ResExcellence 9/25

9/29/00

Over the past year, Ilona Melis has done an outstanding job of editing the Icon and Desktop archives, but just like a 603 chip, nothing lasts forever. Today will be Ilona's last update at ResExcellence as she moves on to bigger and better things. If you are a software developer and need outstanding icons and splashscreens, visit her portfolio page to see the work she has done for other companies. Read her farewell below, and drop her a line to wish her well in her new endeavors.

Replace the Boot up Screen in MacOS X

In MacOS X, instead of a MOSS (MacOS Startup Screen), there is the BootPanel.pdf. Located in the directory pictured below, this pdf image file is 353 pixels wide by 264 pixels high. Like a MOSS, the BootPanel displays a progress bar and text while the computer boots. (Continued...)

There are two new BootPanel replacements in the Archives.

X-Tips

Maybe it's because my System and Finder are hacked, but no matter how I arranged my Extensions, I couldn't get Classic to load consistently under MacOS X. Plus, I like BeHierarchic over Apple Menu Options, and I like to leave Software Update and File Sharing disabled. The solution was to install a clean MacOS 9 on the HFS partition I normally use for sharing with LinuxPPC.

In this new clean Preferences Folder, I put aliases to the true preferences from my main MacOS 9 System Folder. Now Classic is a breeze.

Making the rounds on the internet is an Applescript titled MacOS Downloader. Don't kid yourself, it's the "666" SevenDust C Virus. Because the MacOS X uses invisible partitions, even if someone wanted to, you couldn't make an image available for download.

Tired of the MacOS X Empty Trash warning? Hold the Option key while making the menu selection to suppress it. Unfortunately, adding it to the command key combination doesn't work.

If you Command-click an item in the Dock, it opens the folder containing the original item.

Edward F. O'Rourke says you absolutely CAN use multiple network settings in MacOS X

Open the System Preferences and click on Network
Enter ALL the settings for one network and hit apply. Close the Preferences Panel.
Open System Prefs again Click Network.
Enter ALL the settings for the second network and hit Apply. Close Preferences Panel.
Open System Prefs again now click on the Configure menu and you will see the 2 network addresses all you need to do is select the one you want to switch to and that's it.

M acThings comes back from a 5 day shutdown with a cool new Themes Page, it contains every Theme in the Web for the Mac OS.

Basic Macintosh Maintenance is the latest MacInstruct Tutorial written by H. Michael Casper. It should help you keep your Mac running smoothly with less chance of problems occurring.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

If you recently downloaded Lane Watson's hammer-struttin' lady MOSS from Apple's 1984 commercial, grab it again because I posted the wrong one.
This Aqua BootPanel for MacOS X was sent by Mike Vannorsdel.
Another cool Toast 4.1 skin was created by Alex MacDonald.
Do you like Rage Against the Machine? Oscar Hernandez created this Netscape splash for you.
Featuring one of my favorite bands, the Corrs, Esquire created this MOSS.
Coco submitted a City Night makeover for the Remote Access panel.
This BootPanel for MacOS X was created by ResEx regular, Graham Brown.

Icon/Desktop News 09-29-00

Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

My life has been so busy lately that it is only fair I give up my place here to someone who can devote more attention to ResEx than I could. It's been a little over a year since I stepped through the door at ResExcellence after the invitation from webmaster, Michael Coyle. I enjoyed every update. I was happy if I could bring a little excitement about icons, a little more attention to icon artists who deserve our appreciation for creating those tiny little masterpieces day after day, and wander around the tasteful, elegant harmony of many desktop pictures. I got to know so many wonderful people, and I'll go happy to know that I did my part in the Mac community even if it was a small part. Thanks for reading every week over the past year. It was great while it lasted, but it is time for me to walk away. Michael, Cletus, Jeremy, and newcomer Nate, it was a pleasure knowing you and working with you. Keep up the excellent work! There is no "good bye" really, since I will still be present through my contributions to ResEx in the future too, but for now: Farewell, and good luck to you all!

Icon Archive: One new set!

Rob Cousins has sent us a bunch of "FolderApps" in 32bits, mimicking the Aqua look.
Brian Edict updated his "Icon Replacement" set by adding two more icons, and changing one, to make the set more complete.

Desktop Archive: Six new pictures!

You can show your patriotism, by making a desktop picture as Dany did with "American Technology".
The unique looking "Orange Monkey" was sent by Jeff Garczewski.
"Purple Magic" is the lovely creation of Michael's daughter Melissa Coyle.
Gavin Robb's next picture in his "flavor series" is "Snow" with ice crystals.
In "Ten", John Wood has put together Bo Derek, Steve Jobs, and the MacOS Ten. What a company!
So many of you have made "flavored" desktop pictures that I just had to do my own versions, but these "Flavors" have nothing to do with the iMac or iBook colors. These are gigantic, silky flower candies. And if you would also like to see what I was working on when I'm not update my site or writing news for ResExcellence, then look in the Portfolio section at IliCon.

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

Two new lovely icon sets "Altrin" and "Chikpeas", four new desktop pictures, and animations are waiting for you at LivePencil.

You might know ChillyDays for their wonderfully crafted icons, but did you know that Yoshihiro also makes music too? When you visit the site, open the gallery page in a new window, and while your eyes enjoy the artwork of Yoshihiro, you can hear his pleasant, moody music in the background.

Triball Software has extended its captivating landscape collection with a new desktop picture.

The "Darkness Descends", but don't worry, it's not a global disaster, it is the latest desktop creation at Creative Box.

iKitty's Lair has released "The Color Collection" with nine new desktop pictures.

These Black&White close-ups from different angles, show the curves with clever lighting and shadows expressing the excellent design of the "Bug". Yes it is the Volkswagen Beetle, and you can have them on your desktop by the courtesy of Maxgraphic.

RAILhead Design keeps producing those simple and useful desktop pictures. Today you'll find two new ones.

Ronnlun.com released a new desktop "Deurges", and made their main page cozier by adding more stuff to it.

MD's Mac File Library has been revamped and offers icons, transparent and non-transparent desktop pictures, screen savers, throbbers, and more.

That's it for this week. From next week you'll have a new icon/desktop editor. Give him/her a warm welcome, and be good to my successor by always sending info about your site's updates! :-)

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

Software News 9-29-00

Software News: by Cletus™

Turly responds on his page!: Will there be an OS X version of FinderPop?

FinderPop, like most of today's INITs and control panels, will never run in its current form on OS X.
I am planning something with similar basic functionality, but it will be rather difficult to achieve the level of integration of the OS 9 version.
Look on the bright side -- because OS X doesn't allow nasty third-party extensions to the OS or the user experience, it will be very stable. All the power and stability of UNIX! All the usability of a VT100! :-) I'm afraid that emails asking me "Will there be an OS X version of FinderPop?" will be ignored. Sorry :-/

While you are at Turly's page be sure to check out his beta version of Popup Navigator. What is Popup Navigator you ask? "You know the popup menu you get when you command-click a Finder™ windows title bar? This control panel adds similar functionality to most applications."

On Monday I posted news from Joseph Strout about his new Open Source project for a Mac OS X version of Control Strip called Open Strip. He has released the next significant upgrade to this software. The changes are as follows:

• implemented SBLoadPreferences and SBSavePreferences
• modules now receive a sdevSaveSettings message before closing
• strip window position is now saved between runs
• OpenStrip now responds to the Quit AppleEvent; this means that it
quits properly when the system is shutting down, or when the Quit
command under the application menu is used

Check that! When I announced on Monday that the Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive had posted 5 updated schemes, they had. Somewhere along the line they added a few more updates bringing the total to 21, without changing the update date(?).

Desktopper dot net has released an update to their klassik_b5 K-Scheme. Stop on over. These are still very popular schemes even since the "real" thing is now available.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Friday’s snapshots are here for your viewing pleasure:

Faithful contributor Akio is back with some prerelease goodies to show off such as a new “Danger Girl” desktop picture and the up-and-coming BIG Graphite K-Scheme. The custom Danger Girl icons are showcased along the right edge.
Another LinuxPPC 2000 snapshot heads our way, this time from Carcinogen. A desktop picture from Digital Blasphemy is featured in the background, and the Gnome Terminal is running on top of it in all of its transparent glory.
A custom desktop picture is sported in this submission from Mirko Kienle. MacAmp, retooled with the custom Auto Reverse skin, is serving up music in the upper left-hand corner. Icons from Ra along with some custom ones are also featured.
This contribution from Ethan Knoop touts a custom desktop picture coupled with the AquaX K-Scheme. SoundJam, overhauled with the AquaX skin, is dishing out tunes at bottom. Icons featuring characters from the PlayStation game “Suikoden II” are situated along the right edge.
MacDesktops’ “Alien” desktop picture and the Platino K-Scheme debut in this snapshot from Micah Lanier. Audion, equipped with the Broken Skin face, is kicking out soundwaves at top, and a smorgesbord of icons from Icon Factory, DeskStop, and icons.cx are scattered throughout.
Ryan Savella sent in this screenshot showcasing a desktop picture from MeCompany. Audion, retro-fitted with the Reintegration face, is taking music requests in the upper left-hand corner. Icons from Icon Factory are present.

Do you have a cool setup you want to show off? Click on over to the submission guidelines page!

Applescript News 9-28-00

AppleScript News by Nate ^{Pardon my dust, still getting settled in.}

Now that people are finally receiving their copies of OS X from Apple, what better time to take a look at scripting's future? ResExcellence takes a look at AppleScript under the new OS, and hopefully we'll be able to start up an X-specific scripting area soon. On a side note, you may have noticed that the Archive's grand opening had a few snags, but these have been dealt with, so feel free to take a look around!

Calendar & Appointment Scheduler for Mac OS X

9/28/00

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Gather round. Thursday’s snapshots are ready:

The Mac OS and Windows 98 are compared in this dual-OS screenshot from Charles Bouldin. Propaganda’s “Phone in Snow” desktop pattern is featured in both environments. The Tugray variation of the Paper theme is shown off in the Mac OS, while WindowBlinds is used to paint up the Windows barn to look more Mac-like.
The “Goby” desktop picture by Angus McIntyre and Tracy Connolly in combination with Layne Karkruff’s Pheonix K-Scheme debut in this snapshot from Tracy Connolly. The custom icons displayed are part of an up-and-coming icon set.
Regular contributor Nick Ditmore is back with another submission, this time sporting the custom “Amanda Peet” desktop picture and Duncan Cowan’s Co-Pilot K-Scheme. Audion, outfitted with the Touchscreen II face, is taking music requests in the upper right. Icons from a variety of sources, namely icons.cx and Icon Factory, reside throughout the snapshot.
Steve Lam submitted the Snapshot Archive’s first screenshot of Mac OS X Beta touting DeskMod’s “Kult” desktop picture and the Graphite variation of the Aqua Theme. Music Player is kicking out tunes in the lower left.
Icons icons everywhere! That’s what this snapshot from Simeon Portway offers: a custom desktop picture and plenty ’o icons from a variety of sources such as Ron Watson, MikWorks, and Icon Factory all tied together with the Silky Aqua K-Scheme.
Serving as a break from the normal snapshot routine, this contribution from Timothy KB features six snapshots in a gallery all using the Alpha Theme. Audion, equipped with various faces, serves up the music in many of them.

Do you have a cool setup you want to show off? Click on over to the submission guidelines page!

Applescript News 9-28-00

AppleScript News by Nate ^{Pardon my dust, still getting settled in.}

9/27/00

Is Apple's MP3 Player Skinable?

Hopefully according to Charles Mangin the answer is, "Yes!".

For those interested, it looks to be very skinnable - or at least modifiable. The attached screen shot will show you my first - albeit quite ugly - attempt. I'm sure your readers will come up with something better.

I started with Photoshop 5.5, running in Classic - I love that Classic apps can dig into a package and its contents - and found a PDF file I could manipulate called HonkerBackground.pdf. It's in the Contents/Resources directory of the MusicPlayer.app.

I'm not sure why it's in two parts - possibly one half is the alpha channel, or defines the shadow it casts. I did my edits to both sides of the image just to be on the safe side. When I have some more time, and can pull myself away from MacOS X long enough to get ResEdit working in MacOS 9, I'll have a look at the other .rsrc and .icns files in there and see what I can do about the buttons, etc.

I took a look at those pdf's and they look surprisingly like the PICT images used to make Interarchy Wands. Hmmmm.....

Thor Hansen has posted another replacement for the Dock Poof! (There was one in Graham Brown's Dock replacement, which I forgot to mention Monday, sorry Graham!). His web page has instructions and a link for the download.

Ike Gilbert passed on this next MacOS X tip for viewing hidden files in the Finder. Open up a Terminal window and type:

defaults write com.apple.finder ShowAllFiles TRUE

A Survivor’s Guide To OS X by Jack Shedd

Apparently, I’m just not a forward thinker.

Or, so numerous emails and message board posts have told me. It seems that asking Apple to stick by the Mac interface is, and I quote here,

“ ...completely ass-backwards and ignorant of you. “ (Continued...)

MacInstruct Tutorial has a new tutorial, How to Print Web Pages Without Ads by Chris Paine. Remember, the contest ends on October 9.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

Carsten Klapp is the creator of our latest addition to the Interarchy Wand Archive. It has a nice clean vertical look.
Featuring the hammer-struttin' lady from Apple's 1984 commercial, Lane Watson sent in this MOSS.
Stephan Korting sends a smokin' man's dream in this Photoshop splash. Even if you don't have the app, this splash is a good chuckle.
If you use Retrospect for you backups, Jon Peters made this cool Aqua makeover for the buttons and dialogs.
Three new submissions from Alex Kleiner. Two MOSS based on Apple hardware, and an Indigo Netscape splash.

Icon/Desktop News 09-27-00

Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

Icon Archive: One new set!

The colorful, charming little "Cars" form LivePencil are now parked in our Icon Archive.

Desktop Archive: Six new pictures!

"SquareCube2" was made by Vijay Venkatesh from India. He also has a web site called Mental Funda, which he'll nourish into full blossomed site for Mac icons, desktop pictures and other stuff. What makes him special is that he will receive his first Mac this week! He is (was) a PC user, who fell in love with the Mac, and is excited by what he can do with it. Welcome, Vijay in the Mac community, you'll love to be a part of it.
Peter McHugh would like to share with you his recent desktop experiment "WetFlaired".
Just as the last B-52's inspired picture was posted a week ago, Frank sent another one called "Butterbeans". Frank will have more pictures posted later in the week.
Nasty Nene has also sent us a series of "Think Different" pictures which you'll also see over the next few updates. Today it is the "Mac X and Beyond" you can place on your desktop.
Even though the Games have been going on in Australia for some time, we have Neo to thank for our first "Olympics" desktop picture!
"Jungle" is a very dark green, simple and useful dekstop from Brenda Von Ashen.

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

The huge icons that Mac OS X will use are starting to show up on more icon sites. This time Ryutchi shows us what he can do in his recent set, "Tokimeki Memorial" at Kaysha's Interface Plaza.

You can tell Gary from PixelPress really loves tiny icons. His new set "Little Icons Vol.2" was inspired by Menuette, which replaces menu names with animated icons on your menubar. So, this is what Gary did, make a bunch of mini icons you can use either with Menuette, or on your desktop.

The Desktop has 8 new textures for you.

The game "Bombad Racing" is not even out, yet there is already an icon set based on it, plus two new desktop pictures are the recent releases at Devil's Desktop.

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

Click here to learn more about Toast 6 Titanium

Software News 9-27-00

Software News: by Cletus™ ^{I just may have some superscript competition!}

I noticed this topic in the forums concerning changing the System Font. While I know that hard core hackers prefer to dig around with ResEdit, I might remind people that AppearanceHopper by WeedHopper Press accomplishes the same thing in an easier way. So if your the type that feels a little scared about using ResEdit on your system then try this program. Ummm, I use it! :)

Application Switcher Settings was recently converted to English by the author. While there are many Application customizing utilities, I play fair and try to mention them all. If you feel this works well enough to be placed in the archive with the others, please let me know.

Stéphane Madrau has posted version 2.4.2 of SwitchRes. Always a very popular program. He writes: As you probably know now, SwitchRes is an extension that allows you to control the resolutions of all your displays. A Control Panel is joined, which lets you change its preferences, a Control Strip Module, a Location Manager Module and a Contextual Menu extension are bundled.

What is new in version 2.4.2?

• Corrects a bug on new G4s with Gigabit Ethernet. This bugs appears on Multiprocessor G4s on MacOS 9.0.4, and all G4s under MacOS 9.1
• Application monitoring is now using an other method when a new app is brought to front and the attached display set should be applied. This method consumes less CPU time.

TriVectus has posted a Public beta version in the next progression of Launch Key. This program in it's last full release (v4.0) appears in the Software Archive. Give them a hand in testing this version out. "It costs nothing, and everyone that finds unknown bugs gets a free registration!" Sounds like a good deal.

Michael Rabe wanted me to make sure everyone has seen the new look of the site at Doghouse Online. To celebrate he has posted a new Theme preview called Nova. He also has planned for the next update two other previews for themes to be called: TrueBlue and Pluto. But that is not all as he plans to announce the release date for the new GlassWorks Themes (Indigo, Ruby, Sage, and Snow. Better stop over to check it out.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Wednesday’s snapshots are ready for the lime light:

Mac OS on the ogre side is the theme of this screenshot by faithful contributor Pedro Fernández. It touts a desktop picture taken from the BigMac WindowMaker Theme in conjunction with the Desaturation K-Scheme. Audion, outfitted with the OSXPlayer face, is sitting in as digital DJ in the upper left-hand corner, and icons from icons.cx, D.O.T. Studio, and RAILhead Design are strutting about.
An awesome desktop picture along with the Aquafine Graphite K-Scheme, both by Akio, are showcased in this contribution from Hacim209. SoundJam is supplying the music in the lower left.
Quentin Hill contributed this screenshot touting a custom desktop picture. Audion, equipped with the Sapphire face, is pumping out soundwaves in the lower left-hand corner. Some custom icons are scattered throughout.
This submission from Caleb Levesque sports the “Nijikon Fetchi” desktop picture from Misery in Motion along with Duncan Cowen’s Co-Pilot K-Scheme. SoundJam, retro-fitted with the Cutting Edge Black skin, is serving up music at the lower right.
Power Computing lives on in this snapshot from Denis Volkov featuring a desktop picture from MacDesktops in combination with the AquaX K-Scheme. Audion, retooled with the AudionX face, is dishing out tunes in the lower right.
The Ice K-Scheme is shown off in this contribution from Jeff Welsh accompanied by an icy desktop picture. Very cool.

Do you have a cool setup you want to show off? Click on over to the submission guidelines page!

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9/26/00

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Tuesday’s snapshots are hot off the press:

This dual-monitor snapshot from Francis Escuadro sports Jeff Wylie’s “Motion Graphics” desktop picture, a custom desktop picture, and Ablie Wong’s ExtraVirgin K-Scheme. Audion, retooled with Chaos Design’s Spine face, is dishing out tunes in the lower right-hand corner of the first screen. The Kelly iPack from Around the Pixel handles the icons.
Don Johnson submitted this snapshot sporting a desktop picture from Icon Factory in combination with the OS 7 K-Scheme. Audion is serving up the music in the lower left-hand corner.
Kaleidoscope and DragThing are great for sprucing up a desktop, but Lysergic13 wanted to show that Apple provided plenty of interface-tweaking power right out of the box. The “Spiderman” desktop picture from Marvel Comics and the Gizmo Theme are shown off.
This contribution from Nathan features a custom desktop picture created with Poser and Photoshop. Audion, equipped with the Reintegration face, is pumping out soundwaves in the upper left-hand corner. Icons, some of which are custom made, hug the right and bottom edges.
It ain’t easy being gray, as in grayscale. Richard Rice sent in this submission showcasing the “Grim Reaper” desktop picture originally from the PlayStation game Castevania coupled with the Gizmo Theme. Some custom icons are also present.
The “WetWare” desktop picture and Dark Side of IZA K-Scheme debut in this screenshot from Michael Schlabig. Audion, overhauled with the WetWare face, is sitting in as digital DJ along the left edge.

Do you have a cool setup you want to show off? Click on over to the submission guidelines page!

Applescript News 9-26-00

AppleScript News by Nate

Well, scripters, the day has finally arrived! The Sloppy AppleScript Archive is sloppy no more! The archive has a new layout, somewhat similar to the Previous Edits area of the site, with scripts grouped by script functionality (window management, folder actions, etc.) Take a look around, and feel free to submit feedback about the layout, and of course, send in any scripts you want added! We've got plans to expand the archive's selection in the near future, so keep checking back for more script offerings. Keep your eyes peeled for a new archive area devoted to OS X scripts as soon as more people get a chance to explore the beta.

9/25/00

Being the happily married old man that I am, I cannot speak from personal experience, but my buddies tell me that if they meet a young lady in a drinking establishment, they are just as likely to exchange email addresses as phone numbers! Judging by the results of last week's Poll, maybe exchanging URL's would be better!

Schemes, Themes, or just plain Platinum. This week's Polling Place question wants to know your preferred method of GUI enhancement.

Tomorrow is a very big day at ResExcellence! The Sloppy Applescript Archive will reopen with a new editor, Nate Hamilton, who has whipped the section into shape. Now, in addtion to Snapshots, every Tuesday and Thursday will have Applescript news and updates, making ResExcellence your daily stop for all things GUI!

Change the Look of the Dock in MacOS X.

Thanks to a tip from Graham Brown, we have this little trick for changing the color and pattern in the MacOS X Dock. Ironically, because of the stricter file permissions in MacOS X, this edit is easier to perform when booted into MacOS 9.

There are three pdf files that are used to create the look of the dock. They can be viewed in Acrobat, and opened and edited in Photoshop. (Continued...)

This Sunday was the local Linux Installfest in the Chicagoland area. At one point, there were four Powerbooks booted and running LinuxPPC. It was pretty funny to see how we had taken over the event. My Powerbook is triple-boot with MacOS 9, LinuxPPC, and finally MacOS X. Even the hardcore Linux geeks got a kick out of that. There was also a spontaneous presentation on how to secure your machine. In you're in the area, the meetings are held on the third Sunday of every month. If you want to be kept informed, drop me a line.

Holy Mac posted two interesting articles: an Office 2001 (Entourage) FAQ, and Groove Maker 2.0 tutorial.

And speaking of tutorials, what would a Monday be like without a MacInstruct tutorial! This one a little different. MacScripter's Magazine is an application that you can download to learn AppleScript! Future articles will feature a couple tutorials on using MacPerl.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

If you have several years of free time on your hands, you may be able to view all 1.95x10²³possible combinations of Erik Veland's Desktop Makeover pack. The kit contains two MOSS, an About this Mac replacement, 31 Apple-shaped desktop patterns, and 16 striped patterns.
To go with our first edit, here is Graham Brown's first two Dock replacement patterns for MacOS X.
Raymond Daugherty submitted a Netscape version of a Danger Girl splash.
Here's a first! I didn't even know Adaptec's Toast supported different skins until Alex MacDonald sent this cool blue skin.
She's beautiful and clad in latex. What more can I say about this new Interarchy Wand.
Kevin Roettger put together this nice splash for Photodeluxe.

Icon/Desktop News 09-25-00

Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

Icon Archive: One new set!

Today's contribution is a tiny set of some "Icon Replacements" for the NotePad, Platinum SoundSet, etc, made by Brien Edick.

Desktop Archive: Six new pictures!

Continuing Gavin Robb's magnificent "flavor" series with "Ruby", an Apple jewel which you'll find in a beautiful colored surroundings.

The powerful "MacLightening" from Jeff Hoogmoed looks great as a picture, and also a good use for your desktop.

Sam DiRocco offers a hole to peek into an alien landscape with his picture "Port Window".

Jeff Garczewski will put "Sunburst" on your desktop, and if you find it too hot, there's also a "Water Pattern" handy, just in case.
"Frunnels" from ReNe is desktop picture to accompany the icons by the same name, available in our Icon Archive, and from HappiCons.
Twisted Technology's contribution is the "Industrial" desktop picture from his Audio/Visuals 2 set. In addition to the four new pictures, he has also released a new Audion Face called "UFO".

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

Everyone seams to like "mice" when they're cute and only roaming the desktops as icons. This is exactly what Studio 5 offers with their latest icon creations.

Drop Shadow has not only a new look, they have new icons too, and they promise to make more in the future. The kinds you use on an everyday basis like folders, utilities, disks, etc,.

Based on a previously posted picture in the Art Section at One-Button Mouse, "The Fly" transmitted itself into a handsome desktop picture over the weekend.

To match his previously released "SharkTab" system replacement icons, a matching desktop picture "SharkTab Grid" is now available at Creative Box.

Four new desktop pictures and a new look will welcome you at imac.

Are you watching the Olympics? Do you want to enjoy it on your desktop? Hop over to Neo's Space and look for his latest inspiration "Olympics2000".

"Dragonizm" is in elegant harmony with the usefulness of a desktop picture. It's the latest Desktop Console at Blue Sky Heart Graphics.

And look into Kineticon, they have new kines for you.

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

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Software News 9-25-00

Software News: by Cletus™

Joseph J. Strout has started an Open-Source, re-implementation of the Control Strip for Mac OS X called "OpenStrip." His page fully describes the approach being used for this project. Further he states: "It is only getting started, and I welcome any and all suggestions." Perfect opportunity for some enterprising ResExcellence readers. Joseph has ensured me he will keep us posted on the development of this project. I plan on adding this to the archive down the road in the Mac OS X Section. Check out the image below which shows one of 4 partial working versions. What makes this even more cool is that they plan on eventually allowing for user defined "skins"!

Open Strip, a control strip for Mac OS X

Pixture Studio has released res2icon, which is a small utility program that converts ResEdit file (with icon resources) into custom folder icon set. I have added this to the Software Archive: Icon Tools section. Features include:

• Developed for icon artists who uses ResEdit to make their icons.
• Easy to use with drag and drop interface like StuffIt Expander.
• Converts ResEdit files (with icon resources) into custom folder format icon sets easily and quickly.

Akio has released a new version of 'BIG Red.' This new version fixes some minor, cosmetic flaws. BIG Red now allows you the choice of two menu bar styles like 'BIG Graphite.'

Dayon 1.0 is the newest K-Scheme from akky offered at Desktopper dot net. It is made with a combination of pale blue, green and yellow.

The Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive updated with 3 New and 5 Updated schemes, One of it's smaller updates in a while. Let's just say they are all nice this time around.

Submit Software News Suggestions!

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

It’s Monday once more. Get your intake of snapshots:

A custom desktop picture and Albie Wong’s ExtraVirgin K-Scheme are featured in this screenshot from faithful contributor, Nick Ditmore. Audion, outfitted with BCK Graphics’ BCK Baby-D face, is serving up the music in the lower left. Icons from a variety of sources, including icons.cx and Icon Factory, are showcased along the right edge.
This dual monitor dual snapshot from Derek Gordon touts RAILhead Design’s “X-Top” desktop picture and one of the custom variety along with Maury McCown’s AquaX II K-Scheme. Audion, overhauled with a face by Jerome Joire, is dishing out tunes. A dock on the left screen and a full-screen OS X-style drawer on the right screen were made possible with Drop Drawers.
Disco lives! Helen, another one of our regular submitters, sent in this snaphot sporting a desktop from Tazl-Inside complemented by the Candy Theme. Audion, retooled with the Chameleon face, is taking requests near the left edge.
This submission from Jim sports a custom desktop picture in conjuntion with the Aqua II K-Scheme. SoundJam, equipped with the AquaX skin, is pumping out soundwaves at bottom center.
Ulf Kress contributed this snapshot showcasing a custom desktop picture. Rick Roe’s Spiffy Apps icons and Rob Watson’s Industrial Office icons are also displayed.
An OS X desktop picture and Ben Mackin’s Liquid Theme debut in this contribution from Paul Sahner. One of Apple’s Power Mac G4 commercials is playing in the QuickTime Player. The Spiffy Apps icons as well as some custom ones are clustered on the right half of the screen.

Do you have a cool setup you want to show off? Click on over to the submission guidelines page!

9/26/00

Snapshot Gallery by Jeremy Hoesly

Tuesday’s snapshots are hot off the press:

This dual-monitor snapshot from Francis Escuadro sports Jeff Wylie’s “Motion Graphics” desktop picture, a custom desktop picture, and Ablie Wong’s ExtraVirgin K-Scheme. Audion, retooled with Chaos Design’s Spine face, is dishing out tunes in the lower right-hand corner of the first screen. The Kelly iPack from Around the Pixel handles the icons.
Don Johnson submitted this snapshot sporting a desktop picture from Icon Factory in combination with the OS 7 K-Scheme. Audion is serving up the music in the lower left-hand corner.
Kaleidoscope and DragThing are great for sprucing up a desktop, but Lysergic13 wanted to show that Apple provided plenty of interface-tweaking power right out of the box. The “Spiderman” desktop picture from Marvel Comics and the Gizmo Theme are shown off.
This contribution from Nathan features a custom desktop picture created with Poser and Photoshop. Audion, equipped with the Reintegration face, is pumping out soundwaves in the upper left-hand corner. Icons, some of which are custom made, hug the right and bottom edges.
It ain’t easy being gray, as in grayscale. Richard Rice sent in this submission showcasing the “Grim Reaper” desktop picture originally from the PlayStation game Castevania coupled with the Gizmo Theme. Some custom icons are also present.
The “WetWare” desktop picture and Dark Side of IZA K-Scheme debut in this screenshot from Michael Schlabig. Audion, overhauled with the WetWare face, is sitting in as digital DJ along the left edge.

Do you have a cool setup you want to show off? Click on over to the submission guidelines page!

Applescript News 9-26-00

AppleScript News by Nate

9/25/00

Schemes, Themes, or just plain Platinum. This week's Polling Place question wants to know your preferred method of GUI enhancement.

Change the Look of the Dock in MacOS X.

There are three pdf files that are used to create the look of the dock. They can be viewed in Acrobat, and opened and edited in Photoshop. (Continued...)

Holy Mac posted two interesting articles: an Office 2001 (Entourage) FAQ, and Groove Maker 2.0 tutorial.

User Contributed Splash Screens:

If you have several years of free time on your hands, you may be able to view all 1.95x10²³possible combinations of Erik Veland's Desktop Makeover pack. The kit contains two MOSS, an About this Mac replacement, 31 Apple-shaped desktop patterns, and 16 striped patterns.
To go with our first edit, here is Graham Brown's first two Dock replacement patterns for MacOS X.
Raymond Daugherty submitted a Netscape version of a Danger Girl splash.
Here's a first! I didn't even know Adaptec's Toast supported different skins until Alex MacDonald sent this cool blue skin.
She's beautiful and clad in latex. What more can I say about this new Interarchy Wand.
Kevin Roettger put together this nice splash for Photodeluxe.

Icon/Desktop News 09-25-00

Icon & Desktop News by Ilona

Icon Archive: One new set!

Today's contribution is a tiny set of some "Icon Replacements" for the NotePad, Platinum SoundSet, etc, made by Brien Edick.

Desktop Archive: Six new pictures!

Continuing Gavin Robb's magnificent "flavor" series with "Ruby", an Apple jewel which you'll find in a beautiful colored surroundings.

The powerful "MacLightening" from Jeff Hoogmoed looks great as a picture, and also a good use for your desktop.

Sam DiRocco offers a hole to peek into an alien landscape with his picture "Port Window".

Jeff Garczewski will put "Sunburst" on your desktop, and if you find it too hot, there's also a "Water Pattern" handy, just in case.
"Frunnels" from ReNe is desktop picture to accompany the icons by the same name, available in our Icon Archive, and from HappiCons.
Twisted Technology's contribution is the "Industrial" desktop picture from his Audio/Visuals 2 set. In addition to the four new pictures, he has also released a new Audion Face called "UFO".