Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/2007/December

mw:Extension:Gadgets
I was poking around, and found this extension. This could be a very useful toy for enabling easy access to custom js/css. I can certainly think of a few js tools that users might find useful, but should be opt-in. This is also a more secure (though less versatile) method than having users put code in their monobook - the code is identical for all users, but comes from the Mediawiki namespace, so only admins can access it (and therefore the code would be trustworthy).

The extension isn't perfect, and WK can attest. It works best with monobook and not with cologne blue, and can do some funky things with custom skins. Any user with a custom skin can probably find a workaround though, and most people stick with monobook.

This also has the side-effect of allowing quick enable/disable of certain gadgets (ie you don't have to make tons of edits to your monobook to enable/disable something repeatedly. Many users don't realize they can have custom js, and among those who do, many can't code. This allows them easy access to secure code.

Although it's not perfect, I think it would be a good idea, if only to make these toys less frustrating but more secure. Keep in mind that you can still have custom .js, so it's an option, but not a requirement.

A few ideas (for more, take a look at de.wp & fr.wp): – Mike.lifeguard  &#124; talk 06:28, 2 December 2007 (UTC)
 * The parts of TW that work out of the box here (morebits.js and twinklefluff.js at a minimum)
 * Purge tab
 * Edit top section tab or link
 * Six tabs (page/edit/hist talk/edit/hist)
 * Popups
 * Turn on/off those untagged and unlicensed tabs (can be opt-in since the template we notify uploaders with has the same links)
 * Easy opt-in for the Google hit counter WK's taking care of
 * Some neat admin tools (a modified version of VoAs stuff, autosdel, twinkledelimages...)
 * I'm sure you can come up with more
 * en.wp got this enabled at some point in the last day or so - watch their gadgets page for good ideas. – Mike.lifeguard  &#124; talk 02:14, 5 December 2007 (UTC)


 * I think if it weren't for the problems you've mentioned that this would be a good extension to have. I think we should hold off until these bugs are fixed. --dark lama  03:02, 5 December 2007 (UTC)
 * This extension has been enabled in the german WP since 11/15. -- heuler06 (talk) 21:29, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Forgive me for being slow but what is "11/15" - are there 15 months in your calender? Xania [[Image:Flag_of_Italy.svg|15px]]talk 21:32, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * 15 is the day... Nov 15 :) – Mike.lifeguard  &#124; talk 21:35, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Stupid me. Should have known :) Xania [[Image:Flag_of_Italy.svg|15px]]talk 21:41, 9 December 2007 (UTC)

A vote on activation of this extension is happening here. – Mike.lifeguard  &#124; talk 01:18, 12 December 2007 (UTC)

As Raymond wrote in german WP the Gadget extension is enabled in all MediaWiki-Wikis of all languages now. see Special:Version :) -- heuler06 (talk) 14:27, 18 December 2007 (UTC)

Help with audio set up - for lessons
When in lessons I am not able to use the audio. Pop-up message indicates security settings do not allow download. Need assistance with where a first time user would need to go to find out how to get set up properly to use this functionality. Thanks!


 * Which book is this for? You likely need to check the security settings on your browser. I assume you are using Internet Explorer? Click "Tools", then "Internet Options", and make sure your settings allow you to download media files. If you give us more information about your browser (what browser, what version, etc), and more information about which book and which audio files, we will be able to help you more. --Whiteknight (Page) (Talk) 17:40, 23 December 2007 (UTC)

Human Physiology Wikibook: PDF file corrupted
Hello,

This is my first visit to the Wikibooks project. I apologize if I am posting this message in the wrong forum.

I tried several times to download the PDF version of your featured Wikibook "Human Physiology". I received the error message (paraphrase), " File is corrupt, unable to correct". I was unable to download this PDF file.

I am using an older computer (Windows 98) and an older version of Acrobat: Acrobat Reader 5. I hope this is not the problem.

Human Physiology is an excellent book. I read portions in the HTML format. However, I prefer the PDF format. I hope that this book will become available in this format.

Wikibooks is a noble project. I wish you much success in your endeavor.

Sincerely, AL DOM
 * The download worked for me; your software may be to blame. Try updating to the newest Acrobat version. I don't think the Windows version matters in this case. – Mike.lifeguard  &#124; talk 21:31, 24 December 2007 (UTC)

Reporting vandalism

 * This message will be archived normally

I need help reporting a lewd and vulgar language on a page. Here is the link, http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Geometry/Chapter_3, geometry, chapter 3. Another thing is I didn't find it easy to report such a matter. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 70.101.199.30 (talk • contribs).


 * Some vandalism in the Wikijunior/Ancient Egypt section by this IP address. I've reverted, but thought I'd bring it to attention if any admin feels it merits a block. Thanks, Νεοπτόλεμος 18:04, 29 December 2007 (UTC)

New "protection" option
Really a "heads up" in case folk don't know but with the new software version comes the ability to protect uncreated pages. At this point my views are somewhat mixed (here too). I feel that protecting spambot pages would be quicker that way but I rather like the fact that there is a "record" available for other cascade protected pages at WB:SALT. Thanks -- Herby talk thyme 12:00, 29 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Did a few recent bot pages so folks can see the effect (Special:Protectedtitles). Much quicker for spambot pages than the cascading protection but I would still favour other pages going in WB:SALT personally as it gives a more comprehensive accessible record -- Herby  talk thyme 13:01, 30 December 2007 (UTC)

Ancient Hebrew
Is it possible to create a seperate ebook for Ancient Hebrew?


 * It is possible, and if you are interested then we would love to help! Ancient Hebrew is a topic that is certainly worth some study, since many influencial documents are written in it. Do you have any ideas for the book? An outline or a general layout? Do we have any books/pages here already that you could "borrow" to help get this book off to a good start? Are there any Wikipedia articles that you could "borrow" from to help start your book? The sky is the limit for something like this, so let us know what you are thinking and we would love to help. --Whiteknight (Page) (Talk) 04:29, 31 December 2007 (UTC)