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Internet Tricks

Do A Site Search

Not all web sites have their own search feature that allows you to search only that particular web site.  So what do you do?  Easy.  Most search engines have a nifty little feature that allows you to do a search and restrict it to only one web site. Here's what you do:

• Go to your favourite search engine. 
• Enter your search term, then enter site:www.sitename.com, where "sitename" is the name of the web site you wish to search.

Example:

Let's say you wanted to refer back to a previous Tech Tip and find information about the Windows key.  You remember getting that tip in your email, but when you go to www.micro2000.co.uk you can't find it or you have to search through each tip, one-by-one.  An easier and faster way to find the information you're looking for is to open your favourite search engine.  Then type in the following:

windows site:www.micro2000.co.uk

Using Google to restrict the search to www.micro2000.co.uk only, you find exactly what you're looking for.

So the next time you come across a site where the webmaster thought a search feature wasn't necessary or the one that's there doesn't work, you can use this trick to get around that little problem.

Change Your Default Web Browser

If you use Windows as your operating system, then you know that Internet Explorer comes integrated with the software.  Fortunately, you're not stuck with it.  You can download other browsers like Firefox, Opera, or even Netscape.  Why would you want to change the default, you ask?  Well, mostly because whenever you click a link within a program or in email, whatever default you have set up is the program that will open. Here's what you do:

Change to:

Netscape or Firefox - Go to Edit > Preferences.  Then click Set Default Browser in the upper right hand corner.

Opera - Go to File > Preferences.  Then under Programs and Paths click Default Application.  Check the box labelled Check if Opera is default browser on startup and click OK.

Okay, now, let's say you want to change back to I.E. (it could happen).  All you need to do is launch I.E. and go to Tools > Internet Options > Programs.  Then click either Reset Web Settings or just check the box labeled Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser.

3rd Party Browser Toolbars

Browser toolbars are free toolbars that integrate with your Web browser and can speed up searches, block annoying pop-up ads and complete online forms automatically. However, you would be wise not to install just any 'ole toolbar.  Most are filled with adware that infiltrate your system, monitor your surfing habits, and send that data to ad servers.  Targeted advertising is packaged based on the surfing activity and transmitted to the user's desktop where the toolbar displays the ads in the form of toolbar links and/or by spawning pop-up windows. Many adware toolbars stealth install without the user's knowledge or permission. They may resist any attempts of removal or may reappear sometime after being removed. Antivirus software won't detect or remove adware toolbars because they are not viruses and firewalls won't block them because they integrate with the web browser.

If you're using friendly toolbars like Yahoo! and Google you will not want to follow this tip as this will disable those as well.  But, for toolbars like Hotbar, iSearch, Gator and the like, you are definitely opening yourself up for more pop-ups, spyware/adware and system slow downs.

Here's what you do:

· If you have already picked up 3rd party toolbars and weren't sure how to get rid of them, go to Start > Settings / Control Panel > Add/Remove programs and remove them there.

To stop them from being installed in the first place:

·In your browser, go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. 

· Click the Advanced tab and scroll down to Browsing.

· Uncheck the box labelled Enable Third Party Browser Extensions.

· Click OK to close.

 

Disclaimer - The Micro 2000 Tech Tip is a free service providing information only. While we use reasonable care to see that this information is correct, we do not guarantee it for accuracy, completeness or fitness for a particular purpose. Micro 2000, Inc. shall not be liable for damages of any kind in connection with the use or misuse of this information.