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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Color Coding Scheme in Remote Distibuted Systems


I always have to work hard to remember which server is live, which is for production, which is for development, etc. It’s also difficult to tell at a glance which remote server I’m connected to over remote desktop. Typically I change the wallpaper color to red for production servers, green for development servers and yellow for staging servers. But that doesn’t solve the second problem of immediately knowing which server I’m connected to. I needed my other teammates to know that this is a crucial machine and they should not use it.

The typical Color Codes I use:
Red:    Crucial Machine. Presently in Use, no one should Touch it.
Green: Free to go. Idle machine. Anyone can use.
Blue:    Free. But requires permission before last user, in case there are some logs he or she may need to take backup

Method 1: graphical UI method at time of connection
Though this seems to be a good approach, but I still recommend doing the colored background with the wallpaper since not all connecting clients will have desktop wallpaper enabled.  Since if background color enabled, it will be shown to user connecting to machine. Image how to chage….
There is no special need for rdb client to have certain option while making a connection. Also since it slows: Refer this small post:- Disable the remote host desktop wallpaper
http://new-it-discussions.blogspot.in/2012/09/disable-remote-host-desktop-wallpaper.html



Method 2: Setting using Default.rdp file to control parameters and behavior in remote desktop rdp/mstsc connections
When you use the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to a remote computer, the Default.rdp file is created on the client computer. This article discusses the connection settings that are stored in the Default.rdp file. For details view [Anwar Jamal Faiz Web Post] What is default.rdp file in remote desktop


Method 3: Using Group policy editor in Remote Desktop Connections [gpedit.exe]
First off, your RDP client (Remote Desktop Connection client in the case of Windows XP) has to have remote wallpaper enabled. On XP, open the saved Remote Desktop Connection file to the server you are connecting and click the Experience tab. Place a check in the option “Desktop background”. This allows the client to see enabled desktop wallpapers.
Second, connect to the remote Win2k3 server and from a Run box, type “mmc” and go to to open group policy editor
If you don’t know just simply type on run “gpedit.msc”
Start->Run->gpedit.msc [then press Enter]
Now browse to Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Terminal Services. From the list, modify “Always show desktop on connection” to “Enabled” and “Enforce Removal of Remote Desktop Wallpaper” to “Disabled”. Now close the MMC clicking “No” about saving the settings.
Log out of your remote desktop connection and login again, making sure your RDP client has desktop wallpaper enabled. Now you should be able to rt-click the desktop and apply wallpaper normally. I still recommend doing the colored background with the wallpaper since not all connecting clients will have desktop wallpaper enabled.


This policy setting determines whether the desktop is always displayed after a client connects to a remote computer or an initial program can run. It can be used to require that the desktop be displayed after a client connects to a remote computer, even if an initial program is already specified in the default user profile, Remote Desktop Connection, Terminal Services Client, or through Group Policy.

If you enable this policy setting, the desktop is always displayed when a client connects to a remote computer. This policy setting overrides any initial program policy settings. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, an initial program can be specified that runs on the remote computer after the client connects to the remote computer. If an initial program is not specified, the desktop is always displayed on the remote computer after the client connects to the remote computer.
Note: If this policy setting is enabled, then the "Start a program on connection" policy setting is ignored.

I guess this was my final  post on the topic. I wont write more on the topic. :) There is no need, its complete :)

Related posts:

--Mohd Anwar Jamal Faiz
Toughjamy@yahoo.com

Disable the remote host desktop wallpaper using Group Policy Settings *

A desktop wallpaper is an image or photograph that is displayed as the background on a computer desktop. It is typically used to personalize the appearance of a computer, and can be changed to reflect a user's preferences or interests. Desktop wallpapers can be found in many different styles and themes, including landscapes, nature scenes, abstract designs, and photographs of famous people, or famous quotes and slogans. They can be set as a static image or as a slideshow that changes images at regular intervals.

Users can speed up the rendering of the remote PC desktop display, particularly over slow data links, by disabling the display of the remote PC desktop wallpaper on the client PC's. This can be configured on the Remote Desktop host PC using the Group Policy Editor.

Windows Group Policy Settings is a feature in the Windows operating system that allows administrators to centrally manage and configure settings for multiple computers in a network. It allows administrators to apply policies and settings to specific groups of users or computers, such as disabling certain features, controlling access to certain applications, and setting security and privacy settings. These policies can be applied to both local and domain-joined computers. It is a powerful tool for managing and securing a network of Windows computers.



Also see the Using Group Policy with Remote Desktop section of the Resource Kit. Run gpedit.msc and navigate to the Local Computer Policy | Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Terminal Services policies. Double click on the Enforce Removal of Remote Desktop Wallpaper policy and select Enable. Click OK to save the new configuration. Click on File | Exit to exit the Group Policy Editor.


This post can be used in conjunction with my other post:
http://new-it-discussions.blogspot.in/2012/09/color-coding-scheme-in-remote.html



--Mohd Anwar jamal Faiz

Mstsc options - Remote Desktop switches -RDP Windows


I have been using mstsc command for long. But there were so many options with it which I wasn't aware. It is less known to many that there is a list of available switches for rdp session i.e. Remote Desktop

Simple run: start -> run -> "mstsc.exe"

Syntax:
mstsc.exe {ConnectionFile | /ververName[ort]} [/console] [/f] [/w:Width/h:Height]

mstsc.exe/edit"ConnectionFile"
mstsc.exe/migrate


There are several parameters:

ConnectionFile Specifies the name of an .rdp file for the connection.
/ververName[ ort] Specifies the remote computer and, optionally, the port number to which you want to connect.
/console Connects to the console session of the specified Windows Server 2003 family operating system.
/f Starts Remote Desktop connection in full-screen mode.
/w:Width/h:Height Specifies the dimensions of the Remote Desktop screen.
/edit"ConnectionFile" Opens the specified .rdp file for editing.
/migrate Migrates legacy connection files that were created with Client Connection Manager to new .rdp connection files.

You can also control many options in the UI itself. It is self decribed in the UI. For eg. I am attaching a screenshot:


Remarks about RDP session in Windows Operating Systems:
You must be an administrator on the server to which you are connecting to create a remote console connection.
default.rdp is stored for each user as a hidden file in My Documents. User created .rdp files are stored by default in My Documents but can be moved anywhere.
Examples

To connect to the console session of a server, type:
mstsc /console

To open a file called filename.rdp for editing, type:
mstsc /edit filename.rdp
Default file is Default.rdp in My documents of Target computer (obviously the docs of Username used to login will be scanned, and not The documents folder of Anwar Jamal Faiz!!)
To know more detail about default.rdp settings please see my earlier blogpost http://new-it-discussions.blogspot.in/2012/09/what-is-defaultrdp-file-in-remote.html

Remember me in your prayers:
To know about me in details: http://www.meonshow.com/splash.php?uid=toughjamy
By:
Mohd Anwar Jamal Faiz
Toughjamy@yahoo.com

What is default.rdp file in remote desktop


When you use RDP to connect to a remote computer, you can use the Remote Desktop ConnectionOptions dialog box to configure many of the connection settings. To configure these settings, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Run, type mstsc.exe, and then click OK.
2. In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, click Options.
You can save *.rdp files with different settings if you connect to multiple remote computers. To save a new configuration, click Save As on the General tab in Options.

Default file is Default.rdp in My documents of Target computer (obviously the docs of Username used to login will be scanned, and not The documents folder of Anwar Jamal Faiz!!)

Settings that are stored in the Default.rdp file:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885187   refer 
By default, the Default.rdp file is created in your My Documents folder. The following RDP settings are stored in the Desktop.rdp file: 

desktopwidth:i
This setting corresponds to the desktop width that you select on the Display tab in Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Note Microsoft Windows CE-based devices support only full-screen mode.

desktopheight:i
This setting corresponds to the desktop height that you select on the Display tab in Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Note Microsoft Windows CE-based devices support only full-screen mode.

session bpp:i
This setting corresponds to the color depth that you select in Colors on the Display tab in Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Note Microsoft Windows CE-based devices support only full-screen mode.

winposstr:s
This setting corresponds to the window position that you select on the Display tab in Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Note On desktop computers, this setting determines the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box position on the screen. The six numbers represent a string form of the WINDOWPOS structure. For more information about the WINDOWPOS function, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms632612.aspx
Note Microsoft Windows CE-based devices support only full-screen mode.

auto connect:i
This setting is not used by desktop computers or by Windows CE-based clients.

full address:s
This setting determines the computer that you connect to. The setting corresponds to the entry in theComputer box on the General tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

compression:i
This setting determines whether data is compressed when it is transmitted to the client computer. 

Value Setting
0 Compression is off.
1 Compression is on.


keyboardhook:i
This setting determines where Windows key combinations are applied. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Keyboard box on the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Applied on the local computer.
1 Applied on the remote computer.
2 Applied in full-screen mode only.


audiomode:i
This setting determines where sounds are played. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Remote computer sound box on the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Play sound on the client computer.
1 Play sound on the host computer.
2 Do not play sounds.


redirectdrives:i
This setting determines whether disk drives are automatically connected when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Disk Drives box on the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Drives are not automatically reconnected.
1 Drives are automatically reconnected.


redirectprinters:i
This setting determines whether printers are automatically connected when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Printers check box on the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Printers are not automatically reconnected.
1 Printers are automatically reconnected.


redirectcomports:i
This setting determines whether COM ports are automatically connected when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Serial Ports box on the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 COM ports are not automatically reconnected.
1 COM ports are automatically reconnected.


redirectsmartcards:i
This setting determines whether smart cards are automatically connected when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Smart cards box on the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Smart cards are not automatically reconnected.
1 Smart cards are automatically reconnected.


displayconnectionbar:i
This setting determines whether the connection bar is displayed when you log on to the remote computer in full-screen mode. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Display the connection bar when in full screen mode check box on the Display tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Connection bar does not appear.
1 Connection bar appears.


username:s
This setting determines the user name that is displayed in RDP. The setting corresponds to the entry in theUser name box on the General tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

domain:s
This setting determines the user name that is displayed in the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box. It corresponds to the entry in the Domain box on the General tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

alternate shell:s
This setting determines whether a program is started automatically when you connect with RDP. The setting corresponds to the entry in the Program path and file name box on the Programs tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

shell working directory:s
This setting is the folder location for the application that is started automatically when you connect with RDP. The setting corresponds to the entry in the Program path and file name box on the Programs tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

disable wallpaper:i
This setting determines whether the desktop background appears when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Desktop background check box on theExperience tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Wallpaper appears.
1 Wallpaper does not appear.


disable full window drag:i
This setting determines whether folder contents appear when you drag the folder to a new location. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Show contents of window while dragging check box on theExperience tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Folder contents appear while dragging.
1 Folder contents do not appear while dragging.


disable menu anims:i
This setting determines how menus and windows appear when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Menu and window animation check box on the Experience tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Menu and window animations are permitted.
1 Menu and window animations are not permitted.


disable themes:i
This setting determines whether themes are permitted when you log on to the remote computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Themes check box on the Experience tab of Remote Desktop Connection Options.

Value Setting
0 Themes are permitted.
1 Themes are not permitted.


bitmapcachepersistenable:i
This setting determines whether bitmaps are cached on the local computer. This setting corresponds to the selection in the Bitmap caching check box on the Experience tab of Remote Desktop ConnectionOptions.

Value Setting
0 Caching is not enabled.
1 Caching is enabled.


autoreconnection enabled:i
This setting determines whether a client computer automatically tries to reconnect after being disconnected. 

Value Setting
0 Client computer does not automatically try to reconnect.
1 Client computer automatically tries to reconnect.

Nohup for *SO* and her Achievements


Hi,

This post is dedicated to my friend and welwisher forever. This soul has been created by God for me, I believe. She is my best friend ever, and the sources of inspiration of many of my writings. Many of my poetry work are created encompassing her at the center of my imaginations. You may call it my amitivity to maintain this inclination for her when I proclaim that had it not been for her, the best of my work would have never been produced. In fact, this blog has also been started as a dedication to her.

Many of my posts already have her name. My friend, My mate, my wife - *SO*. My readers know her very well, because of the inclusion of this name, here and there in my articles. Such is her power to affect me and my writings. And why shouldn't be it that way. After all, she owns a majestic personality with unarguably the most enchantic voice and the most refined beauties.

Apart from being the heroine (and, the only one) in all my works, she herself had been a student of computer science and holds an MBA degree. *SO* has been part of the student delegation from India to the International ABSA summit at Johannesberg, South Africa, 2009.
You can see: http://twocircles.net/2009oct13/jamia_millia_students_attend_global_student_summit_south_africa.html for the details

The IBSA dialogue forum was institutionalised in 2003, when the Head of States of the three countries signed an agreement to cooperate with each other, specifically in the fields of trade, agriculture, science and technology, health, energy and education. The IBSA Dialogue Forum presents the international community a model for further south-south cooperation, and is largely a response to previous imbalances within the international system under traditional north-south relations.

The Model IBSA Youth Summit aims to simulate the trilateral negotiation process as closely as possible while determined to reach innovative resolutions to global challenges. The Youth Summit seeks to increase awareness of the importance of the IBSA Dialogue Forum and promote an environment where students from different backgrounds can discuss and agree on solutions to urgent global issues.

The purpose of the Plenary on 24-26 September 2009, at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , South Africa , was to inaugurate the Model IBSA Summit and plan for the Youth Summit in South Africa in 2010, and to devise a strategy for the engagement and inclusion of young people in the IBSA programme. The Summit was a three day event that consisted of an opening ceremony on the evening of the 24th, followed by two days of discussions on the main issues that were discussed under the theme: The Future of South-South Cooperation: Voices from the Next Generation.


As indicated by the following website links, it will be clearly obvious that the achievement by this young team of three, from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, is a big one. I am elated to have met all the three members of this team, and personally knowing one in such proximity. I salute her and the team for glorifying the name of JMI, Okhla, Delhi. She belongs to cities Mathura and Aligarh of Uttar Pradesh, which in all sense should be proud of her achievements.

Click following for details:-
1. Article from Official Jamia Millia University website: http://old.jmi.ac.in/2000/press/press2009/pr_2009october12_ii.htm
2. Article from a big internet content providing website 2circles: http://sv1.twocircles.in/node/167299
3. Snippet from an Orkut community webpost: http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#CommMsgs?cmm=687469&tid=5392222975046910284
4. Another from TwoCircles: http://twocircles.net/2009oct13/jamia_millia_students_attend_global_student_summit_south_africa.html

I congratulate her for all her achivements so far.
I also wish her the very best in her all future endeavors.
(Definitely, I will be at your side darling: Like always, for ever.)

And now, abiding by the categorical attribute of this blog 'Discussions For IT People', I am also posting a computer software related advice. It is about the use of 'nohup' command in unix based machines. 'nohup' is used to start a process which has to keep running when the shell is closed.eg.
# nohup ping -i 60 > anwar.log &

And also, abiding by the dedication and romance for my best pal ever, I have invented a full form of nohup- Non Occasional Hands Up. Simply because a process run using nohup command is always up. This also resembles the way I am always up for her. And, I always do hands up when caught :) Jokes apart, the thoughts may sometime go in background, but they are always running.

One sher from an anonymous writer just before concluding:
Ek Muddat Se Mere Haal Se Beghaana Hai,
Jane Zaalim Ne Kis Baat Ka Bura Mana Hai,
Main Jo Ziddi Hun To Wo Bhi Ana Ka Qaidi,
Mere Kehne Pe Kahan Use Chale Aa na Hai.

With this light note I take your leave as of now. Imaginations of the same have again started setting me into a pool of creative emotions.
Take care readers while I am also putting efforts in a very serious guide book on Unix for everyone. And, it will be free.
Cheers ;)

-- Mohd Anwar Jamal Faiz
Toughjamy@yahoo.com
+91-8888327658

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Anwar Jamal *SO* Orkut Love Testimonial

Hey All,

This is to officially notify you all about my recent observations and concluding evidence about our Hero of past Era- Mr. Orkut and Scraps Family. This letter could have also been titled as Historic End of Orkut Days. But I also find it a good media to shout at the top of my voice that Anwar loves *SO* and will Love Forever. And, hence the title is still what it is appearing to be.
.
I feel enormous pain when I tell that we have really come over the ages of Orkut. Presently enjoying with Facebook, and many opting for Say-No-To-Social-Networking, the citizens (netizens) all around the globe are minimizing their steps in the aisles of social networking sites. But still FB is at the top in its usage, usability, and outreach. My study is based on the vibes taking place on planet earth. And, anyone who has studied the contemporary culture on Mars, Pluto, or Hikachi (still unfound!) can have a debate with me over this. Please hold your hearts when I say that the star Orkut has really fallen from its place.

I would like to take this oppurtunity to explain the modus-operandi of my tests conducted. My experiments were based on the study of Orkut profiles of two of my most closest pals, a male and a female. The subjects were chosen because I know every bit of their lives, thoughts, and inside out. Comeon, I checked my own orkut profile and my wives one (as visible to me).

So it was a cold, dark, and scary last night when I had a chance to visit our Orkut profiles, just to wonder how many days (years!) have past and we have not checked our profiles.

Here is a Testimonial that I wrote for my beloved friend and wife, *SO*. It were my college days, and I wrote the true feelings. We were in love like ever, and this testimonial was a secret one to elate both of us. We planned to publish it once the college days were over, and our chemistry with money would become strong enough to finally let the world know our secret - We are getting married. Yeah, it was never any secret. You know, you will always find some people who come on earth, grow, use their parent's resources only to peek into others life. May an ass sneeze into their wide open caves when they yawn. (Yuck!)

Please excuse me for my dare to leave above thoughts and jump back to the story of Orkut and my testimonial life cycle. I know you must have grown interest in the ass and sneeze story, especially to know whom I curse and why. This is an obvious human psychological tendency to peek into other lives, and you again are becoming a victim of the same. Excuse me again, when I say that all of a sudden, the days of Orkut were all over. And, both of us forgot our pending activities.

See below the Orkut testimonial on *SO*'s profile with still a 'Pending Approval' tag. This is hilarious for us, memorable for us, and so romantic for us. But for Orkut, it is as hazardous as for a man is a maidens eye! Orkut is over, it seems.


The content of the testimonial, as already shown in the picture is as follows:


Just cut open my heart or ask my every breaths... Every corner echoes her name...
Such is her charm, innocence and serenity...

Even the cupid wants to whisper softly,
his words like music to her ears,
"I Love You,"
and wishes for her response the same,
heard like the gentle breeze,
"And I, love you, forever."

What I think about *SO* is again not less than an encyclopedic content. Sine here I am limited by words, courtesy Google, I keep my thoughts unto myself. 

Professionally, she is a marvellous presenter, sharp managerial skills. Personally, she is emotional, very tender. And occasionally, she is a volcano...ha ha ha (just kidding)

She is a wonderful debater, good orator and an awesome human being.

I wish her all success in life.
May Allah bless her with all good things she wishes for.
Amen.



I was elated to find these words. Come on, you need to excuse the grammar and typos. They are the words coming directly from the heart! And the heart knows no grammar!! It only knows about the other heart which is magnetically, electro-magnetically, (or Loveo-magnetically) causing a constant force of attraction, and the stress ends only when you are joined. Two important points here - Nothing else would soothe you or relieve you so well, no matter what. And, you are not at rest even if the distance in between is made only a centi meter - you need to be joined.

The above words posted  on 18th May 2009, still hold true like ever before. And, I wish they hold true forever. I love her from the bottom of my soul. And, will love her, even when the days of FB will also exhaust :)

Shhh... Let me see, when she gets time to approve this testimonial.
I don't know how long this testimonial has to suffer the jail of the status 'pending approval'.
No one checks Orkut now. Huh...

---Mohd Anwar Jamal Faiz




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

20 tips, tricks, and tools to make your Facebook experience even better

Brilliant article from: Yahoo.com
Original URL: http://news.yahoo.com/-20-tips--tricks--and-tools-to-make-your-facebook-experience-even-better.html
I am thankful to the original writer to post this one. Realyy Helpful. Wanted my readers to know about this too!!

Facebook is by far the largest social network on the web, and whileMark Zuckerberg has made plenty of great calls in its design, the site — and the way people use it — isn't as streamlined as it could be. These 20 tips, tricks, and tools will give help take your Facebookexperience to the next level. From simple settings options you may have overlooked, to browser plug-ins dedicated to making the social network even better, you're sure to find something on this list that will make your Facebook time even more addicting than it already is. 

Tweak your Facebook settings

1. Appear offline to certain friends 
By opening your Facebook chat window, clicking the settings icon in the upper right corner, and then navigating to "Advanced Settings," you can customize your chat experience by appearing offline to certain people on your friends list. This tweak will be especially helpful for those of you with chatty acquaintances who like to talk your ear off when you're online. 

2. Reposition your Timeline photos
When uploading a new photo, it might not always appear on your feed the way you intended. Particularly long or wide photos have a tendency to be cropped awkwardly, but you can fix this rather easily. By clicking "Edit Photo" from your Timeline page, you gain access to a "Reposition Photo" option. Using this tool, you can move your photo around the preview window so that it appears as you intended. 

3. Add photos to your worldly travels 
If you're a fan of Facebook's "Places" feature, you can very easily decorate it with pictures to show off your various activities all over the world. On the main Places page, simply click "Add Photos to Map," and start tagging away! If you frequently upload photos directly to your Facebook profile using a mobile app for iPhone or Android, you might find that your map is already pretty well populated. 

4. Easily hide app notifications for a cleaner experience
By going into your account settings, then navigating to the "Notifications" tab on the left side of the page, you can browse the applications that have permission to populate your news feed. If find that a friend has spammed your feed with an excessive number of app notifications, simply deactivate the offending app. It's easier than breaking off the friendship. 

5. Upload photos in high resolution
Sometimes you'll find that a gorgeous photo you wanted to share with your friends appears tiny and blurry after adding it to your social network profile. Remedy this by going into your Facebook albums and, before uploading a photo, click the "High Quality" box. 

6. Use the "View As" option to tweak your appearance to specific friends 
Knowing what your friends can see on your Facebook Timeline is an invaluable tool to ensuring your virtual reputation stays intact. From your Timeline page, click the settings icon next to "Activity Log," and then click "View As." From here you'll be able to see what specific friends see when they visit your page.

7. Download your entire Facebook history
Ever wanted to browse your entire Facebook profile at once — including every status update you've ever submitted? Facebook makes it easy: Under your Account Settings page, a small link will appear at the very bottom of the options list. Click "Download a copy of your Facebook data" to begin the process of securing your entire archive.

8. Forward your Facebook conversations 
Having to repeat yourself is annoying in day-to-day life, and it's even more of a bother when online. Rather than copying and pasting directions or instructions to multiple people, click the "Actions" tab at the top of any Facebook message thread to access the option to forward it to others. Ta-da! No more double-talk! 

9. Turn chat sign-in off by default
Can't stand endless chat when you're simply browsing your status updates? No problem. Click the settings icon in the main Facebook chat window, and click "Turn off chat" to have all future messages sent to your inbox, rather than pop-up in realtime on your screen. 

10. Use Facebook to design your business card
If you've put a lot of work into making your Timeline page reflect exactly who you are, consider using it as a pre-designed business card. Clicking the "About" link — located under your name on your Timeline — lets you browse your social network details. In the Contact Info window is a small business card icon that will direct you to Moo.com, where you can customize a Facebook-flavored business card and place an order.

Get the most out of Facebook using these web tools


11. Analyze your Facebook history with Wolfram Alpha 
For the most comprehensive breakdown of your entire Facebook history, Wolfram Alpha can't be beat. Simply type "Facebook Report" into the main search bar, approve the app's use of your Facebook data, and wait for the system to break down your history. Once it's finished, you'll be treated to a seemingly endless number of graphs and data points showing your update history, most liked photos, and much more.

12. Schedule Facebook updates with Sendible
Believe it or not, thieves are big fans of Facebook. By finding out when you'll be away from your home, security experts believe would-be robbers target those who go on a Facebook hiatus. Sendible — an application that allows you to schedule updates even when you're not near your computer — can keep your online persona active, even when you can't. 

13. Use Twitter to update Facebook
Sometimes you just don't have enough time to keep all your social networks up to date, but thankfully Facebook and Twitter play nice together with a little tweaking. Head to the Twitter app page on Facebook to begin the process of syncing your virtual social lives. After authorizing the Facebook app via Twitter, all your tweets will appear on Facebook as status updates. 

14. Export your Facebook calendar to your PC
Make sure you don't miss any important events by exporting your Facebook calendar to either Microsoft Outlook or Apple iCal. Head to your Facebook calendar (located under the "Events" tab on the Facebook navigation bar) and click the settings icon. Click "Export," and then choose either your Facebook birthday list or upcoming events. Your desktop's calendar app should launch immediately, making the process even more streamlined. 

Make Facebook better using Chrome extensions

15. Facebook Photo zoom
Using this extension, you no longer have to click on the photos in your news feed in order to view them in full size. Simply move your mouse cursor over the image thumbnail and the larger version will pop up right in front of you. You can even adjust the zoom by moving the mouse back and forth over the photo itself. It's like magic. 

16. Revert Facebook Photo viewer 
If you're not into real-time photo zooming, this extension turns back the clock on your Facebook's photo feature. Rather than displaying pictures in the new "Theater" layout, photos will appear on their own pages, complete with the full comments section and "Like" options. 

17. Facebook Chat notifications 
Have you ever left a Facebook tab open on your web browser and missed an urget message from a friend? This handy plugin produces a pop-up window on your desktop to notify you when someone needs to chat, ensuring you never miss an important bit of info.

Firefox add-ons that make Facebook a joy to use

18. Like the Page 
If you're a Firefox user, you can use this add-on to instantly share any web page they come across, even when the site doesn't have a built-in Facebook share button. A small "Like" icon will pop up at the bottom of every browser window, and all it takes it a click to share your find with the world. 

19. FB Purity 
This plug-in returns your Facebook to an earlier day, back when spammers and useless clutter wasn't a hinderance to your browsing habits. You can hide any type of notification you wish, including birthdays, relationship updates, tagged photos, links, and much more. You can make your social experience as simple as you wish. 

20. Facebook auto-logout 
Do you hate it when you accidentally leave yourself signed in to the social network, only to come back to missed chat messages and anxiety over whether someone else was browsing your digital life? This handy add-on will automatically sign you out of your Facebook windows if you've been inactive for too long, ensuring that nobody can snoop your info.