Google Documents has seen a good deal of productive-minded change over the last few days, quietly rolling out new interface features and re-designs. The most noticeable is a new Word-like menu bar, which takes up a little space at the top of the browser. Secondly, coloured folders add a corner-of-eye method for separating documents into work flow states or other systems. Finally, document creators can now re-assign and change document permissions back and forth, giving collaborators read, write and ownership abilities. Zoho users, how is Google’s latest set of changes starting to look, put up against its (admittedly) more feature-rich competitor? Let’s hear it in the comments. New Toolbar and Menus [via Google Operating System]
Editor: In an attempt to answer the most frequently-asked question we get—”Which solution is the best?”—today we’re launching a new feature series called the Hive Five. Once a week we’ll put out a call for contenders looking for the best solution to a certain problem, where YOU tell us your favourite tools to get a job done. A day later, we’ll report back with the top five recommendations and give you a chance to vote on which is best.
Mac OS X only: One conspicuously yet-to-be-implemented feature of the iPhone and iPod touch is the ability to sync notes between your computer and your device. Until Apple figures out what should be a simple feature, freeware application iPhoneNotes wirelessly syncs notes between your jailbroken iPhone or iPod touch and your Mac. The set up is simple, but not obvious, and since the main site is light on documentation, hit the jump for setup details.
Dear Lifehacker, I have two Dell computers here—one running Windows 2000 and one running Windows XP. The XP machine is old and broken down, so I’m going to gut it for parts. I have the Dell-branded Windows XP installation disc that came with it, and I was wondering—can I use it to format and install XP on the Windows 2000 PC? I have the Dell drivers discs for both computers, and the XP licence key on the label stuck to the computer. Signed, Trade In 2000 for XP
US-centric: Next time you’re on your way to the airport, you may be able to forgo printing out your boarding pass at home, opting instead to use your cell phone as your boarding pass. According to the New York Times: At least half a dozen airlines in the United States currently allow customers to check in using their mobile devices, including American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest and Alaska. But so far, Continental is the only carrier in the United States to begin testing the electronic passes, allowing those travelers to pass through security and board the plane without handling a piece of paper.
So while this is currently a Continental-only practice (lucky Continental passengers), it bodes well for the rest of us as well. If anyone’s been adventurous enough to try this out on a flight, let’s hear how it worked for you in the comments. Paper Is Out, Mobile Phones Are In [NYT via Unclutterer]
Readers are submitting their best life hack for a chance to win an autographed copy of our new book, Upgrade Your Life. Here’s our latest winner. Reader CK uses neat automation trick when there’s heavy-duty copy and pasting to be done: I have one very simple AutoHotkey script which I use when I need to do some massive copying and pasting work, which simplifies the task into just one keystroke: Win+C.
Mac OS X only: Freeware application Warp adds a preference pane to your System Preference that enhances Leopard’s virtual desktop tool, Spaces, so that you can switch between spaces using just your mouse. After you’ve installed and enabled Warp, move your mouse to the edge of the screen to switch to the adjacent space. If you’ve enabled the “Click screen edge to Warp” option, Warp even provides a preview of the space you’re about to switch to. Click the preview and you’re there. Warp is freeware, Mac OS X only. Warp [via MakeUseOf]
Windows only: Free virtual desktop manager VirtuaWin creates multiple workspaces on your PC without bogging down your system. Like other virtual desktop utilities for Windows we’ve covered (Virtual Dimension, Vista Virtual Desktops, Dexpot) VirtuaWin provides hotkeys for switching desktops, custom features per desktop, and a configurable number of desktops (up to 160 20). VirtuaWin is also open source and describes itself as small and fast “with no unnecessary features.” If you want extra features, you can still have them by installing VirtuaWin Modules, which enhance the app much like Firefox extensions. (How we love pluggable open source software!) VirtuaWin is a free download for Windows only. VirtuaWin – Virtual Desktops for Windows [via Worker's Edge]
Today is Document Freedom Day, a celebration designed to raise awareness and encourage the practice of open standards in documents, in particular championing the OpenDocument format—the standard for OpenOffice.org. [via]
Nothing sucks worse than getting to the office in the morning and realizing you left the most recent copy of an important file—whether it’s your to-do list or a PowerPoint presentation—on your home computer. No matter where you are and what computer you’re using, you always want the most updated set of documents and files you’ve got without having to carry ‘em around on a thumb drive. Luckily, several free solutions can automatically sync folders between computers—even over the internet, through office firewalls—no matter what operating system you use. Whether you want work files edited at home to magically appear on your PC at the office, or the family room Mac to have a copy of the latest batch of digital photos downloaded onto the computer in the den, three free applications can help.
