facebook

3 Internet Pet Peeves and Their Fixes

May 31, 2023 by noemi

Considering the time that you probably spend online, you would know that there are a lot of things that can happen out there that get your goat. We all have our pet peeves; some of them we can find fixes for, some we just can’t do anything. And, speaking of these Internet problems and fixes, I read a very interesting and useful list at PC World.

There are too many too mention here, but let me give you the three that are my pet peeves.

Facebook game and apps overload

I love Facebook games – a couple of them, at least; but I know how irritating it can be to see all those feeds when you are NOT interested in them. Hence, I try to limit the things that I publish. If you have friends who can’t help but flood your feed with their Facebook games and apps, though, PC World suggests Facebook Purity, which is part of Firefox’s GreaseMonkey add-on.

Useless search bars in web sites

What use is a search bar embedded in a web site if you can’t get relevant results? This has happened to me countless of times that I have simply stopped using them most of the time. What I have been doing is what PC World suggests: go to your usual search engine and key in site:nameofsite.com “what you’re looking for” instead.

Flash ads automatically blaring out some audio

Imagine browsing the net while at Starbucks or some other place when suddenly, this loud audio emanates from your speakers. Forget that – imagine working late into the night, you’re alone at home, and the same thing happens. I have jumped out of my skin so many times because of this! Here’s the fix from PC World: use FlashMute, which blocks Flash access to your audio. They do have a disclaimer: your anti-virus software might see it as an attack when you download the software. Ignore it.

For the complete list, visit PC World.

Three Sensible Facebook Apps

May 28, 2023 by noemi

Facebook – you either love it or you hate it. No matter how much some people might hate this social networking site, though, there is no denying that it can be addictive. And, for those who are so into it, there’s no stopping them from being online practically all day.

Even those who are certified Facebook addicts have to admit that the social networking site has its downsides. Its applications, for one – they are so many and more often than not, useless and irritating. I have to say, though, that there are some Facebook apps that are useful and actually make sense. Let’s take a look at three apps – two I would recommend to any friend, and one that I need advice on.

Good Reads
As the name implies, it’s all about books. In this day and age where watching TV shows and movies (or listening to music) is considered more convenient than reading a good old book, it is refreshing to see an app about books. Good Reads helps you keep track of what you have been reading, together with your friends. As with other Facebook apps, the joy is in sharing. You get to rate your books and write your thoughts about them; and then you can share ideas with friends. Call it a virtual book club if you will. There’s a similar Facebook app called Visual Bookshelf, which I actually use more often. The idea is the same, although there are fewer users than Good Reads.

Travel Buddy
For people who like to travel, there is no better app than this. (If you find one, let me know!) Organize trips and share photos, experiences, and more using this app. You can tag your real life travel buddy; reminisce about your past trips; and plan your future adventures together!

Language Exchange
This last app, I am still thinking if I should use or not. The premise is very attractive – meet people who can teach you a foreign language, and share your own language as well. I am unsure about the privacy issues, though. Does anyone use this app?