Isn’t It Time You Made Use of Your Caps Lock?

• April 24, 2013
• By Tina Sieber

The CAPS LOCK key is probably the most useless key on your keyboard. Netiquette forbids you to use it because it’s considered screaming, which is simply rude. And what else would you use it for other than expressing your raw emotions?Unintentional activation of the CAPS LOCK is also a common reason why people fail to type the right password. That’s because it sits on the home row, a prime location that is easily hit by accident.

On the other hand, it is possible to replace the CAPS LOCK key with a character or function you use a lot. What are keys and shortcuts that are missing on your keyboard? Or maybe there are keys you wish were in a more convenient location. It’s time to remap your keyboard and put all those neglected keys to good use, starting with how to use the CAPS LOCK key.

Before you go ahead and fix an entire keyboard key by key, note that there are otheralternatives for optimizing the keyboard layout, especially if you are dealing with a foreign keyboard. This article is written for Windows users. If you are on a Mac, check out these articles on how to remap your Mac keyboard for more geek power and learn everything about Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts.

Map Backspace To CAPS LOCK Key Without Rebooting

Most tools that let you remap the keyboard edit the registry. Hence, for the changes to come into effect, you need to reboot the computer. That’s OK if you want to make permanent changes, but not always practical.

Keymapper is a portable app for coders. It applies a global keyboard hook whenever the CAPS LOCK key is pressed and throws in a Backspace in its place. So instead of SHOUTING, you will be deleting what you just wrote.

Map A Useful Key To The CAPS LOCK Key

Install a tool like SharpKeys to remap your CAPS LOCK key. Note that SharpKeys requiresMicrosoft .NET Framework 4 to run.

Open SharpKeys (hint: it’s in the RandyRants.com folder in All Programs) and click Add in the bottom left. Select Special: Caps Lock as a From key and pick a desired key. Whatever you select, CAPS LOCK will adopt the behavior of that key. Click OK to confirm your selection.

Once back in the main window you can either add another remap combo or complete the procedure by pressing the Write to Registry key in the bottom right.

This is when you will have to log out or reboot your computer for the changes to come into effect. To undo changes made with SharpKeys, launch the program, delete the respective entries in the list, click the Write to Registry button and restart your computer.

When you log back in, hitting the key that once used to trigger the CAPS LOCK will now produce a character or function of your choice.

Turn Your CAPS LOCK Key Into a Hotkey

Is there a program you open all the time or a website you visit frequently, MakeUseOf for example? When writing, I constantly open IrfanView for pasting screenshots. So we will turn the CAPS LOCK key into a hotkey for opening this app. You could also make it a hotkey for Google.com and thus turn it into a search key à la Chrome OS.

First you need to map another key to the CAPS LOCK key because you cannot assign CAPS LOCK itself as a hotkey. Use the method described above to remap the key and pick a key that doesn’t do anything as To key, for example Function: F10.

Once the CAPS LOCK has been taken care of, you can create a shortcut which will open the desired file, folder, program, or website. The shortcut can live anywhere on your computer and you can also use existing shortcuts. Let’s create a shortcut on your Desktop. Right-click the Desktop, go to New and click Shortcut.

In the Create Shortcut window, browse to the desired item, click Next, name the shortcut, and click Finish. To point the shortcut to a website, simply type in the complete URL, e.g.http://www.makeuseof.com/

To link the shortcut with your new hotkey, right-click it and select Properties. Under theShortcut tab, click into the Shortcut key field and press your CAPS LOCK key. This will paste in the key that was mapped to your CAPS LOCK key, in this example F10.

Click OK to save and try it. Pure awesomeness!

This procedure was adopted from How-To Geek, who have also explained how to manually remap keys in the registry.

You can also use a program called AutoHotkey to assign Hotkeys. Lifehacker has created a nifty website-based tool to easily create your own custom AutoHotkey script for remapping keys on your keyboard.

Conclusion

Following the instructions above you can finally put your CAPS LOCK key to good use. Moreover, you can apply the method to any other key on your keyboard and increase your productivity manifold. Now all you need is a good way to repaint your keys.

Are you finally becoming a fan of your keyboard? It’s good to know that you could operate Windows with your keyboard alone should your mouse break or go missing.

Which keys did you retire and how are you using them now?

Source: .http://www.makeuseof.com/

How To Tell If Someone Is Lying In Email Or Online

April 25, 2013

• 
  
  By Joshua Lockhart

Emails and online correspondence are great mediums for liars. Namely, they don’t have to see the person that they are lying to. Body language doesn’t play a factor, and no one can notice the slight quiver in their voice. They can say whatever they want while appearing as confident as someone who is telling the truth.

In short, you don’t have to be a good liar to tell a convincing lie on the Internet.

However, there are a few ways to tell whether or not someone is telling a big, fat fib. Below are some of those ways to figure out whether or not someone is pulling the virtual wool over your eyes. Are the determining factors perfect? No. Neither are lie detector results. Nevertheless, they are a good start if you have a quick mind and generally know people fairly well.

Abnormal Changes In Syntax

One signal that I have found to be a determining factor as to whether or not someone is lying in email or online is their syntax. Any sudden changes or awkward patterns that deviate from their norm may be a way for you to tell that they are in fact lying. It’s pretty simple, really.

The most obvious change in syntax are shortened sentences. This typically follows normal, fluid email threads or conversations. Why? I’m no psychologist, but I’d assume that they are either thinking on their feet or do not want to waste any more time. Particular situations (based on my experience) may include owed money or scheduled meetings. On the contrary, a liar may spend a great deal of time crafting their web, concocting the perfect tale that takes up a great deal of page space to make it clear that they “aren’t lying” when they actually are.

Basically, take note of their sentence and response lengths. Any sudden changes could be a sign that you need to get out of that conversation fast.

Another qualifier is that of negation. Generally speaking, liars online and offline will flip their language around. “Exciting” becomes “not boring” and “happy” becomes “not sad”, so pay attention to this. It may get you out of some bad circumstances.

Varying Response Times During IM

As already mentioned, liars have the advantage of not having to physically speak to the person that they are telling their tales to when chatting online. If your intuition tells you that a person is lying, pay attention to their response times. Fast, short replies that don’t answer many questions could mean that the individual is – again – thinking on their feet. Long, drawn-out response times could mean that they are trying to come up with the perfect response that answers all your questions.

This certainly ties into the abnormal changes in syntax, so in this case, use both notifiers in conjunction with each other.

You can also take advantage of the technology itself. Services like Facebook and devices like the iPhone show whenever a user has read a message and when they are responding. Take note of the timespan between when they’ve read a message and their response, and using features that show them physically typing, you can key in on their “speech” patterns. Does it appear as if they are stumbling over words, backspacing, rewriting, etc.? How does this compare to earlier conversations?

Status Updates Simply Don’t Line Up

This is one of the most common occurrences, and it’s happened to me more than once. If you’ve ever received a text from your friend that says, “I’m sorry, but I can’t make it because I’m sick”, and then you found a status update written at the same exact time about the fun they are having at the waterpark, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This just isn’t cool.

Likewise, you can get a bit more involved with this. Pay attention to pictures that they post days after saying they have a conflict. Furthermore, look at their multiple social media accounts! What they tell you on Facebook may be totally different than what’s on their Twitter profile.

Conclusion

Calling a liar out is tough, but finding one out is even tougher. Using these tips, you may be able to make it happen, but don’t jump to conclusions. For instance, your friend who is sick may still Tweet about being able watch a movie with his girlfriend in the comfort of his own home (rather than go snowboarding with you). This is totally understandable. However, be wary at the same time.

Are these good tips for being able to tell if someone is lying in an email or online? What other tips do you have for us here at MakeUseOf?

Source: www.makeuseof.com

Tipping in America at new Levels

Renowned Tourist Places

Can you name the Monument and place where it is found (city and Country)?

iPad Keyboard Case Review

ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case Review and Giveaway

by Jackson Chung

Ask any road warrior for a list of essential gear aimed at maximising productivity while on the go, and a tablet of some sort is bound to be on that list. Not everyone will agree though -- some say that tablets are pretentious and you can't really accomplish much with them anyway; those people prefer an Ultrabook in its place. Mainly, it's the fact that tablets can't do everything laptops are capable of -- but you know what? That gap is closing in. However, I'm sure almost everyone will definitely agree that typing on a tablet's on-screen keyboard is a huge pain.

To remedy that, the market is currently flooded with various tablet keyboard cases. Some are quite innovative, others aremeh. So how does the ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case fair? We'll first take you on a walkthrough of the ClamCase Pro; then, you guessed it, offer it up in a giveaway!

Introducing the ClamCase Pro

The $169 ClamCase Pro is actually the company's second attempt at an iPad keyboard case. The first version, known simply as the ClamCase didn't fair well due to its cramped keyboard which was nearly impossible to type on. Despite that, it's still available from the company's website for $149.

The ClamCase Pro addresses the whole typing issue; not only that, the keyboard section of the case is now enveloped in aluminium. At first glance, the case and iPad ensemble is slightly reminiscent of a MacBook Air. The keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, and is compatible with the iPad 2, 3 and 4.

If you're looking to spend less than $169 for an iPad keyboard case, and that's completely acceptable, you might want to consider the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio which is $40 less than the ClamCase Pro at $129. It features a full QWERTY keyboard and is solar-powered for perpetual preparedness. It's also cleverly designed to adapt multiple positions for typing and media consumption.

If that's not up your alley, then you might be interested in Belkin's upcoming Ultimate Keyboard Case -- a thin and lightweight keyboard case which folds flat to allow you to hold the iPad like a tablet. In this arrangement, the keyboard actually faces the back of the iPad -- a clever design that's not only prettier, but also minimises accidental keystrokes. The Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case will be available in May for $99.

Who's it for?

Granted, a keyboard case with over 60 buttons and an additional battery needed to power it will ultimately add bulk to the ensemble; and is therefore not for everyone, especially if you don't intend to do much typing. Using the ClamCase Pro is invariably a trade-off between portability and typing speed.

But if the iPad is your go-to device for work and play, then you'll enjoy the ClamCase Pro. One particular group of people I can think of who will be able to appreciate the ClamCase Pro arestudents who prefer tablets over laptops. The ClamCase Pro will make note-taking in class much easier, and they'll still get to play Angry Birds during breaks.

Initial Impressions

The ClamCase Pro is essentially a two-piece case attached by a hinge in the middle. It's basically made of plastic, but the keyboard is graced with an aluminium surface. At 680 grams, the case weighs quite a bit; and as you might have guessed, most of the weight is attributed to the keyboard. However, it also acts as a counterweight for the iPad so it doesn't topple over.

You'll find the usual suspects on the iPad side of the case: camera, dock connector, and speaker cut-outs; volume rocker, the works. It's also probably a good idea to mention that the ClamCase Pro supports the auto sleep/wake feature on the iPad, so shutting the case would automatically put the iPad to sleep.

The case opens and close as a laptop would. There's no fancy swirl or twist mechanisms here. It's a simple hinge, and the case goes from fully shut to quarter-way open, which is ideal for typing; then swings back and acts as a stand for your iPad; and finally, all the way back so that the keyboard and the iPad are now back to back for tablet operation.

When in tablet mode, however, the keyboard is completely exposed and must be disabled to prevent accidentally pressing on the keys. It's also pretty uncomfortable, not to mention tiring, to hold single-handedly since it's both heavier and thicker with the case on. And if I'm honest, I don't enjoy holding it with the keyboard against my fingers -- it's just uncomfortable.

Things start to look better in typing mode. It seems as though it's calling out for some work to be done. The case features a full QWERTY keyboard with several dedicated keys which perform specific functions i.e. check battery level on the ClamCase Pro, simulate the iPad's Home button, invoke Spotlight, increase/decrease volume, start a photo slideshow, play/pause, etc. There are even buttons to help make Cut, Copy and Paste operations a one-touch affair.

I can also appreciate the weight distribution better with the iPad in the case. There's no doubt about it, it's heavy; but the whole ensemble feels very stable in the typing position. However, the hinge is slightly too "sticky" for my liking, in the sense that it requires quite a bit of force to get it moving. But I guess it plays a role in helping the iPad stay in a particular position.

Setting up the ClamCase Pro

The keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth. In fact, if you didn't already know, that's the only Bluetooth function that the iPad can perform. Anyways, setting up is rather easy: turn the keyboard on and switch it into Discovery mode. Enable Bluetooth on the iPad and pair the devices together. Bingo bang.

Typing with the ClamCase Pro

Now, let's take a look at the core function of the ClamCase Pro -- typing. As soon as my fingers hit the keyboard, I'm stricken by the familiar feeling of physical keys, which is kind of satisfying. Then, I start to realise how small the keys are. They measure (w) 13 x (h) 14 mm whilst the keys on an Apple keyboard are 15 x 15 mm. If my calculations are correct, the keys on the ClamCase Pro are 20% smaller. Nevertheless, it's still very usable albeit a little cramped. I can't imagine how the first rendition was like to use.

Naturally, typing speed improved while using the ClamCase Pro. More importantly, punctuation keys are more easily accessible, because they're where you'd expect to find them on a regular keyboard. In fact, the ClamCase Pro keyboard also includes Control, Option and Command buttons -- and they too, perform exactly as you'd expect they would on a desktop. They keys are a little springy and much narrower than I'm used to but overall, it's a major improvement compared to typing on the screen. And before you ask, no they're not backlit.

There is however, one problem with using the ClamCase Pro -- my finger keeps reaching for the trackpad except, there isn't one! I have to persistently remind myself that I'm typing on my iPad and I need to reach for the screen instead.

Power and charging

The ClamCase Pro boasts a respectable 100 hours of uninterrupted use before requiring a recharge. A full recharge would take merely 120 minutes and the device is able to hold that charge for 6 months. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to personally put these claims to the test but during the entire period I was reviewing the ClamCase Pro, I never had to recharge the keyboard case once.

The case can be recharged using the supplied micro USB cable. For the road warrior, this may mean an additional cable to bring along but the battery in the ClamCase Pro is so efficient that charging it just before a trip should suffice. Well technically, it should survive a 10-day trip quite easily even if you're chugging away at the keyboard 8 hours a day.

Should you buy the ClamCase Pro iPad Keyboard Case?

Personally, I don't do much typing on my iPad but I do see the value of a keyboard case. Typing on physical keys is less awkward and generally more efficient time-wise. But the question here is, should you buy the ClamCase Pro? My main concern is the steep $169 price tag, and I can't be certain that paying that amount of money is justifiable. For me, a better choice would be the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio, save myself $40, and never bother with charging it. But it could just be that I'm a nut for anything solar.

The ClamCase Pro is a good idea, but the overall added chunk puts me off. The keyboard position in tablet mode isn't ideal. I'd wait to see how the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case turns out.

Source: www.MakeUseOf.com