Friday, May 16, 2008
Put Google Reader in Your Sidebar
10:00AM Adam Pash | In the wake of the recent Google Reader for iPhone update, web site Mozilla Links saw an opportunity to make good use of the new mobile interface by putting Google Reader iPhone into your Firefox sidebar. The setup is a snap, and when you’re done the simple, mobile-friendly iPhone interface loads perfectly and looks great in the Firefox sidebar. Add this one to the growing list of mobile apps that fit perfectly in your sidebar. More »
Best RSS Newsreaders
8:30AM Adam Pash | From blogs and online newspapers to calendars and social networking sites, the internet is a constant flow of information directed straight at your already full brain. Luckily, everything offers an RSS feed these days, which means that keeping up with all of that information is simply a matter of staying on top of your subscriptions. On Wednesday you nominated your favourite RSS newsreaders, and over 400 comments later, we’re back with your favourites. Hit the jump to see if your newsreader of choice made the list, and then cast your ballot to choose the newsreader to rule them all. More »
Free Office Templates
8:20AM Gina Trapani | Windows with Office 2007 or Mac with Office 2008: Spruce up your presentations, spreadsheets, invoices, letterhead and business cards with a set of free office templates from Microsoft. Everyone knows the default template choice in Office can be limiting, so this selection widens your range. These templates aren’t the most hip designs in the world, but they’ll at least separate your stuff from the default looks that ship with the office suite. The templates are a free download, and work in Office 2007 (and some in Office 2008 for Mac). Free Office Templates [Microsoft Small Business Centre via CyberNet] More »
First Look at Thunderbird 3 Alpha 1
8:10AM Kevin Purdy | The latest version of the free, open-source email manager, Thunderbird, is in the wild—in an alpha release rough enough around the edges to earn the code-name “Shredder.” It doesn’t have all the features promised for Thunderbird 3 yet, but you can see where it’s headed. I installed “Shredder” in Windows XP, and I’ll show you what’s there, and explain what’s coming soon, after the jump. More »
LocatePC Tracks Stolen Computers with Discrete Emails
8:00AM Kevin Purdy | Windows only: Free computer-tracking application LocatePC is a lightweight application that can save you a hefty amount of money if your laptop, or even desktop, falls into the wrong hands. Running as a nondescript background app, LocatePC can quietly email you at regular intervals or, more helpfully, whenever your IP address changes. That could be a pain for those behind cable connections and the like, but with a simple email filter or a little router-tweaking, you’ll only be bothered by those emails when you really need them. LocatePC is a free download for Windows systems only. For more laptop lock-down tips, check out Adam’s quick guide to thief-proofing your laptop. LocatePC [via CyberNet] More »Customer Service: How to resolve a complaint with your bank
8:00AM Sarah Stokely | For many people, banks are large corporations which can be intimidating to deal with. But if they make a mistake or start giving you bad customer service, you’ll need to speak up. Here are some tips from Lifehacker tipster Paul Fenwick, who recently got his mortgage provider to reverse a $400 charge they’d put on his loan without notice.
Paul’s advice? Take notes, be unfailingly polite but persist in escalating your complaint, and be prepared to take your case to the ombudsman (BFSO) or appropriate body (such as VCAT in Victoria).
“As it happens, I’ve never had a case go to either the BFSO or VCAT, and
that included our dispute with RHG. Why? Because it’s much cheaper for
the dispute department to roll over on a $400 dispute than it is to go
through all the time and expense of a legal process. Even if they win,
the time taken to bring a dispute through VCAT will end up costing them
more than $400. This sort of process tends to be a very reliable way,
albeit a somewhat time consuming one, to resolve a dispute with most
large organisations.”
Check out Paul’s blog for the full story. And if you liked his hack, check out his previous Lifehacker tips – including how to declutter the web using Greasemonkey, and how to hack the best seat on an airplane. Thanks for the tip, Paul!
Beating up banks – a tale of success [Paul Fenwick]
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Get involved at the first OLPC Techfest in Sydney
8:00AM Sarah Stokely | Back in February, we broke the news that the One Laptop Per Child charity was set to come down under – which was great news for people interested in helping with the development of its uber cool open source laptop, the XO. OLPC Australia has just announced it will host its first OLPC Techfest in Sydney on Sunday, 1 June. It will include demonstrations, workshops about the OLPC hardware and software, and developer tutorials. If you’re at all interested in the OLPC, I strongly recommend you attend this event, as a lot of its very cool features are best demonstrated when you can network a bunch of the machines together, as will no doubt happen at this event.For full details, check out the OLPC website. [via]
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How to survive Melbourne’s 3rd annual Zombie Shuffle
8:00AM Sarah Stokely | Phew, just in time for Melbourne’s third annual Zombie Shuffle, comes Wired’s handy guide for surviving a zombie apocalypse.I can’t say I’m a zombie fan, personally I prefer the old days when geeks were either into monkeys or ninjas. But if you’re into bandages, horror movie makeup and mumbling “braaaains” then the Zombie Shuffle may be right up your alley. Enjoy! I mean, braaaains! :)
[via Richard Watts] More » 
Get Professional Value from Idle Web Surfing
7:50AM Adam Pash | Want to get more than just behind on your work from idly browsing the web? The Simple Dollar weblog shares a few tips for getting both personal and professional value from your “wasted” web time. The post suggests several different methods for getting more from your browsing, most of which revolve around participating on the web rather than just consuming—whether that involves social bookmarking, commenting and sharing your knowledge, or befriending others with similar interests. If you’re a pro at squeezing value out of your web surfing (hey, you read Lifehacker, right?), let’s hear your tips in the comments. How to Get Personal and Professional Value from Idle Web Surfing [The Simple Dollar] More »
