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Dropbox Vs Google Drive Vs SkyDrive : Comparison Table

April 27th, 2012 No comments
Parameter Dropbox
dropbox
Google Drive
google drive
SkyDrive
microsoft skydrive
Developer Dropbox Google Microsoft
Free Storage Space 2 GB (+512 MB/referral giving up to 16GB via referrals) 5 GB 7 GB
Additional Space Costs Plans ranging from 50 GB ($10/mo) through 1 TB ($800/mo) 25 GB ($2.5/mo) to 16 TB ($800/mo) 20 GB ($10/yr) to 100 GB ($50/yr)
File Size Limit 300 MB for uploads via Web, No limit via Desktop 10 GB 300 MB
Compatibility General Compatible with Gmail, Google+ & other Google cloud services Compatible with Microsoft Office formats
Ease Of Use Easiest Easy Easy
Media Streaming Available Not Available Available
Desktop Support Windows, Mac & Linux Windows & Mac Windows & Mac
Mobile Support
(Mobile Web support available in all 3)
iOS, Android & Blackberry Android Windows Mobile 7 & iOS

Take Free Online Courses with Coursera

April 24th, 2012 No comments

coursera

Coursera.org is a new online platform that has teamed up with the top universities of the world like Stanford, Princeton & Penn to allow people to take their courses online for free.  The courses have classes and lectures that can be taken any time once you are enrolled for the course. Courses include video lectures with subtitles as well as homework assignments.

Here is a preview of the course page for a course on Game Theory by Stanford University:

coursera course

Once you have registered yourself on Coursera, you can enroll yourself in any course. Here is what the class looks like:

coursera

You can check out the list of all courses on Coursera at - https://www.coursera.org/courses and register for any course you like to improve and update your knowledge & skills.

Drrunkbook.com - The Social Network for Drinkers

April 5th, 2012 No comments

Drrunkbook.com is a new website where you can share your drunk world with friends. It is exclusively for sharing your drunk photos, videos & experiences which you otherwise cannot share on other networks. It has detailed privacy options so you can share stuff with specific friends or people. It is a complete social network for drinkers with Blogs, Fan Pages, Photos, Videos, Polls and more. Here is a preview of the site:




















Online Color Picker & Testing Tool

March 20th, 2012 No comments

There are a number of times where we need to find the HEX or RGB code for a particular color, especially while designing templates or themes. ColorSchemer has an online tool available for this purpose. It lets you choose a color palette and find the corresponding HEX/RGB or vice versa. You can then vary the color to lighter and darker shades and thus find the exact color to suit your design.

color picker

This tool is available at http://colorschemer.com/online.html. You can use the tool online or download it on your desktop.
Download Links : Windows | Mac

Add a Forum on your WordPress Blog

August 14th, 2011 No comments

forum_wordpress_plugin

If you want a forum on your wordpress blog/site, you can choose one of the following options :

Option 1 - Integrate a forum running on a script like bbPress/phpBB/vBulletin/smf/etc with your wordpress blog - Choose this if you already have the forum set up and running. Will need some work, some plugins might make the job easier.

Option 2 - Use a wordpress forum plugin - these plugins are designed solely to add forums on a wordpress site. This is the best, the easiest and the fastest way to get a fully functioning forum on your wordpress installation. It is as easy as adding a new page on your wordpress blog - which is exactly what it is!

 

This post will help you through the steps to implement Option 2.Now, the obvious question is - Which Forum Plugin to Choose? - And the answer is Mingle Forum. After testing all the available ones - i choose to use Mingle Forums. Though you can also the others (each one has its own advantages).

As usual, here are the steps to implement Option 2 :

Step 1 - Install Mingle Forum

Just go to the it's download page on wordpress and Download the latest version. I can bet that it will be compatible with your WordPress version. Then just upload the files in the /wp-content/plugins/ folder using your ftp.


Step 2 - Visit your Dashboard to Configure the Plugin

migle_forum_wordpress_pluginNow you need to visit your WordPress dashboard and look for the Mingle Forum Settings - You'll find something like the image on the right.

There you can choose the options for the forum, add new categories and forums, manage mods & other user groups & also change the theme of your forum.

It'll be advisable to choose a skin that looks similar to your blog theme.

 


Step 3 - Add the Forum on a New Page

This is easier than you think - Just create a new page and add the short code [mingleforum]. That's it, now view the page to go to your forum. Start inviting & posting, Have fun :)

mingleforumadd


LIVE DEMO

- I just started using mingle forum on Durofy. Check it out to see what it looks like. (Notice that I've removed the sidebar from the forum page)


MORE (USEFUL) CUSTOMIZATIONS

-

  • You can add the forum on a post as well
  • Create a template to remove sidebar from your forum page.
  • Change the skin of the forum. Use a redirect plugin to redirect users straight to the forum after they log in and skip the Dashboard
  • Get support/help for the plugin.
  • Put Adsense on your forum - there are already settings to do this.

Danger! - The WordPress Post Revisions Easter Egg - No Spoilers

August 3rd, 2011 2 comments

If you just saw a "Danger!" message from WordPress (version 2.6 or higher), freaked out, closed the window, searched Google for the error and found this post, then hey - You're at the right place.

Else, if you're not the person described above, do not read further, try to find out the Easter egg yourself. As you already know, it's hidden somewhere in Post Revisions.

Last Chance.. Stop Here.. Just kidding, You need to click on the "Show" Button to see the Spoilers.

 

Spoiler: How to find the Easter egg SelectShow

 

You will then see a blank page (which you usually associate with WordPress errors) with the following :

wordpress_easter_egg1

Which changes to black after the countdown and you get a sort of Matrix Effect - which I'll leave for you to experience yourself. Again, this is just an Easter egg so you don't need to worry. Most people don't realize that it's actually an Easter egg so it can be pretty confusing. I can't blame you because I closed my browser soon as the countdown began. If the same thing happened with you, you can now go back and view the whole thing.

Spoiler SelectShow

How (& Where) To Show Post Excerpts On Your WordPress Blog

August 3rd, 2011 1 comment

wordpress_post_excerpts

You are here because you want to :

  • Show only post excerpts on the pages you choose amongst Search Pages, Category Listings, Archives and your blog index page
  • But still show the full posts on the posts page (there has to be the full post somewhere, right?)
  • Use a shortcode to decide the post summary and insert a [Read More..] link after the summary

Here's how you can decide where to show post excerpts and where to show the complete post :


Method 1 : Using the More Tag (No need to edit templates)

You can add <!--more--> anywhere on your post in the HTML editor to decide the content to be shown as the excerpt. Everything before this tag will be shown and a "More" link will be added to view the rest of the post.

if you're not a big fan of the HTML editor, find the More icon (which looks something like excerpts ) on the Visual editor.

The single post page will be unaffected but will appear as excerpts on all pages with multiple post listings (this includes the above mentioned - index posts page(if front page is set to display recent posts), archives, category listings & search results.

You can add your own text to the more tag and make it something like <!--more Read On.. -->. It will now shoe "Read On.." instead of "More". Happy? But wait, there's more.. What if you want excerpts only in search results but full posts everywhere else? See Method 2.

Limitation - Can't choose which pages show full posts and which pages show excerpts.

 


Method 2 : Make changes in templates where you want excerpts

You can change your templates and make them show only post excerpts instead of full posts. Note that these excerpts are decided by WordPress(120 words) and not by you. Though, if you want, you can write excerpts for every post.(To do that - Go to Edit Post > Screen Options on top-right corner > Check Excerpts > Write an Excerpt in the box)

You can change any of the following pages :

index.php / archive.php or archives.php / category.php / search.php

Choose the page in which you want to display excerpts (preferably just search and archives) > Find the php function the_content() and replace it with the_excerpt

Which means that you need to replace <?php the_content ()?>
with <?php the_excerpt ()?>
wherever you want to replace full post content with post excerpt, Simple.

Limitation - You cannot decide the length of the excerpt for a particular post. It is set to a default of 120 words. However, You can write excerpts for individual posts.

 


Method 3 : Use A Plugin

If you feel like experimenting more with excerpts, try out one of the plugins for customizing and showing excerpts on WordPress. You can find these plugins here. Though, you should never use a plugin to do what you can do by tweaking your files or using the inbuilt WordPress features. However, you can use them to extend their functionality.

Limitation - You need to find out which plugin suits your needs and does what you want, Update plugins, Make sure it works with the new version of WordPress, & so on. As I said earlier, It's usually not a great idea.

Prevent Accidental Clicks & Your Own Impressions on Adsense

July 27th, 2011 2 comments

google_adsense


Why you need to do this?

- Google knows everything - but, using an algorithm. If you click on your own ads - weather deliberately or accidentally  - It's going to get you banned. If you just clicked on your won ads, let Google know about it. To prevent this in the future, use one of the following methods. It is highly recommended that you use these even if you're sure you won't click on your own ads - because you're constantly generating invalid page impressions on your Adsense.

Method #1

- Disable JavaScript on your browser

Mozilla Firefox > Options > Content > Disable Javascript.

Internet Explorer > Internet Options > Security > Custom Level > Look for Active Scripting > Disable

Google Chrome > Options > Under The Hood > Content Settings > Look for JavaScript > Disable

Drawback - Everything on the site which uses JavaScript will be disabled.

Solution - Use Method 2.

Method #2 (Preferred)

- Use a ad blocking plugin/add-on for your browser.

These have a large number of options and can be customized the way you want.

Mozilla Firefox - Adblock Plus

Internet Explorer - Simple Adblock

Google Chrome - Adblock Plus

When you set up new ads, or want to view ads on your site for some reason, just disable the plug-in temporarily and enable it back again.

Drawback - Some of the images and content on the Adsense site (google.com/adsense) may also be disables. You may even notice the Adsense logo missing.

Solution - Turn off the plugin while browsing google.com/adsense or just use another browser to set up ads.

How To Create A Business Fan Page On Google+

July 23rd, 2011 2 comments

..And not get Deleted!

So, Google+ does not have fan pages for Brands..Or maybe it already does? Ever thought about using Google+ Circles as Fan Pages?


Why you should do it?

- Let's face it, most of your fans hate Facebook. Moreover, Google+ Circles are much better alternatives than Facebook fan pages. Discussions, Notes, Questions & other Apps are good, but the main focus of the fans should be on your posts, right? That is where Circles come in. If you're a company or brand looking for marketing or a blogger looking for readers, you need this bad.

And if you've already tried to create a business profile on Google+ and got kicked out, You know what i mean.


How to do it?

- Here's how you can implement Google+ Circles as Facebook Fan Pages. Just follow these simple steps. Check for any old notifications on Google+ before you begin.

Step 1 - Let your Facebook fans know about your presence on Google+

Just share your Google+ profile on your fan page on Facebook to do this. Even better, use a URL shortener like goo.gl or gplus.to and share the short URL on your page. Also mention that your posts will now be available at Google+.

facebook_fan_page

Step 2 - Do it! Create a Circle.

While you wait for your fans to add you on Google+, create a circle - with your fan page name. All the posts you want to make to your fans will be shared to this circle.

google_plus_circle

 

Step 3 - Add Fans to the Circle

Since, you just posted your Google+ link on your fan page, you should get notifications of people who just added you. Add them all to the circle you created in Step 2 (Filter out Family & Friends, if any. This is why you were asked to get rid of old notifications beforehand.

add_circle

 

Step 4 - Share something, Of course!

Now, you can actually share something with your fans. Just select the circle when you share.

share_circle

 


What else can you do?

-

Go to Circles > Select the Circle > View Stream to view the posts made in the circle. See the address bar to get a URL of this circle. You can use it to go straight to the fan page.

circle_stream

This is your new Fan Page - You can even start a Hangout with your fans! The visible disadvantages in this implementation - you appearing as "you" and not your brand. (It could also be an advantage depending on your business. Though, in Facebook, you had this choice of appearing as yourself or the brand.) - and posts by your fans in your circle stream.

circles_fan_page

 

10 Facebook Apps To Boost Your Brain Power

July 23rd, 2011 2 comments

Now that the Facebook app directory is missing(Yes, it is), Here is a list of Facebook apps for the brain :

The list includes apps that help increase your brain power, and at the same, are addictive, fun & social. IQ tests are not included since they're just a test of your brain and do not, as such, train your brain. Here are 10 such apps - not supposed to be in any order -

#1Brain Buddies

Tests your brain in 4 areas - Memory, Logic, Calculation & Visual - and compares the results with friends. It works best when you repeat the test every few days. It is also a good way of knowing what your brain is most dominant in and what you need to work on.

#2 Who Has The Biggest Brain?

An alternative to Brain Buddies.Has mini games in the same areas as Brain Buddies though the games are a bit different.

#3 MindJolt Games

This is a huge collection of games - Just browse the Puzzles and Strategy sections for brain games.

#4 Chess

The most popular chess app on facebook. Improves your strategy & tactics. Features include Customizable chess pieces & board colors - Option to play against the computer or player - In-game chat - Player Stats.

#5 Mahjong Zen

Works on your memory. Also helps to refresh your mind. You can also try a second version of the same game - Mahjong Zen 2 - which has different game play modes.

#6 Sudoku

The classic puzzle game from Japan - good exercise for your brain. The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 sub-grids that compose the grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9. The app also has a challenge mode - to play against your friends.

#7 Kakuro

A "cross-sums" variation of Sudoku. Builds on your logical thinking and your mathematical skills. I personally find it to be more addictive than Sudoku. If you too are done with Sudoku, Kakuro is what you need.

#8 Reversi (Othello)

A very unique abstract strategy game. The player's goal is to have a majority of their colored pieces showing at the end of the game, turning over as many of their opponent's pieces as possible. Revello is another alternative app for the same game.

#9 Logic Puzzle Starters

A collection of logic puzzles including Pic-a-Pix, Sudoku, Fill-a-Pix, Sym-a-Pix, Hashi, Link-a-Pix, Battleships, Nurikabe, Slitherlink. Fun to solve, leaves you asking for more.

#10 Logic Games

Helps improve your logical thinking ability. Not really popular, but has some difficult puzzles to solve.

Bonus - Check out BrainJizz for some really awesome Brain Teasers & Puzzles

Also Check out our list of 5 Extremely Hard Brain Teasers You Probably Can't Solve