Windows only: Freeware application FileBox eXtender adds keyboard-shortcut-accessible favourite folders to any Explorer window (including Save/Open File dialogs) so that you can quickly jump to any frequently used folder from the comfort of your keyboard. Similar to previously mentioned Dirkey, FileBox eXtender streamlines your Explorer work but does so by adding two simple buttons to your Explorer title bar for accessing recent and favourite folders. You can define keyboard shortcuts (I’m using Ctrl-Shift-F) for opening either your recent of favourite folders drop-down, and then jumping to that location is as simple as typing the first letter of your folder you want. FileBox eXtender is freeware, Windows XP and below only. The program can also add pins and title bar roll-up functions if you want it, but I prefer disabling those functions.
FileBox eXtender [via Jonathan’s Tool Bar & GrillZoho has taken the final steps toward full offline access by allowing users to both read and edit Zoho Writer documents offline and then sync the results back to their Zoho account online. A few months ago we told you that the web-based word processor Zoho Writer added offline access using web plug-in Google Gears, but at that time docs were read-only (meaning no editing). Again, Zoho’s impressive progress both in terms of offline access and their feature-rich word processor makes one wonder when Google Docs will catch up. If you can’t see much in the low-quality video above, check this one out.
Zoho Writer Supports Offline Editing [Zoho Blogs]Mac OS X only: Sync Your Windows Mobile Device and your Mac with freeware application SyncMate. In addition to syncing (which includes Address Book, iCal, bookmarks, notes, music, and photos), SyncMate boasts application installing, SMS management, and video and image conversion when copying to the device. Previously the go-to software for a Windows-Mobile-to-Mac sync was an application called Missing Sync, and despite its great features and interface, it costs a hefty $39.95. SyncMate—though still in beta—promises most of the same features but won’t cost you a dime. I don’t have a Windows Mobile device on hand to test this out, so if you give it a try let’s hear how it worked in the comments.
SyncMate [Eltima via Tech[dot] Blog]Parallels has released a new beta with updates to improve Leopard compatibility, so if you don’t mind a beta and are running Leopard, it might be worth a download. [via]
You don’t need a complicated boot CD or expensive software to create a restorable system disk image for your PC: free utility DriveImage XML can save a full, working snapshot of your Windows hard drive while you work on it. (That’s hot.) When your PC crashes and burns or just slows down over time, the best insurance you can have is a mirror image of your operating system, complete with drivers, user settings, software applications, and documents in one place. A while back we covered how to partition and image your Windows hard drive using the Linux-based System Recovery Boot CD, a process that involves command line work, disk-burning, rebooting, and video driver wrangling. With DiskImage XML, imaging your PC’s hard drive is a matter of a few clicks, no reboots required. Let’s check it out.
Firefox only: Just released an update to the Better Gmail 2 Firefox extension, which compiles our favourite Greasemonkey user scripts for the new Gmail interface into one package. The new release includes a slew of recently updated scripts, including Folders4Gmail, Spam Count Hide, a swanky disk Quota Usage Graph, and my personal favorite, a modified version of Gmail Macros that lets you map your own preferred keystrokes to mail actions.
Sick of running out to buy diapers, shampoo, or laundry detergent again? A new service from Amazon called Subscribe & Save ships regular deliveries of discounted household items on a schedule you determine. “Subscribe” to, say, your favourite brand of paper towels and set Amazon to ship you a few packages every 1, 2, 3, or 6 months. Amazon waives the shipping fee, gives you 15% off their regular price for the towels, emails you before each shipment goes out (with an option to cancel), and charges you only when they ship. I haven’t tried the service myself yet (it’s in beta, and only applies to household items, not books, CDs or DVDs), but it sure looks like a handy way to automate your shopping and save cash, gas, and time. Anyone out there Subscribe & Save’ing? Let us know how it is in the comments.
Subscribe & Save [Amazon.com via MOLI]Rounded corners can give a photo album or personal website an elegant look, but only if you’ve downloaded the right software or learned the steps in Photoshop or the GIMP. RoundPic.com, however, does exactly what it sounds like—takes uploaded photos, gives them anti-aliased, graduated curves on the corners and lets you download them in finished form. I haven’t explored enough to know if a similar function is offered at any of the numerous other online image editing apps, but RoundPic is an easy-to-remember site with a streamlined service.
RoundPic [via MakeUseOf.com]Windows only: Normally not-free screenshot application SnagIt is being given away in a slightly older version for free—good news for technical writers and others who want to upgrade beyond the PrtSc key. Tech blog Digital Inspiration has the details of how to get a fully unlocked version of SnagIt, which maker TechSmith hopes will entice users into upgrading to version 8.2 at half price. But 7.2 still has a number of nifty features, including capturing entire scrolled windows, arrows and other annotation tools and “profiles” to save certain size shots in specific folders and the like. SnagIt 7.2 is (currently) a free download for Windows systems only.
Download SnagIt for Free – Full Licensed Version [Digital Inspiration]Looking for someone to look after your kids, your pets, or even check in on elderly parents while you’re traveling? Search website Care.com provides details of caregivers across the U.S. who are available for hire. The profiles are very detailed, so information on availability, experience, rates, and other skills provided are offered at a glimpse. And if you’re looking for a tutor, Care.com can help you there as well. The site is free for basic use but offers premium memberships starting at $25 that provide more results and free background checks.
Care.com [via New York Times]
