Software News Daily » extensions and add-ons

Chrome Extensions Finally Stable

Lansia — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:31:10 +0000

Google has finally brought extensions out of beta and stabilized them for the newly released update of Chrome. Bookmark syncing is packaged in there as well — automatically synchronize your Chrome bookmarks on different computers. Keep in mind that this update only applies to the Windows version of the web browser. No word yet on when Mac and Linux versions will release these same (stable channel) updates…

After news of the official release filtered through my Google Reader feeds, I pulled up the Chrome extensions gallery and started browsing through. There are currently just over 1,800 extensions available for Chrome; I probably surfed through half of them, if that… Since I’m not the true techie geek that I should be, I can’t say that I was super excited about too many. Here are the few that appealed to my simple and practical tastes. I’d say most of them contribute to an easier blogging experience or everyday web surfing…

CoolIris
I use this app on Firefox and love it. It’s a great, flashy way of looking for images. It’s fast, efficient -much better than browsing page after page on Google Images or Facebook!

Wikipedia Chromium Edition
Fantastic for those that Wiki often. Just search Wikipedia right within the webpage you are viewing.

Google Voice
Make a phone call from within your browser using Google Voice. Also gives you a quick display of your Google Voice inbox and what not.

Google Dictionary
Look up definitions with a simple double-click.

AniWeather
Animated weather, because I like cartoons. And I need to know upcoming weather to plan for my motorcyclin’.

Lazarus Form Recovery
Recovers what you’ve filled out on a form after one of those “oh $*#@” moment happens. Be forewarned, this extension is still in beta…

Add to Amazon Wish List
Perfect for the online shopaholic who can never keep track of what to buy next (yep, that’s me…)!

Which extensions have you tried out? Which do you recommend? Share your experiences by hitting that comment link!

Microsoft Open Business Licensing Explained – Part Two

Lansia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:54:03 +0000

SoftwareMedia TV’s spotlight star is donning the sleek black look, once again. Experienced Microsoft sales rep, Todd Francis, is back for part two of our Microsoft Open Business licensing video series. In our first video, Todd explained how to purchase basic products through the Microsoft Open Business Program. He went over frequently asked questions such as how many licenses you will need, the different product options available and the benefits of buying a product with software assurance. In part two of this series, watch as Todd explains how to purchase the more complicated products available through the Microsoft Open Business Program. The following video also runs through the differences between the two available CAL licenses — user CALs and device CALs. In addition, Todd also explains other important terms, such as processor license and external connector.

For more information, see our Microsoft Open Licensing Guides. See more software tutorials by clicking on the SoftwareMedia TV tag or follow us on YouTube. Although this wraps up our Microsoft Open Business licensing videos, never fear! Todd will be b(l)ack soon.

Are there any topics you would like Todd to explain? Anything you want us to cover? Hit that comment link and let us know!

Microsoft Open Business Licensing Explained

Lansia — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:20 +0000

Todd is back, and again in black! SoftwareMedia TV presents a two-part series on Microsoft Open Business licensing. Our seasoned Microsoft sales rep, Todd, explains how to purchase basic products through the Microsoft Open Business Program. This video covers frequently asked questions such as how many licenses you will need, the different product options available and the benefits of buying a product with software assurance.

For more information, see our Microsoft Open Licensing Guides. See more software tutorials by clicking on the SoftwareMedia TV tag or follow us on YouTube. Be sure to stay tuned for part two of the Microsoft Open Business licensing series; Todd will be back for another stab at internet fame. He’ll probably even keep to those sleek, sexy black shirts he’s been wearing. Uhh… Todd, do you read all my posts? I mean, those black shirts are macho and ruggedly handsome.

Make It Mine: Adding a Personal Touch to Google Chrome

Lansia — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:13:05 +0000

It’s always the little things that count. Isn’t that what they say? Everything is more exciting when you can make it your own. The same rings true with your computer. It’s why we change the wallpaper on our desktop to reflect our personality or interests. It’s why Windows Media Player and Winamp have skins to customize the look of media player. It’s why Amazon shows a list of recommended products when you sign into your account.

So when I curiously clicked the right bottom corner of the new tab I just opened, why didn’t I realize it was a way to make this Google Chrome browser my own? I saw the videos. I read the blogs, browsed the comic. I just never really put any thought into personalizing my web browser. Chrome makes it fairly easy though. Access themes from your settings menu or the site. There aren’t a heap of options to pick from but there are plenty of quality themes at the Google Theme site. My only gripe is the non-ability to toggle from theme to theme after downloading multiple options. At least, there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to do this…

From designers [Kate Spade, Marc Ecko, Kid Robot, Charlotte Ronson, Todd Oldham, etc.] to musicians, writers and artists [Mariah Carey, Gossip, Dale Chihuly, Wes Craven, etc.], the themes available for Chrome are top-notch. Each of them seemingly sleek and fairly easy on the eyes. Google also has a number of themes that are more low key. I settled on the Mariah theme (yes, I proudly admit that I’m a huge Mariah fan), but here are also a few other favorites…

The New Google-Possesed Internet Explorer

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:25:20 +0000

A friend of mine said to me recently that IE is the worst thing to happen to us since the Great Depression. “Really?” I asked. “Unemployment? Homelessness? Starvation?”
“Well, in terms of the computer world, yes.” He answered.

Google has apparently heard his cry, and answered with Google Chrome Frame, a new plug-in for IE that means to patch up, soothe, encourage, and give a friendly boost to the less able-footed browser. Never has a plug-in been so condescending.

According to Computerworld, Internet Explorer 8 runs a whopping 9.6 times faster with the new plug-in. That’s insane.

The add-on is less like a plug-in, and more like a super-intelligent alien parasite that takes over its host’s brain while leaving outsiders unaware. Google Chrome Frame basically works by rendering webpages inside of IE, doing all the hard work like JavaScript and HTML 5 that Microsoft seems to have not ever known about.

Needless to say, Microsoft is less than thrilled about Google’s smart-alecky innovation. The more seasoned of the two computer companies was even moved to express personal familial concern, saying “Given the security issues with plug-ins in general and Google Chrome in particular, Google Chrome Frame running as a plug-in has doubled the attach area for malware and malicious scripts. This is not a risk we would recommend our friends and families take.”
Why would Google do such a thing? The problem is that IE, as the most clunky and popular of browsers, basically bottle necks internet’s capacity for evolution. It’s like, the ambitious land-longing fish of the web keeps crawling out on land, and then comes along IE, every damn time, and kicks it back in. Google’s own browser, Chrome, doesn’t help things much, since only about 3 percent of Internet users have it. Now, however, IE is basically replaced from within. Web developers won’t have to sell visitors on a new browser before they view their site now, they now only face the much simpler task of pushing a pesky, but necessary plug-in download, something most people are reluctant but willing to do to see cool stuff on the internet (eg Flash.)
In response to Microsoft’s complaints, Google said “Accessing sites using Google Chrome Frame brings Google Chrome’s security features to Internet Explorer users, providing strong phishing and malware protection (absent in IE6), robust sandboxing technology, and defenses from emerging online threats that are available in days rather than months.”

One Designer’s Take on CS3 vs. CS4

Blake — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:02:49 +0000

It may not seem relevant to some to read a review of Adobe CS3 Design Premium after the recent release of CS4. But as a working Graphic Design Professional, I’ve worked intimately with Adobe’s products since 2003 when they first bundled them as a “Creative Suite.” Here’s why I still work with CS3:

When it was released in early 2007, CS3 was billed as the biggest release in Adobe’s history for several reasons. First, Adobe had acquired Macromedia Software, the leading maker of web design and development products like Flash and Dreamweaver. CS3 benefited from this acquisition as it provided designers with Adobe’s products and Macromedia’s products from one source and one price point.

Secondly, CS3 introduced an impressive amount of upgraded features to each of their products. Universally, they all share a streamlined workspace, with dockable windows and pallets, which allow the user to tidy up the workspace. Photoshop and Illustrator shared greater integration with the advancement of vector smart objects. Photoshop alone saw massive improvements like non-destructive filters, a clone source palette, and improvements in the 3D vanishing point tool. Improved features included better automated image stitching. And in Photoshop CS3 Extended there were introduced tools for importing and editing some 3D graphics, and video file support.

CS3 dramatically cut the startup time of all of their programs, making it much quicker to get to work on a project. CS3 was also the first time different “Editions” were available. These editions included Design Standard, Design Premium, Web Standard, Web Premium, Production Premium, and the Master Collection, and essentially allowed the consumer to purchase a package with only the software applications needed for their specific creative field.

CS4 has since improved the workflow and workspace of Adobe Programs by allowing the user to totally customize their pallets. Photoshop has a new Smart Scaling feature which works on an awareness to the content of your image. Photoshop also has new tools for editing 3D objects. Illustrator now allows multiple art boards in a single document, which comes in handy when you want to consolidate all of the different versions and revisions of a project in one place.

It should be noted that neither of these lists are comprehensive to the features of the versions discussed. But, in the opinion of one designer, CS3’s release was revolutionary. And CS4’s is retooling. Impressive, yes, but is it as expansive is CS3? Why don’t you be the judge: If you’re running CS3 why not download and test-drive Adobe’s new features and tell us in the comments if it’s worth the upgrade or not.

Download a trial version here: http://www.adobe.com/downloads/ and let us know what you think.