If you use browser tabs as much as I do you’ll love this tip. Clicking the scroll wheel on your mouse will open a link in a new tab. I’ve been right-clicking > Open in new tab for years. This is a single action that does the same thing. Works in FireFox and IE7. Enjoy!

Give it a try!

Sliders are a common way for users to adjust elements with fine granularity. They can offer more choice with a smaller footprint than a drop down menu. They also offer absolute variables so the user never enters into an error state. The problem with sliders is their accessibility. They require decent dexterity since the target for the mouse is ofter small but recently I found this new method that has full keyboard support.

This method offer full keyboard capabilities as using unobtrusive JavaScript which is a method that separates the JavaScript behavior from the page markup.

Here are some other examples of unobtrusive Javascript

• Lightbox
• Calendar pop-up
• Star Rating
• Image Reflections
• Slide Show

I’m all for contextual advertising. I think it’s a great method of matching buyer and seller. Google’s sponsored links are a great way to target business. So you can understand why I got a little offended by the latest sponsored link in my Gmail account. I know it’s been a long winter and I’ve grown some additional “cold weather protection” but it’s a little disheartening when you see this:

I just got that extra push to get to the gym today

If you’re like me, you’ve got some version of iTunes running on your computer. And if you’re like me, you see a prompt to download a newer version of the software just about every time you launch the application.

I guess since all the other upgrades were pretty seamless, I pretty much just agree to upgrade. I click on the “Yes” button on go on my merry way.

But not so fast… I recently noticed a new icon on my desktop

Hmmm. I don’t remember installing Safari. I did a little searching and it turns out my latest agreement to install iTunes came with an addendum (Safari). I guess I missed the news on this but I found it a bit intrusive.

I’m going to keep Safari installed (I like to check my webapps in several browsers). But, I’ll be sure to read the Terms of Use a little more carefully before clicking “Yes” in the future.