Windows only: If you have a system search tool you prefer over Windows XP’s default—the Hive Five on the topic would indicate many of you do—RerouteXPSearch makes your Start menu use that app. Using the tool is as simple as downloading it, running the stand-alone application, and plugging in the location of the executable for your preferred search tool. In the screenshot to the left, the start menu link is being redirected to the lightning-fast search tool, Everything. After being introduced to the tool by LH AU (via Kevin) last year, it has become an absolute indispensable part of my daily work flow. RerouteXPSearch is freeware, Windows XP only. RerouteXPSearch [WinHelpOnline]
In a late-night blog post responding to the recent outcry over a recent change to Facebook’s terms of service, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the social network’s TOS will revert to a previous version. Check out the new/old terms at Facebook, and be sure to jump into your account and dig into 10 privacy settings every Facebook user should know. Are you glad to see Facebook respond to user concern, or does the social networking cloud leave you as wary as ever? Update on Terms [via Consumerist]
Are you a web design whizz who wants to work on Australia’s coolest digital publications? Lifehacker’s publisher Allure Media is looking for a part-time web designer to work in our Sydney office. You’ll need Photoshop, Flash and HTML skills, which I know are pretty well-developed amongst some Lifehacker readers. Check out the full job details and requirements here and get applying! More »
Lifehacker reader and IT consultant Alex C writes in with this useful tip for iPhone users:
I am a bilingual Aussie and often have to type SMS in another language which is really annoying with the autocorrect feature trying to sub in English words all the time. Rather than switching the Autocorrect on/off constantly, I found it easier to type a single character in the SMS pane, like a ‘z’, and then move the cursor immediately in front of this letter. This then disables the autocorrect because it knows you are not at the end of the word and won’t try replacing it. After typing the entire SMS with the ‘z’ at the end, simply remove the letter and SEND. Ta-da!
I haven’t been able to test this myself (the iPhone and I were never meant to be together), but it sounds a handy hint. Thanks Alex! More »
MySpace might feel like a teenage nightmare from two years ago, but the site still commands an audience of more than 20 million users a month just on mobile phones. This week, MySpace has upgraded its mobile phone interface, and also announced plans for Palm Pre and Nokia S60 applications for accessing MySpace (it already offers BlackBerry, Android and iPhone versions). MySpace’s famously cluttered interface needs some serious stripping down to work on a phone, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Do you prefer accessing social networking sites via your existing mobile browser, or through specialised applications? MySpace Mobile
We’re not going to lie — Windows Mobile is not our favourite mobile phone operating system, mostly because it’s about as stable as a three-legged donkey. However, a newly-customised version for Telstra mobiles does promise a few goodies. Mitchell Bingemann at AustralianIT reports that Telstra has co-developed its own branded interface for Windows Mobile 6.1. The most appealing feature is a built-in system for using a phone as a PC modem, an appealing option given promised speed improvements to the platform. Like those improvements, there’s a delay; the first handset sporting the interface will appear in April. Telstra, Microsoft unveil new mobile look [AustralianIT]
Perhaps mindful of new competition from rival airlines, American Airlines has launched a local .au site for the first time. While the site itself isn’t that different to the US parent site, it might be worth noting some discount fares from the site, offering returns to some US destinations for $999. While those routes are via Tokyo, it’s still a price worth considering if you have a stateside trip coming up. American Airlines
Telstra has upgraded its Whereis maps site, and it’s no surprise that it now resembles Google Maps more closely. Added information in this version includes more about speed limits, traffic lights, and expanded rural coverage. While the new site looks good, the real test comes with how well the maps work in transit. If you’ve had experience of the new Whereis, share it in the comments. Whereis
It’s not news that many workplaces ban social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, but Aussie bosses seem to be one of the strongest offenders. According to a survey of 1,000 Australian workers by 3, 55% of workplaces bar such services. But we’re not taking it lying down: 28% of us hide our screens from bosses to conceal social networking activity, and 17% are skipping lunch breaks to make more Twitter time. Does your workplace ban social networks, and do you work hard to get around it? Share your thoughts in the comments (if you can). More »
Facebook’s new terms of service caused quite a stir this weekend, prompting many to drop their Facebook accounts altogether. Too hooked on Facebook to cut it off completely? It’s time you learned more about your privacy settings. The Facebook obsessives at weblog AllFacebook round up 10 privacy settings every Facebook user should know, most of which can be found through the Facebook privacy page. The post details how you can remove yourself from Facebook and Google searches, control who sees your tagged photos, your albums, and your status, and basically avoid embarrassing and common Facebook slip-ups. Check out the AllFacebook post for more. If you’re serious about managing your Facebook privacy, head over to the Facebook privacy page and get to know the options within. On the other hand, if the recent Facebook privacy debacle has you rethinking your participation in the social site, let’s hear about it in the comments.
10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know [AllFacebook]
