The Crabtree Network

If you create JavaScript web applications you already know the value of FireBug.

My only complaint about FireBug over the years has been the lack of ability to control the position of the debug window without having to detach it from the browser window.  In the past a variation called WiderBug solved this problem but keeping it up to date with a fast moving project like FireBug proved challenging.

Finally, with the release of FireBug 1.9.0 this functionality has now been built into FireBug directly and in my opinion is the most welcome new feature in quite some time!

I prefer to position FireBug to the right of the Browser content so that I can maintain the full height of the site I am debugging.  Accomplishing that is as simple as seen in my screenshot:

That’s it, very simple.  FireBug team, Thank you!

Michael

written by michael

Mac OS X Lion is the best desktop operating system and user interface ever created. I don’t think there is any question about that and I have used essentially every type of operating system released over the past 20 years. That being said, sometimes even Apple fails to make obvious how to do something that should be very simple.

Follow these simple instructions to enable the locking of your screen directly from your menu bar with features built into Mac OS X.

1. Open the Keychain Access application. This can be done in several ways but to keep things simple just look in your Applications > Utilities folder and you will see the Keychain Access application. Simply open this application.

2. Once open select Keychain Access in your menu bar, and then open the preferences.

3. There are 3 tabs available for configuration (General, First Aid, and Certificates) and you want to be on the General tab.

4. Put a checkmark next to Show Keychain status in menu bar and close the preference window.

5. You will now see a lock icon next to your other menu bar icons. You can click on the lock and chose Lock Screen any time you want to lock your screen. A password will be required to unlock the screen of course, but you already know that which is why you wanted to lock it in the first place.

Here is a screenshot of the Lock icon in the menu bar.

You should see the Lock in your men bar if successful

As I mentioned already, this is not the only way to accomplish the same thing so if you know of an easier way please feel free to mention it.

Michael

written by michael