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Today's News by Cletus™ Thanks for all who wrote in with suggestion about loosing Internet Explorer preferences in Mac OS X. Unfortunately none of the suggestions worked. I changed the read/write privileges in all cases and this did not help. That seemed to be the most common solution. For some reason, preferences will not stay put. It does not seem to be universal among all users from what I have read in other news groups. What is frustrating is that, of all the applications I use, this is the only one that looses preferences.
 Classic? 0.1.2 is a Dock icon to visually show the state of Classic. As I begin to rely on Mac OS X more and more, I tend to forget if Classic is even started. If it is started I do not mind using it if a program calls on it. If it is not running, I tend to find a work around with another program to avoid starting it— and waiting and waiting. Enter Classic?! It quickly gives you visual feed back as to whether Classic is up and running in the Dock. A menu further allows you to Start or Quit Classic.
MacPlus has posted several images from the new Adobe Mac OS X versions of Photoshop, GoLive, Image Ready and InDesign. I think they will stay up for a bit. Perhaps not. Better check them quick. Extension Overload 5.9.4 is now available for download. Extension Overload is an extensions, control panels, control strip modules and contextual menus management application. It offers detail information of 5475 extensions and control panels, control strip modules and contextual menu items in your system. - Compatible with Mac OS 9.2.2
- Now with definitions of 5475 extensions, control panels, CSM and CMM, up from 5200 previously.
Power On Software is offering a very special deal on one of their highly rated programs ACTION Menus. How special? How is free?! Normally $29.95, PowerOn is offering a free registration for a limited time. You have to download the software after providing a name and valid e-mail address. They will then provide you with a registration number. Limit is one per user. More information on the product is located here. Several of their other products are also reduced in price.
 This is kind of an odd mention for ResExcellence, but then again, I can do that! :) A real passion of mine is Model Railroading. (HO scale) If you enjoy designing layouts or developing plans, you know the software available is typically inadequate and Windozes formatted. Graffix has developed a plug in for Adobe Illustrator that solves this problem. Requires Adobe Illustrator 7.0 or higher on Power Macintosh
Trackplan Tools is a plug in filter for Adobe Illustrator to quickly draw model railroad track plans. Use the dockable Trackplan palette to select your turnout size, the scale of your drawing, your curve radius, whether you're using easements, and your track centers (e.g., 2" for HO scale). Trackwork is automatically joined and held tangent to the connecting track— no kinks!
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Tools of the Trade Tools of the Trade. by Michael CoyleMore on wireless networking and Appletalk. Other than Apple's Airport, I could not find another 802.11b access point that stated support for Appletalk. In fact, the 802.11b standard doesn't even mention Appletalk. Another part of the problem is that the Epson 740 is not a postscript printer. The filtering of a print job is handled by the Axis print server. If the printer had suported true PostScript, then the LaserWriter print driver could have been used to bridge the woreless network. John Engler was the first to recommend, "Hook up your printer to your iMac, via the USB port, and use the USB Printer Sharing with macOS 9. It's really good, and works like a champ in the set up that you have". I'll give this a try, but it means the iMac will always have to be powered up, or it has to be booted before printing takes place. For now, the solution in the Coyle Family is to plug into an ethernet cable when printing is desired. When it comes time to update my printer, I'll be sure to get one based on the PostScript standard.
 GuiToonz is a new application by Erick Tejkowski that allows you to apply and create skins for iTunes. For skin creators, you can now submit your skin, and a small text file with the list colors, and both will be applied to a copy of iTunes. It can also be used to extract or apply individual PICT and png resources.
The program will display a preview of the skin if a PICT resource of ID# 20000 is supplied. (I will go back and start adding these previews to existing skins ASAP!) Currently, only MacOS 9 is suported, but the MacoS X version is due very soon. Stop by the site and give it a test spin. Email Erick your comments on what will become a great program.
After seeing a Snapshot on ResExcellence, over 400 readers emailed Steve asking where they could download his Chrsitmas Theme. Head over to Xthemination and grab a copy!
While we are talking about themes for MacOS X, what the heck is this???
User Contributed Splash Screens User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael CoyleWin a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?) - Ho Ho Ho!!! Another group of Christmas contributions from Scott Meinzer. Today's stocking stuffers are as follows:
- John (SuperBeef) Burr created a nice looking montage MOSS featuring Britany Spears.
- For MacOS X, the lovely Vampire Slayer Buffy is on display in this BootPanel by Herb Theriault.
- Based on a previous submission by Scott Chitwood (used with his permission), a beautiful Giant MOSS (1152x870!) was created by Robert Boulay.
Click here to learn more about Toast 6 Titanium
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly ’Tis the season to be submitting. Now’s the time to start sending in those holiday snapshots, and please make sure to denote your contribution with “Christmas” or another holiday term in the subject line of your email for priority.
Here’s your midweek snapshot lineup: - This OS X screenshot from Amar Boghani sports Eric Hotam’s “Chrome Rust” desktop picture. Hein Mevissen’s Nice on the Desktop icons abound.
- A “Mêlèe Island” desktop picture snagged from the game “Escape from Monkey Island” debuts in this submission from Kevin Fyure. Audion, equipped with the JuJu Love Bomb face, is pumping out tunes in the lower left. Icons from Xicons are scattered throughout.
- Matthew Harrington sends his Christmas wishes in this OS X snapshot touting MacDesktops’ “Rudolf” desktop picture. iTunes is rustling up some Christmas cheer in the lower right, and Xicons’ Ornament and Holiday Lights icons line the right edge. Flurries are provided by Snö.
- Sputnix, an Audiogalaxy client, is once again the star in yet another contribution from Henrique Scaff this time featuring a desktop picture from The Apple Collection as well. iTunes is dishing out songs toward the bottom.
Feel the joy of submitting! Give us a gander of your desktop.
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan  Hey There! Our Holiday Postcard Section is up and running! SO WHAT YOU SAY? In case you're wondering what makes our Postcard Archive different than other sites, it's the unique fact that all our cards are made by readers just like you. So, why not take a few minutes and whip up a couple tasteful greetings to send to some friends, co-workers or loved ones. Click here to read the guidelines for Postcard making and submissions, and get yourself in that holiday spirit.
Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (1) New OSX Icon Set, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!
- Samuel Krueger of Pixel Jerk transforms his unique selection of signature glassy icons into "X Bugs". This beautiful set of 12 shiny insect icons would be a nice addition to any icon collection. While these icons were designed for use with OSX, they look sharp and crisp in the Classic environment too.
- "Don't be a mean one" says the "Grinch", sent in by Melissa of Majarch Studios. This fun holiday season desktop comes in 1024x resolution.
- Mario Garza shows some special patriotic flair with his recent "Unite" desktop. This handsome stars and stripes backdrop comes in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
- Luminous and bright, "Blue Light Special" is another fine desktop composition by Bradford J. Wiles, owner operator and head monkey of the popular Macmonkies website. This one comes in 800x and 1024x resolutions.
- First time Bryce 5 user Robin Lydeen does a pretty neat job with his initial attempt at mastering the complex program. The 3-D rendered "Wasteland" desktop comes in 1024x resolution.
- The sweet and soulful Jennifer Lopez debuts as the third and final "Pop Culture Desktops" generated by Niklas Dougherty. This Mega Monitor sized "think beautiful" desktop comes in 1600x resolution.
- Sultry "Linda Evangelista" hits the bullseye in this new desktop from John Rose. Another addition to his ever growing collection of celebrity and singer backgrounds, this one comes in 1280x resolution.
News From Around the Web: MacMonkies updates with new GUI to grace your computer's desktop. Head over and load up on the graphics as well as checking out their latest edition of fun. Also, MacMonkies will be moving to a new home very soon. Please keep the following URL handy in case you experience troubles getting on at www.macmonkies.com: http://homepage.mac.com/macmonkies MacuserX.com has been updated with 3 new desktops and one new icon set. Why the Mac is so great.com has updated with a new icon set called "Aqua Fluid Magna". Mandolux.com has now released 12 new desktops about pictures of ice/glass at close range. Tray's trove updates 12-9-01 with eight new desktop designs. New icons are ready for download at http://www.bish73.com. Featuring "Utility Icons v1", For those iconically-challenged apps! The LittleDarkRoom is back open for business with a revised look and a couple of new sections. The White Fire site will be updated on Friday, November 30 with 9 new desktop pictures by Andy Moraitis and 1 new desktop picture by Donnie Fischer! Our favorite icon artist Ilona Mellis of iliCon came up with a great idea, and is releasing a comprehensive collection of her unique desktop artwork on CD. You can be a proud owner of the iliCon-on-CD, which includes more than 2500 icons and hundreds of images. All your favorite iliCon stuff is on this CD and more since it is for both Mac and Windows! Icika wants to inform you that he's just added two new desktop pictures « Connection » and « Flowing» to his website. So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic News by Erick Tejkowski - New REALbasic Beta!
- You're so Transparent!
- Sort Things Out
- Homeward Bound
- What's your Preference?
Find this and more in today's REALbasic News. (Continued...)
Visit the Mac Experts!
Today's News by Cletus™  Winter has come our way. We had around 2-4 inches hit the ground yesterday. The day before it was 60 degrees out. Ironically it is supposed to return to the 50's by mid week. My mother would say it is because of the Space Shuttle. Hmmmm? It did just take off....
Excellent job is all I can say about the number of entries from the ResExcellence readers for the WindowShade contest. (584 entries) I know that Unsanity LLC is very very pleased with the results and the fact that there is this much interest in their product. If you were not one of the lucky winners, you can show even more encouragement to the company by going forward with purchasing a registration. At only $7 quid, it makes a great stocking stuffer! ResExcellence and Unsanity LLC congratulate the winners: - David Lim
- Jon Reisenweaver
- Bob Gendler
- James Baker
- Michael Buss
Erik J. Barzeski has updated AppleScript Central with some more fine items. With the release of MS Office X, you can expect the new revised scripts to start rolling in. But do not think you can not find other application scripts there. The place is loaded with stuff. Check around and you will find something!
Stefano Ghielmi sent word that all of his software has been updated. No specifics, but the one most mentioned on ResExcellence is Speed App, so if you use this program, stop by and download the newest version.
The second Preview Release of PrefsOverload 3.5 is available. Since it is currently under development, Angelo is looking for feedback. Try it out and see if you can help out. - Now you can exclude Apple preference files from scanning
- Now you can exclude .plist files from scanning
- Now you can exclude non-preference files from scanning
- Preferences Dialog has been re-drawn
- Better Aqua look and feel
- New Icon.
 PocketDock is an easy-to-use launcher utility to organize your applications, documents, web links and email addresses. Clear out the over-crowed Dock by using this program. Version 2.23 is a maintenance release that adds Japanese language support.
- Drag and drop to add and delete files, applications, web links and email addresses.
- Customizable links, views and docks.
- Multiple docks.
- Multiple skin support (same data, different looks).
- English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Dutch versions available.
- Interacts with Finder and Dock.
- Web links and email addresses can be added via services.
- Supports Internet Explorer, iCab, OmniWeb, Netscape/Mozilla, Outlook Express (Classic), Eudora and AddressBook.
While surfing the net over the weekend, I came across a review from Applelinks of Nisus Email. While Nisus E-mail is nothing new, it seems rather unique in the way it works. I would appreciate impressions on this product. They recently released a Mac OS X version as well. It seems very intriguing.
In an effort to use Mac OS X exclusively on my iBook, I have been using Internet Explorer. The one thing that has driven me nuts is the fact that it will NOT remember my preferences. It completely defaults every restart. I have performed all manner of "fixes" to no avail. I had tried Mozilla at Mikes recommendation in Classic, but not the Mac OS X version. I wasn't impressed with the Classic version. It seemed slow and buggy. Yesterday I downloaded Mozilla for Mac OS X (Build 0.9.6) and have been extremely happy with it. I have had zero problems. It seems fast enough and will probably improve once the debugging items are removed. If you have not tried Mozilla for Mac OS X yet, I recommend taking her for a test drive.
Tree from Winter Solstice at Bekah's Ooey-Gui!
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Polling Place  Polling Place by Michael Coyle As someone who is always hacking around my Powerbook, Norton Disk Utilities is invaluable. Interestingly, I pulled a chair up to the family iMac and ran Norton for the first time on the two year old hard drive. And you know what? Not a single major error. Sure there were a bunch of bundle bit and date problems, but those are really minor compared to the dreaded 'b-trees'. I take this as a sign that Apple is doing a much better job of repairing the drive after a crash with MountCheck. Will I ever give up my Norton Utilities? You can try to pry the CD from my cold dead fingers! (You can turn on an automatic Disk First Aid scan of your drives after a crash in the General Controls panel.)
 It's the major water cooler buzz at work and has even effected the staff at ResExcellence. Not the War on Terror, but the shutdown of the @home network! For good or bad, there is no cable modem service in my area, but what about you? This week's Polling Place asks, "Have you been directly effected by the @home cable bankruptcy?"
Tools of the Trade Tools of the Trade. by Michael CoyleI have yet to attain wireless networking nirvana. The problem is not related to the TCP/IP protocol, but Apple's Appletalk. Unfortunately, not all third party access points pass along Appletalk packets to the wired network port. Whether or not I can find a way around this will determine if the money I saved was worth it. Below is a layout of my home network. Every computer has File Sharing enabled. Any Powerbook can log onto another though the Chooser by selecting the name in the list. The iMac is not wireless and can only be accessed via the "Server IP Address" dialog in the Chooser. This is because the wireless base station is not passing the Appletalk packets to its wired port. I could live with this since creating an alias of the shared volume from any of the computers eliminates the need to remember an IP address. The true problem rears its head when I try to print to an Epson 740 connected via an Axis Print Server. (This allows the printer to be shared via AppleTalk over the network). Since the SMC wireless base station is not passing the Appletalk packets down the wire to the ethernet hub, you cannot print from the wireless Powerbooks. I believe the solution is to use the LaserWriter 8 Driver and created a desktop printer icon, but my attempts have failed miserably. I cannot find a working PPD file for the Epson printer, and the Generic PPD doesn't work. If any reader has a suggestion or solution, please drop me a line and I'll summarize the results on ResExcellence.
Remember the Apple Cube that KMAA Productions skinned with a Propaganda desktop? Now the unit has a dual processor card attached! The web site provides detailed information and tons of images so you can upgrade your cube (if you have the guts!).
Still feeling adventurous? Then try this new Mozilla beta that Brian Ellis recommends: I just stumbled across something that you might find worth mentioning. Mozilla.org has cooked up a Mach-O binary version of Mozilla for Mac OS X (it won't run on anything else). This might not seem like a big deal, but you know how much slower than Internet Explorer 5 Mozilla is on Mac OS X? Well, that's about how much FASTER than IE the Mach-O version is! It's hands-down the fastest browser available for Mac OS X, beating out even iCab. Note that this is a VERY experimental build... it's not EVEN alpha quality, and it shows -- various interface elements simply don't seem to exist, and there are quite a few paint problems, but it hasn't crashed on me yet and the speed makes it well well worth it, especially on broadband. Please make sure to file bug reports in Bugzilla when they run into them!
User Contributed Splash Screens User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael CoyleWin a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?) - Scott Meinzer is loading up with contributions for the Christmas holiday! Today he sends the following:
- The final set of four colorful Apple Logo MOSS arrived from Conrad. Today's colors are: Aqua, Grape, Lime, and Tangerine.
- Two more of the new smaller Login Panels, were set by Ed Dyer. Like the previous pair, these match the recently released Atomic Era Boot Panels. Use Visage for installation.
Complete Cable Management For The Home & Office.
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly ’Tis the season to be submitting. Now’s the time to start sending in those holiday snapshots, and please make sure to denote your contribution with “Christmas” or another holiday term in the subject line of your email for priority.
Snapshots for Monday have been selected: - Roberto Dohnert contributes this OS X snapshot sporting the “Guardians” desktop picture, available from MacDesktops. NeXbar provides an additional dock along the right edge.
- The custom “iCyHot” desktop picture and Akio’s BIG Red K-Scheme will have you seeing red in this contribution from Melissa. Audion, overhauled with Max Kisman’s Stars and Stripes face, is juggling selections at left center. Perfect Yosemite’s PY3 Graphite iPack and the custom Jude Law and White Christmas icons are also featured.
- A modified desktop picture from MacDesktops and the Iridium Quicksilver Theme debut in this Christmas submission from V0id7. iTunes is cranking out Christmas music at lower center, and Xmas Lights strings lights from the menubar. Icons from Xicons are stashed in the dock.
- This OS X snapshot from Christopher White features the “Glass Apple” desktop picture. iTunes, retooled with George Krueger’s Clean Aqua face, is pumping out songs in the lower right.
Feel the joy of submitting! Give us a gander of your desktop.
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan Hey There! Our Holiday Postcard Section is up and running! SO WHAT YOU SAY? In case you're wondering what makes our Postcard Archive different than other sites, it's the unique fact that all our cards are made by readers just like you. So, why not take a few minutes and whip up a couple tasteful greetings to send to some friends, co-workers or loved ones. Click here to read the guidelines for Postcard making and submissions, and get yourself in that holiday spirit.
Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (1) New Icon Set, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!
- In case you haven't had a chance to indulge yourself in some mindless fun by seeing the new Pixar-Disney movie "Monsters Inc", at least you can enjoy a small set of creature Icons created for the occasion by Melissa of Marjarach Studios.
- Sexy Angelina Jolie and heart throb Antonio Banderas star in the new Fox Films movie release titled "Original Sin". Mario Garza thought that the website and promotional artwork was so brilliant, that it would make a great backdrop as well. Comes in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
- "Spiral" submitted by a fellow named Conrad, began it's life as a bad digital photo. Presto chango and a few Photoshop filters later, this ugly duckling turned out to be an interesting desktop. Available in 1024x resolution.
- Some things come out of nothing, and some things go on for "Infinity". Another fine desktop creation by Bradford J. Wiles, owner operator and head monkey of the popular Macmonkies website, this one comes in 800x and 1024x resolutions.
- "Water Spheres" submitted by Tim Savard was made while playing around with Bryce. This 3-D composition comes in 1024x resolution.
- The provocative Sophie Marceau debuts as the second of several "Pop Culture Desktops" generated by Niklas Dougherty. This Mega Monitor sized "think beautiful" desktop comes in 1600x resolution.
- Gigi sheepishly admits to a quirky obsession of trying to collect every single Photoshop Filter ever made, uh, useful or not. One such item in the collection released awhile back by the folks over at Xaos Tools is a nifty little Photoshop filter called "Terazzo", designed for making cool Kaleidoscopic tiles, patterns and desktops. Gigi's stylish sample of what can be done with this filter comes in 1024x resolution.
News From Around the Web: Tray's trove updates 12-9-01 with eight new desktop designs. New icons are ready for download at http://www.bish73.com. Featuring "Utility Icons v1", For those iconically-challenged apps! The LittleDarkRoom is back open for business with a revised look and a couple of new sections. Mandolux.com has now released 15 new desktops about the attack plane A-10 Warthog (AKA Thunderbolt). MacMonkies updates with 4 new desktops and plenty of fun! Stop by and fill up your baskets! macuserX.com has been updated with 2 new icon sets and 9 new desktops!! thanks for your support!!! The White Fire site will be updated on Friday, November 30 with 9 new desktop pictures by Andy Moraitis and 1 new desktop picture by Donnie Fischer! Our favorite icon artist Ilona Mellis of iliCon came up with a great idea, and is releasing a comprehensive collection of her unique desktop artwork on CD. You can be a proud owner of the iliCon-on-CD, which includes more than 2500 icons and hundreds of images. All your favorite iliCon stuff is on this CD and more since it is for both Mac and Windows! Icika wants to inform you that he's just added two new desktop pictures « Connection » and « Flowing» to his website. Why the Mac is so great.com ( http://whythemacissogreat.com ) debuts the site's first-ever 128x128 icon set related to, and indeed optimized for, Mac OS X, called appropriately, "Aqua Magna I". KC'z Custom Desktops has updated with two new pages...that's 16 new desktop picts for your amusement. Get them before the colors fade. LivePencil.com updates with new wallpapers, icons and much much more. So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic 3D Photo Gallery - Part 2 by Erick Tejkowski This week, we continue with the second part of a two part tutorial to create a 3D Photo Gallery with REALbasic. The end result will allow you to "walk" through an imaginary room and view a collection of photographs hanging on the imaginary walls. (Continued...)
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