Preview shortened URLs

al904 · 11-17-2009, 06:28 AM

Preview shortened URLs

Kim Komando Show

If you use Twitter, you're probably familiar with shortened URLs. Services replace long Web addresses with shorter ones.

By shortening a URL, posters can stay within Twitter's character limit. The URLs are also easier to remember. You'll find them on sites other than Twitter, too.

But there's a problem with shortened URLs. Criminals use them to lure people to malicious Web sites.

Since the URL is shortened, you can't see where it leads. You need to click on the link and hope for the best.

That is, unless you use Unhid. Just copy and paste the shortened URL into the site. Click UNHIDE, and you'll see a preview of the site. This can help you avoid malicious sites.

There's also a bookmarklet that you can install. Drag it to your Bookmarks in Firefox or Favorites in IE.

When you click the bookmarklet, you'll see a notice that it is activated. Then you can click a shortened URL for a preview. To turn off the bookmarklet, just refresh the page.

Unhid says it works with all URL shortening services.

11-17-2009, 06:28 AM	#1
al904 Founder Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 4,736 Current Phone(s): Casio G'zone Type V Wireless Service Provider(s): VZW & AT&T PDA Used: iPhone 3GS Navigation Device: Dash Express, iPhone Other mobile device(s): Apple iPad 3G, Olympus E-30 DSLR, Panasonic Lumix G1 Micro Four Thirds Camera, Kindle	Preview shortened URLs Preview shortened URLs Kim Komando Show If you use Twitter, you're probably familiar with shortened URLs. Services replace long Web addresses with shorter ones. By shortening a URL, posters can stay within Twitter's character limit. The URLs are also easier to remember. You'll find them on sites other than Twitter, too. But there's a problem with shortened URLs. Criminals use them to lure people to malicious Web sites. Since the URL is shortened, you can't see where it leads. You need to click on the link and hope for the best. That is, unless you use Unhid. Just copy and paste the shortened URL into the site. Click UNHIDE, and you'll see a preview of the site. This can help you avoid malicious sites. There's also a bookmarklet that you can install. Drag it to your Bookmarks in Firefox or Favorites in IE. When you click the bookmarklet, you'll see a notice that it is activated. Then you can click a shortened URL for a preview. To turn off the bookmarklet, just refresh the page. Unhid says it works with all URL shortening services. __________________ *AL in Jacksonville Beach, Florida* follow AL904 at http://twitter.com

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