A Panic Button for Your Browser

Sure, you’re a productive and responsible worker. Brilliant, even. But sometimes, you just need a little break — to check in with your pals on Facebook, browse some book reviews, or play a quick online game.

Especially on the Monday following a long weekend.

So why is it that your boss always seems to pick just that time to drop by?

Well, today is your lucky day, my friend, because I’m going to show you how not to get busted ever again.

First up, courtesy of Lifehacker: a bit of software called HideTab, a “boss key” for your Firefox browser.

HideTab is a free download that minimizes open tabs into an icon on the status bar, and also adds a shortcut key to instantly hide everything. For more details on how to install it, read the full post.

Other great options for hiding your non-work windows include:

• Magic Boss Key: Hide your browser windows, folder windows, applications windows, all your desktop icons, and your taskbar from prying eyes.
• Anti Boss Key: Hide and restore Windows, tray icons, desktop icons, taskbar, lower volume, and start the application you are supposed to be working with.
• Use a virtual desktop manager: Create multiple desktops, and keep one filled with only work-friendly applications. If the boss approaches, just switch to that screen.
• For Twitter fanatics, try SpreadTweet. It hides your Twitter stream in what looks like an Excel spreadsheet.
• If you want to get creative, make your desktop background/wallpaper a screenshot of an important work project, then just minimize all your active windows.
• And of course, there’s always Alt+Tab and other Microsoft keyboard shortcuts (for Apple aficionados, there’s Option-Command-M and a load of other Mac OS X shortcuts).

Any other suggestions for hiding incriminating desktop evidence? Share them in the comments section!

(image by star5112 via Flickr, CC 2.0)