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Save Files with Any Extension From Windows' Save As Menu [Windows Tips]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:00 GMT

Windows' Save As dialog can be a little annoying. If you want to use a certain file extension, you have to pick it from a long list, and sometimes it isn't even available in that list. Reader Java-Princess shares an awesome shortcut for saving files as whatever extension you want. More »

Daily App Deals: Get Remoter: Remote Desktop (VNC) for iOS for 50% Off in Today's App Deals [Deals]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:30 GMT

The Daily App Deals post is a round-up of the best app discounts of the day, as well as some notable mentions for ones that are on sale. More »

Offer to Pay Up Front to Get Discounts on Dental Care [Saving Money]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00 GMT

Dental care is an important part of your overall health care, but it's expensive when you don't have insurance. Financial blog Money Crashers suggests offering to pay up front when shopping for a dentist to see if they're willing to give you a discount. More »

Answer: Where Can I Find That Tool? [Search Research]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30 GMT

Googler Daniel Russell knows how to find the answers to questions you can't get to with a simple Google query. In his weekly Search Research column, Russell issues a search challenge, then follows up later in the week with his solution—using whatever search technology and methodology fits the bill. This week's challenge: Where can I find that tool? More »

What You Should Do with Your Extra Money [Video]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00 GMT

Ramit Sethi is a New York Times best-selling author and creator of one of our favorite personal finance sites, I Will Teach You to Be Rich. In his weekly video Q&A for Lifehacker, Ramit answers common questions about personal finance, careers, and more. This week: What should you do with your extra money? More »

To Make Perfectly Cooked Steak, Sear It When Frozen Then Cook It in the Oven [Cooking]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30 GMT

This modernist technique for cooking steak may sound absolutely bizarre, but Kitchen Konfidence food writer Brandon Matzek says this frozen seared steak method is an easy process that results in perfectly cooked steak: "The contrast of the salty, golden crust and the smooth, buttery center is just pure heaven." More »

How to Deal with an Asshole Parker [Video]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00 GMT

You finally find a spot in a packed parking lot and somebody's parked over the line so you can't fit. Or you've been waiting for someone to leave the lot and somebody pulls in to steal your claimed space. There are plenty of ways to be an asshole parker in this world, but few good ways to deal with them. Here's the best way to handle the situation. More »

Ask and Answer Questions About Getting Rid of Old Junk [Help Yourself]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30 GMT

Every day we're on the lookout for ways to make your work easier and your life better, but Lifehacker readers are smart, insightful folks with all kinds of expertise to share, and we want to give everyone regular access to that exceptional hive mind. Help Yourself is a daily thread where readers can ask and answer questions about tech, productivity, life hacks, and whatever else you need help with. More »

Quirky Scribe Is a Lapdesk That Can Carry Your Laptop, Textbooks, and Pens [Stuff We Like]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00 GMT

Most lapdesks you buy will bear the heat from your laptop so you don't unintentionally iron your parents with the bottom of your computer, but when you need to move your work elsewhere you have to pick up all your stuff and carry it awkwardly. The Scribe solves that problem by providing a strap for your laptop (or textbooks and pens) so you can easily take it with you. More »

The Best Virtual Assistant for Android [Video]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:30 GMT

There are a number of apps for Android that all advertise that they can be your personal assistant. None of them are perfect, and all of them have their quirks, issues, and especially their limitations. Even so, we think that Vlingo is your best bet for a well-rounded personal assistant for Android. More »

How Can I Talk to My Phone in Public Without Looking Like a Jerk/Creep/Weirdo? [Video]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00 GMT

Dear Lifehacker, More »

Upgrade a Wall Outlet to Charge USB Devices [DIY]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30 GMT

Wouldn't it be nice to just plug your USB device right into the wall and not have to use the power adapter and take up an outlet? Apartment Therapy has a guide for you to do just that or you can use a plug-and-play option. More »

The Best Times to Buy Infographic Shows You All the Savings by Month and Day [Infographics]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00 GMT

Plan your purchases and you can grab the best deals on everything from clothes to flat-screen TVs to appliances and more. This infographic from Savings.com breaks down the sale times for just about every product so you can save all year round. More »

Maximize Kitchen Drawer Space by Storing Utensils Diagonally [Storage]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:30 GMT

Long kitchen utensils and gadgets take up a lot of space. Store them more efficiently and free up some room in your kitchen drawers by creating cheap diagonal inserts out of wood. More »

How to Be an Audiophile on the Cheap [Stereo]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00 GMT

You love music, but even if you consider yourself a true audiophile, the cost of high-end sound can be, frankly, a little absurd. We talked with a handful of audio experts to find out how to get audiophile-calibre sound without emptying your savings account. Here's what they had to say. More »

Approximate the Weight of Any Item Using a Clothes Hanger [Macgyver Tips]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:30 GMT

If you need to weigh something small but don't have an appropriate scale on hand, Redditor Pedipalp has a MacGyver-worthy solution that turns a simple clothes hanger into a balance scale. More »

Make Frozen Dough Rise Quickly with an Electric Heating Pad [Food Hacks]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00 GMT

Baking your own bread is a great way to save money, but if you store and freeze the dough it takes a while for it to rise before you can pop it in the oven. DIY blog The Pink Peony of Le Jardin suggests leaving your frozen bread on a heating pad to speed up the process. More »

Boost Your Working Memory to Make Time Fly [Mind Hacks]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:30 GMT

A new study in the psychology journal Acta Psychologica suggests that improving your working memory changes your perception of time and makes it seem like time moves faster. Working memory controls your ability to pay attention, plan, and remember things. It's also a skill you can improve. More »

Waze for iPhone Offers Voice Control for Hands-Free Operation While Driving [Video]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00 GMT

iPhone: Waze, our favorite turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone (and Android) just added a great new feature: hands-free operation. Now you can control Waze with a wave of your hand and the power of your voice. More »

ContactPrivacy Alerts You When Apps Access Contact Information [Privacy]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:30 GMT

iOS (Jailbroken): One of the quirks of the iPhone is that apps can access your personal information, including your contacts, without you knowing about it. If this bothers you, ContactPrivacy is a tweak that sends an alert when apps start digging through your address book. More »

Skip the Single-Serving Container Coffee and Brew Your Own to Save Serious Cash [Saving Money]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00 GMT

No one ever said that single-serving coffee machines and the coffee cups and brewing pods you need to operate them were cheaper than buying and brewing your own coffee at home, but they're certainly more convenient. Each of us has to decide how much we're willing to pay for convenience, but the price of that convenience can be as high as $51/lb, according to a new study that compared the costs of buying by the pound and brewing your own versus single-serving makers. More »

The Snowball Sunset Desktop [Featured Desktop]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:30 GMT

Flickr user Tim Garbarino reminds us that for those of us in the northern hemisphere, winter isn't quite over yet with this gorgeous, serene setting sun behind a lonely snowball. The setup is functional too—Tim has his favorite feeds on the right, upcoming appointments at the top, and a spring-loaded dock on the left. More »

Tweetbot Updates with a New UI for the iPhone and a New iPad Version [Video]

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00 GMT

iOS: Tweetbot, our pick for the best Twitter client for the iPhone just rolled out a new update that adds in-line image viewing, single-tap-to-launch links, an overhauled UI, and easy access to people who have retweeted you. Tweetbot has also finally landed on the iPad, with an interface that makes use of the tablet's larger display, multiple-account support, push notifications, and support for third party apps like Instagram, Readability, and Instapaper. More »

From the Tips Box: Chrome History, Amazon Prime on iOS, and Chrome to Phone [From The Tips Box]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00 GMT

Readers offer their best tips for sifting through your Chrome history, watching Amazon videos on iOS devices, and sharing desktop links with Chrome for Android. More »

Microsoft OneNote Comes to Android, Syncs with Microsoft SkyDrive [Onenote]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30 GMT

Android: Microsoft's popular note taking and organization app, OneNote, is now available on Android, so you can have your notes with you wherever you go. More »

Remains of the Day: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Launches Feb. 29th [For What It's Worth]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00 GMT

Windows 8 Consumer Preview is coming, Chrome for Android won't be getting Flash, and the iPhone 3GS may be nearing the end of its run. More »

How to Set Up Windows 7 Homegroups for Seamless, Instant Sharing Between PCs In Your Home [Emailable Tech Support]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:30 GMT

You may have heard of Windows 7's Homegroup feature before, but never really understood what it did. It's actually the simplest way to share files between two Windows machines, and it takes seconds to set up. If you have more than one computer in your home (or a friend who comes over and likes to borrow your music), here's how to set it up. More »

Amazon Prime Expands Its Video Streaming Library, Adds 2,000 More Titles [In Brief]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00 GMT

We've always been fans of Amazon Prime, even though its new streaming service didn't have the most expansive selection. Today, they added a bunch of new TV shows to their library, from channels like Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and VH1, which brings their total number of shows up more than 15,000 (not including the 100,000 other titles you can rent or buy separately). That still isn't quite as big as a Netflix subscription offers, but coupled with free two-day shipping on things in the Amazon store, Prime is starting to look quite a bit more tempting. Hit the link to read more, and if you use Amazon Prime to stream video, let us know how it stacks up in the comments. [Amazon] More »

Daily App Deals: Get ProCamera for iOS for Only 99¢ in Today's App Deals [Deals]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:30 GMT

The Daily App Deals post is a round-up of the best app discounts of the day, as well as some notable mentions for ones that are on sale. More »

Pro Tips for Regular People: Five Photography Tricks Anyone Who Owns a Camera Should Know [Video]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00 GMT

A camera is only as capable as the person using it, but snapping some awesome images doesn't require years of training. Here are five photography pro tips that everybody ought to know. More »

Challenge: Where Can I Find That Tool? [Search Research]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:30 GMT

Turn a Magazine Holder into a Corner Shelf [Ikea Hacks]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00 GMT

A simple change in perspective turns a magazine holder into a useful and decorative catch-all shelf for your keys, change, gadgets, receipts, and whatever else you like. More »

Set Gmail as Your Browser's Default Email Client with a Simple Hack [Gmail]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00 GMT

Sick of mailto: links in your browser opening Outlook or Mail.app whenever you click them? You can tackle this problem with extensions or through other means, but Googler and HTML5 guru Paul Irish offers a simple, no-add-ons-required approach. Here's how it works: More »

Make Your Own Screen Protector Quickly and Cheaply with Adhesive Vinyl and an Xacto Knife [Video]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:30 GMT

We've previously mentioned that you can make your own screen protector on the cheap with adhesive vinyl. Although it's a simple process to understand in theory, it helps to actually see it in practice. This video from Household Hacker demonstrates how to make a vinyl screen protector and apply it to your device in just a few minutes. More »

How I Improved My Life with a PS3 Controller [Video]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00 GMT

Picture this: After hours of web browsing, your body is contorted in various unnatural positions over time. Your legs up on the table, or you're lying on the bed sideways with the laptop rotated sideways as well. Does that sound familiar? More »

Ask and Answer Questions About Celebrating Valentine's Day [Help Yourself]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30 GMT

Take Your Desktop Around the World with These Wallpapers [Wallpaper Wednesday]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00 GMT

The view from your computer may not be ideal, but even if you can't see the world in reality you can easily shift your desktop to another part of the world with a great image. Here are our favorite worldwide wallpapers. We've got a lot this week! More »

The Best Virtual Assistant for iPhone [Iphone App Directory]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:30 GMT

It's hard to argue that there's a better virtual assistant for the iPhone when you've got Siri, because Apple can create app that is completely integrated with iOS. That said, if you don't have Siri there are plenty of great options that may even be better some day. Here's a look at why Siri's great but plenty of other excellent alternatives as well. More »

Chrome Updates for Faster Browsing and Increased Security [Google Chrome]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:25 GMT

Google is releasing a major update to Chrome today that will make browsing the web seem faster and also add security protections. More »

What Hardware Upgrade Will Best Speed Up My PC (If I Can Only Afford One)? [Ask Lifehacker]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00 GMT

Dear Lifehacker, More »

Gather These Twenty-Five Documents You Need Before You Die [Life Planning]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:30 GMT

Do your loved ones a favor and organize these important documents so in case something happens to you they can easily make financial decisions and act on your behalf. The Wall Street Journal explains which policies and documents to make accessible. More »

What to Buy at Costco Versus Your Grocery Store [Saving Money]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00 GMT

Buying in bulk at Costco can save your family lots of money—depending on what you buy. To find out exactly which items are the best deals at the wholesale club, Squawkfox did a shopping experiment comparing unit prices on fresh, frozen, and packaged goods between a local grocery and Costco. More »

The Sunlit, Surrounded-by-Nature Workspace [Featured Workspace]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:30 GMT

Today's featured workspace is described by owner Stephen Coles as a "glorious place to work"—no doubt thanks to the great view, all that natural light, and lots of room to work. More »

How to Promote Yourself (Without Being Sleazy) [Video]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00 GMT

Whether due to modesty, timidity, or just a desire not to annoy anyone, most of us suck at self-promotion. But the fact is, promoting yourself and getting your name out there is an essential part of getting the job you want, making new contacts, building your network, and meeting the people who can help you make the most of your talents and abilities. After all, no one's going to do it for you, and no one's going to make sure you get the credit you deserve. The problem: How do you promote yourself without coming off as a sleazy pest? Here's how. More »

Copy Photo Stream Images to a Folder Automatically [Annoyances]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:30 GMT

Apple's Photo Stream service for iCloud is a great way to keep your photos on your iPhone in sync with your computer, but it requires you use the newest version of iPhoto. If you're not a fan of iPhoto, Macworld forum member DJF3 came up with a script to automate the process and skip iPhoto. More »

Circuit Playground Is a Mini Electronics Reference Manual for iPhone [Ios Downloads]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00 GMT

iPhone/iPad: If you dabble in electronics tinkering with the likes of Arduino or you enjoy popping open your electronics and poking at them, Circuit Playground is an app that offers quick reference to decipher between components and make calculations. More »

Color Code Audio Outputs with Paper Reinforcement Labels to Find Them Quickly [Clever Uses]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:30 GMT

Having trouble finding the proper output jack on the back of your computer for your headphones? Instructables user philip42 suggests using a school supply favorite, reinforcement labels, to help you find the right audio jack easier. More »

Master Your Browser's Tabs with These Tricks and Extensions [Tabbed Browsing]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00 GMT

There's a strange joy in keeping 20 tabs open and pretending like you have the ability to multitask and actually manage all of them. But in reality, most browsers buckle under the pressure of too many tabs and you start to lose track of what you have open. Thankfully, there's a few great remedies for this. We'll take a look at some of the best tab management tools for Firefox and Chrome that accomplish a variety of different tasks. More »

WakeupDialer Calls You with a Wake-Up Call To Make Sure You Get Out of Bed [Webapps]

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:30 GMT

Whether you just need a little help getting out of bed after a long night or a nap, or you just like the idea of a wake-up call in the morning, WakeupDialer will call you for free and play back one of 30 random messages recorded by Stephen Fry to coax you out of bed. More »