Google Cloud Print is an under-appreciated service that can send print jobs from virtually anywhere to a connected printer in any other location. Normally that involves tedious configuration on your network, but Cloud Print can do it in just a few minutes. It’s really easy to set up, and there are a few things you can do to extend its support beyond the browser to make all your printing tasks a lot easier. Here’s a look at what it can do, how you can set it up, and how to make it even better. More »
The Conficker worm has infected millions of Windows computers—and one variant is set to be unleashed on April 1st, 2009. Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself safe. More »
Fireworks might be illegal down under, but that makes getting pictures of the big public events where they are permitted even more important enough. But photographing fireworks is tricky. You’ll either wind up with immensely rewarding photos or frustration that makes you wish you’d left your camera at home and just enjoyed the show. The outcome has everything to do with the preparation and knowledge you take to the event. Before you go, arm yourself with a few tips and tricks that will prepare you to capture fireworks in all their brilliant glory. Photo by jonrawlinson.
If you use multiple computer systems throughout the day and want an easy way to share your clipboard between them, you’ve got several options. The Web Worker Daily blog runs down seven applications and webapps that range from free to $US35, across operating systems, too. One of our favourites which didn’t make the list is cl1p.net, which is now iPhone and iPod touch-ready. For more clipboard shenanigans, check out our Top 10 Clipboard Tricks. 7 Ways to a Unified Clipboard [Web Worker Daily]
Wired’s How-To Wiki guides newcomers gently into the soft terrain of composting, a great way to recycle biodegradable goods and create some of the best growing soil around. You can get started with something as simple and low-cost as a trash bag, the authors note: Just fill it up with a good mixture of browns (paper and plant pieces) and greens (kitchen scraps), soak it down, punch a few air holes and wait three months. Viola! Compost.
The wiki has more detailed advice for those who want to keep a tidier pile, or learn more about what makes for great material—one easy-to-find example, as previously posted, is non-glossy, low-colour junk mail. Are you composting? What’s your setup? Let us know in the comments. Photo by normanack. Compost [Wired How-To Wiki]
Starving yourself prior to a long flight may be the key to preventing jet lag, according to Yahoo Health. Normally, the body’s natural circadian clock in the brain dictates when to wake, eat and sleep, all in response to light. But it seems a second clock takes over when food is scarce, and manipulating this clock might help travelers adjust to new time zones
Got a screw that’s stripped the wood around it and won’t stay put, but a longer or larger screw won’t solve the problem? How-to blog DIY Life says a wooden golf tee and some wood glue is all you need to make that hole as good as new. Just slather the tee with glue and tap it into the offending hole until it’s secure, let it dry, then cut off what’s sticking out. If the stripped hole is too small, the post recommends flat toothpicks can do the trick, too. Photo by pogwebsite. Fix a stripped screw hole with a golf tee [DIY Life]
Wired’s How-To Wiki steps through how to turn your Nintendo DS into a full-featured digital sketchbook with a homebrew application called Colours. With Colours installed, your DS’s lower screen is the painting surface; the upper screen shows your image output. Getting started requires a homebrew hacking kit and some sleeve-rolling, but when you’re done the results are really impressive. Hit the jump for a video of Colours in action to see what I mean.
You don’t need to plunk down $150 for a Wii Fit to track your progress toward a healthier body—even if that downhill skiing game looks mighty fun. If you’re trying to curb unnecessary calories and stick to an exercise plan, there are tons of free applications that want to see you succeed. Whether you’re facing a fast-food menu or polishing off a light entree, you can log, track, and make healthy decisions from your desktop, or just as easily from a phone. Take a look at a few suggestions for accomplishing your fitness goals, after the jump. Photo by angela7dreams.
