Internet browser tips, Lorem ipsum

Riches Communications Newsletter

Issue 9, August 2003

In this issue:

- Internet browser tips
- What is 'Lorem ipsum'?
- Other web sites of interest

Internet browser tips

Here are some quick tips for getting the most out of your internet browser software:

If you dislike small text and find it hard to read, you can increase the default text setting. In Internet Explorer, click 'View, Text size' or hold Control while you dial the wheel on your mouse. Other browsers have similar settings, such as 'View, Text zoom' in Mozilla. Unfortunately, text sizes set as pixelsl through CSS (as our site does) does not always resize correctly in some browsers, particularly Internet Explorer.

Most browsers have a 'Links' toolbar that provides shortcut buttons to your most frequently used sites. In Internet Explorer, make sure the Links and Address bars are displayed in 'View, Toolbars'. Then drag the icon next to the page address (the http:// part) to the Links toolbar. In Mozilla this is the 'Personal Toolbar'. Once placed on the Links toolbar shortcuts can be renamed to something shorter or more meaningful.

Sometimes the various toolbars can clutter your browser window and reduce the available viewing area. To maximise the available screen area and hide the toolbars hit the F11 key. To switch back hit the same key again. This works with Internet Explorer, Mozilla and Opera.

What is 'Lorem ipsum'?

'Lorem ipsum' is the name given to dummy or placeholder text used mostly in graphic design layouts. It is a random collection of Latin text that often starts with the words 'Lorem ipsum', as shown in this example:

'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat'

It is used for layout mock-ups as it provides the 'look' of real text without being a distraction from the design elements. Storyboards from advertising agencies often use this placeholder text to demonstrate the visual aspects without needing to include the final copywriting.

The text is loosely derived from an actual work of Latin although there are now many versions of 'Lorem ipsum' around, most of which contain nonsense words that look like Latin. Many page layout programs can automatically insert placeholder text, or you can generate it online at a range of sites. Placeholder text can be saved to a text file on your PC, ready to use when you need it.

Visit www.lipsum.com for more information and an online 'Lorem ipsum' generator.

Other web sites of interest

My Web Search - simple search page without pop-ups or ads

Shutterline - digital camera forum and photo tips

Am I Right - humorous collection of misheard song lyrics