


And of course. . . .

Command + C Copy
Command + V Paste
Command + X Cut

Thank God these basic commands are essentially identical on the Mac.

The only shortcut I really miss from the PC is F2 which allows you to quickly rename a file or folder. There's no keyboard shortcut for renaming something on a Mac, but click twice slowly a filename can be renamed.

Firefox shortcuts

• Command + T
  Open a new tab (this one saves a lot of time, I'm a tab-a-holic)
• Command + R
  Reload a page
• Command + arrows
  Use the left and right arrows to go back and forward in the history (can be a real timesaver on a website you just browsed when you're not using tabs)
• Scroll wheel click
  Yes, it's not a keyboard shortcut, but it will open a link, bookmark, etc. in a new tab, a college friend of mine showed me this one, and he's been my hero ever since. I feel pity for the poor souls that are control-clicking on links in web browser, or even worse, opening pages in a new window. I couldn't browse the internet without this one. . .
  

Maybe someday

Command + D
Bookmark a page in Firefox

Function (fn) + delete
equivalent of using the delete key on a PC keyboard. My laptop doesn't have a "delete" key so I might start using this eventually

Eject button
Apple's design prowess really shines with the eject button standard on all mac keyboards for several years back. It's faster than going to the desktop and dragging a disk to the trash


If you have any keyboard shortcuts you can't live without that I've missed, please feel free to send me a comment by email.