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Today's News by Cletus™ Remember to spend the next couple of days finishing your entry for the TypeIt4Me Contest which comes to a close on Saturday evening. As I mentioned last time, it gives the proud ResExcellence readership a chance to be part of a great program. Read the contest page and start "pushing the pixels" as they say!
 iGetter is a download manager for MacOS and MacOS X. "It is an excellent utility for files that you want to download immediately or later." Version 1.7 provides a new drag and drop method for easily adding, managing and grouping downloads. There are also several other enhancements in this update.
 HandyList 1.0 is a Control strip module for a quick text item list. "Use it to display and edit a simple text list of items. Use it to store frequently used contact names, phone numbers, email addresses, notes, to-do items or any other text information. To access the list, simply click on the control strip module."
A-Dock 2.7 is now available. This application switcher/launcher is a Classic clone of sorts similar to the Dock found in Mac OS X. Changes include. - Enhanced behavior when a favorite item is no longer valid: a single-click will display a contextual menu where you can choose to delete the favorite or to select a new target for it
- If a network volume is added as a favorite, A-Dock can now display an authentication dialog, if needed, when trying to mount the volume
- The whole screen edge can now be selected as the sensitive zone for auto-expansion
- Some clicks in the dock could be lost under heavy CPU load. Fixed
textSOAP 3.1.5 provides "intelligent text filters to clean up text and email formatting." This highly popular program works in both Mac OS Classic and Mac OS X. - A problem where OS X Services were crashing has been fixed
- Additional improvements to SCRUB and MIME allow it to handle some URLs better
- AppleScripts that offer textSOAP support in Entourage X are now included
Mouseki 2.0.1 gives you an Onscreen keyboard. Fixes allow for the Caps lock to work under Mac OS X, and prevents the Mac OS X version from loading on pre-X systems.
iconCompo 1.3 is the newest version of this program that allows you to compose an icon from two images.
- Arrow (+shift) keys can be used to move / resize the foreground image
- Color / brightness modification is possible for the foreground image as well
- An option is added to exclude black & white from color modification
- A menu item "Copy composite image" is added
MemoryStick 1.0 provides a "graphical display of your RAM usage under Mac OS X. You can instantly see how full your RAM is getting. Optionally uses sound to signal pageouts; frequent pageouts are a sign that you are thrashing the hard disk."
Launch Items X 1.0 uses a contextual menu to launch items. Fully customizable as to how it appears in the Contextual Menu.
Compatible now with Mac OS X, HeXacolor 2.5 will give the hex value of any color for use in HTML
Although I failed to mention this in a timely manner (sorry), it is still worth nothing. James Thomson has posted a possible problem existing with DragThing and CarbonLib 1.5. If anyone is having problem, they are asked to e-mail him with your Apple System Profile.
Mac Net Journal has a summation (and opinion) on "The state of OS X Web browsers" you may find interesting. I tend to agree with the author on most points. To be honest, I have not settled on one particular browser to use exclusively in Mac OS X. I am torn between OmniWeb (the SneakyPeeks), Mozilla and Internet Explorer. There is currently a forum topic talking about preferred browsers. It included response for both Classic and Mac OS X. Have 2 cnts to contribute? Go here!
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
 An Interview with Benjamin Herrenschmidt, PPC/Kernel Hacker by Michael Coyle In the early days of PPC/Linux, it was extremely difficult to boot into the alternative OS. It required a three-finger keyboard command to boot into Open Firmware and then typing several lines of cryptic text. Fortunately, thanks to work the of Benjamin Herrenschmidt and his free BootX Control panel, booting Linux in Old World Macs became much easier. It opened Linux to a large number of average Mac users. (Continured...)
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle Ok, I admit it. I'm a Trekker. While I was at the Star Trek web site ordering a hat, I stumbled upon an entire page of cool Star Trek desktops.
Ya know how the Moon looks bigger when it's on the horizon? Well it's just an illusion as proved by this time exposure Astronomy Picture of the Day. I have taken this image, resized it, and make an outstanding desktop picture!
A "must-have" utility from Classic MacOS will be coming to MacOS X! Alessandro Levi Montalcini has released the first beta of USB OverDrive. This initial version only covers mice. For example, I tried it with my three button scroll mouse and it would allow me to assign a different function to any button or the wheel. Oh sure, that's not too helpful now, but wait until USB OverDrive supports game pads and flight sticks. Then you'll be glad you registered!
A reader sent a URL for this page that provides more links to information on making your own Airport antenna for dirt cheap. This looks very interesting!
User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle Win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?) - A Dock Poof featuring the spinning Radio Active symbol was created by Sven Chambone.
- Four images of Caprice Bourret are on display in this set of About This Mac replacements from Conrad.
- I'm generally not a 'cat-person', but this little kitty can really party in this Boot Panel from Brian Freeman.
- A pretty iTunes skin titled 'Aqua Bubble' was submitted by Will Ernst.
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Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Get your snapshot fix for Friday: - This snapshot from Bruce Anderson touts a Alton Brown desktop picture. Audion is cranking out music in the lower left, while icons from Makie’s Icon Shop cluster in the upper right.
- A custom desktop picture and Takashi Izawa’s DSX Theme debut in this contribution from Andy. iTunes is serving up songs in the lower left.
- Aki from Final Fantasy stars in this submission from Robert Daeley. iTunes is tickling the eardrums along the top. Selections from Planetoni and Xicons share the spotlight.
- William Traver contributes this OS X screenshot featuring the Gnome Desktop Environment and the “Mandel024” desktop picture. The X-Windows environment, configured with the Oroborus2 window manager, is sporting the AquaX-gtk-2 theme from Themes.org.
Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan
 Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (2) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!
- Hein Mevissen launches a whole new series of OSX Icons with "Hein's Home 1.0". The first of five sets, this one includes 20 very classy system and application folders.
- Matt Harrington brings that fat lazy cat "Garfield" and his comic strip companions onto the net as OSX icons. Download this set of 21 different icons, where you will find the entire cast of characters.
- What does "Clint Eastwood" and Apple's new G4's have in common? Absolute Power, Yes! Movie tough guy and screen idol Eastwood makes a guest appearance on another page of John Rose's celebrity Sketchbook in 1280x resolution.
- "Etherial Steep Ravine" is the third of several wonderful compositions sent in by Zack Schnep. Obviously a talented fellow, this unique desktop comes in 1024x resolution. Keep your eyes open for more desktops from Zack in the coming weeks.
- If you crave that Hi Tech streamlined look, then "Blue Palletes" by Mario Garza is for you. Featuring a simple yet smart interface with docking areas, this one comes in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
- At the beginning of the new year, Conrad had the good fortune to have spent a little time in Las Vegas Nevada, his first visit to the glitter city. Though time was short, they packed in a bunch of sight seeing, where his uncle took this great digital photograph of the New York, New York casino. Vive Las Vegas come in 1024x resolution.
- Jennifer Arning thought the snapshot she sent us of her desktop arrangement looked so good, that it would make a great backdrop on it's own. "Bugs and Butterflies" is a pleasantly arranged composition, and comes in 1024x resolution.
- "Smoki'n Viking" by M.D designs, features a stylish chrome plated viking logo on a contrasting black backdrop he made for his wife. This one comes in 1024x resolution.
News From Around the Web: Flax Creations updates with 3 very cool desktop pictures in 1024x and 800x resolutions. The Iconfactory is proud to announce the start of their annual icon design contest, Pixelpalooza. Now in its 6th year, Pixelpalooza is a fantastic opportunity for talented icon artists to create original and compelling icons for the Macintosh platform and win great prizes in the process. The contest has grown each year since its inception in 1997. Pixelpalooza 2001 garnered over 125 entries from countries around the globe. Contestants enter their creations in one of three submission categories; Illustrative (2D), 3D and Mac OS X and are judged on originality and artistry with bonus points awarded for technical expertise. The Iconfactory
is accepting submissions now through Monday, April 1st, 2002. People's Choice voting, where the public selects their favorite contest entries, will run from April 8th - 12th, with official Pixelpalooza winners announced on April 17th, 2002. Announcing the release of the 3rd annual Iconverge. This exclusive set features the works of some of the most respected icon talents around the world. Over 120 icons make up this collection of pixels, all based on a common theme. MacuserX.com has been updated with 3 new desktops, 1 new icon set and some AIM Buddies. I Heart New York has been updated with two new icon sets: "Bewitched" and "Sign Language" Ethereal Creations updates with four stunning new desktops made in Poser2 and Bryce5. They also updated the site news page so stop by and check out the latest happenings! Mandolux updates with a new desktop representing the continuation of the'Technosis/Anthraxis' theme of desktops. Bish 73 updates 3 New Desktops Posted. 2 Las Vegas themed: M & M and Venetian.1 underwater theme: TANK MacMonkies adds 6 new desktops to the Gallery. Head over and have a look! DV Graphics (dv-graphics.com) has added the "Frequency" desktop set. Tray's Trove updates on 1-27-02 with eight new desktop designs. Pixel Decor updates with Two patterns: Eames and Maxxilicious And the Feb. 2002 calendar. Pixel Press releases two new icon sets. Live Pencil updates with a vast assortment of interesting goodies for you to check out! So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic Ghost Grab by Erick Tejkowski This week we'll take a break from the Merlin project and play with a newly released plugin. Totte Alm has created a fun REALbasic plugin that permits you to send key down events to any application. This is very useful for "faking" scripting of non-scriptable applications. (Continued...)
Complete Cable Management For The Home & Office.
Today's News by Cletus™ Feeling creative today? Stop by the TypeIt4Me contest page and show us your stuff! This type of contest format is right up a ResExcellence readers alley! Plus you still have plenty of time to enter.
Wapp pro 3.4.3 is an update to this menu, listing windows of all running apps to switch between them. Jerome corrected a problem using the application switcher in the menu bar when the option "reduce icon spacing" wasn't enabled
 Brian Wilson notified me that FruitMenu 1.5 is available for download. FruitMenu adds the ability to customize and enhance the Apple Menu in Mac OS X. Version 1.5 adds many features including:
- Assignable hot keys to the Apple menu items and files in the FruitMenu Items folder.
- New Contextual Menu Module to add files to FruitMenu Items folder or reveal it in Finder.
- Added 'Recent Applications' and 'Recent Documents' to the FruitMenu Library.
- Added 'Recent Folders' to FruitMenu Library.
- Added 'IP Address' to FruitMenu Library.
- System Preferences submenu is being updated if a preference pane was installed or removed.
- Fixed a bug with FruitMenu not showing up in System Preferences.app.
- More bug fixes and smaller tweaks.
ChangeDesktop 1.3.1 changes Desktop picture at specified intervals. They fixed some bugs in ChangeDesktop having to do with Finder communication and multiple monitor systems.
Mouseki 2.0 provides a user with an on screen keyboard. This "allows text input in situations where it isn't possible to use a keyboard - be they kiosks or physical impairments such as RSI or disabilities." This update provides compatibility with Mac OS X.
 Sound Studio 2.0 offers you a feature rich audio recording and editing tool. Good to go in Mac OS 8.1 or higher and Mac OS X. This version has many many changes. You can look at all of them on the release page here.
HotApp 1.2 allows you to program keys in Mac OS X to launch applications etc. This is cool. This update can now print all the key combinations in use. This is nice since you can use it as a cheat sheet. HotApp 1.2 also supports two new languages: Japanese and Dutch.
Trash X 1.2.1 moves the Trash back to the Desktop for you. Changes to this version include: - Dramatically improved speed of frees pace shredding.
- Improved visual feedback of frees pace shredding.
- Minor bug fixes.
- Recommended for all users.
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle At Macworld, several venders had extended their Airport network radius by hacking on a better dipole antenna. I'm thinking of doing the same and after a quick search of the net found Terry's Page. This gent has extended his Airport network to his brother's neighboring farm! He claims the antenna specs out for 15 Km line of sight. Whoa! This page has more detailed instructions on antenna replacement including venders and part numbers. The sole reason for my interest in extending my WiFi range is so I can take my Powerbook down the street and sit on the deck of my Wintel Loving buddy to check my email. He is about 1000 ft. away with a clear line of sight. If you have other suggestions for 802.11 wireless networking, or you have an interesting tale to tell, please drop me a line.
WOW! ResEx Staff members now have their pictures in color! Stop by the About Us page to see how much more handsome we are in 32 bit color. Feel free to setup a mac.com Fan-site for your favorite ResExcellence Editor!
Today's update from yours truly is a little light. I'm hard at work on an interview I hope to post on Friday. Stop back then for more info!
User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle Win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?)
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Wednesday’s snapshots are ready to roll: - This snapshot from Will Carter sports the “Titanium Atom” desktop picture. iTunes is striking up the band along the right edge. Hein’s Dock icons and Glass 4 icons from DV Graphics reside in the dock.
- Apple’s “Beach” desktop picture and Graeme Hunt’s Circle Vision K-Scheme are showcased in this contribution from Stephen Johnson. SoundJam, retro-fitted with the Jukebox skin, is dishing out tunes in the lower left.
- A “Buzz Lightyear” desktop picture from ChrisKiss and Takashi Izawa’s DSX Theme debut in this submission from Mauricio. Icon selections from Xicons and Icon Factory adorn the desktop.
- Joseph Williamson touts Japanese pop star Mai Kuraki in this OS X screenshot. iTunes is shuffling soundtracks in the lower right.
Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan
 Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (2) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!
- Hein Mevissen never seems to tire of OSX Icon making, as you can see with his latest addition to the popular Dock series titled "Heins Dock 4.0". This grouping includes 29 different application and system level icons that appear to be floating inside fluid filled spheres. Pretty neat!
- "Squabits", (pronounced Square-Bits), by Flax Creations features 15 different "flavored" Aquaesque OSX icons. These semi transparent beauties started their lives as Aqua Gel Buttons, and then were dropped from a tall building to transform them into their current shape.
- Got Dorritos? Drop dead gorgeous Ali Landry graces yet another page of John Rose's saucy Sketchbook in 1280x resolution.
- Bigger than life basketball star Michael Jorden, affectionately know by some as "MJ Wiz", makes an appearance on this sporty desktop sent to us by Willy.
- "Etherial Steep Ravine" is the second of several exceptional compositions sent in by Zack Schnep. Obviously a talented young fellow, this beautiful desktop comes in 1024x resolution. Keep your eyes open for more desktops from Zack in the coming weeks.
- In this photographic desktop submitted by Bradford Wiles of Macmonkies, you find yourself "In The Depths" of TeePee Canyon, Wyoming. Enjoy this western landscape shot in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
- "Footprints" by Dave Anderson, is an interesting photographic perspective of his young son walking in the snow. Actually, the larger footprints were allegedly made by a Bigfoot, which recently has been reported in the Saint Louis area.
- "Virtual Shift Desktops" by, you guessed it, Virtual Shift is a cool assortment of 6 different backdrops, all in 800x resolution.
News From Around the Web: Drum Roll please...We hope you'll be at the Iconfactory this Friday, February 1st for the start of their annual icon design contest - Pixelpalooza. This year's contest promises to be the best yet with entries in three submission categories; Illustrative, 3D and Mac OS X. Bish 73 updates 3 New Desktops Posted. 2 Las Vegas themed: M & M and Venetian.1 underwater theme: TANK
MacMonkies adds 6 new desktops to the Gallery. Head over and have a look! DV Graphics (dv-graphics.com) has added the "Frequency" desktop set. Tray's Trove updates on 1-27-02 with eight new desktop designs. Pixel Decor updates with Two patterns: Eames and Maxxilicious And the Feb. 2002 calendar. Pixel Press releases two new icon sets. Live Pencil updates with a vast assortment of interesting goodies for you to check out! Ethereal Creations Ethereal Creations updates with two beautiful new desktops. Mandolux updates with 5 new desktops continuing the F-16 Falcon Jet Series.
Flax Creations updates with two new OSX Icon sets. Check it out! So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic News by Erick Tejkowski This week in REALbasic news: - REALbasic 4.0.2fc1
- Application Framework
- Buggy
- db Reports
- MDock
(Continued...)
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