As part of its second anniversary, Google Chrome is celebrating its achievement as the third most popular web browser available. The innovative features of the software have contributed to its success as a competitor to Internet Explorer and Firefox and if used properly it can be a great time saving tool. However, if you’re not using the browser effectively, then you won’t be able to make the most of it. Here’s how you can do better.

i) Basic Calculator Hidden in Omnibox: Instead of opening the calculator on your computer, Chrome allows you to compute simple math calculations in the URL bar. Answers to your mathematical queries are displayed where you would normally see auto-suggestions. This tool can also process unit conversations such as feet to meters.

ii) More Than One Homepage: You can set Chrome to open multiple homepages on start-up to increase your surfing speed. Click on the wrench icon and select “Options”. Under the “Basic” tab, select “Open the Following Pages” button. Next, click “Add”. There you can manually add URLs or select recently visited sites.

iii) Chrome’s AutoFill: You can add your address to the list of items that Chrome will automatically complete for you. Return to the “Options” screen through the wrench icon and click “Personal Stuff”. Once there, choose “AutoFill” options and select add address. Enter your details and you will never have to manually enter your address information on another web form.

iv) Sync Google Account with Chrome: You’ve spent hours setting your options and preferences on your home computer. With Chrome you can access all of those settings through your Google Account on another computer. Select the “Personal Stuff” tab under the Google Chrome Options menu. Sign in to your Google Account and you will instantly have access to your Chrome settings.

v) Shortcut Keys: Lose the mouse and save time with these shortcut keys:

• Open a new window with Ctrl + N
• Open a new tab with Ctrl + T
• Close current tab with Ctrl + F4

Using tricks like these you can boost your productivity and ensure you get the most out of your browsing time.

For anyone who has a life that is built around scheduled appointments, from professors to consultants, the process of scheduling and maintaining your calendar can be tedious and time-consuming. It can seem that despite all of the technological advances that have come spilling into our lives over the past two decades, you are actually busier than ever and have little time to spare. However, a new online tool handles this process, easily integrating into your Google Calendar.

YouCanBook.Me is a free service that can be accessed with your existing Google account. Once you’ve logged in with your Google credentials, you are provided with a dedicated web page that allows all of the people who might want to book an appointment with you to see exactly when you are available. This is all handled in a self-service manner, so the people looking to book an appointment can handle everything with just a few clicks.

There are customization options that allow you to add your own explanatory text for visitors. Although the entire process only takes a few minutes to set up, you will have a fully functional online appointment application without having to wait or pay for a costly service.

One thing to note about using a service like this is that you should make sure that people can only book you when you want to set up appointments. If you aren’t interested in meeting people in later hours or on weekends, you should make sure your calendar reflects that. YouCanBook.Me also allows you to set a time limit on how long available appointment slots can be.

With a few clicks, you can offload the headache of managing your appointment booking process, and get a little of that precious time back!

Image: ben.pike