If you use Firefox and you are not satisfied with the looks of your Gmail, not even after applying the themes supplied by Google then there is a piece of good news for you; no, I am not asking you to create your own theme. All I am asking you to install a plug-in (add-on) called Google Redesigned in your Firefox.
This add-on is completely safe to use. I have been using it for some days now. This is CSS-based redesigning plug-in. When you visit your Gmail in Firefox the plug-in that remains hidden otherwise in the background recognizes Gmail, and replaces the basic theme – you cannot use Google Redesigned, if you have installed some other theme – and changes the appearance of your Gmail.
Google Redesigned does take a little bit of resources and bandwidth, though. It connects to the Internet to keep itself updated and fit. You do not need to be alarmed, the plug-in has no access to any of your private data, and nor does it change the functionality of Google. All it can do is change the appearance of a Gmail account in Firefox.
It can also change the appearances of Google Calendar and Google Reader. I must say, not everyone likes what I like, so you should try the plug-in for yourself and see how the Gmail appears to you. This is another open source wonder.
I would encourage you to share your view here about your experience with this plug-in. Why don’t you use the comment box and tell us about your take on this Firefox plug-in?
Tags: Appearance, Background, Bandwidth, Firefox, Fit, Functionality, Gmail Account, Google, Little Bit, Open Source, Private Data
Many of us were not around, probably sleeping, probably away, or may be just not interested, when the important developments on the Internet was taking place. This is happening again. It is an opportune moment. Whoever is reading this can be a part of this revolution and can be among early adopters of the new change. A new revolution has just begun. BuddyPress has just come. BuddyPress will do to social networking sites what WordPress had done to websites. Yes, BuddyPress is your own, homegrown, open-source social networking platform with all the capability of WordPress MU (multi user).
BuddyPress has all the thrills and frills of its sister WordPress with an added color of social networking. Now having a blog networks is as easy as having a blog. With BuddyPress, you can be the ringmaster of your own blog network while others will play by the rules set by you. You can think of starting a topical blog network or if you wish you can create network blog for a certain age group, let’s say for teens.
BuddyPress is a suit of WordPress plug-ins and themes that allows users to add many social interaction features like activity streams, groups and forums. It can be installed separately or as an add-on to the existing WordPress MU installation. Just like any WordPress installation, plug-ins of the BuddyPress can be themed to match the style of your blog network. All BuddyPress plug-ins are independent identities in their own right, and they can be used in two way. You use it either all the plug-ins to build your own social networking site from scratch or you can use only the selected plug-ins to add the features you want in your social networking website. With its many plug-ins BuddyPress will give you more control, and as with any WordPress installation, BuddyPress is 100 percent customizable. Some of the features that you can enable on your base installation of BuddyPress are:
Extended profiles: This component will give you the power to create specific profile field that user needs to fill in.
Private Messaging: This is akin to internal e-mail system using which a user can send, forward, and reply to messages to people on his or her friend’s list.
Like any other social networking site, social networking websites build using BuddyPress allow you to add friends, create interest-based groups, and gives an opportunity to the users to create their own forums. Other feature includes activity stream, blog tracking, and the wire. BuddyPress will add Photo albums and status updates features by the end of 2009. Status update will be added by mid 2009, whereas photo album will be added by late 2009.
Tags: Activity Streams, Age Group, Capability, Certain Age, Early Adopters, Networking Platform, Networking Website, New Revolution, Open Source, Opportune Moment, Plug Ins, Profiles, Ringmaster, Scratch, Social Interaction, Social Networking Site, Social Networking Sites, Teens, That Allows Users