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News and Reviews => Mini-Reviews by Members => Topic started by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 06:06 AM

Title: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 06:06 AM
I recently read about MLB/Mouseless Browsing on https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=2842.0

MLB (http://www.rudolf-noe.de/MouselessBrowsing.htm) is a Firefox extension, I chose to install version 0.4.1 Beta.

Basic Principle

Mouseless browsing bases on appending small boxes with unique ids for all links, form elements and frames to the page. You can trigger an action (e.g. following the link) by simply entering the id and depending on the configuration confirming it by pressing Enter.

As DC user vamp07 said in the other thread, I quickly noticed it makes sense to change the delay from 500 to 750 ms and to set the Numpad0 key to toggle visibility of the IDs.

A picture says more than 1000 words, so have a look:

(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7048/dcpostmouselessbrowsing16ri.png)

On that screenshot I marked three places, which have so-called IDs:
A = 176 (quote)
B = 180 (shoutcast.com, external link)
C = 188 (reply)

All I now have to do is to quote Carol is to hit Ctrl and type 176, if I would type 180 the new page would open in another tab (depends on how you set up Firefox) and if I would type 188 while holding Ctrl down I'd just reply, without quoting.

This is an extremely helpful extension! Being a true keyboard user I was always annoyed when having to grab the mouse.


These settings are working fine for me (I didn't change the "Styles" tab values):

(http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4823/dcpostmouselessbrowsing29vp.png)

(http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8862/dcpostmouselessbrowsing30hm.png)

Google Mail users might want to pay special attention to the setting I highlighted in the last screenshot. By default MLB uses the "/" key of the Numpad here - which allows you to easily jump to Google Mail's search field!

Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 12, 2006, 06:15 AM
Can you assign specific numbers or are they generated page by page? If they change all the time it looks like hard work to me!
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 06:20 AM
Can you assign specific numbers or are they generated page by page? If they change all the time it looks like hard work to me!
-Carol Haynes (April 12, 2006, 06:15 AM)
Well... as long as pages have the same layout the same IDs will appear. But even if the IDs change for every page, how is that hard work for a true keyboard user (who doesn't have to look at the keys when typing)?
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 12, 2006, 06:25 AM
What ever lights your candle  :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: jgpaiva on April 12, 2006, 06:28 AM
That looks very nice, a good way of browsing. I do something similar myself, with opera, but i have to cycle through all the links.

I'm only sad for one thing:
MLB (http://www.rudolf-noe.de/MouselessBrowsing.htm) is a Firefox extension, I chose to install version 0.4.1 Beta.
:( :(
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 06:35 AM
That looks very nice, a good way of browsing. I do something similar myself, with opera, but i have to cycle through all the links.
That was the way I was doing it before... and it *sucked* a lot! :o

@Carol: Huh? :) Just try it (if you are using Firefox) - it might look complicated, but it's great fun to use!
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: jgpaiva on April 12, 2006, 06:40 AM
@BrotherS: actually, in opera, i also use a similar thing to that. When i press comma ',' i can write the name of the link, and it gets selected. :D
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 06:46 AM
@BrotherS: actually, in opera, i also use a similar thing to that. When i press comma ',' i can write the name of the link, and it gets selected. :D
But isn't typing a 2- or 3-digit number ~218% faster? At least? 8)
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: jgpaiva on April 12, 2006, 06:49 AM
But isn't typing a 2- or 3-digit number ~218% faster? At least? 8)
Point taken, you win. ;)
But still, that can't make me leave my beloved opera  :tellme:
Still, great mini-review!!! :D
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: nudone on April 12, 2006, 10:35 AM
looks like a brilliant idea, only one problem, i use maxthon. the hunt now begins for a similar plugin...
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 11:11 AM
looks like a brilliant idea, only one problem, i use maxthon. the hunt now begins for a similar plugin...
I used to use Avant Browser for a long time - like Maxthon based on IE. Maybe you'd like Firefox too? :)
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: nudone on April 12, 2006, 11:17 AM
i'm holding out for as long as i can. oh, go on then, i'll try it over the weekend.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 12, 2006, 11:44 AM
@Carol: Huh? :) Just try it (if you are using Firefox) - it might look complicated, but it's great fun to use!

OK since you're keen  :-[
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 12, 2006, 11:53 AM
Being dense here - how do you get the options windows for this? I can't see anythingin the menus or toolbars ??
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 11:56 AM
@Carol: Huh? :) Just try it (if you are using Firefox) - it might look complicated, but it's great fun to use!
OK since you're keen  :-[
-Carol Haynes (April 12, 2006, 11:44 AM)
Try it now, you WILL be satisfied!

If not, money back! Full refund, no questions asked ;)

PS: Just kidding, it's free (you, Carol, know that of course)

PPS: I opened this thread and replied by using the keyboard only, thanks to MLB :)

PPPS: Just when I was about to send it, the forum told me about your additional post. Just go to Tools/Extensions, right-click the new extension there. Many extensions don't add their own menu or stuff to the existing ones.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 12, 2006, 12:00 PM
Ah, I see - I have to use the mouse LOL !!!
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: nudone on April 12, 2006, 12:06 PM
Ah, I see - I have to use the mouse LOL !!!
-Carol Haynes (April 12, 2006, 12:00 PM)

classic!
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 12, 2006, 12:24 PM
Hehe :D

(of course you could also use the context menu key instead, but I thought you might want to use the mouse one last time ;) )
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: mouser on April 12, 2006, 12:39 PM
that addin is really quite ingenius
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 12, 2006, 12:58 PM
I like the fact you can toggle it on and off too with the numerical keypad . so I only need to see it when I want to.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 13, 2006, 10:20 AM
that addin is really quite ingenius
You are using it too now?
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: skrommel on April 13, 2006, 07:19 PM
 :) Great tool! So great, in fact, that I felt compelled to write a Windows version!

It's just a preview, I'll finish it tomorrow. And if someone knows how to extract the buttons from toolbars, the contents of Internet Explorer windows, and more, please let me know!

LabelControl - labels the controls of the active window with Numbers, for direct access via Ctrl+Number.

Skrommel


(https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/LabelControl/LabelControlScreen.gif)

AHK: https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/LabelControl/LabelControls.ahk (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/LabelControl/LabelControl.ahk)

EXE: https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/LabelControl/LabelControl.exe (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/LabelControl/LabelControl.exe)

Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 13, 2006, 10:22 PM
:) Great tool! So great, in fact, that I felt compelled to write a Windows version!

LabelControls - labels the controls of the active window with Numbers, for direct access via Ctrl+Number.
Awesome idea!  :up:

And if someone knows how to extract the buttons from toolbars, the contents of Internet Explorer windows, and more, please let me know!
I hope someone here knows the answer to that.

It's just a preview, I'll finish it tomorrow.
Great, I'll try the next version, not enough time right now.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: nudone on April 14, 2006, 02:35 AM
amazing.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Baseman on April 15, 2006, 10:22 AM
Anyone heard of a Virtual keyboard? This is where an Infro-red light shines a Virtual keyboard on any surface...If anyone has used one how effective is it? :tellme:
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 15, 2006, 10:28 AM
Anyone heard of a Virtual keyboard? This is where an Infro-red light shines a Virtual keyboard on any surface...
What about asking that question in the "what kind of keyboard you use?" thread?  :-[  https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?action=search2;search=keyboard
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on April 15, 2006, 10:30 AM
So... mouser, nudone, Carol, (anyone else?) - how do you like using MLB on a daily basis? :)
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: mouser on April 15, 2006, 11:06 AM
i'm too much of a mouse addict to use it but it looks damn cool.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Carol Haynes on April 15, 2006, 11:22 AM
ditto - I have checked the option to only make the links appear on request.

I do find I use it a bit but most of the time I am still mousing around ;)
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: nudone on April 15, 2006, 12:05 PM
er, i'm still using maxthon at the moment.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: clif_notes on May 08, 2006, 12:23 AM
Hi brotherS ...

Looks like you found a "must have" extension that you like.
Mind if I use it in a couple of weeks?

http://freewarewiki.com/MouselessBrowsing

Later ...

Clif
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: Gothi[c] on May 08, 2006, 02:58 AM
Simply awesome, now i can sell my mouse.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on May 08, 2006, 08:11 AM
Looks like you found a "must have" extension that you like.
Mind if I use it in a couple of weeks?

http://freewarewiki.com/MouselessBrowsing
No problem, go ahead and spread the word! It's a very helpful extension that needs to be known by WAY more people :)
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: sri on September 11, 2006, 03:41 AM
brotherS: Good extension. This is copied fron HitAHint though and of course made better. Can you confirm that this doesn't work properly and as expected in Google image search pages (try going to next page or the id of say, 3rd or 4th page of the results)?
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: brotherS on September 12, 2006, 04:09 AM
brotherS: Good extension. This is copied fron HitAHint though and of course made better. Can you confirm that this doesn't work properly and as expected in Google image search pages (try going to next page or the id of say, 3rd or 4th page of the results)?
Strange, you are right... you can report that bug and hope for a fix.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: chrisk on September 17, 2006, 02:03 PM
this sounds wonderful, and the screenshots look interesting...but here i am, i DL the program...and then: nothing? (i conclude from the remarks in this thread that i does not work in Opera...but where *does*  it work?). and how does one set the settings, by what rules/instructions?
much obliged for any help,
chrisk
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: jgpaiva on September 17, 2006, 03:03 PM
this sounds wonderful, and the screenshots look interesting...but here i am, i DL the program...and then: nothing? (i conclude from the remarks in this thread that i does not work in Opera...but where *does*  it work?). and how does one set the settings, by what rules/instructions?
much obliged for any help,
chrisk
Sorry, chrisk. Although MLB does look good, it's only for the firefox browser. You can get it at www.getfirefox.com
(still, don't worry, you already use a fantastic browser ;) )
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: chrisk on September 17, 2006, 04:54 PM
no no, i meant LabelControl by Skrommel!!!
my questions pertain to LabelControl!!!
should i be posting this somewhere else?
chrisk
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: jgpaiva on September 17, 2006, 05:08 PM
Well... You should post at skrommel's area, https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?board=57.0 .
I'm sorry i didn't understand your post.
After running the program, you press ctrl and the numbers come up. Then, just press the number of the control you'd like to activate.
Try first for the run dialog, which is certain to work.
Title: Re: MLB/Mouseless Browsing FF extension - MUST-HAVE for every keyboard user!
Post by: chrisk on September 17, 2006, 05:36 PM
thanks!
chrisk