Category: Tools

Live HTTP Headers plugin for Firefox

Have you ever had the need to watch and inspect HTTP headers in real time while pages are being downloaded from the Internet? If you develop web applications or sites, I’m sure you have.

If so, check out the Live HTTP Headers plugin for Firefox. Not only will it capture what’s currently being downloaded, but it allows you to replay what was captured for simulation purposes, e.g., when you need to find out what arguments and values are needed to POST to a web page.

Here are some screenshots:

Fig. 1.1 – Live HTTP Headers Page Info tab

Fig. 1.2 – Live HTTP Headers Replay Window

I’m sure you will find this plugin/tool very helpful. Take care. =0)

Phish-safe Firefox

Phishing is serious business, so a while back I looked around for safeguards to assist me while browsing.

In computing, phishing is a criminal activity using social engineering techniques.[1] Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. eBay and PayPal are two of the most targeted companies, and online banks are also common targets. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message,[2] and often directs users to give details at a website, although phone contact has been used as well.[3] Attempts to deal with the growing number of reported phishing incidents include legislation, user training, and technical measures

And ta-da, I found McAfee SiteAdvisor. Their site states:

We test the Web to help keep you safe from spyware, spam, viruses and online scams.

I’ve been using the Firefox plugin for about a year and so far it works pretty good. What happens is when you search with Google, Yahoo! or MSN, SiteAdvisor’s safety ratings appear next to search results. Also as you browse the web, a small button on your browser toolbar changes color based on SiteAdvisor’s safety results.

Take it easy! ;0)

Where’s the disk monitoring?

I was doing research on a development project I’m currently working on and encountered this error on a developer-resource website (anonymous to prevent any legal action):

Fig. 1.1 – ASP.NET 2.0 Error: Not enough disk space

ASP.NET 2.0 error

Googling for “disk monitoring tools” came up with a TON of results. The lesson to learn from this:

Monitor the back and frontend servers that is the bedrock and foundation of your website/business.

Use systems like MOM (if a Windows shop), Nagios for open-source, or if unsure try external monitoring providers.

I personally use mon.itor.us. It’s still in beta, but it’s free and easy to use.

IE Tab for Firefox

If you’re security-conscious, you always try use Firefox for anything browser-related, right? There are times, however, when you need to test something you’re building, e.g., web application, in Internet Explorer.

Well, thanks to the Mozilla Developers community, specifically to PCMan (Hong Jen Yee), you can use IE Tab and avoid the need to launch IE.

IE Tab is basically a plugin (now called an Add-on) that embeds Internet Explorer’s engine in a Mozilla/Firefox tab. Pretty cool, huh?

Simply install it like you normally install other plugins, and once installed, you can switch back-and-forth from IE to Firefox with a click of a status bar button.

Here’s a screenshot:

IE Tab for Firefox

Having the IE Tab also allows you to run Windows Updates within Firefox! The only unfortunate thing is it’s a Windows-only plugin.

So, give it a go and enjoy the looks from the faces of your coworkers, not to mention the increase in your productivity. =0)

Essential OS X tools

Since my conversion to Mac OS X at home, I’ve been coming across and using some essential or must-have tools to get the most out of my Mac.

Here’s my list in no particular order:

  • Firefox – Best browser by far!
  • StuffIt Expander – Like WinRAR/WinZip in Windows.
  • coconutBattery – Gives you definitive information about your battery.
  • Cyberduck – Best FTP and SFTP client.
  • ClamXav – Free virus checker for OS X (not that you really need it).
  • Adium – The only instant messenger client you’ll ever need.
  • Burn – Application that will take care of all your burning needs.
  • Handbrake – Open-source DVD to MPEG-4 converter.
  • MacJanitor – The janitor who will clean up your Mac regularly.
  • Remote Desktop Connection – You’ll need this if you need to control Windows machines.
  • Service Scrubber – An excellect service manager.
  • Senuti – Will assist you in transferring your music from your iPod to your computer.
  • Chicken of the VNC – Best VNC client for OS X.

That’s it! Hopefully, you find this list helpful, but more importantly, it will enhance your OS X experience exponentially.