Deal Hackers: July 2014

Thursday, July 31, 2014

The Clear Skies Desktop

Ami Banerji's Linux desktop is clean, simple, and pretty open. What it gives up in widgets it gets back in simplicity, and what's a good thing. Here's how to get the same look for your computer.

Ami is running Ubuntu 14.04 "Trusty Tahir", so while some of the look and feel is Ubuntu specific, not all of it is, and you can get a similar look with any Linux distro. Here are the components you'll need:

The wallpaper from WallpaperUp
Conky, a lightweight system monitor for Linux systems
Harmattan for Conky
QlockTwo by none other than okubax, whose work we've featured before here
The Numix GTK theme
Plank, an application dock for Linux for the launcher at the bottom of the screen
The Numix Square icon set to replace the system icons

As with many setups like this, the beauty is that you can take it all and duplicate the look and feel, or you can just pick and choose the things that appeal to you and apply them to your own system. If you prefer the dock at the bottom and its icons, you can take just that. If you like the Conky config, just take that and leave the rest. You can do whichever you choose. If you have questions or just want to tell Ami how much you like the desktop, head over to the Flickr page linked below to sing your praises and ask your questions.

Do you have a good-looking, functional desktop of your own to show off? Share it with us! Post it to your personal Kinja blog using the tag desktop showcase or add it to our Lifehacker Desktop Show and Tell Flickr pool. Screenshots must be at least at least 640x360 and please include information about what you used, links to your wallpaper, skins, and themes, and any other relevant details. If your awesome desktop catches our eye, you might get featured!

Open Skies Desktop | Flickr

10 Malware Removal Apps Tested, Malwarebytes Comes out on Top

A recent test done by the independent antivirus research group AV-TEST—whose tests we've mentioned in the past—took a look at the performance of today's most popular malware removal applications. Most of the applications showed excellent performance, but only Malwarebytes—a free download—managed a perfect score.

AV-TEST sought to answer an important question: can anti-malware software completely clean up and repair a Windows system after an attack?

It's a worst-case scenario many users have experienced: Malware defeats the security barriers of their system and becomes embedded there. Is it even possible, in the aftermath of such an attack, to restore the Windows system to its previous condition? It ought to work with the help of antivirus software or clean-up tools. But how effectively do these first responders do their job?

The good news is that overall each application was very effective at providing cleanup and repair to Windows machines, which is important if you think someone has broken into your machine or downloaded some suspicious plugins.

Each application was put through a rigorous endurance test that lasted a total of 10 months. During this time several different malware families were tested repeatedly and the malware even underwent constant evolution along the way. All of the samples used were already known to the removal applications, so the primary purpose of the test was efficiency in detection, complete removal, and restoration. Tests were also conducted on antivirus software, but keep in mind there's a difference between antivirus and anti-malware.

10 Malware Removal Apps Tested, Malwarebytes Comes out on Top

In the end, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free scored a cool 100% in total system repair. The paid apps Bitdefender Internet Security 2014 came close in second with a score of 99.4%, and F-Secure Internet Security 2014 tied with Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 at 97.8%. The next best scores for free applications came from AVG AntiVirus Free 2014 and Avast! Free Antivirus 9.0.

Remember, it's important to keep in mind that these were tested for malware removal and not for virus protection. We can show you what we think are the best desktop antivirus applications, and if you're curious to see how antivirus apps ranked at AV-TEST, click the link below to read more.

17 software packages in a repair performance test after malware attacks | AV-TEST

Use an Oral Syringe for Intricate Dessert Decorating

Whether it's cookies or cake you're baking, adding a touch of flair with your icing is tough without some tools. If you need some help prettying up your sweets, a plastic oral syringe will do the trick.

The syringe can suck the icing right up and make creating icing lines a little easier because of the nozzle. Just toss it in the wash when you're done and reuse it whenever you feel like decorating some gingerbread men. Sure, you can buy icing bags, but oral syringes are cheap, can be used for multiple purposes, and you may even have one lying around the house already. If not, you can find them for around three bucks at any drug store or pharmacy. They make syringes dedicated for icing too, but they can be expensive, and unless you're a serious baker, they're hardly worth the trouble.

Simply the Best Way to Get Nice Lines When Icing Cookies | Yum Pins via FollowPics

Photo by Yum Pins.

The Biggest Sign You're Following the Wrong Career Path

You study hard in college and it lands you a steady, decent paying job. But when someone asks you what you do for a living, you cringe. If you find yourself constantly dreading that question, it could be time to look for a new profession.

The way you feel about what you do is incredibly important. Many worry about how their profession looks to others, but the only person who needs to be proud of what you do, is you. Drew Hendricks at Inc. describes one of the tell-tale signs that you aren't as proud as you should be:

You dread getting asked what you do. It's the most common first-date and icebreaker conversation starter, but if you're internally rolling your eyes and trying to get past the subject right away, that's a sign you're unhappy.

When you dive in to college you make a decision that could affect your career path for the rest of your life. But just because you picked a major at 18 and stuck with it doesn't mean that you can only do that one thing. If you feel stuck, only you can fix it, but you have to change your thought process and believe that you're capable. Not everyone is in the position to pursue their passions or dreams, but there is something out there that you can enjoy doing and be proud of.

5 Signs You're in the Wrong Profession | Inc.

Photo by Karen.

NPR One Provides an Endless Stream of Curated Public Radio

Android/iPhone: NPR's released a new app called NPR One that manages to recreate the experience of listening to the news while still allowing you to control a lot of the content.

The crux of NPR One is a the endless stream of content. Unlike a podcast, you can just launch NPR One and it'll start sending you content. As you use NPR One, it'll start to learn your listening habits and cater to you. On top of specific story types, it'll still keep you up to date on local and national news. The app's easy to use. Once you're set up you can simply pause or skip a currently segment. You can also mark a story as interesting to get similar stuff in your feed in the future, or share a story with a friend. It also remembers everything you listen to, so you won't hear stories multiple times. If you're a fan of public radio, NPR One's worth a look.

NPR One (Free) | Google Play
NPR One (Free) | iTunes App Store

What to Do When You Feel Too Embarrassed to Exercise

Walking into a gym for the first time can be an embarrassing experience. You might be self-conscious that you're too out of shape while everyone else seems fit, or that you're wearing the wrong clothes, or you might simply feel out of place. But it's important to get through the paranoia and start exercising.

This post originally appeared on Psychology Today.

Anyone who tries to start an exercise program knows how difficult it is to stick with it for more than a few weeks. You may feel selfish for taking time out for yourself, or you're too busy or tired to exercise. Some people find exercise boring and lose their motivation. But there's an overlooked reason people may avoid exercising, and that's embarrassment.

Embarrassment related to exercise is something I know too well. I remember in my grade school physical education classes how teams were selected. The teacher picked two of the best athletes to be the captains, and they each took turns picking who they wanted to be on their team. Invariably, I was the last to be picked. Then, no matter what the sport, I tried to be as far away from the action as possible; I didn't want to risk further humiliation by dropping the ball, or whatever the case may have been.

Anyone can feel a little nervous about exercising in public if they haven't done it in a while. You might have thoughts such as:

I don't know what kind of clothes to wear.
I don't like the way I look. I'm too fat to exercise in public.
I'm so awkward. I'm afraid I'll trip, or not know how to use a machine.
What if I break a machine?
I don't know how to deal with the whole locker room scene.
What if it's crowded and I have to stand around waiting to use the equipment? I'll feel so uncomfortable.
I don't want to have to talk to anybody.

Despite my previous negative experiences with exercise, after two back surgeries, I knew I needed a strong exercise program to keep me as healthy as possible. My husband and I joined a gym that was associated with a hospital. We were some of the younger ones there and I never had too much trouble with embarrassment. When some people are using walkers to get from machine to machine, it helps put things in perspective.

However, not too long ago, my husband wanted to switch gyms. There was one closer to where he works, and he thought he'd be able to exercise at lunch. I changed with him, but I experienced quite a shock.

At the new gym, we were the "old" people. Young, physically fit bodies dressed in tight-fitting, trendy exercise clothes were doing things that seemed humanly impossible. To tell you the truth, I was mad at my husband for several weeks (okay, it was a month) for having us make the change. I hated the new place! I felt out of place and had many of the thoughts listed above.

With some concerted effort, though, I learned a few things. I hope these tips will help you shed some self-consciousness.

How to Deal with Feelings of Embarrassment

What to Do When You Feel Too Embarrassed to Exercise

Shop Around. If it weren't for the fact that my husband was going to this particular gym, I probably wouldn't have switched in the first place. If you're starting from scratch, look around. In our town, there's a new place that is catering to people who don't want to feel intimidated by hunky people grunting as they bench press some ungodly amount of weight. Have a look at the different gyms that are available to you, and consider which one might cater to more casual members.

Give yourself time. Give yourself time to adjust. Any new situation can be stressful. Guys in tank tops and girls in tight leggings—well, not exactly my idea of a relaxed environment. While some people adapt quickly, it took me a long time. Don't give up too soon. Persistence is key.

Dress for success. Consider buying yourself one or two outfits for the gym that you feel good in. For me, it's basic exercise pants and a matching top from Target. Nothing fancy, but it feels good and fits well. Wearing clothes that are too big and baggy doesn't send the right message to the "inner you." You want to tell yourself: Hey, I have a right to be here, just like anyone else. You don't need to go overboard and buy a whole wardrobe, but find what you feel most comfortable with and stick with it.

Lose the paranoia. I know you've probably already told yourself this, but it's really true: most people aren't watching you or interested in what you're doing. They're off in their own little world listening to music or watching a TV while they exercise. After reading various gym forums I've found that when most people see a heavier person exercise they are thinking positive thoughts, like "Good for you!" or "I used to be there, too." Most people won't notice you at all, and those who do are quietly rooting for you!

Turn jealously into joy. At first, I was jealous of all these young, fit people and the seeming ease at which they could do things like jump from the ground up six feet to the top of a stack of mats and lift heavy loads. Gradually my jealousy transformed into admiration. These young bodies are beautiful, and how wonderful these people are taking care of themselves.

Focus on the task at hand. Switch your focus from those around you to how your body feels at it moves. This is especially important as you're starting an exercise program. You want to listen to what your body is telling you so you don't do too much and injure yourself. Once you actually start, your self-consciousness about what other people might be thinking of you is the last thing that matters, and the anxiety of getting started on a new endeavor will begin to fade.

Give yourself credit. Finally, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Developing a new habit is never easy, and if you've never had positive experiences with exercise, it can be even harder to get yourself moving. And remember, if you slip up and skip a few days (or a week), don't forget, you can always begin again.

It can be nerve-wracking to take the plunge, but you'll thank yourself later.

Are You Too Embarrassed to Exercise? | Psychology Today

Dr. Barbara Markway, Ph.D., is a psychologist with over twenty years of experience and the author of four books—three on social anxiety/shyness and one on marriage. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Prevention, Essence, American Health, Real Simple and Web MD. Dr. Markway's recent interests include self-compassion and she writes about her own experiences at The Self-Compassion Project.

Photo by Hammett79 (Shutterstock) with illustration by Tina Mailhot-R0berge. Additional photo by Keebosr (Flickr).

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Focus On Creating an Importance Hierarchy When Presenting Information

Presenting information is an art unto itself. Whether it's an email, PowerPoint, or a speech, there's a tendency to pack as much information into as little space as possible. However, it may be more important to create a hierarchy of information first.

An "information hierarchy" is simply structuring information so that the most important stuff is presented first. For example, if you're sending out an email blast about a particular event, the date, time, and location should all be closer to the top, where they're more easily visible. Designer and writer Liam Spradlin explains how this concept works in the context of interface design:

When deciding how much essential info should live above the fold, consider this - there is a certain threshold beyond which users cannot possibly parse every piece of information on the screen faster than they could interact with the screen to find more. What information is the most relevant to users off the bat? Choosing information requires a balance between what users will expect and what information you want to emphasize.

Not everyone is designing apps, but we all need to communicate blocks of information to others. Not only does it help readability and make correspondence easier to prioritize information, asking yourself how your presentation will be read can help you understand your audience and their situations better.

Opinion: Information Density Isn't As Important As Information Hierarchy | Dada Pixel

The New "World's Fastest" Gaming Mouse

Logitech's latest packs in an onboard processor and a lot of speed.

Billed as the "world's fastest" gaming mouse, the new Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury Gaming Mouse boasts an IPS (inches per second) of 500. The G402 inherits a lot of aesthetics and ergonomics from the Logitech G502 Proteus Core we recently wrote about, though compared to the Proteus and wireless G602 cousin, the G402 looks downright stealth.

Rather than packing in features, the G402 strips out the adjustable weight option, dual-mode scroll wheel (and its tilt function), customized lighting, 3 buttons, and two thirds of the max DPI of the G502. The trade off is getting that 32-bit ARM processor which also lets the G402 store profiles right on the mouse, and a 20% cheaper price tag.

Starting at $60 and aimed at FPS gamers, we expect the new G402 to be a interesting new contender in 2014's update to our Best Gaming Mouse Co-Op.

The G402 is currently available for preorder for $5 off using code logisave5 on Logitech's Official Site.

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Get in touch with me on Twitter or by e-mailing Shane@Gawker

— Shane Roberts (@ShaneOSX) December 9, 2013

Advocate Online For a Potential Employer to Get Yourself Noticed

Just because a company isn't advertising jobs, it doesn't mean it's not hiring. Wax lyrical about a firm you like online, and it could help to get your foot in the door.

We've looked at how to apply for jobs that don't exist before, and you can also exploit social media to get your dream company to notice you.

Joe Weinlick, vice president of market for Beyond.com suggests becoming a brand advocate on social networks.

If you feel strongly about the brand and are socially savvy, then evangelize or engage in conversation about the company on your blog, Twitter page, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or other social channels. Be genuine, and share real experience or insights that would be of value or interest to others.

While this may not lead directly to employment, it should get you noticed and work in your favor. Request an "informational interview", and your demonstrable interest in the company could work wonders.

How To Land Your Dream Job—Even When The Company Isn't Hiring | Fast Company

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Running Just 5 Minutes a Day Might Add Years to Your Life

A new large-scale study provides further support for the idea that even a little bit of intense exercise can benefit you.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, examined the association between running and mortality risk using a database of 55,137 men and women (ages 18 to 100). Those adults visited the Cooper Clinic and Cooper Institute in Dallas for medical exams and completed health questionnaires that included questions about how they exercise (e.g., if they regularly ran and how far and fast they ran).

The researchers followed up 15 years later to check the participants' death records and found that those who said they were runners had significantly lower risk of death compared to the non-runners. From the abstract:

During a mean follow-up of 15 years, 3,413 all-cause and 1,217 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Approximately 24% of adults participated in running in this population. Compared with nonrunners, runners had 30% and 45% lower adjusted risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, with a 3-year life expectancy benefit.

The researchers adjusted for overweight or smoking factors as well—but even overweight smokers who ran were less likely to die earlier than those who didn't run.

Even more important, running even at slow speeds (under 6 miles an hour) for 5 to 10 minutes a day was also associated with reduced risks of premature death and heart disease.

Talking to The New York Times, Timothy Church, who co-authored the study, says that it's probably not running in particular that matters, but the high intensity exercise:

Anyone who has never run in the past or has health issues should, of course, consult a doctor before starting a running program, Dr. Church said. And if, after trying for a solid five minutes, you're just not enjoying running, switch activities, he added. Jump rope. Vigorously pedal a stationary bike. Or choose any other strenuous activity. Five minutes of taxing effort might add years to your life.

Tl;dr: If you want to stick around a little longer, no more excuses. Get moving! It doesn't have to take long.

Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk | JACC via The New York Times

Photo by telmo32.

Deals: Over $100 in Free Apps, Eneloop AAs, MacBook Storage Upgrades

Today and tomorrow only, Amazon is giving away over $100 in premium Android apps for free. You can check out Gizmodo's picks for the best included apps here, or just go browse the whole selection. You can install these apps on any Android device, not just Kindle Fires, so this is a great excuse to install the Amazon Appstore if you haven't already. [Amazon Appstore Deals]