up vote 1 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

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?

link|improve this question
53% accept rate
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
feedback

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

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

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