CNET How To

Find wireless hot spots before you travel with Wi-Fi Finder

Jack Wallen — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:36:24 PDT

Search and clear your browser history more easily in Chrome

Rob Lightner — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:08:31 PDT

Finding a page you visited last week, month, or year can be close to impossible, especially if you're diligent about clearing your browser history. Enhanced History Options is an extension for Chrome that lets you improve your history search and customize what you clear. Here's how to use it:

Install Enhanced History Options here.
Restart Chrome.
Press Ctrl+H to open your history. A new tab opens featuring Enhanced History Options. You can sort by title, number of visits, or date of most recent visit, and search easily from the top bar by keyword and date.
You have new clearing options, too. Of course, you can still clear all history with one click over on the right side of the page, but you can also clear a portion of your history by date range or keyword.

If you want to track your file and browser history in one place in Windows, read this post. Firefox has an add-on that allows threaded history viewing. To clear out your history on all your browsers, ... [Read more]

Pin more than just pictures to Pinterest with Pinstamatic

Rob Lightner — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:29:42 PDT

Pinterest had grown quickly, thanks to its lovely design and the ease with which users can share delightful images. People who want to pin text, links, or other nonimages have been out of luck, but Pinstamatic is a sweet Web app that powers up Pinterest. Here's how it works:

Log in to Pinterest.
Point your browser to Pinstamatic.
Select an icon from the top: Sticky, Spotify, Quote, Twitter, Calendar, and Location.

Step 3: Select icon.

(Credit: Rob Lightner/CNET)

Enter info like text, URL, or Spotify track, then click "Preview." Pinstamatic will create an image containing your info.
If you like how it looks, click "Pin." You're taken to your Pinterest page, where you should see the image you just created and a short, editable message related to your post.
Add or subtract details to the caption, then click "Pin."

Pinstamatic is simple to use and adds some great functions to Pinterest. Check out Sharon Vaknin's "Seven essential tricks for Pinterest power users" to learn more. You can also ... [Read more]

Turn a single video frame into a photo with StillShot

Jason Cipriani — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:51:33 PDT

How many times have you gone to take a picture and realized your iPhone was still in video mode after hitting the shutter button? How many videos have you taken and wished you could've taken a photo as well? By using a new app called StillShot, you can dissect a video, frame-by-frame, and save a single frame to your Camera Roll.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

Once you have loaded up a video in StillShot, you'll see the first frame of the video loaded. The time of the clip, along with the frame number for that second of video is displayed on each photo.

You can skip ahead by moving the slider along the bottom, or by pressing the Play button and watching the video until it gets to the segment you want the photo from.

By swiping the frame from right-to-left, you advance one frame forward in the video. Once you're ready to turn a frame from video into a photo, tap Save. The frame will then be saved to your Camera Roll.

StillShot is an app you probably won't use every day, but an app that just may end up saving the day, and that perfect shot, from being ruined.

StillShot is available in the App Store for $0.99.

[Read more]

Build a ring light for less than $20

Shawn Low — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:39:02 PDT

(Credit: Parker Maimbourg)

A resourceful videographer, Parker Maimbourg, has managed to build a continuous ring light for just $20.

The setup consists of a cheap, circular LED lamp ($10), an AA battery holder ($1.99), and an unused hotshoe salvaged from an old flash unit. A continuous ring light is typically used to provide even illumination for portraits and closeups and usually costs at least a few hundred dollars.

Basically, Maimbourg rewired all the LEDs on the lamp to a separate battery holder, which will be mounted on the camera's hotshoe. Next, he cut a hole through the center of the circular lamp enclosure to fit his lens, spray-painted the whole setup black for that professional feel, and voila!

But before you run off to the nearest hardware store, do note that you'll need some tools like a dremel and a soldering iron, plus a lot of patience to pull this off.

(Source: Crave Asia via PetaPixel) [Read more]

How to reverse scroll in Windows like OS X Lion

Ed Rhee — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:31:27 PDT

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple reversed scrolling in OS X Lion and called the feature "natural scrolling." Not everyone liked the change, but it could be turned off. There are some people that do like the new scrolling direction and even Google has added reverse scrolling to Chrome OS. If you're a Windows user and would like to try out reverse scrolling, here's how:

Step 1: Install AutoHotkey on your Windows PC.

Step 2: Launch AutoHotkey, and when prompted to create a sample script, click the Yes button.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Step 3: When the sample script appears in Notepad, paste the following code just below the two sample hotkeys:

WheelUp:: Send {WheelDown} Return WheelDown:: Send {WheelUp} Return

Step 4: Save the script in Notepad (Ctrl+S).

Step 5: Right-click on the AutoHotkey icon from the taskbar and select Reload This Script.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

That's it. Now scrolling on your Windows touch pad or mouse will be reversed. To enable the script on reboot, just copy the AutoHotkey shortcut to your Startup folder. If you end up using AutoHotkey for other scripts, just copy the short... [Read more]

The quickest way to check in on Foursquare using Android or iOS

Jason Cipriani — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:02:48 PDT

Checking in on Foursquare to unlock points, badges, or create a virtual map of a trip can sometimes feel like a chore. With Checkie (iOS download) or Simple Check-in (Android download) the check-in process takes just a few seconds and two taps on your screen. The first tap launches the app; the second completes the check-in.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

After installing Checkie on your iPhone and granting the app permission to access your Foursquare account, you will see a list of nearby venues. To check in, tap on the venue name. You won't be able to add a shout, a photo, or even send the check-in to a social network (if you are setup to opt-in to sharing on each check-in).

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

Simple Check-in works in a similar manor. With one exception: a map. When you launch the app, you'll see a list of venues as you did with Checkie, but there'll be a map at the top of the screen allowing you to confirm the app has your correct location. You won't be able to push the check-in to a social network or include a shout/photo.

That's all there is to it. The next time you're going to a business lunch, or in a situation where you don't want to feel ru... [Read more]

Change the font size of a Web page on iOS

Jason Cipriani — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:37:52 PDT

Sometimes the font on a Web page needs to be bigger or smaller, a feature that's built into most desktop browsers. But, when it comes to iOS and Mobile Safari, the ability to adjust font size is missing.

Well, thanks to Marcos Kirsch, you're two bookmarks away from being able to adjust font size of a Web page on your iPhone or iPad. Here's what you need to do.

If you're using your iOS device to add the bookmarks, start by creating two random bookmarks (they can be identical).

Open the bookmarks menu, tap on Edit, and then select one of the bookmarks you just created.

Rename the bookmark to represent the respective code. Make sure to paste the code into the address field, and move the bookmark to the Bookmarks Bar.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

Rename the bookmark: Font+.

Clear out the contents of the address field and then copy and paste the code from here into the address field.

Set the location of the bookmark to the Bookmarks Bar for quick access.

Repeat the same steps above, this time renaming the bookmark Font- and again copying and pasting the respective code ... [Read more]

Earn rewards by watching TV with Viggle for Android

Nicole Cozma — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:14 PDT

Still making time to catch your favorite shows on TV? Well, why not get rewarded for doing just that? Viggle is an Android app that lets you check in to the shows you're watching at that moment. It works sort of like Shazam does for music (and TV on iOS): the app listens to the TV and then compares character voices or other sounds within their database to get the show's name.

After checking in, you'll be rewarded with points. The point values differ from show to show, with featured shows granting more. So what can you do with these points? You can exchange them for gift cards (like Barnes & Noble or iTunes) or even tangible gadgets (like an iPod Touch).

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

To get started using the app, you'll need to grab a beta copy from the Web site. After that, sign up for an account within the app.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Next you'll need enter your zip code and select your cable provider. This is likely necessary so Viggle will know which shows are available in your area and which shows to compare audio against when checking in.

(Credit: Screen... [Read more]

Five ways to depersonalize Google search results

Dennis O'Reilly — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:19:44 PDT

A friend asked me to recommend a browser add-on that would allow her to see generic results when she did a Google search. I convinced her to eschew extensions in favor of the manual approach to search depersonalization.

Google's support site explains how the company uses what it knows about you to personalize your search results. The site also describes how to restrict who sees your personal results, limit whose personal results you see, and customize the feature in other ways.

The most-obvious way to depersonalize searches --at least partially -- is to use your browser's anonymous mode. In Google Chrome, click the wrench icon in the top-right corner and choose New Incognito Window (or press Ctrl-Shift-N in Windows or Command-Shift-N on a Mac). In Firefox, click Tools > Start Private Browsing (or press Ctrl-Shift-P in Windows or Command-Shift-P on a Mac). In Internet Explorer, click the gear icon in the top-right corner and choose Safety > InPrivate Browsing (or press Ctrl-Shift-P). Safari's Private Browsing option is on the program's main drop-down menu.

Note that even when browsing anonymously while signed out Google may personalize your searches to a limited extent because the service's cookies remain active. Cookie-management options are described below.

Toggle person... [Read more]

How to use NFC tags with your Android phone

Damien McFerran — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:01:00 PDT

(Credit: CNET UK)

After a couple of years of bubbling under the surface, near field communication technology -- or NFC as it's known to its close friends -- is set to go big. If you thought NFC was only about buying a latte with your phone in a cafe that offers contactless payment terminals, think again, because it can be used for much more.

As Sony made clear with its recent promotional campaign for the NFC-packing Xperia S, contactless connectivity has a surprisingly wide range of applications. This handy guide will show you what kinds of things you can get up to using your NFC-equipped Android handset.

Once the sole preserve of supergeeky mobiles like the Google Nexus S by Samsung, NFC is slowly but surely finding its way into more and more devices. The Galaxy Nexus, Nokia 610, and HTC One X are leading the charge this year, and an upsurge in contactless payments is expected for the 2012 London Olympics, adding to the groundswell of interest in this fledgling tech.

Get... [Read more]

Browse Instagram on the Web

Nicole Cozma — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:32:45 PDT

Instagram has set off a photo frenzy. First it was just on iPhones, but after making its way to Android, the photo obsession has really taken off (even in real life, since you can create photo strips from your snapshots). Unfortunately, most of your interaction with Instagram takes place on your mobile device. While the mobile user interface is slick and the app works pretty well, Instagram doesn't have its own Web UI (for now). So it can become a little annoying when all you want to do is see Instagram photos on a big screen.

Five iPhone tricks to beef up your texting skills

Sharon Vaknin — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:24:02 PDT

(Credit: iStockphoto)

Whether it's for quick notes or lengthier conversations, at least one-third of smartphone owners (and many more teens) turn to SMS for day-to-day communication.

Less personal than a phone call, but more intimate than a Facebook post, a text message allows us to skip past any pleasantries and get our points across quickly.

If you find yourself launching the Messages app more often than the dialer, grab these tricks to make your (texting) life a little easier.

1. Enable character count. As Business Insider points out, every time you exceed 160 characters in a text message, your service provider charges you for another SMS message. If you're on a limited SMS plan, you can keep track of your character count as you compose your messages.

Head to Settings > Messages > Character Count ON. From now on, you'll see an active character count above the Send button.

2. Use AutoText shortcuts to quickly type phrases. There are some phrases you might use over and over again, like "On my way," "How's it going?" or even things like your e-mail address or signature.

To type these words and phrases faster, customize your own short... [Read more]

How to re-enable older Flash in Safari 5.1.7

Topher Kessler — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:16:17 PDT

In the latest version of Safari, Apple enhanced the browser with a security measure that ensures users make use of the latest version of Flash player. The browser will check for the latest version of Flash, and if your installed version is out of date, then it will disable the plug-in and prompt you to download the latest version, but this might not always be desired.

This security feature has been applauded by Adobe's Brad Arkin, who in a blog posting stated:

"We welcome today's initiative by Apple to encourage Mac users to stay up-to-date: With the Apple Safari 5.1.7 update released today, Apple is disabling older versions of Flash Player (specifically Flash Player 10.1.102.64 and earlier) and directing users to the Flash Player Download Center, from where they can install the latest, most secure version of Flash Player."

While this development is excellent news from a security standpoint and helps Apple regain some face after recent security mishaps on its part, some people may still wish to use older versions of Flash player for compatibility reasons. Even though new versions of the software will contain fixes to vulnerabilities, sometimes bugs may appear that result in broken functionality or poor performance, and having this auto-disable feature will force the use of faulty updates.

Luckily Apple's browser does ... [Read more]

How to schedule Google+ posts in Chrome

Nicole Cozma — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:06:13 PDT

(Credit: Google)

If you're a fan of services like HootSuite which let you schedule tweets, Facebook posts, and even LinkedIn notes, then you'll probably like Do Share for Google Chrome, as well. Unfortunately, sites like HootSuite haven't rolled out the ability to schedule posts on Google+ to all of their users. So if you're interested in scheduling a notice about a product launch, a reminder to a friend, or just your random thoughts, Do Share can help you out.

This browser extension is very simple to install, and even easier to use. Here's how to get started:

Download a copy of Do Share for your Google Chrome browser.

Note: Chrome has to be running, connected to the Internet and logged into Google for Do Share to send posts to Google+, since they are saved in your browser until the scheduled time -- per the notes for the extension.

Step 1: Click then button for the extension on your browser's toolbar, then click on Create new post and then fill in the details of your message.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2:To adjust which circles will see your post, click on Add more people.

[Read more]

Create ringtones in Windows

Nicole Cozma — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:43:32 PDT

Custom ringtones are yet another way of personalizing your mobile device. With a wide selection, you can set a different alert for each person that contacts you. Another reason to change ringtones is if you're not a fan of any that came with your device (or you're tired of them) and just want to hear something different.

Fried Cookie's Ringtone Maker is a free and awesome application that will allow you to make ringtones for any of today's popular phone brands. Whether you're sporting an Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, or Windows Phone device, this program will be able to convert the audio to the correct format for use. Ringtone Maker isn't overly fancy, but it gets the job done quickly. Here's how to get started:

First you'll need to install a copy of Fried Cookie's Ringtone Maker on your Windows computer.

Drag and drop audio to the application.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 1: Open the application and drag and drop an audio file into the application window.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2: Adjust the slider to the part of the audio that you want to capture for a ringtone, then tap Next. The length can be adjusted, as well as the placement.

[Read more]

Easily remove unwanted objects from photos on Android, iOS

Nicole Cozma — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:28:39 PDT

There are moments when an extra object in a picture can really throw off the balance. Maybe you're on vacation and taking a picture of a building, but street sign shadows or people stopping in front of you for their photo opportunities tend to ruin the shot. Instead of worrying about getting the perfect picture every single time, why not use an app that will help fix any flaws?

TouchRetouch is an app for Android and iOS that will allow you to remove unwanted objects from your photos. Those shadows on the ground? Gone. Poor placement of a finger on the camera lens? No problem. Here's how to get started:

First you'll need to download a copy of TouchRetouch for your Android or iOS device. There is a free version available to try out before deciding to spend on the Pro version. This example will work with the Android flavor of the app, but the two are very similar.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 1: Open TouchRetouch and either take a new picture, or choose one from your Gallery (the app calls this Choose from Folder).

Objects to be removed from picture.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET) ... [Read more]

The guide to password security (and why you should care)

Sharon Vaknin — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:55:00 PDT

Create and manage secure passwords

In a better world, vulnerable accounts like banks, medical records, e-mail, and cloud drives would be protected with biometric systems. A swipe of a finger or a retina scan would allow access to your most important data.

Alas, eight-or-more-character passwords still dominate Web service log-ins. Anything from your investment portfolio to your Facebook account is simply accessed with an e-mail address (or username) and a few characters.

Yet, many Internet users continue to use easy-to-guess passwords like "123456," "qwerty," or their first names. Even worse, users repeat the same password (or a variation of one) across many accounts, putting themselves at greater risk of being hacked.

From password creation to password management, follow this guide to ensure your data is safe, secure, and prepared to withstand a security breach.

How are passwords exposed?

Before we dive into the how-tos of creating secure passwords, it's important to understand why you need a supersecure password to begin with. After all, you might be thinking, "Who would want to hack little old me?"

There are a few ways your account passwords can be compromised.

Someone's out to get you. Enemies you've created, exes from your past, a nosy mother, an intrusive spouse -- there are many people who might want to take a peek into your personal life. ... [Read more]

Hide Facebook Timeline with a Firefox add-on

Matt Elliott — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:47:34 PDT

I figured that by now most people would have grown accustomed to Facebook's Timeline interface, but my post from a couple months ago about a Chrome extension that hides Timeline remains one of my most-clicked-on stories. Given the apparent interest in this topic, I searched for a Firefox add-on that did that same thing. Lo and behold, I found the very same extension.

Install the TimeLineRemove extension for Firefox by clicking the link and then clicking Allow. Then on the next window, click the Install Now button.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

The add-on is enabled by default. Head to Facebook or refresh the profile you're currently viewing to see the old, single-column, pre-Timeline design.

Unlike the Chrome version of the extension, the Firefox add-on does not add a button to the browser. To disable the extension and view Facebook's Timeline once again, you will need to head to Firefox's Add-on Manager. On a PC, it's Firefox > Add-ons. On a Mac, it's Tools > Add-ons.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET) [Read more]

How to prevent Facebook Messenger from sharing your location

Jason Cipriani — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:36:05 PDT

Facebook Messenger on your iPhone or Android will send message recipients your location by default. This can be a huge privacy concern for some users. Luckily, you're only a few taps away from preventing Facebook Messenger from sharing your location.

As you saw in the video, for iOS users you will need to open Settings > Location Services and turn location off for Facebook Messenger.

For Android users, you can disable location in the Facebook Messenger app itself. Tap on the menu icon > Settings > Location Services and uncheck the box that enables location services for the app.

By disabling location sharing for the entire app, you don't have to remember to turn off location sharing each time you enter a conversation. If you want to block Facebook from using your location altogether, make sure you check out Sharon Vaknin's post. Of course, if you change your mind down the road and want to start sharing your location with your contacts, you can follow the same process to enable sharing.

[Read more]

CNET How To

Find wireless hot spots before you travel with Wi-Fi Finder

Related stories

Search and clear your browser history more easily in Chrome

Pin more than just pictures to Pinterest with Pinstamatic

Turn a single video frame into a photo with StillShot

Build a ring light for less than $20

How to reverse scroll in Windows like OS X Lion

The quickest way to check in on Foursquare using Android or iOS

Change the font size of a Web page on iOS

Earn rewards by watching TV with Viggle for Android

Five ways to depersonalize Google search results

How to use NFC tags with your Android phone

Browse Instagram on the Web

Related stories

Five iPhone tricks to beef up your texting skills

How to re-enable older Flash in Safari 5.1.7

How to schedule Google+ posts in Chrome

Create ringtones in Windows

Easily remove unwanted objects from photos on Android, iOS

The guide to password security (and why you should care)

Create and manage secure passwords

How are passwords exposed?

Hide Facebook Timeline with a Firefox add-on

How to prevent Facebook Messenger from sharing your location