Gears is a browser add-on, provided by Google, that will transfer files from your blog site to your computer.  Storing a copy of your blogs’ files on your computer helps to speed up your browsers’ page load time.

You can find out more about Gears by clicking on the provided More information… link on the Tools page.

Note: Gears should not be installed on a public or shared computer.

To install Gears, do the following:

  • From within your Dashboard, click on Tools.  The Tools screen will appear with the Gears tool listed.
  • Click the Install Now button
  • You will be redirected to the Gears download web page.
  • Click on the Install Gears button.
  • You will be redirected to a Terms of Service page.  Read the terms and then click the Agree and Download button.
  • A download dialog box will appear.  Click the Save File button.  The Gears setup file will be saved to wherever your computer normally saves files.
  • Locate the Gears setup file and click on it to open and run it.  You will then be informed that your browser needs to be restarted.  Click the Restart Browser Now button.
  • Your browser will reopen.  Now Gears needs to be enabled.

To enable Gears, do the following:

  • Return to your blog Dashboard and go to Site Admin > Tools.
  • Click the Enable Gears button.
  • A dialog box will appear, informing you that WordPress wants to store information on your computer using Gears.  Click the I trust this site… checkbox.
  • Click the Allow button.
  • Your blogs’ files will be stored on your computer and Gears will now be enabled.

WordPress offers links to a couple of different browser tools that can be installed on your browser – Gears and Press This.

Different browsers may operate differently.  The instructions provided here use Mozilla FireFox version 3.5.2.

Note: If you do not possess adequate permissions to install software on your computer, please contact your DCA or Department’s IT unit for assistance.

WordPress offers some additional tools that may assist you in the development and optimization of your blog.  For example, you may wish to transfer an existing blog that uses a different blogging application that into a WordPress blog.

The Tools feature includes some tools that can be installed and used in your browser to help optimize performance, the ability to import an existing blog, export your current blog, and view all of your subscribers and what is being subscribed to.

The Your Profile feature is the place to change the settings for the following items:

  • Personal Options: This group includes settings for the Visual Editor, different available color schemes for your Administrative panel, and keyboard shortcuts.
  • Name: This group includes settings for your first, last, and nickname.
  • Contact Info: This group includes all of the different digital ways to contact you such as your E-mail, Website, and IM information.
  • About Yourself: This is an optional opportunity to share some biographical information about yourself