News Page for May 00

5/31/00
Wow! Less than half of ResEx readers use their original one button mouse. I expected the number of multi-button users to be high, but this was a surprise.

Using a wider variety of mice has been made much easier by Apple's use of USB, and with contextual menu support in the System. I'm still wondering why they haven't embraced multi-button mice by shipping them with new Macs.

In fact, I'm fairly certain multi-button mice are not officially supported in MacOS X - and it's based on NeXT which does have multi-button support.

So this week's Polling Place question may seem similar to last week's, but they are really quite different. "Do you believe Apple should move to a multi-button mouse?".

Lots of cool info awaits you if you visit a MacToolBox. They have FAQ's on RAM and cache; the history of Apple and the evolution of Linux. There is even a section for those of you with 68k Macs.
A new section of MacThings is dedicated to "Finder Pictures" - images created from a mosaic of icons. After last Friday's posting on Finder Pictures, several readers sent in alternatives to GraphicConverter for their creation:

Erick Tejkowski: I thought you might mention that you can create Finder Pictures with my freeware app called IconMacher. Not only can it create 32 bit icons (sorry no transparency yet), but it also creates the AppleScript necessary to clean up the picture later, should you screw up the order.

Rev. Mitcz Marzoni: I used to be really into making pictures into icons. Fortunately, there are a few little apps that will do this for you. One (and I think the best one) is Pict-2-Icon. What it does is allow you to open a pict file up, and it will resize the image up or down, and create a perfect multiple of 32x32 so that your icon doesn't have white edges (for those of you who use Kaleidoscope's finder colors, change the window backgrounds or use Window monkey, this is a very good thing). The downfall of this is that it doesn't yet create 32-bit icons, so they don't look as good as they might with graphic converter (that is, if it makes 32-bit icons).

Try all three of these and pick the one that's best for you. One downside to these Finder Pictures is that all the icons show up in Open/Save dialogs. Yuk!
Following up on our Stickies saga, Michael Conwell was the first of many to send the URL for Jens web site detailing his legal run-in with Apple over the creation and release of Stickies.
I don't happen to use Adaptec's Jam, but Teg Bains sends this tip:

Just a note for users who are using Adaptec's great Audio CD recording program Jam and have a Yamaha CDRW 6416. There is no driver for using your burner; however, if you download the Yamaha CDRW 4416 driver from Adaptec, you can use it to enable Jam to use your burner.

Just open a copy of the driver file in ResEdit.
Open the TPLG resource and rename resource ID 238 from "Yamaha CRW4416S" to "Yamaha CRW6416S".
Then open resource ID 238 and change "Yamaha CRW4416S" to "Yamaha CRW6416S" in the two places it appears.
Save and close the file
Rename the file from "Yamaha CRW4416S" to "Yamaha CRW6416S"
Place the file in the same directory as Adaptec Jam is in.

That should do it. It works for me at 6x burning!

Lots of tutorials are pouring out of MacInstruct!

"A Guide to Mac Support Websites"

"How to Speed Up Your Start Up"

"How to Change the Appearance"

And Holy Mac has posted a tutorial if you're interested in AppleScript.
User Contributed Splash Screens:

Opps! No new postings today because your WebMaster™ was out of town this weekend and is very, very behind on all his work!

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Don’t forget to look at my screenshot picks for the month of April! I hope that all of you who observed Memorial Day had a fabulous long weekend! Here is Wednesday’s batch of snapshots:

Unable to resist after viewing our last Space Ghost submission, Phil Ackley sent in his own snapshot featuring the superhero. The custom “Space Ghost” desktop picture along with Albie Wong’s Mamma Mia K-Scheme do the job nicely. Audion, configured with the Beacon face, is “floating” to the right of Space Ghost.

With a desktop picture taken from the “X-Men The Movie” trailer along with Disney’s “Dinosaur” movie trailer running in the QuickTime Player, Keston Charles makes a mark in the Snapshot Archive. ICQ, modified with the Platinum Patch, is running along the left edge.

The lines are blurred between the Mac OS and NextStep in this screenshot submitted by Michael Hurley. A custom desktop pattern is used to mimic NextStep’s default background while a heavily hacked version of JinSan’s NeXT ][ K-Scheme provides the NeXT-style interface. JinSan’s OneClick NeXT Menu Palette, Greg’s Browser, and Bartender contribute to the NeXT look and feel.

Elan Pfalzgraf is back with another contribution, this time featuring a custom desktop picture and the MacQNX K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the Reintegration face, is playing in the upper left-hand corner. Icons from Icon Factory and Blue Sky Heart are scattered throughout.

This snapshot by Paul Rouffa features a custom “White Sox” desktop picture graciously provided by Bob Vasquez at Rampant Mac, who created it because one didn’t already exist! Coupled with it is the Play Ball! K-Scheme. RealPlayer, in the lower left-hand corner, is airing the White Sox game on ChicagoAM.

What can I say? This snapshot from Steve is so… ORANGE! This setup, which “could quite possibly replace the need for coffee during late night projects,” lends its citrus charm to a desktop picture by tazl available from MacDesktops fused with Ablie Wong’s equally vivid Mamma Mia K-Scheme and a similarily striking Window Monkey pattern. To complete the tangerine ensamble, Audion, configured with Scott Raleigh’s Sickness face, is playing along the bottom.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 5-31-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now? I love that commercial! Of course if you have never seen the commercial you will think I am nuts. Get in line!

Anyway just a quick reminder that the TypeIt4Me giveaway ends this Saturday, so be sure to enter your name. All you need to do is drop Riccardo Ettore an e-mail and he will enter your name into a hat for a chance to win one of three registrations. Even if you don't want to enter, be sure to read the interview!

Last week I mentioned Classic Menu by Gideon Greenspan. I then received an e-mail from Mike S. about another Mac OS X program which is an Open Source project he thought the readers may be interested in. He writes:

Open Strip is a replacement for the Control Strip that's written in Carbon. It's even got a spiffy Aqua appearance and there's talk of making it skinable. It's not yet completed, but it appears to be close.

Yesterday there was a new freeware program released called Scroll Bars which will provide a quick, down and dirty chance for you to have proportional scroll bars and whether you have double or single ended scroll arrows system wide. There are similar programs that will provide this and I guess the main difference is that this one is free! If you like it I can add it to the SW Archive.

A-Dock 1.3.1 was released over the weekend by Jérome Foucher. This small bug fix version takes care of the following: Tooltips could display wrong info during application switching when using reverse order. Tooltips didn't appear depending where the dock was displayed. FinderPop no longer needed for auto-popping of menus.

Themes and Schemes news:

Mathew White sent a note that the download problems at power/MAC have been fixed. There were some "bugs" with the CGI scripts. All better now. To boot, he announces an update to the LCD theme. Head on over and download now.

Marcos Lopez also dropped me a note about updates taking place at Mac Things. Five Themes have been posted in Mac Things, as well as a new Theme Preview called IrieMac which I think looks really cool.

Ben Mackin has posted a status report on his Liquid Theme.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-31-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

What a day! News all over! I hope those of you in the US are relaxed from the long weekend, and your finger is itching to click on all of the links I prepared for you today!

Icon Archive: One new set!

Continuing the OS X mania, we received an OS X icon set from Ricky Roe!

Desktop Archive: Five new pictures!

Scott Chitwood sent us "LimeFantazy", one of Rampant Mac's new 3D desktop pictures. They also have a whole new page of seamless patterns plus a couple of other GUI Goodies, so make sure to stop by Rampant Mac!

Continuing the Matic Leban picture series, "Boxes Velocity" represents the feeling of speed!

K.C. Lofty from KC's Kcustom Desktops, named his picture "Marigold" and you'll see why!

If you have some vampires bothering you at night, ask for "Buffy" the vampire slayer, but if she can't take your call, put her on your desktop! That should be enough to scare those nasty creatures away! We are very grateful to John Kinsler for this clever defense. It is much better than the smell of garlic!

Nohl Lyons contributed "WetLook"! Dive in and pour it on your desktop!

Jere Freeman let Spider Man out to freely crawl in our Desktop archive from his Underground Lair, which is a site for comic book lovers!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy! And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

Marmalade Moon released a bunch of new CD icons in all flavors!

Icon artist, Hideki Itoh, decided what was missing from his excellent icon collections. It is the "G3 Pismo! Go get it from the Pixture Studio!

Colheres updated with two new sets, "Estorias" and "When I was young", plus a June desktop calendar!

Pip's Icons has new icons about Apple's productions, and new desktop pictures with different colored apples.

It looks as if IronDevil is under some sort of reorganization or redesign because all of the icons and desktops are missing. Well, almost. One icon set is there to entertain you until the big secret is unveiled. And what is the one icon set? It is a beautiful collections of "National Guitar Icons". You can also see what is the favorite guitars of this wild motorcyclist webmaster!

iowaboy posted an icon! Yes, you're reading it right, it is only one icon. But it's not any icon, it is the site's official icon logo. Everyone started with one icon, the very one creation which pushed us all to further development. After looking at the little tractor icon, I say others must follow! And I have a promise from Brandon that there will be more. We are all looking forward to see them!

Gridface added two new desktop pictures to their "gallery" section!

Say, you have a Mac and you also want to see it on your desktop. Julien's Page featuring most of the Apple's computer family, especially the G4!

Creative Box has updated with the new ATM replacement "Rise & Shine ATM"!

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

Get OS X plus free Ben + Jerry's at Smalldog.com

5/29/00

The Making of ResExcellence

Here in the United States, most businesses are shut down in honor of Memorial Day. While the staff of ResExcellence is relaxing with a well deserved day off, today this page will describe the routine involved for the publishing of one day's update to this site.

Currently, there are four editors maintaining ResExcellence. Ilona handles Icons and Desktops, Cletus is the Software Man, Jeremy posts the Snapshots, and I cover the remaining sections. For each of us, the site is not our main source of income. We have other jobs, other interests, and we do this because we enjoy it.

While I once met Cletus for dinner when a meeting brought him to the area, the rest of the gang have never met face to face, yet I'm sure we all consider each other close friends. We're spread out across the country from Florida to Chicago, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

One Day of ResEx

For me the process starts the day before with the preparation of the User Contributions. Each one is unstuffed and opened in ResEdit to check the resources. If the file is a replacement PICT image, I use Applescripts that are located in OSA Menu to open Photoshop and create preview gifs of the appropriate size. Once the previews and html pages are complete, I move on to the latest hack or Linux tutorial. Fortunately for me, I have an hour and fifteen minute round trip train ride to and from work. This is when most of my preparation takes place.

The same is true for Ilona, Cletus, and Jeremy. During the day, they are also busy preparing preview images, writing html, and scouring the internet looking for cool items for readers.

Every night before an update, the four of us meet at 9:00 pm in an AOL Instant Messenger chat room. Here we kick around the latest news and discuss any possible posting conflicts. For example, if Iconographer is updated who gets the post, Ilona (Icon Editor) or Cletus (Software Editor)? A quick game of Quake III settles the dispute.

Sometimes a Snapshot may show a little too much flesh. Is it reasonable to post? Is this latest MOSS screen an interpretation of another submitters work, or a blatant rip off? Should this piece of software make it into the archive? These are all topics we hammer out as the evening wears on.

To make managing the work of four writers possible, the main page at ResExcellence is dynamically created based on several cgi scripts that read the separate html files of each writer, and create one large document. This allows each writer the freedom to update their section independently. If Cletus receives a last minute software announcement, he can update his section of the main page without affecting the content of the others.

By 11:00 pm, a test page is uploaded to the server so each writer can check to make sure his/her html is correctly compiled into the main page. Once everyone has signed off that their section is complete and ready, I upload the main index.shtml and the Midnight Prowlers get their first look at the new page.

The graphic displayed with this story shows what one update of ResExcellence looks like from top to bottom. In addition, there are at least another dozen pages that are added or updated to cover all the user contributions, sanpshot, icons, desktops, software, etc.

The next morning, we wake u pand start all over again.

My best guess is that an average update is the work of 20 man-hours, and that doesn't count the dozens of emails we answer each day. And while I would love to say we'll all be millionaires with the IPO, the truth is that we would make as much working at McDonalds.

Needless to say, this site is a labor of love.

So join me by raising your glass and help me toast the staff at ResExcellence. They're working hard to make your Mac look better, and work harder.

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

5/26/00

Often when you buy a game or other software package, an image has been converted to Finder icons and is cleverly displayed when you open the CD. While he didn't originate this idea, Marcos Lopez from MacThings has found a new use for these "Finder Pictures". Why limit them to CD's! You can place them anywhere on your hard disk.

Marcos Lopez's Logo for you to download Look Ma! My ResEx logo.

Use GraphicConverter to take an image and convert to a Finder Picture. I recommend you create an empty folder in which to save your work. This folder should not have its preferences to "Lock to Grid". When you're ready to drag your creation into the destination Finder window, make sure the destination will not lock to grid.

Once you have dragged and placed the Finder Picture, you can once again set the preference to "Lock to Grid" if you wish.

I would love to see some Snapshots of cleverly used Finder Pictures used in conjunction with Window Monkey! This shpuld open up some creative possibilities for you.

Patrick Kelleher wrote to say there are a load of new throbbers on his web site, including a spinning 20th Century Mac, and a whole bunch of throbber ported to iCab.

This makeover kit for Adobe PhotoDeluxe, created by Rampant Mac's Scott Chitwood, is the first of it's kind.

Scott took the boring, Windoze-looking interface, and waved his Aqua wand over it. The result is much more pleasing on the eyes.

Lately, it seems many applications are building there interfaces from readily editable resouces. The layered Photoshop files from iMovie ane another example.

I think this trend is likely to continue and increase as applications are prepared for the NeXT based MacOS X environment. For example, in Linux, before you compile an application, you can edit many of the interface elements, which exist as standard graphics files.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

You can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box, and let us know with an email.

The Star Girl is the latest MOSS from Andrew.

If you use Apple's Control Strip, get with the new century and replace it with Extension Strip! Derek Gordon created this Aqua makeover to customize the little utility.

She's back! Lara Croft makes her latest appearance on tis Eudora splash screen created by Jim O. Hilario.

Cat lovers will want to download this Kitty Throbber form Jean-Pierre Fritz. Even if you don't like cats, download it anyway. You may enjoy the little critter's endless spinning.

Featuring the brushed metal look and fruity iMacs, this MOSS was sent in by Sergio Recabarren.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Don’t forget to look at my screenshot picks for the month of April! Here is Friday’s batch of snapshots:

Spiderman makes a debut in this screenshot from one of our faithful contributors, the Bach Man. Besides the “Spiderman” desktop picture, the Dark Side of IZA K-Scheme is used.

This contribution from Graham Brown features a truly mind boggling collage of Web art in a custom desktop picture combined with the NeXT Theme. Audion, configured with an equally abstract skin by Rick Hill, is playing in right center.

Regular contributer Chris Fournier is back with another submission, this time featuring the “eWater” desktop picture available from our Desktop Archive. SoundJam, configured with the Transmeta skin, is playing in the lower right-hand corner, and a slightly modified version of Icon Factory’s PY3 Graphite iPack can be seen along the right edge.

Matt Hanks submitted this snapshot sporting the “Think1” desktop picture along with Flanksteak Design’s Neutech Theme. SoundJam, configured with the iJam skin, is playing in the upper right-hand corner.

A custom desktop picture entirely rendered in Photoshop along with the Signal K-Scheme by William Martin & Eric Bergeron comprise this submission from Tray. Audion, configured with the Lombard face by Brian Pink, is playing at the bottom, and Albie Wong’s Candybeans icon set is also present.

This screenshot from Zach L. touts the “Plasma” desktop picture and the Co-Pilot K-Scheme. Audion, configured with Llion’s Rune Stick face, is playing along the top edge.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 5-26-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Glue Window 1.0.2 by Emmanuel Keller has been released. It is listed as a control panel which will allow the windows stick to the edges of the screen and the borders of the other windows. If you try it and like it, let me know and I can add it to the archive for you.

Jeffrey H. Johnson has sent me a patch for Mac OS Purge he thinks people will be interested in. It is called Mac OS Purge 1.0.1 Fast Patch. This patch will prevent the "About This Computer" window from opening each time that Mac OS Purge is used. He adds: "This makes it good if you want to call this from scripts or at the end of your startup items folder." I have added this patch to the archive. I have not tested it however.

Bob Friede appears to be on the prowl for software as he again gives the readers something to consider for their mouse woes. Mouse Jolt by Ian Schenkel who writes: Mouse Jolt is built because of the frustration of restarting my computer because of a slow mouse when I plug in and unplug a mouse from my computer. If you use this and have success with it let me know.

Themes and Schemes news:

Themes.org has several new screenshots posted since the last time I mentioned the site. This will give you something to peruse over the long weekend.

Remember, for even more screenshots stop by this page.

There is still plenty of time to read the Riccardo Ettore Interview and enter the Contest!

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-26-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona
Icon Archive: Two new sets!

Miguel D'Amico sent us a few BeOS icons, which he has turned into 32bit icons!

Nivex has done the same, only he did it with the Hotline Client and Server icons!

Desktop Archive: Four new pictures!

From the series of James Flach's pictures, today we post his elegant, pastel colored "AppleDesktop"!

"WarmCopper" is Michael Addison's stylish picture!

"Megatonia" from Christopher Blomquist is something different, you'll have a feeling that you are looking at a web site's first page!

We received some "LeafArt" studies by Peter McHugh, who likes to experiment with small sized desktop creations!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy! And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

Since I couldn't find any new icons for you today, please browse around these sites I collected from the newly designed, wonderful Icon Parade:

Icon Shop Fantazma is a pleasant looking site and it's all about icons in many different subjects like Christmas, Halloween, Star Wars and many Japanese related ones! And what charming icons they are! Oh, and I also have to thank them for the English navigational words!!!

Icon Expression has icons with different styles and different subjects, the most recent one is "CatDog"!

CyberM@c offers you great icons for Mac, Linux and Windows!

Hosoda B's Icons has a few cute ones and some ships(from games?) icons!

The Roach (don't you just love yummy site titles like this?) has only one icon set but it has many artsy desktop pictures!

Mir Color Lab is a lovely Italian site with beautiful desktop pictures! Apples are served as oranges, roses, or with butterflies, and you'll even find one in an aquarium!

DeskMir is another new Italian site with apples on every desktop picture! There is no need for further proof of being a Mac addict.

Huge Magazine is a huge magazine with icons and desktop patterns. You can also find comics, paintings, drawings and much more stuff for your downloading pleasure.

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

Get OS X plus free Ben + Jerry's at Smalldog.com

5/24/00

"Holy OS X Batman!"

"That's right Robin, It seems benchmarks for OS X are already on the web. There's also an in-depth report on DP4, offering deeper analysis, and better screenshots. Where do you think this information is coming from Robin? The Joker, the Riddler, the Penguin?

"Holy Mac Batman!"

"That's right Robin."

Ilona usually covers icon news, but this item arrived in my mailbox after Midnight, and since it involved Linux icons, I thought I'd snag it.

Hideki Itoh has released a new icon set today, and has also converted all his icon sets for use under Linux (yea!) and Windows (boo). Stop by the Pixture Studio to grab a set of icons no matter what your OS of choice is!

MacMadness, a Mac news site, has been around a long time! After being hosted at Apple Wizards, they've spread their wings and have their own domain name. Be sure to give them a visit and update your bookmarks.

A Last word on Stickies...

I could not find the web site to verify this, so it may fall under the heading of "Urban Folklore", but Tip Lovingood sent this info on the writer of Stickies.

I was reading about the Antler! edit in the Stickies, and wondered if you knew the story behind the Antler! Easter Egg ?

When Jens wrote this little app for inclusion with the original System 7.5 (if I can remember right), he thought he could sell the app to Apple for a little extra cash. At the time, Jens was employed by Apple; and they realized that, under his contract, they already owned the application. Something about "all projects started or completed during employment are Apple's" made for this.

So, this Antler! easter egg is a legacy from when he created it; and I won't change it; out of respect that he got the program pretty much taken from him.

I got this from Jens' web page, which I stumbled across in my web ramblings. He did mention he received a little bonus that year, though.

A similar situation happened to me when I was just out of college. After being hired as an assistant music engineer at a popular downtown recording studio, I spent my free time playing on the company's TRS-80 Radio Shack computer. I wrote a nice little BASIC program to automate the tape label printing procedure. It saved everyone a lot of time.

Surprisingly, the owner of this company took great interest in my project. It turns out, in my haste to except the job, I signed a little waiver giving the company ownership of any ideas I originated while on the job. He was looking for a way to distribute my little program and make some money!

Fortunately, nothing came of the program and I moved on to a bigger and better studio. So be careful, it's a jungle out there! :)

User Contributed Splash Screens:

You can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box, and let us know with an email.

Vincent Conway has done something very clever with this cursor extension. Called Negative Mouse. This pointer has no mask. The effect makes the cursor transparent when passing over an icon, or making a menu selection.

With tongue firmly in cheek, Jaco de Jong created this splash screen for Macster which features the band Metallica.

Sporting a pretty blue Apple logo, Brenda Vonahsen's MOSS submission is so shiney, you may need sun glasses.

Her posters adorn the bedrooms of fourteen-year olds everywhere, and now she can splash your copy of Netscape. Dressed for a day at the beach, grab this Lara Croft splash from Owen Anderson.

While he uses the browser, Matthew Theobalds lets his feeling known about the parent company in this Micro$oft Exploiter splash screen.

Made to compliment his recently posted MOSS, Donny Goenawan submitted an About this Mac replacement.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Don’t forget to look at my screenshot picks for the month of April! Here is Wednesday’s batch of snapshots:

Troy Calfee contributed this snapshot sporting a Theme Heaven desktop picture and the Titanium Blue K-Scheme. Netscape Communicator with the G4 Throbber is running in the lower left.

The “Metal Apple” desktop picture from the Apple Collection and the Aqua Theme are shown in this submission from Marco Guevara. The icons on the right edge have been gathered from various sources.

The “Death and Rebirth” desktop picture is touted in this screenshot from Gerald Lim. Audion, configured with the Reintegration face, is running in the upper left-hand corner. Perfect Yosemite’s WallStreet iPack and the Industrial/Office icons by Ron Watson, winner of Pixelpalooza 2000, are showcased along the right edge.

Michael Rabe is putting the finishing touches on Lob & Dennis Norrgård’s CandiTech Theme in this screenshot. The “CandiTech” desktop picture is included with the theme. Audion, configured with the Audion X face, is running along the top.

This screenshot by Bj Rampton features a Mac OS X desktop picture along with Ben Mackin’s Liquid Theme. SoundJam, configured with the Aqua X skin, is playing in the lower right-hand corner, and ICQ, with some clever image editing to hide chatters’ identities, is running in the lower right-hand corner.

This snapshot of the BeOS operating system by Jonathan Signor showcases the “Yellow Submarine” desktop picture having something to do with the Beatles. Net Positive, a web browser, is running in the upper left-hand corner. Notice the Workspaces window in the bottom left-hand corner which can be used to instantly switch between different desktops, complete with window and icon placement.

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

Software News 5-24-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Gideon Greenspan has released Classic Menu for Mac OS X which "provides an Apple menu just like the old Mac OS. Put aliases of your favorite items in the Classic Menu Items folder and they will appear in a menu on the right edge of the menu bar." Full instructions for use and installation are given on the page.

Bob Friede is pointing everyone in the direction of Fractastic! Written by Jake Olefsky, Fractastic is described on the page as: "a full screen fractal drawing program that can draw the famous Mandelbrot, Julia and Newton equations among others. It also allows one to modify a variety of parameters and save fractals to trade with your friends. The coolest thing is that because this is full screen, the images make perfect Desktop Pictures! I have added this to the Software Archive.

Alvar sent me an e-mail telling me to check out an Ambrosia Software Web Board forum post concerning news about the Gadget/Ready Software snafu. The article posted is from TidBits, which I myself subscribe to, but am way behind in reading. The article pulls together all the known information and testing done on the Gadget Software releases, determining that it did in fact "rip off" other software authors. It makes for good reading and does question the validity of Ready Software as a legitimate site versus merely a Gadget spin off. Only time will tell.

Themes and Schemes news:

The Kaleidoscope Theme Archive has updated with 14 new and 13 updated schemes. Crayon OS, E-Box 5 and Stained Glass strike my fancy this week!

Riccardo Ettore Interview and Contest!

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-24-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona
Icon Archive: Two new set!

Do you remember "HappyTrash"? We have a pair from that set, called "MiniTrash" by Rene from the newly updated HappyHappyHappyHome! Maybe there is one or two "happy" missing from the title, but I got lost in counting them!

You can customize your Netscape Communicator with Bob Friede's icon set!

Desktop Archive: Six new pictures!

Ah, Spring... We received another beautiful flower desktop, "PowerFlower", this one sent by Aldert Greydanus from A-Graphics. The credit also goes to Aldert's Father who took the picture! What a great father and son project! And we have an another from Aldies, an iBook inspired stylish picture.

Ronnlund.com has a stormy update, and this same "Storm" moved to our Desktop Archive too with Henrik Ronnlund's eye candy "Xapples"!

Rob Van Aarle from Triball Software extended our "Nature" section with "Iceland"! If you get too hot, you need this cold picture on your desktop.

We have Jeff Crump's creation, your favorite ill-fated ghost, "Blinky", from the Pac-Man series!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy! And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

If you haven't seen beautifully designed dancing icons yet, then visit AYAKA-RU! Just click on the "Modokisection" and you'll find those superb icons!

Around the Pixel updated with three new desktops!

Mac Things released a set of 8 desktop pictures called "Apple Wave"!

Creative Box has updated with a new desktop picture "Foreva Apple", and their "Carbon" is the desktop picture of the week at MacOSZone!

New little kines were released at Kineticon!

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

5/22/00

It appears Mac users were very lucky regarding the I LOVE YOU virus. All of my Wintel friends (well, they're not really friends since they don't have Macs), anyway, my Intel friends all received dozens of copies of the email virus, while over 86% of ResEx readers didn't receive one!

Does this also mean that computer users on the internet are sharply divided by OS type? The Poll results suggest that few Mac users are in the Address Books of the Wintel crowd.

I have always owned a Powerbook. I'm dying to buy a Pismo! O'Grady's Powerpage has been posting reader created mock-ups of what they would like the next generation Powerbooks to look like. Several of them have two-button trackpads. These would be great for accessing contextual menus, of for use under Linux.

So I was wondering, and this weeks Polling Place asks, "How many buttons are on your mouse?".

With phydeaux off touring the galaxy, sfhaudio has stepped in and tweaked the ad removal patcher for the latest beta of AOL Instant Messenger.

Set a Background Image in Stickies

After Danny Semaya sent us the tip about the BDat resource in Stickies, I had been trying to think of a useful implementation, and I believe I have found it! This simple edit will let you place a monthly calendar in a Stickies window.

Fortunately, ResExcellence editor, Jeremy Hoesly created an RMAP resource that allows the BDat resource to use the PICT editor, so viewing ID 129 is easy. (Continued...)

User Contributed Splash Screens:

You can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box.
Don't forget to let us know with an email.

"Think Veggie" is the latest MOSS contribution from Seba. Vegans, get your copy now!

Zero Divide created a nice looking splash replacement for Netscape.

Scott Brown from kindground, sent an About this Mac replacement in Amber. Be sure to stop his site and see the beautiful collection of desktops.

Peter Baran likes the look of the splash screens in Windows. So he made these replacements for the Mac versions of Explorer and Outlook Express.

Tommy T. sent this replacement PICT for the Start menu in GoMac.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Out of all the snapshots I receive each month, a few serve as a shining example of what I think the perfect snapshot should be. Today, I'll be posting my picks for the month of April.

This snapshot from Matthew Theobalds features a custom desktop picture. SoundJam, configured with the Hoby Black skin, is playing in the lower right-hand corner.

The “haxOr” desktop picture and Graphite IV K-Scheme are featured in this contribution by Robin Spoerl. Audion, configured with the UM2 face by Milk Incorporated & Pink Martini is playing near the bottom.

This screenshot from Keith Kerrigan Jr. sports a custom desktop picture along with the Ink K-Scheme. SoundJam, configured with the Music-Mania skin, is playing in the upper left-hand corner.

Mariel Lohninger submitted this snapshot featuring a desktop picture of what appears to be a kitchen. A hacked copy of ICQ is running along the left side, and various icons from icons.cx and Icon Factory propogate the screen.

Rick Bargerhuff is back with another snapshot, this time featuring the same modified desktop picture once available at EndEffect. What’s different is the skin on SoundJam, which is playing in the lower right-hand corner. Jason Wiggins’ Hardisk icons are visible along the right edge.

Wolverine, a character in the upcoming “X-Men The Movie,” stars in this snapshot from Alberto Chávez along with the Metal Fish K-Scheme.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 5-22-00
Software News: by Cletus™

AutoPurge™ 2.3.1 has been released. Version 2.3.1 fixes an issue of an annoying dialog box popping up in certain cases. The homepage also notes that AutoPurge now supports all localized versions of the Mac OS. "I also have a French specific version (it's all in French!)"

Macintosh Explorer 1.0b5 has been released. You can now have up to 15 links, you can now use the cut, copy and paste files/folders method with multiple files/folders, speed improvements and all windows will be the same color as the explorer window.

I continue to receive e-mail concerning the demise of Gadget Software and the entrance of Ready Software who's software Gadget alledgedly stole. Most of the email is from readers who have purchased software from Gadget John Vollet who is from Ready Software has contacted me a couple of times also. As to what is actually going on remains as cloudy as as ever. I list these names and addresses so you may contact them personally if needed. If I hear of more information I will certianly relay this to you all.

I am up for giving everyone a fair chance and as always I will let the readers of ResExcellence drive the Software Archive. Currently Ready Software is not releasing their software except to beta testers. I have told John Vollet and I will tell you, that when the time comes, if you feel their products warrant being included in the archive I will add them. Hows that?

Themes and Schemes news.

I noticed that you can still get the Aqua Scheme from Jinsan's website. For how long is still up in the air.

Riccardo Ettore Interview and Contest!

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-22-00
Icon Archive: One new set!

We received some useful "Application Icons" created by Ricky Roe!

Desktop Archive: Four new pictures!

We don't know if "Dandelion" is Gernot Wagner's favorite wild flower, but we can see that the desktop he created, though a little bit sad, is definitely beautiful! Do you remember "Bart"? Well here is your other favorite one, "Buzz", by the same author Kuzey! Then, there is a blue, eye pleasing something from Michael Addison called "New Plaz"! And Ashwath Ravee will help you to "Rock the World" with his desktop!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy! And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

One of our favorite icon sites not only has a terrific new design, but two new icon sets! I could talk about the new arrangements of the site and its easy navigation, but it's no use, I don't have the English vocabulary to praise it enough, so jump over to Icon Parade and enjoy!

I've found a letter hiding in my mailbox which said, there is a "Bath Time" icon set at Snaky Reports! If you haven't been to this site, take a visit. It has icons of two important subjects, what a good life needs: food to eat, and cleanliness.

Etherbrian is promising you a whole new design! Head over to find out how you should prepare for it.

Yesterday an "AquaNaught" was born under Blue Sky Heart Graphics' roof. Today it is looking forward to an adventurous trip on your Mac!

Brycetopia released a bunch of great new desktop pictures! Also, if you are an agent who represents artists, Brycetopia is looking for you. I would like an agent too... and someone who could clean the house, wash the dishes, cook the food, and scratch my back. No I take that back. I have someone who scratches my back (and the furniture) - my cat!

Ronlun.com extended the variety of his eye candy "Xapples".

Triball Software has enriched their nature desktop picture collection with the cold "Iceland".

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

Get OS X plus free Ben + Jerry's at Smalldog.com

5/19/00

H oly Mac has posted an article reviewing the latest release of MacOS X DP4. It features tons-o-screenshots, so hurry over there before Apple's lawyers do...

Danny Semaya sent this nifty tip:

I found this really cool thing with Stickies. We all know that in Stickies if you type "Antler!" and press return you see the picture of the moose with the credits. This picture makes a very nice watermark or background look on stickies, so wouldn't it be nice to have your own? Its not a PICT resource, so at first glance it would seem impossible to change this picture, but its actually pretty easy.

Using Resedit, open up the BDat resources and open ID 129. Copy this entire resource in the hex editor. Next create a new PICT resource. Open the resource using the hex editor and paste the data in. SURPRISE! The BDat resource is a PICT resource in disguise! So now you can pretty much paste in any picture you want, for me it worked nicely with the red car picture in the scrapbook so I would assume that color is not a problem (it converts it to grey anyway.)

Installing Pmudmon under KDE and Gnome.

In a previous Icebox tutorial, we discussed power management under Linux. I outlined usage of a little application called Batmon to keep tabs on the status of the batteries. While Batmon works, it's a little cumbersome to always have an additional program window on the desktop.

Thanks to Mike Palczewski , there is a new dockable battery monitor called pmudmon. The latest version will place a simple graph displaying the percentage of battery power remaining. (Continued...)

User Contributed Splash Screens:

You can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

South Park was on Jérôme Canavero 's mind when he created this MOSS.

This Netscape splash by Nels Anderson looks cool, but Tyx the Penguin with a rocket launcher!

Michael Miracolo brought Alyssa Milano to this splash screen for Microsoft Office.

A spinning graphite Apple was created by Michael Miracolo. This throbber is for Explorer 5.

In the last of the series, Jaco de Jong sent a Voyager Tuvok splash for Explorer, and a Janeway version for Outlook Express.

A collage of Macintosh images made their way into this About this Mac replacement by Matthew Theobalds.

Available in regular and giant sizes, Donwicks submitted these good looking Aqua MOSS.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

This awesome screenshot from Ryan Overbey features Digital Visions’ “DV Stoneclouds” desktop picture and the iZappy D K-Scheme. Macast, configured with the TriAmple Blue skin, is playing in the lower right-hand corner.

Armed with the “Quantum X” desktop picture and Ressentiment’s Aqua II++ K-Scheme, this submitter, known as cLouD, contributed this snapshot. SoundJam, configured with the Aqua-X skin, is playing in the center.

This dual monitor snapshot from Richard Tassone touts two desktop pictures from the Apple Collection along with Ben Mackin’s Liquid Theme. Audion, configured with the Quicker face, is playing in the center of the right screen, and Santiago’s OS X icons are present throughout the screenshot.

The “Mac OS 9” desktop picture from Macsurfshop and the Dimple Theme were used in this snapshot from Ricky Roe. SoundJam, configured with the GenAmp skin, is playing in the upper left-hand corner.

This screenshot from Jeremy Kemp is running Mac OS X Server on the left and Mac OS 8.6 in the Blue Box on the right. A MechWarrior desktop picture along with the R.O.B.O.T K-Scheme are being used in the Blue Box. Audion, configured with the Glass face, is playing along the top of the right screen.

Jim DiCamillo contributed this snapshot sporting the “Neotek Idora” desktop picture and the Black Hot & Blue K-Scheme by Albie Wong. Audion, configured with the Torn face, is playing in the lower right-hand corner.

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

Software News 5-19-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Sherlock Menu 3.2 has been released. Public Access Software is planning full support for this product in mac OS X. "This will be the last "Classic" Mac OS version of Sherlock Menu. Sherlock Menu will most likely make a jump to Mac OS X, but only time will tell. I have to wait and see if I get Mac OS X DP4 which should be more complete in the areas I need to work on Sherlock Menu."

The work done with this version however include the ability to properly handle Multiple User setups in Sherlock and a fix with the Control Strip not rebuilding its menu when a Multiple Users account logged in, out and in again.

A-Dock by Jerome Foucher continues to improve. Version 1.3 provides another hefty set of enhancements that bring it closer to the Dock found in Mac OS X.

• Application names can be displayed in tool-tips (small floating rectangles, equivalent to balloon help). The font and size of these tool-tips can be customized to meet your needs.

• Added an option to display the trash at the end of the dock. The trash works like in the Finder. Clicking on it will open the trash folder in the Finder. Dragging an item onto it will put that item into the trash.

• Added an option to display a desktop icon at the end of the dock. Clicking on that icon will hide every application except the Finder to access the desktop. Dragging an item onto it will drag that item onto the real desktop.

• Added the command "Hide Others" in popup menus. Option+Shift clicking on an application icon in the dock will switch to that application and hide all the other ones (like if you have selected the "Hide Others" command).

A couple of new software items have come to my attention which I would like your input on before adding them to the SW Archive.

The first is Rearrange Folders by Stefano Ghielmi & Henrik Rintala. Stefano sent me an e-mail and describes the program this way:

Rearrange Folders is an application which works together with the Finder of Mac OS 9 and allows the user to rearrange the windows of folders so that they can be neatly stacked when opened in the Finder. It can also be used to rearrange and resize Finder windows so that when the same folders are later opened on screens with smaller resolutions they are inside the visible screen area. Screenshots.

The second program is Free Memory Show by Christian Vick.

The Free Memory Show is a utility which displays the free memory. It will create a file on your desktop and places it directly under the program menu, so it should be visible most of the time. Many properties of The Free Memory Show can be configured if you like. Simply open the script in Apples Script Editor and read the comments after the parameters.

Please let me know what you think of these programs and if you want them added to the archive.

Power On Software sent me a note about a contest they are sponsoring and a sale leading up to Macworld Expo in New York City this summer.

We're offering you a chance (actually lots of chances) to win terrific prizes and save money on our products. Prizes include daily software drawings, weekly PDA giveaways, a trip to Macworld Expo in NYC, and a grand prize of a G4 supersystem. No purchase is necessary to enter.

And during this promotion, you can buy Now Up-to Date & Contact or Disklock at our online store and receive ACTION GoMac and ACTION Menus FREE.

Jeff Click replied to my inquires about the status of Clixsounds. A summary of the e-mail is below:

We're still in business, but Clixsounds is and always has been a part time endeavor for everyone involved. I founded the company, and just was able to always recruit other programmers and sound designers to participate on a part-time basis. ...I fully intend on getting back into action soon, complete with new sound updates and an all-new Clixsounds site.

All orders are now handled by Digital River, an order fulfillment and customer service outsourcing center.

...If there are any talented individuals out there (I AM picky...not quite am I Steve Jobs-esque in pickiness, but I do require creative excellence) who are interested in perhaps helping out on getting Clixsounds back in action, I'm more than willing to entertain that possibility!

BTW, we do have two new products in the works which, of course, will meet and exceed the standard of "coolness" our users are used to. : )

Be sure to read the Riccardo Ettore Interview and enter the Contest!

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-19-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona
Icon Archive: One new set!

David Vincent, the daddy of the great DVDesign has surprised us with not only a gorgeous "Graphite Smilie Mac" icon set, but also with a matching "G4 Desk"!

Desktop Archive: Four new pictures & a Startup!

Robert Westbrook sent us a picture, you don't get this every day, it's a tutorial desktop picture which actually teaches you how to make a picture like "BlueAppleAlumium"! There is another useful picture if you run Linux on your Mac. This cute "LinuxPPC" is for you, made by Sean King! Our friend Dan Flax from Flax Creations has made a beautiful ResExcellence desktop! Finally we have a blue study, "She's Apples Mate" StartupScreen package by Peter McHugh!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy! And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

Pip's Icons released two new sets: "Application Replacement" and "Matrix" icons! There are also three new desktop pictures featuring scenes from The Matrix!

A-Graphics has two new gorgeous "Groovy iBook" desktops!

Creative Box has updated with a new desktop picture, "Rise & Shine"!

Are you a "Dennis Hoper" fan, then go to InterfaceLift, they have a new desktop picture for you!

Have I mentioned that Gridface has updated with five new desktop pictures yet? Well, I just did!

That's it for this week, have a wonderful weekend Everyone!

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

Register to Win a iBook at Smalldog.com

5/17/00

Here is some interesting information. What you do with it is up to you!

Erick Tejkowski was digging around in iMovie and discovered that the Interface Files are nothing more than layered Photoshop graphics.

Open copies of the following files in ResEdit and change the Type/Creator codes to 8BPS/8BIM.

iMovie:Resources:Interface Files: Parts
iMovie:Resources:Interface Files: Panes
iMovie:Resources:Interface Files: Materials
iMovie:Resources:Interface Files: Main

Then open the files in Photoshop to see all the interface elements. Is there enough there to create a makeover kit for iMovie?

Paul tipped me off to a great set of recent articles at About this Particular Macintosh that cover a wide range of MP3 software issues. They review lots of different MP3 players, encoders, DJ-ing programs, and more.

After the recent update to Power Windows, Greg Landweber surprised ResExcellence Forum readers by stopping by to answer questions and hint at what's coming in Kaleidoscope 2.5.

Regarding transparent menus and Theme files, Greg knows they don't work and he's working on that for the next version of Power Windows. Another problem is the menu bar turning black.

The problem with the black bar drawing at the top of the screen when you launch an application is actually due to a bug in the Mac OS. For whatever reason, when the Mac OS detects that you're using colorized menus, it uses a whole different set of menu drawing routines. Unfortunately, those routines look like they were not tested very well and introduce several problems. I've tried to work around this particular problem (if I hadn't, you'd be seeing it all the time), but sometimes it slips past my code.

If you experience intermittent translucency, Greg explains it this way:

The problem here is that the system likes to cache its menus to speed up drawing, but this menu caching doesn't work with translucent menus. So, when translucent menus are switched on, I disable the menu caching. However, if any menus were already cached, they will remain solid until the cache is cleared. If you simply leave translucent menus turned on, then everything will be fine. This problem only appears when you switch from solid menus to translucent menus.

And the future of Kaleidoscope 2.5?

The plan for Kaleidoscope 2.5 is to extend the translucent menu technology that I have incorporated into Power Windows. Over the last few months I've figured out how to do lots of cool stuff with menus, and I'm planning to incorporate that into Kaleidoscope, creating lots of new possibilities for scheme designers.

Since the first release of Aaron, I have been amazed at Greg's ability to stay two steps ahead of Apple. I would never have believed that several years after the release of Theme technology by Apple, that Kaleidoscope would be alive and thriving.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

You can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

Peter McHugh sends an Aqua styled mini-MOSS. I love the look on my coworker's faces when I boot with a mini-MOSS. Peter also sent a splash replacement for Netscape.

This is retro! André Lipinski submitted seven replacement images for Apple's Puzzle Desk Accessory! The images feature Apple hardware and logo's.

Featuring a beautiful Asian home on a hillside, Wayland Radin created this Outlook Express splash.

Another Aqua styled MOSS was created by Antoudewo. This one has a nice bubble look.

Keith likes his Orb so much, he made a tribute MOSS - that's Orb the band, not Orb the drive.

This BootX splash replacement also comes with a few Tux icons and LinuxPPC desktop picture. The package was created by Sean King.

Here's another Star Trek Voyager splash for Explorer from Jaco de Jong. This one feature's Commander Torres.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

A ResExcellence desktop picture and the zzAlpha X K-Scheme are touted in this screenshot submitted by Jeremy Kemp. Audion, configured with the AlienEgg skin, is playing in the lower right-hand corner.

The Oni craze continues with this snapshot from Akio featuring a custom desktop picture with Oni’s main character, Konoko, coupled with a custom K-Scheme named Aquafine Blueberry. SoundJam, configured with the Transmeta skin, is playing in the lower left-hand corner, and icons from Perfect Yosemite’s PY3 blueberry iPack as well as Marvel and Misc Comic icons from the Devil’s Desktop can be seen along the right edge.

Rudy contributed this screenshot featuring a custom dekstop picture and the Aqua II K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the Quicker face, is playing in the lower right-hand corner.

JjaroCVi is back with another snapshot, this time sporting the custom “MachéSupremo” desktop picture and a hacked version of the RealBlack K-Scheme called BlackTechX LTD

This submission by Glenn Halloran touts the “Arnold Schwarzenegger DA Man” desktop picture in the center along with SoundJam playing in the upper left-hand corner.

The “Mist Castle” desktop picture and the Aqua III K-Scheme by Peter Harde are part of this screenshot by Tommy T. Audion, configured with the New Beetle face, is playing in the lower left-hand corner.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 5-17-00
Software News: by Cletus™ ^{Have you entered the TypeIt4Me giveaway?}

After finding some stability issues with A-Dock 1.2.1, Jerome Foucher immediately fixed the problem. Yesterday found version 1.22 being released. This release also included an enhancement which will allow the dock to be moved when expanded.

Jerome also dropped me a line that the problem with a corrupted Wapp pro download has been fixed. If you tried previously to download the file and got an error message, he recommends you try it now.

John Schilling has released AutoPurge™ 2.3 to make it compatible with Mac OS 9.0.4. It also is now compatible with all foreign languages of the Mac OS. AutoPurge™ is a small application that removes any unused items from the invisible "Temporary Items" folders on all mounted disks. Since Mac OS 8.6 "purging" this folder has ceased to be handled by the OS itself. He notes in the read me: Mac OS 9.0.4 does NOT fix this problem. This application is still useful for Mac OS 9.0.4.

Since announcing the interview and contest with Riccardo Ettore on Monday I have received several recommendations for another piece of software he has authored called Sounds4Fun. One reader, Diana Jennings told me:

"I have been using it under MacOS 9.0.4 with no problems. The Sounds4Fun control panel allows one to assign sounds and create sound sets. I personally like it better than using the sound sets used by the Appearance control panel. In order for Sounds4Fun to work properly, be sure to check none in the sounds set in the Appearance control panel."

I have added it to the archive! Thanks to all who suggested it.

Themes and Schemes news:

Ben Mackin is looking for suggestions for some new themes he is considering starting. The ones he has listed and is asking for input on appear to be a little "safer" to work on.

The Japanese Scheme Archive has posted a really nice looking scheme called I.K.I. Check it out.

Riccardo Ettore Interview and Contest!

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-17-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

Icon Archive: Two new sets!

You can expand your "Super..." icons with this super version of "SuperMac" by Jeff Miles from Jeff's Junk! And Tosty sent us some "iFolders" for your downloading pleasure!

Desktop Archive: Four new pictures!

If you think you deserve some lovely blue dizziness after a hard day's work, have some "Spirals" from Gizmo Vidgit! If "Bart" Simpson is the one make you laugh, Kuzey put this little rascal in a unique perspective! There is a talented young man named Matic Leban in Slovenia, who sent us some of his great creations, among them the today posted "PPC Electricity"! We also have another series starting today, custom desktop photos from James Flach. The first is the beautiful "Monument Valley"! Oh, and there was a download oops with Toren Valimir's "Steel Apple", please try downloading it again; it's working now!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy. And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

Creative Box has released a tiny icon set of "Luigi y Mario", and there is a promise to get the rest of these charming characters soon! Also, there is a new Font Viewer, created by the webmaster's younger brother!

MrV's Graphics has lots of great pictures in several categories: Apple, iMac, Bryce, and Ircle desktops!

And don't forget to visit Rampant Mac if you also liked the Matrix, they have two desktops featuring some elements from the movie, along with many other fantastic pictures!

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

Get OS X plus free Ben + Jerry's at Smalldog.com

5/15/00

How do you do it? How do half of you go through the day not knowing exactly how much money is in your checking account? At any moment, the stars may align in such a way that every check you have written within the last month will arrive at the bank in the same instant, bouncing checks from here to Timbuktu!

The one shining ray of hope in last week's poll is that if you do balance your checkbook, you are most likely doing it on your computer.

Last week, we were inundated with news of the Window's crashing I LOVE YOU virus. I guess no one loves me because I didn't receive a single copy of the worm. This week's Polling Place asks, "How many copies of I LOVE YOU did you receive?".

ResEx Software Editor Cletus Waldman sat down for a virtual interview with the author of TypeIt4Me, Riccardo Ettore. Read their witty chat and find out how to win a free registration for this must-have utility.

Ilona's back! Refreshed from her trip to her homeland in Hungary, our Icon Goddess catches up on the backlog of news and submissions. Find her section below.

No web broswer is perfect, so if you're surfing and come upon a page in Explorer that looks out of whack, this little Applescript from Ryan Schwartz will open the current URL in Netscape.

tell application "Internet Explorer"
set FrontWindowURL to (item 1 of (GetWindowInfo -1))
end tell

tell application "Netscape Communicator™"
OpenURL of FrontWindowURL
activate
end tell

Steven Varner has something to say about the edit to use third party SCSI drives with Apple's CD/DVD driver extension:

I really didn't feel like buying the latest version of the Toolkit, so I tried hacking MacOS 9's CD/DVD player extension (v1.3.1). It worked. Not only that, but it now allowed my Yamaha CD burner to work without the Toast driver.

I want to report that the ResEdit hack for CD/DVD player 1.3.5 is identical to that for 1.3.1 as given on your web site!

Anne Sharp from eLinux.com has pulled together a large number of resources to write, Why should I run Linux on a Macintosh computer? If you have been wondering what all the buzz has been about, and why you should run Linux on Apple's hardware versus Intel's, give it a read.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

You can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

Peter McHugh has devised another splash screen trick! By pasting multiple PICTS into Explorer, he has created an animated splash screen. Download the file to see how he did it.

Nick Watson sent this iNteresting MOSS featuring a boat full of iMacs.

Robert Percival has sent another of his masterful Explorer skins. This one would look truly at home under MacOS X.

This MOSS featuring a troubled soul trying to breakout was created by Keith!

This unusual splash for Netscape is an oversized map of the world! Created by Sébastien Lavoie, it also comes with a replacement PICT for the map control panel.

This is not your usual MOSS. Contributed by Zero Divide, it is an Aqua free zone.

Featuring the MacOS 9/Sherlock logo, Jim Flach put together this About this Mac replacement.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

The “Aqua Dock” desktop picture from K.C.’s Custom Desktops along with Maury McCown’s Aqua-X II K-Scheme make up this submission from K.C. Lofty. Audion, configured with Chris Whittier’s X Fusion face, is playing along the top edge.

Another one of our regular contributers, Sean King, submitted a snapshot, this time featuring the “Munition” desktop picture by Jaw Shaw at d-TOP Wallpapers along with Maury McCown’s Aqua-X K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the X Fusion skin by Chris Whittier, is playing along the top edge.

Paul Thiem is back with another snapshot, this time sporting Kuehn Graphics’ “Plasma” desktop picture and Arlo Rose’s Mekong K-Scheme. SoundJam, configured with the converted Audion face Light Alloy Ultra, is playing in the lower left-hand corner.

Aaron Scott contributed this screenshot touting the “Cyclosys” desktop picture from Customize.org and Toren Valimir’s I/OS X Graphite K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the Reintegration skin, is running in the upper left-hand corner.

Oni feaver has struck Edmund Rollett who contributed this screenshot featuring the “HWKonoko” desktop picture and Maury McCown’s Aqua-X II K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the Audion X face, is playing near the top edge in all of its translucent glory.

Another submission from Mike S., one of our faithful contributers, sports the “Gunmetal Glass” desktop picture from the Apple Collection along with the Floating K-Scheme. The gorgeous Apple Cinema Display is shown in Internet Explorer because Mike thinks “it’s really, really, cool!”

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

Software News 5-15-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Riccardo Ettore has released a new beta of TypeIt4Me through ResExcellence. Bug fixes include:

• Fixed a problem introduced by Appleworks 6, that would stop the expansion after approximately 90 characters were typed

• TypeIt4Me remembers the current abbreviations file after restart

Wapp pro 2.7.1 has just been released to fix the following problems:

• Fixed problems when switching Graphic Converter 2.8+ windows where the floating windows could be sent behind normal windows.

• Sherlock 2 windows are now correctly recognized.

Themes and Schemes news:

The Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive was updated with 11 new and 17 updated schemes. Castle In The Clouds is very unique and provides tremendous detailing. QuantumTech has a dark base and green fluorescent hi-lites — neat. Silver Scream is nicely done and LiNeXT is a variation on the NeXT schemes, something I would use.

Riccardo Ettore Interview and Contest!

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 04-15-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

Hello Everyone! Fasten your seatbelts, I'm back and a lots of things happened while I was on vacation!

The three women at Colheres released four new icon sets.

The workers at Iconfactory came out with a new version of IconBuilder.

PseudoRoom is even more handsome than it was before.

Icon.CX has managed to bring to you many of its icons for the upcoming MacOS X.

Mad Science Laboratory created "Smeck" (my favorite) along with all the "Devil and Bob" icons in one cute set.

Creative Box keeps making new desktop pictures every week and as usual, they are selected as the best desktop pictures of the week at MacOSZone.

I missed Around the Pixel's chocolate eggs and bunnies for Easter but I ate fantastic roasted bunny and delicious cakes my mother backed for us in Hungary! During all this time, I also received great number of contributions which I will try to post in the order in which I received them. After this little summary, let's see today's contributions and news.

Icon Archive: Three new sets!

Ashwath helped us to extend the This&That section in our Icons Archive with his lovely "MiscIcons"! Andrea Longhurts, from The Little Darkroom, has created a most artistic System Replacement set called "PicassOS"! And a very charming, very unique, and very twisted "G4 Stuff" by Raool from Ra's Page!

Desktop Archive: Eight new pictures!

Toren Valimir from I/O Unlimited Media welcomes me back with a "Steel Apple"! Rob van Aarle from Triball Software studied the night and created a beautiful dark picture of the "Moon"! Christopher Blomquist introduces us to "Bonazai HiPower" with some interesting pictures! Henrik Rönnlund from Ronnlun.com has sent us two of his new creations, "Insomnia" featuring one of the characters from Farscape sci-fi TV series, and four colors of "Xapple"! There are great "AquaDock" desktops from Derek Gordon! And we also have two ways of "Think Different", one is by Chris Fam, the other is by Matthew Theobalds from The Pig's Sty!

Thanks to everyone! Enjoy. And don't forget: The Archives are always open for your contributions!

The new PseudoRoom's new icon set is "Unconcious" and perfectly done! There is also a new desktop picture has been "Released"!

IconHQ needs your help! They want your opinions about the upcoming "BlackGold" System Replacement icons before its final release!

Pixture Studio has released a small set of icons called "Visor"!

HappyHappyHappy is a new site with few but happy icons!

We know Marcsbitzoo from its cute icons. Now it has a new look and has extended with a new category "Desktop" with three new desktop pictures! Though the site is written in German, all the important navigational words are in English, for which I am very grateful.

Mustafa Ussakli recommends that our readers visit Appearance Technologies for their great "TabbleCloth" desktop patterns package which also contains some Scotish related sounds as a bonus.

There are some great new kines at Kineticon!

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

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5/12/00

There is a small update to the Photoshop 5 Action from sysinfo. If you have downloaded the original one for making Aqua buttons, grab this new one.

On the topic of Photoshop, John Ertman put together a layered template to aid in the creation of MutiUser Login screens. If you have forgotten the topic, check out this previous edit.

Sure they're silly, but they're fun too! These two Applescripts by Sir Roidy utter silly phrases when you start and shutdown your Mac. One of them can actually carry a tune.

An interesting site called The MacOS Open Source Software page tracks several dozen Open Source Macintosh projects. If you're a programmer, maybe you can help out. If you can handle a little html coding, the webmaster has hung out the Help Wanted sign.

That Draft you feel is from the Linux IceBox!

MountX is a great little extension from Benjamin Herrenschmidt. It allows your Linux partitions to be visible as read-only drives under the MacOS. This comes in handy for copying files or sharing on them Appletalk network. This tutorial will show you how to change the default hard disk icon, and name of the Linux partition. (Continued...)

Be sure to stop back on Monday as ResExcellence posts a great interview with a popular Macintosh programmer, and hands out three registrations of the latest release, available only at ResEx!

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Don't forget, you can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box:
ftp://ftp.resexcellence.com/drop_box/. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

Another cool About his Mac replacement from Kuzey Atici. This one for MacOS 9 looks great on my Powerbook.

This latest Voyager splash for Explorer from Jaco de Jong features a weird alien-thing-a-ma-bob.

For those of you with Palm Pilots (and that seems to be everyone), Tony McDaniel put together this nice Palm Software splash screen. It was inspired by a desktop at icons.cx.

The prolific Nick Watson is filling my In-Box with his creations! So here are three MOSS submissions for you to peruse. The first, GenX, has a cool Aqua-look. The next two feature Apple hardware: an iBook and 2000 Powerbook.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

I decided to submit my own screenshot to the archive featuring the “Mountain Lake” desktop picture by Jim Oltersdorf and the DSG Theme. I’m cataloging snapshots I have received via email in Netscape Messenger and making clipping files of the email message, email address, and website address with the help of FMR Software’s Clip Snippel.

Curt Menn is back the another snapshot, this time with the subtle “G3” desktop from Macsurfshop and Maury McCown’s Aqua-X K-Scheme. Audion, configured with Jake Rodkin’s Reintegration face, is running in the upper left-hand corner.

This snapshot featuring the “Homer” desktop picture and Aqua Theme was submitted by Eric Maas. Audion, configured with Jake Rodkin’s ever popular Reintegration face, is running in the upper left-hand corner. Several game console emulators can be seen in a window at the bottom.

The Matrix craze continues with this snapshot from Klevn touting the “MatriX” desktop picture by Aldert Greydanus and Ben Mackin’s Liquid Theme. Audion, configured with Jake Rodkin’s Reintegration face, is situated in the upper left-hand corner. A Windows in Mac’s clothing is running in Virtual PC at the bottom.

Merv Merzoug contributed this snapshot featuring the “G4 Dock” desktop picture and Mac OS X Aqua K-Scheme. Various icons from Icon Factory inhabit the right and bottom edges. Audion, configured with the Orb face, is running in the upper left-hand corner

This contributor, who requested to remain anonymous, submitted this screenshot sporting the “Iguana” desktop picture and the Dimple Theme. Marc Oliver’s Iconimals are lined along the right side.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 5-12-00
Software News: by Cletus™ UPDATED 11am.

Greg Landweber, co-author of Kaleidoscope, is pleased to announce the public release of Power Windows 2.4, now featuring translucent menus! It is available now!

Because of the amount of e-mail I am getting concerning Gadget Software, I would like to notify all readers to check today's news section at MacFixIt. It is unfortunate that this kind of activity takes place at all on the internet. Of course there is no definite way of ever tracking or knowing all software sources. One good note is that Faster! and Loaded were never liked enough by the readers to make it into the archive. Some readers picked up on this early on. Earlier in the week I removed Magic Menu from the archive as the controversy picked up steam. It appears closed for good now.

Appears to be pretty quiet on the software front.

The ever prolific Jérome Foucher has updated a couple of his programs. A-Dock 1.2.1 has been released. New features include:

• When the dock is minimized, option-clicking will change the look of the dock to a small bar.

• Option-clicking back will revert to the small icon. When the dock is expanded, option-clicking on the front app will hide the app.

• Added an option to use the Appearance Manager instead of a skin. Reduced memory needs.

• Improved stability in applications that love to hog the cpu (like internet browsers...).

His second update is for Wapp Floater 2.1. Wapp Floater needs Wapp pro 2.3.2 or newer to run! The page doesn't specify the changes made to this release however. Both items have been updated in our archive.

If you use OneClick, then you will want to get the update to Jinsan's J&J NeXT Clock module. Which ironically is based upon...ta dah...the NeXT System clock module.

Turly's software page has posted a notice: "FinderPop 1.8.6 and Norton Antivirus do not coexist well together. If you're using NAV, please continue to use 1.8.4 for the time being. I'll release a new version as soon as I can (over the coming weekend.) Thanks for your patience!" Download link for 1.8.4 if you need this is here.

Themes and Schemes news:

The plug has been pulled! The image of the slow, swirling, cyclonic action as Liquid and Aqua go down the drain has begun. By Monday (or sooner) they will be completely gone. All right, so I do not have a future as a writer! But you did get an image correct? In any case all remaining Mac OS X styled themes and schemes are being removed. Aqua X II, Liquid and Aqua 1 & 2.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon & Desktop News by Ilona (who is on vacation. This feeble attempt to fill her shoes is made by Michael!)

Ilona is back from her vacation. Watch for her triumphant return Monday...

Get OS X plus free Ben + Jerry's at Smalldog.com

5/10/00

If you're like me, and you don't know an RGB from a Bumblebee, you'll love this Photoshop 5 Action from sysinfo. A Photoshop Action is similar to Quickey Macro or an Applescript; it's a prerecorded set of commands for the application to execute.

This Photoshop action walks you through the steps needed to make a decent looking Aqua button. It took me a few attempts to get it right, but the helpful dialogs boxes guide you every step of the way.

To install the Action, select Show Actions from the Window menu. On the Action palette, use the Popup menu in the upper right corner to Load an action.

Repositioning a Printer Dialog Box

Christian Boyce noticed this problem when printing from Quicken and perhaps it happens with other programs. It seems Quicken's Button Bar covers the Print dialog box so that you can't see all the options. He performed this simple edit on his Epson driver, and I have tested it on several others, and it worked perfect everytime. (Continued...)

After previous reading on ResExcellence about using "talking" Applescripts to check for mail in Outlook Express, Charlie Hayes dusted off his Script Editor to create the following:

I created two new Applescripts. One for checking your e-mail accounts, and the other for sending e-mail. It only works for POP Accounts, but could easily be modified for other types. I used a variable for the voice, so if you want to change it, its really easy.

A couple more comments on MP3's. In the article, I mentioned that Knapster and Gnapster both compiled fine on my computer. I launched both programs and performed searched, but never downloaded a song (Hey, Metallica's lawyers are everywhere!)

It turns out that there is a bug in Knapster that prohibits it from downloading. Gnapster works fine. In fact, I now possess a copy of the Carpenters, "Close to You". :)

Gino Generelli: One great mac utility that you didn't mention is the N2MP3 encoder. In my opinion it is the most fully featured, easy to use encoder I could find... I actually paid the shareware fee for this one, if you can believe it ; ). But it was worth every penny.

David Bradbury: Want a great MP3 Encoder comparison? Check out mine! I haven't updated it since December, but not many encoders have been released since then so I haven't felt the need to update quite yet... though I will soon. :)

Gridface, has just added its first series of desktop pictures. This are simple bold images with disturbing messages. :)

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Don't forget, you can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box:
ftp://ftp.resexcellence.com/drop_box/. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

Our latest Explorer skin is from Mike Vannorsdel. Called OS X Buttons, this one takes its cue from the MacOS X Login screen.

Here is the next in a series from Jaco de Jong of an Explorer splash from Star Trek Voyager. This one features the annoying Neelix.

Showing the speedy G4 chip, Nick Watson submitted this MOSS.

As a kid, did you ever sharpen a pencil down to the eraser? That's what this stubby cursor form Sébastien Lavoie will remind you of.

This MOSS is so obvious, I can't believe no one though of it before! Kudos to Kuzey Atici for this nice Quicktime look. Kuzey also created an About this Mac replacement featuring Buzz Lightyear.

Do you wear baggy pants and knee pads? Then you'll like this skateboard throbber for Netscape from Matt Lajoie.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Mike Elhard submitted this screenshot sporting the “KoRn Issues” desktop picture and NeXT Theme. SoundJam MP, configured with a Mountain Dew skin, is running in the lower left-hand corner.

A modified version of Henrik Ronnlund’s “My Apple” desktop picture and the Black, Hot, and Blue K-Scheme together make this snapshot from Rob Barnes. SoundJam MP, configured with the GraphiteJam skin, is running along the top.

The Estaño K-Scheme by Kei Kinoshita and Henrik Ronnlund’s “My Apple” desktop picture can be seen in this screenshot from Kevin Leslie. Audion, configured with the Badge face, is running in the lower left-hand corner.

Alberto Chávez, another faithful contributor to the Snapshot Archive, has sent in a snapshot with a Malcolm McDowell desktop picture and the Tephra K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the BeOS face, can be seen running near the left edge.

This screenshot from Trevor Pressman touts the “NeonDisaster” desktop picture along with several Gorts and BeOS icons. Anarchie is running towards the bottom.

The “Power Armor” desktop picture and eAz OS K-Scheme are featured in this snapshot from long time contributor Mike Orticari. Photoshop is in the foreground where a MOSS is being designed.

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

Software News 5-10-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Jerome Foucher has been working feverishly on A-Dock it appears. He has released yet another update. Version 1.2 is now available and updated in the Software Archive.

RAILhead Design has been no less busy with updates and releases. PreviewMaker 2.4.1 has been released. Fixed the black progress bar anomaly in preview windows. Sometimes the progress bar area would be black and it would only show properly if the window was collapsed then un-collapsed. Added animation to the progress bar in the Control Samples window and shaved off a bit more redundant code for a minute performance increase on certain (slow) Macs.

They have also posted May's free font "Mister" for your GUI customizing endeavors Check out all their fonts in the "Fonts" section.

Wishing to keep on top of everything, I made my bimonthly pilgrimage through the Software Archive Monday night reviewing every single link. My how it has grown. There are over 160 items in the archive. This exercise truly makes me appreciate my cable modem. I found only three broken links and 3 items who's version numbers listed incorrectly in the archive. They have all been fixed. Please don't hesitate to let me know when you find something wrong in the archive.

While popping around to all those sites I did find that SoundApp 2.7 is close to being released. It should be any day now , so we will keep an eye out for it..

Themes and Schemes News:

The Japanese Scheme Archive has posted several interesting K-Schemes you may be interested in checking out.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon & Desktop News by Ilona (who is on vacation. This feable attempt to fill her shoes is made by Michael!)

Ilona is returning from her vacation today. Watch for her triumphant return soon...

Get OS X plus free Ben + Jerry's at Smalldog.com

5/8/00

As you're cranky old married Webmaster™, it appears I'm in the minority of ResExcellence readers. Only one third of us are married. Maybe that's why I'm cranky!

11% listed themselves as "Other". I wonder if any are Civil Unions!

No other program I own has paid for itself as many times over like Quicken. For years I have used it to paid every bill, performed every transfer, and track our retirement accounts. Even though my bank charges $9.95 per month to use Quicken, I recoup that by saving on stamps, and receiving additional interest because I manage money more efficiently. My friend on the other hand, never balances her checkbook! Where do you stand?

This week's Polling Place asks, "How do you balance your checkbook?".

Readers are always asking why ResExcellence doesn't have a poll on browser choice. We don't need to because the Apache web server gathers that information for us. Below are the stats for the first few days of May. With the release of Internet Explorer 5, Netscape was relegated to the number two position. (I wonder if Opera is the Windows version, or the Mac alpha. Konqueror is the new KDE 2.0 browser.)

reqs: browser ------: ------- 678470: MSIE 461311: Netscape 46691: Netscape (compatible) 27349: iCab 876: Opera 872: iCab J 356: Konqueror 339: Cyberdog 239: OmniWeb 168: WebTV 2499: [not listed: 115 browsers]

There were several follow-up comments to Friday's article on Ripping CD's under MacOS and LinuxPPC. Many readers recommended SoundJam from Casady&Greene as an MP3 Ripper/Player combination that costs $39.95. The SoundJam "player only" is a free download. Brian Bergstrand pointed me to a free Mac port of the Blade MP3 encoder that I was using under Linux. Brian also adds, "QuickTime can play MP3's. Cost on Mac $0". Dan Schmidt has put together a page comparing various MP3 programs.

on applescript (main) has added a new script named AppMem which is now available in the scripts section. AppMem allows you to change an application's memory partition before launching it. It features a FirstRun routine and the ability to 'morph' itself to any app dropped onto it. Be sure to check out the rest of their scripts.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Don't forget, you can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box:
ftp://ftp.resexcellence.com/drop_box/. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

This cool looking heartbeat throbber was created by Sébastien Lavoie. It's available for Netscape and iCab.

Jay Amici sent a nice looking Eudora splash screen replacement.

Featuring Cartman from South Park, Kuzey Atici created a MOSS!

Peter McHugh sent an Aqua styled makeover for the Remote Access Control Panel.

An impressionistic About the Mac replacement was created by Nicholas Knyk.

Displaying an image from her uglier Borg days, Jaco de Jong created this Explorer splash of "7 of 9" from Star Trek Voyager.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Maxfield Parrish’s “Lantern Bearers” desktop picture and Albie Wong’s Mamma Mia K-Scheme are displayed in this snapshot by Gary Shawver. Very orange!

Brandon Muhlach is salivating over the new Power Macintosh G4 in this screenshot touting a custom desktop picture and the PMG4 K-Scheme. SoundJam, configured with the AquaX skin, is running in the lower left-hand corner.

The Matrix is back in this screenshot submission by one of our regular contributors, Mike. The “Green Liquid Chrome” desktop picture and the Trianon K-Scheme were used.

One Linux desktop pattern and the Sugar Plate V K-Scheme mixed in with a custom window pattern make the ingredients for this submission from Marc Wright. Audion, configured with some cool-looking skin, is running in the lower left-hand corner, and DragThing is running along the left edge.

A calm custom desktop picture and the Sugar Plate V K-Scheme are a part of this snapshot by Michael Rosen. Audion, configured with the BCK-Amp face, is running in the upper left-hand corner, and DragThing is running along the left edge.

Who is that in the screenshot!? A college kid after 20 hours of C++ programming? The mother-in-law everyone prays they’ll never have? No, it’s Storm from the X-Men The Movie trailer in this latest submission from Frank Rozsa. The Dimple Theme was used as well, and Audion, configured with the Reintegration face, is running in the upper left-hand corner.

EZQuest 100GB FireWire hard drive only $399 at Smalldog.com

Software News 5-8-00
Software News: by Cletus™

A lot of updates happened since the last post. The archive has been updated for all of the following.

Jerome Foucher added quite a few features to A-Dock such as: New anchored positions, specifically, on each screen edge middle. Changed dock positions for a better consistency. You might have to move the Dock to suit your needs. Added a shortcut (by default ctrl + > to avoid conflicts with the built-in cmd+tab) to cycle through applications like the alt+tab from Microsoft Windows. Upgraded the skins with 2 new patterns and if A-Dock wasn't installed at startup or if it has quit, A-Dock Control is able to (re)launch it for you. Bugs fixed: The alphabetical order still didn't work properly when Wapp pro wasn't installed. Fixed for good.

Also receiving a hefty update was Magnet Menu to version 2.3: Fixed a very annoying bug dealing with MM not finding its prefs. Fixed bug dealing with MM crashing at startup. MM is now a FAT control panel. Problems with MDEF menus fixed. Will not mess up ClarisWorks menu or display hi-lited menu after auto-deselection. Will not select disabled items or select separator bars. This is just a few of the many changes and bug fixes. Check the page for more details.

ProcessInfo was also updated to version 1.3.1. Fixed were a bug with Desktop Application. Up-to-date with the last WhiteBox Release. The binary lost 50 K. I currently don't understand why, but it's cool.

And lastly, SmartScroll was released as 3.7b1. I may have missed the full fledge release of version 3.6, which had been in beta the last time I checked. In any case it popped up to this version and so this is what is posted on the archive page.

Themes and Schemes news:

Ben Mackin has done some more "tweaking" on his Liquid series of themes and come up with new versions of all themes. Available are: Liquid, Liquid Metal and Liquid Lime (first of the color variations). Ben is always looking for feed back so stop by, download them and give him feed back. He is doing a good job.

power/MAC has released a new theme, LCD. This is a hi-techish, pixelated looking theme using black and green colors. However, if I remember correctly what my art teacher once said, black is not considered a color. So I guess it is simply a black and green theme! He also wanted me to mention about a new Desktop picture he has released.

Michael Rabe sent in a note to let everyone know that DogHouse Online has moved into new digs. But even more important is that The Mac Theme Archive has been brought back also!

The Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive has posted 12 new and 29 updated schemes. Nautiqua Lime, Majin Boo and Cape Cod get my vote this week.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-07-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona (who is on vacation. This feable attempt to fill her shoes is made by Michael!)
Icon Archive:

As soon as I get back to my everyday routine, I'll take the spider webs off our Icon Archive and fill it with new contributions.

Desktop Archive: One new picture!

This is my last day of vacation, the trip back to US is tomorrow. I would like to thank Michael Addison for contributing the desktop pictures that have been the constant source of my updates during this time. "Wing" is the last one in his series!

Thanks for the contributions!

Henrik Rönnlund has a cool looking web site! Check it out to see his new icons: iDream.

Amplexus has had a major website renovation, and has a very nice new desktop picture is available for you to download.

Rampant Mac has had a massive update! Our buddy Scott Chitwood has posted 11 new desktops, a StartupScreen, and 5 desktop patterns.

KCz Desktop has updated with 12 new desktop patterns!

Jen's Pages has two new icons sets and a desktop pattern for you!

The Devil's Desktop is being updated again. Stop by for 2 new desktops and 2 new icon sets.

Around the Pixel has posted a new Kaleidoscope scheme, WallStreet, and Desktop Picture-StartUpScreen.

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

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5/5/00

Many readers wrote to say the computer pictured in the 1981 Apple advertisement is an Apple III. Jean-Jacques Cortes sent this picture from the Machine Room.

Avi Drissman also recommends Apple-History for more information on the ill-fated machine, and all things historical pertaining to Apple.

And Graeme Cowling was one of the few chumps, umm, customers to buy one:

I just noted your page today with the inclusion of the Apple ad from 1981. I think I must be on of the very few who actually bought the machine shown...An Apple III with Silentype thermal printer and external 160K floppy drive (I think that was the capacity at least and I am too lazy to go over to the other side of the room to check at the moment!)

The Apple III was an orphan unfortunately, but I loved it and ended up with two, a III with 128K memory and a III+ with 256K (what power!) They replaced my Apple II and IIe's.

There is a new Applescript site that should become a great resource! MacScripter's magazine has everything you need to learn scripting, download scripting additions, and keep up to date on scripting news from around the web.

Another new site is DailyMacFix. Not all the sections are flushed out yet, but give a look and send encouraging words.

Is Grandma still not getting this whole email attachment thing? Well send her to MacInstruct. They just published part tow of "How to Send Attachments".

A couple of months ago icons.cx released the first third-party icons for MacOS X. Now, they just re-released six of their most popular icon sets in the Mac OS X format--that's more than 300 icons!

Download "X-optimized" versions of Solar System, Spiffy Apps III, Circles Encore, Quake III: Arena, More Quake III, A Place Called Yuck, and IE Flavors sets. If you're lucky enough to have a developer release of Mac OS X you can use them in their full 128x128 glory. If you don't have it, fear not; you can use the icons under Mac OS 8.5 or newer, and when you upgrade to Mac OS X this summer you'll be able to see the new sizes automatically.

The Linux Icebox (whew, it's cold in here!)

With all the recent talk at ResEx about MP3's, I though I'd run a little demo comparing ripping MP3's under MacOS versus LinuxPPC. (Ripping is when you convert CD audio tracks and store them on you hard disk. In my example, the final format is MP3). See a desktop snapshot of each OS, and a list of software used. Please, no comments on my '80's rock musical tastes. Remember, I'm an old man. (Continued...)

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Don't forget, you can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box:
ftp://ftp.resexcellence.com/drop_box/. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

"Revenge is a dish best eaten cold...". If you use Outlook Express 5, fred sends this OE5 splash screen featuring our favorite Klingon, Worf; and a soundset of his witty Klingon sayings.

Jim Flach sends another MOSS! This one, for users of MacOS 9.0.4, is tangerine in the style of the MacOS 9/Sherlock logo.

Called "GoHack", this sidebar graphic by Daniil Khorunzhiy is for your GoMac menu.

Kuzey Atici sends two submissions. A Quicktime styled About this Mac replacement, and a MOSS featuring Bart Simpson.

If you like the anime "Danger Girls", Nels Anderson has created replacement splash for the Office 98 suite of programs.

Matthew Theobalds submits another IE5 throbber. This one is a spinning iBook!

Featuring a big ol' Aqua button, Antoudewo created this interesting MOSS.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Fredrik Holmqvist sent in this snapshot with a custom desktop pattern inspired by a Japanese website. SoundJam, configured with the 1983d skin, is running in the lower right-hand corner.

Pete Goudreau contributed this snapshot touting Blue Sky Heart’s “DC Orbit” desktop picture along with a slightly tweaked Platinum Theme to match the color scheme. Anarchie, an FTP client, is open along the left edge, and HogWasher, a newsgroup reader, is running near the top.

Richard Kim submitted this screenshot featuring the “Quantum Foam” desktop picture along with Kei Kinoshita’s Estudio K-Scheme. Microsoft Word is running in the background, and various icons from Icon Factory are placed along the right edge.

Alex Kleiner sent in this screenshot sporting a custom desktop picture and the iMac Paper Theme. Macast, configured with the Triample Blue skin, is running in the lower right-hand corner and the QuickTime Player, configured with the Aqua skin, is openin the upper left-hand corner.

This contributer, known as Anto, submitted this snapshot featuring a custom desktop picture and the Grafito K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the Reintegration face, is running in the upper left-hand corner. The cursor replacement is a custom creation of Anto’s as well.

Nick Redmond submitted this screenshot featuring the custom “Organica” desktop picture and the IZA Metal Finish K-Scheme. The High Level Abstraction iPack along with various icons by Colheres can be seen on the desktop. Audion, configured with the s.i.n. gelido azul face, is running in the lower left-hand corner.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 5-05-00
Software News: by Cletus™

Jerome Foucher has updated A-Dock to version 1.0.1. I mentioned this last week and have received only positive comments about it. I have now added it to the archive.

Launch Key by TriVectus Software has gone to version 3.0.1. Specifics of the update are not listed on the page. Launch Key will provide key touch launching of Finder folders and applications. A Very dynamic program.

Gadget Software has also updated a piece of their software — Faster! to version 2.1. This release fixes many bugs which should mean less conflicts now! There is only one extension now (not 1 extension and 1 CDEV). The interface also was cleaned up and is now simpler to use - you navigate via tabs only.

As the weekend closes in it is time to check out the updates at Themes.org. There are five new desktops and 3 new screenshots this week.

Themes and Schemes news:

Ben Mackin has updated two themes — Liquid and Liquid Metal. Both versions come in two flavors now, those with icons and those without. He promises a color variation soon.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-05-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona (who is on vacation. This feable attempt to fill her shoes is made by Michael!)
Icon Archive:

No new set this time, but we have lots of great icons from past contributions. Take a round ture in our Icon Archive and read our intrviews ifyou haven't done so!

Desktop Archive: One new picture!

It looks like two hourglass with wings, its name is "Winged Plate" and it's been sent by Michael Addison! Toren Valimir's "Universal Down" could be a colorful imaginative spiral galaxy!

Thanks for the contributions!

Elan Pfalzgraf has made a page for desktop pictures he has created. Take a look at his colorful designs.

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

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5/3/00

While paging though an old National Geographic from 1981, Timothy Zulewski found this advertisement from Apple! I don't even know what model computer that is. Unfortunately, the ad copy punctuates the missed opportunities by Apple in the early Eighties.

Click to see a larger image.

Keep an eye Iconfactory today. They'll be releasing a new version of IconBuilder. This update creates icons for MacOS X too!

Alphanumerica has posted a new Netscape 6 skin called FruityGum. It's meant more as a demonstrations skin, highlighting some new techniqes, which is good because yours truly thinks it's u-g-l-y! :)

Lots-o-people emailed to comment on the Applescript to bring the Finder to the front after DropDrawers launches at startup. Well it seems there is a preference in DropDrawers to do just that ! :)

But this simpler version still has value for those of us with other applications that are launched at startup.

tell application "Finder"
activate
end tell

Shortly after ResExcellence mentioned Toren Valimir's web site update, he maxed out his throughput with his ISP. Well, it's a new month and Toren has megs to born, so stop by, download his beautiful user interface goodies, and let's see if we can shut him down by the weekend! :)

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Don't forget, you can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box:
ftp://www.resexcellence.com/drop_box/. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

Another IE5 Skin! This one by Robert Percival. By the way, the preview I posted Monday for Wayne Chang's skin in the archive wasn't correct due to an error on my part, so be sure to check them both out!

"The MOSS Files" is a replacement by Seba that was inspired by the X-Files, without all the green.

If all of the AIM artwork looked as good as this splash by Nels, we wouldn't need the patcher to remove them!

Jim Flach submitted this MOSS that has a nice graphite/Quicktime look to it.

A colorful rainbow Quicktime Player makeover was submitted by Brad Gosse.

Based on the circular Smilin' Mac logo, Kevin Leslie created both a MOSS and an About this Mac replacement.

Another version of a Powerbook Throbber was created Matthew Theobalds. This one is only for Explorer 5.

Jay Amici sent a splashscreen replacement for Netscape based on the "N" logo.

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Matt Huitson sent in this snapshot sporting a desktop picture from Macsurfshop along with a modified Turbo Theme. Internet Explorer is running at the top.

Oz Alfert contributed this snapshot featuring a desktop picture from AddWoo along with the Ben Mackin’s Liquid Theme. Audion, configured with the Cutting Edge face, is running along the top edge.

This submitter, known only as Chez, contributed this snapshot featuring the “Aqua” desktop picture by Scott Chitwood and Riverbed Software’s PaperBox Blueberry Theme. Also various icons from Epoch Icons, Etherbrian, Perfect Yosemite, and Icon Factory propogate the screen. Audion, configured with BCK Graphics’ bck_soldier face, is running along the left edge.

Kenneth Kirksey submitted this snapshot featuring Digital Blasphemy’s “Traveller” desktop picture along with the Aqua K-Scheme. SoundJam, configured with the AquaX skin, is running at the top, and icons from Perfect Yosemite’s High-Level Abstraction iPack live on the desktop.

Todd Patrick submitted this cool snapshot of his desktop running LinuxPPC 2000. Mac-on-Linux is running Mac OS 8.6 and the X Multimedia System on the left edge sports the Blur Scope visualization plugin. Netscape’s Mozilla browser is running at the top. Very awesome setup!

Alberto Chávez is back again with another snapshot, this time touting a custom dock he created from an H. R. Giger illustration along with the Boilerplate K-Scheme. Audion, configured with Scott Raleigh’s Wetware face, is running near the left edge.

Ilicon Graphic Design

Software News 05-03-00
Software News: by Cletus™

DragThing homepage was updated announcing an upcoming 2.8 version. Keep an eye out. This page has a brief listing of changes and fixes for the new version. They even posted a picture of DT running in Mac OS X. DragThing also celebrated it's 5 year anniversary on May 1st. Congrat's to James Thomson!

Bob Friede is reporting that the Discolour Zip extension he originally made for Mac OS 8.6 is no longer functioning properly. "It has a problem in 9.04 on this Wallstreet. Now when I insert a zip disk, it's black and white unless highlighted. I have no idea why this is." No word at present on an update, but I am sure if he figures it out we will see one.

He also wanted me to point out that he found an extension called TailDragger 1.0.1 by Jan Bruyndonckx that works fine in 9.0.4. What it will do is point the cursor in the direction of movement. He points out it is a little small though. The direct download link is here. If you want it added to the archive I will do so.

Peter McHugh wrote in to recommend you try out X-Launch 2.0. He has been running this on Mac OS 8.6 and points out the results are good. He wished it ran with extensions off, however it he has had no problem. If anyone else knows if this runs as well in 9.0.4 let me know and I will be glad to add it to the Archive.

Gadget Software has changed the version number on Magnet Menu back to 2.2 after correcting a problem with AutoMenus Pro. I have changed the Software Archive to reflect this change.

Simple Browser was updated to 2.0.1. The page does not specify what has changed.

Sherlock Menu has also undergone an update. It provides better support of pre-Mac OS 9 users. Housekeeping internally to better manage the existing and planned future features of Sherlock Menu (think X)

Now for the update on Zoomie, which I mentioned last time and asked for reports on. I can even vouch for this myself. It works fine in 9.0.4. Peter McHugh, Wayne Weber, Lon Hutchison, Derek Butterfield and Michael Askew all give the thumbs up on this product. Michael Askew did point out one flaw — if you use the minimize button to shrink and open windows the cursor will jump to the zoom box. I have this happen also, but nearly never use the minimize button, opting instead to double click the bar.

Themes and Schemes News:

4 Themes have been added to Mac Things. CandiTech, Blue, Neutech 1.0.1 and Paper 2.0.1. Themes can be viewed here.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-03-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona (who is on vacation. This feable attempt to fill her shoes is made by Michael!)
Icon Archive:

No new set this time, but we have lots of great icons from past contributions. Take a round ture in our Icon Archive and read our intrviews ifyou haven't done so!

Desktop Archive: Two new pictures!

Michael Addison's "St. George Lake" looks like an old-old landscape photograph! If you wish singer Britney Spears posing on your desktop, Mike Orticary's picture is for you!

Thanks for the contributions!

Timothy Zulewski, who sent us the old Apple ad above, has a nice collection of Desktop Pictures at his site, Cricketbow.

Panic.com has updated with a gaggle of Audion Faces.

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

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5/1/00

It seems that 71% of ResExcellence readers are going to jail! Based on a recent court case, you are guilty of downloading an MP3, even if you own the song on CD.

I was at a guy's house this weekend, and he doesn't know an ftp from an http, yet he had a copy of Macster and a drive full of bootleged music. This should give some idea how downloading MP3's has entered the mainstream.

There are some intelligent comments on copyright usage in this forum thread, but I can't help but wonder if all this will end with an "MP3" tax on computers, CD Burners, and MP3 Players to cover lost revenue. Don't laugh, stranger things have happened.

This week's Polling Place question was suggested by Seba, "Are you married, single, or other?". I know this leaves out dozens of other types of relationships, but as an old married man, I'm curious how many of you are in the same sinking boat as me. :)

Rick Roe sent this little tip to allow Photoshop to open graphic files that it may not readily recognize. This often happens when an image is downloaded and have a three letter descriptor, such as jpg or gif.

Photoshop can be a little annoying at times in that it will only accept file drags onto its icon if the file type code is one it recognizes. In this Internet day and age, we often end up with graphics files whose file types aren't correctly set (or don't exist)... when you try and drag one onto Photoshop, it won't accept it.

The solution is to edit Photoshop's BNDL resource to include the "any" file type. This will make it so that any file can be dragged onto Photoshop's icon successfully. (Of course, this works for other apps too... Photoshop is just a good example.)

Open Photoshop in ResEdit and open the only BNDL resource in it. Choose "Create new file type" from the Resource menu; the new file type added to the BNDL will be '????'. This OS Type is reserved by Apple and can mean "unknown" or "any", depending on context. In this case, it means "any".

Save Photoshop and quit ResEdit. Any time you change a BNDL, you'll need to rebuild the Desktop File by holding down Command and Option when the Finder starts up.

Now you can drag any file onto Photoshop and have it open.

Matthew Theobalds sends this simple Applescript:

Here is an AppleScript which I have made to open Drop Drawers, and then Activate the Finder afterwards. This is fully compatible with the obligatory alias in the Startup Items Folder.

I wrote it because I didn't like the way Drop Drawers by default was the frontmost application.

tell application "Drop Drawers"
activate
tell application "Finder"
activate
end tell
end tell

Anyway there it is. Simple eh.

This comes in handy for any program launched at startup. On my computer, I use Gramotki instead of Stickies. At every restart, Gramotki is the final forward application. This script allows me to switch it to the Finder.

Internet Explorer Skin Archive Opens:

This weekend I dug out the ResExcellence crowbar and squeezed another section into the website. We have our first contribution to the Internet Explorer Skins archive.

Take a look at Saphire skin by Wayne Chang, and be sure to visit the Skin Lab to find out how to create your own IE5 skins. Their message boards have been active with discussions from names that will be familiar to ResExcellence readers.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Don't forget, you can now upload your contributions to the ResExcellence ftp drop box:
ftp://www.resexcellence.com/drop_box/. Don't forget to let us know with an email.

The Visual Station by Wayne Chang is a great looking MOSS that is not in the standard size, but not quite Giant.

Wayne also sent a matching About this Mac replacement featuring the San Francisco skyline.

Mark Evans created a cool looking splash screen replacement for the users of Outlook Express. It's very geometrical in its style.

Continuing the resurgence of throbber submissions, Patrick Kelleher sends another of his creations. This throbbing Apple is for both Netscape 6 and Explorer 5.

Nicholas Knyk created a Giant MOSS with elements of Aqua and the MacOS 9 logo.

This Supermac Netscape splash was created by Jeff Miles

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Gedeon Maheux contributed this snapshot featuring the “Chiana” desktop picture from Farscape along with Toren Valimir’s I/OSX Graphite K-Scheme. John Marstall’s High Level Abstraction folders iPack and Icon Factory’s The Farbles icons are also displayed.

This submitter, known only as PafMax, sent in this screenshot with the custom “Weird” desktop picture. Audion, configured withthe Gizmo 2.0 face, is running in the lower left-hand corner, and WebLab Viewer Lite is in the foreground displaying RNA molecule stereogram.

Darth Sideous’ evil apprentice, Darth Maul, has landed at ResExcellence in this snapshot from Sean King. Besides the Darth Maul DP, the Obsidian K-Scheme by Indigo Kelleigh is being used and Audion, configured with the Runestick face by Lliam, is running at the bottom.

Alberto Chávez, one of ResExcellence’s faithful contributers, sent in this screenshot showing off a custom Space Ghost desktop picture coupled with the Bondi K-Scheme. Audion, configured with the Badge II face by Grifiths Designs, is running in the center.

Neill Holloman submitted this screenshot featuring the “Perl Cafe” desktop picture and an Aqua theme/scheme. Audion, configured with the Reintegration face, is running in the upper left-hand corner.

Rick Bargerhuff contributed this snapshot touting a modified version of the gorgeous desktop picture from EndEffect. Some of the icons are from ResExcellence’s very own Icon Archive.

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Software News 5-01-00
Software News: by Cletus™

I have added a really cool piece of software called Zoomie to the archive. I guess now I can truly say we feature software from A — Z at ResExcellence. James R Whitson recommended this extension to me. What it does is allow the cursor to follow the zoom box around. You know what happens — you want to zoom a window only to find it is way to big or to small and want to revert the window back to its original state, but now you have to mouse all the way back to the zoom widget? With this 7K extension the cursor will stay with the zoom box so you can correct your decision if needed. I am looking for confirmation that it works with Mac OS 9.0.x please. It is confirmed with 8.6.

Robert Friede reminded me of a possible solution for NewFolderHere! not working in 9.0.4. NamedFolder7 will cover the needs just fine.

Open a folder containing some items in list view. Decide where you want to add a folder. From the menubar, choose "New Folder" and a dialog will open where you can enter the new folder's name. Dismiss the box and your new folder appears in the appropriate place if you didn't make a typo.

For some reason, Cmd-N does not work for me, and no dialog box appears, just that old "untitled folder" folder down at the bottom of the list. I wonder if a bit of skilled hacking could restore the Cmd-N function? Though surely not as classy as NewFolderHere!, it ain't bad.

Disco Ball is the newest Kine you can download for the animated icon replacement program, Kineticon.

Graphic Converter has been updated to version 3.8.2. Enhancements and bug fixes include: Swap colors AppleScript command added , option for disabling the new zoom effects added, picas and points option added to information window, bug in TIFF CMYK import fixed, bugs in fax import fixed and other bug fixes. Be sure to stop by the Icon Archive to pick out some replacement icons for Graphic Converter here and here.

Be sure to also pick up the new May virus definitions for Virex and Nav.

Themes and Schemes news:

Ben Mackin has updated his Liquid Theme. Fixed are:

• Progress bars everywhere (IE, Sherlock, the Finder)
• I added "disabled window widgets". Note that these are still being worked on, but they should work pretty well. I need to make it, if possible, so that only the widgets that are supposed to show up, show up. Also I need the title text to recognize that they are there. Since this is just a show off thing, I would like to know if you think I should keep it in or not.
• I changed the arrow only popup menu to look closer to the real thing. I really have no applications that show this, so I don't know how well it is working. Please someone let me know how it looks, and what app they are using.
• Some minor cleaning up to the resource file.

Ben has also updated his Theme Guide after several people reported being unable to open the file. He still requests feed back on this: Please I need to know if this is going in the right direction?

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Icon/Desktop News 05-01-00
Icon & Desktop News by Ilona (who is on vacation. This feable attempt to fill her shoes is made by Michael!)
Icon Archive:

No new set this time, but we have lots of great icons from past contributions. Take a round ture in our Icon Archive and read our intrviews ifyou haven't done so!

Desktop Archive: Two new pictures!

Continuing Michael Addison's picture series with the good looking "Star Plate"! Peter McHugh sure knows how to make a desktop picture which looks like a giant pattern, this time it is "Aquated"!

Thanks for the contributions!

It would be a sin to miss out on these icons from the Mad Scientist! Then again, you can always ask for forgiveness.

The icon site Colheres (quem não tem que fazer...) has posted two new sets: "Birthday Party" and "They Work".

The pseudoroom reopens today with a new look that the creators readily admit some people will hate. See for yourself.

A new update at Around the Pixel! They have two new desktop pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Snaky Reports wants to announce their new icon set.

It is the "Bath Time icons", means sponge, soap, shampoo...etc.
It includes my three icons put in the Home Decor folder.
When I made the Home Decor icons, the bath icon idea had
come to me! :-)

lindkvist has a big update with a Desktop Calender for May, and nine new sets of fonts!

The Little Dark Room has posted a new icon set called Picasso!

What's new on your site? Icons? Desktop pictures? Inform us! We'll post it!

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