Readers offer their best tips for using Word as a distraction-free word processor, getting bigger message sneak peeks in Gmail, and getting around VPNs that route you through firewalled networks.
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About the Tips Box: Every day we receive boatloads of great reader tips in our inbox, but for various reasons—maybe they're a bit too niche, maybe we couldn't find a good way to present it, or maybe we just couldn't fit it in—the tip didn't make the front page. From the Tips Box is where we round up some of our favorites for your buffet-style consumption. Got a tip of your own to share? Add it in the comments, share it here, or email it to tips at lifehacker.com.
Enable Distraction-Free Writing in Microsoft Word
David shares a lesser-known feature about the newest version of Microsoft Word:
After reading the article about the best distraction-free writing tool, I saw that the new Microsoft Word wasn't mentioned. On the Bottom Left is a fullscreen button (the rightmost button), along with options and tools when you're actually in the distraction free zone.
Add Scroll Bars to Gmail's Message Sneak Peeks
Dustin Luck shares a Stylish script that allows for larger "peeks" at your Gmail messages:
I've been enjoying the Gmail "Message Sneak Peek" lab for a while, but the one thing that was bothering me was that it offered such a small peek. To make it more useful (for me at least), I added scroll bars to the sneak peek window with the following Stylish script:
@namespace url(http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml); @-moz-document domain("mail.google.com") { div.yp { overflow: scroll !important; } }
If you don't already have the previously mentioned Stylish Firefox extension, you'll need it for this to work.
Run VPNs in XP Mode to Avoid Their Filters
Michael tells us how he gets around his work VPN's filters:
Thought people might find this tip useful... it is for people who need to connect to VPNs for work purposes.
The problem:
Usually when you VPN to another network, all your internet traffic is diverted through the VPN, which may happen to be another company you are working for. Often they have firewall filters, that block email sites, IM and online music services (for example). This is a big pain if you are working full time on something that requires a VPN - you cannot utilize your own internet connection! My specific annoyance is that Grooveshark is blocked by my counterpart's VPN, so I can't listen to music while I work.The solution:
For Windows 7: Use the "XP Mode" feature of Windows 7 (free). This installs a Virtual PC running Windows XP inside Windows 7. Install your VPN software inside the Virtual PC, and work inside the Virtual PC for all tasks that require the VPN. The Virtual PC runs in a window, so you still have access to everything else you normally do. However, you now can use your internet connection firewall free AND work at the same time!
Note: there are obvious alternatives with all other operating systems using this method, and using other software such as VMware.This technique is now being used by a lot of my colleagues - it really makes a difference. I also realized you can run the virtual apps outside of a VM window meaning it's seamless - the VPN apps open in Windows 7 even though they are running in a VM behind the scenes. Very cool!
Use Drink Koozies to Keep Outdoor Faucets from Freezing
Photo by TheDigitel Beaufort.
Patacsa shares a clever use for beer koozies:
Last night as I prepared my house for the first freeze of the season I placed foam faucet covers on the outside hose nibs. I found myself one faucet cover short. I discovered that a thick foam beer koozie (the flexible kind) covered the faucet perfectly! Popped right on without any sort of strap or tape. I placed some painter's tape over the small hole in the bottom just to be sure. This morning, no frozen faucet and the koozie was still snugly in place. It was an extra nifty use for something I already enjoy using in its original capacity. The wife wonders why I have a basket full of koozies, now I can tell her it's my "home winterization kit" and not just for beer drinkin'!