Tech Tip: Convert Video to Audio

If you ever, for any reason need to convert a youtube video to an audio file and strip out the video, there's a very easy site for it. This video to audio converter only requires the url of the video you want to convert and then will proceed to turn it into an mp3 file. These kind of files can be used for all sorts of things from listening to music, to editing in an audio editor, to making it into a ringtone. This is actually how I make all of my ringtones and text tones. It's much funner to rip audio from youtube for ringtones than to use the boring defaults tones and it's free! Happy Listening!

(original screenshot from vid-to-aud converter site)

Tech Tip: Ad Free Internet

I know I certainly get sick of ads popping up every time I'm trying to read a website. Moving ads with flashing lights are great for getting your attention but not so great for concentration. This is why I use two Chrome extensions in tandem to block both ads and website trackers so they can't keep track of your data (like cookies).

(screen shot of uBlock extension, taken by me)

uBlock is an extension that blocks ads on websites when it detects them. In the event that it doesn't detect an ad, you can always right click on the ad and add it to the extension's database. Then refresh the page and no more add! uBlock is now preferred over the previously popular adblock plus because adblock plus now sells ad space that it will refuse to block to third parties. 

(screenshot of Ghostery extension, taken by me)

Ghostery is an extension that blocks websites and third parties from collecting data on you without your knowledge. These profiles they build allow them to not only track what you look at an buy but also build targeted ads tailored to your spending habits. Because Ghostery blocks these, it will also block some ads that might slip through uBlock's detectors. If there is any ad targeting you'd prefer to receive, you can always list trackers as trusted in the options menu.