Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

For instance, if you click a URL with the apt: protocol in Ubuntu, it will install a package from your repository:

  • Install firefox

As you can see, this doesn't work on StackExchange, despite the URL being there.

If you click a link with the about: protocol in Firefox, it can lead to inner workings of your browser:

  • Browser configuration

As you can see, this doesn't work on StackExchange, either. Many websites, forums, etc. only recognize http:// URLs, but there are all kinds of other useful protocols, like news:, mailto:, aim:, etc.

However, I can work around this in a sense. Instead of linking to apt:firefox, I can link to http://appnr.com/install/firefox, which I know will then launch the apt: link:

Is there a tinyurl-esque website or other workaround that allows creation of http:// URLs that then launch other arbitrary protocol URLs?

share|improve this question
StackExchange is a productivised version of the Stack Overflow base, which is used by Super User, not the other way around. – random♦ Nov 15 '09 at 3:16
So the software is called "Stack Overflow" and the website is also called "Stack Overflow"? – endolith Nov 15 '09 at 4:14

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote accepted

I just reminded myself of one possible workaround. TinyURL itself!

http://tinyurl.com/installwine

http://tinyurl.com/aboutconfig

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.