Thanks to the emails I have received I will continue this week with many of the Google Chrome browser extensions that I like and/or find useful.
First this week is the “Email this page (by Google)” extension. If you use Gmail, which you are since you are using Chrome or you would not be reading this, this extension could be beneficial for you. Have you been online before surfing the web and see a neat site you want to send to someone? I have many times, sometimes wanting to send it to myself for later use. I always had to copy the link, open Gmail, paste it in the email, type in the email address to send it to and then hit Send.
To use, “Email this page” click the extension while you are on the page you want to send. Gmail will open with the title of the site in the Subject line and the link in the email both automatically. All you need to do it enter who it is going to and hit Send. Many steps shorter and much quicker.
I am going to step away from the extensions for a paragraph or so for something related to the above. If you are a Gmail user as I am, this is a neat trick. While in Chrome and on your Gmail account, click the menu button, (three dots on the upper right corner) then “More tools” and finally “Add to desktop.” A box will pop up asking you to rename it (if you wish) and a checkbox to “Open as window.” Check the box, or leave it checked if already done and click “Add.” You will now find an icon on your desktop and when opened Gmail will open in its own window, not in your browser.
All emails will be viewed in that window but all links you click in those emails will open in Chrome. You can minimize it and leave it open on your computer while you continue using Chrome.
I take it a step further and right click the newly created desktop icon and choose either or both “Pin to Start” and/or “Pin to taskbar.” Then you can delete the desktop icon if you would like to free up some room on your desktop. You now have an interesting new way to use Gmail. This will work with any webpage you view on Chrome. So, if you like to regularly visit the DNR or the Double Click site, create icons for them too!
The last extension today is “Feedly checker.” I wrote about Feedly two months ago so check that article if you need a refresher. I get many news and tech stories from Feedly. With this extension, the small Feedly icon on the extension bar will show how many unread articles you have in your account. You can right click it after you install it and set the button to either; dropdown and show you the latest posted article or go to the Feedly site and you can view them all. I use the second. That way I do not have to check the site for news if I need some and nothing has been added to the feeds. Great time saver and convenient too.
