Internet

May 9th, 2008

There is a free update for existing users of WindowBlinds available. The most notable feature is the addition of the Explorer Background feature which allows you to apply a background, and adjust the opacity of the Explorer background. Other additions include various performance tweaks and enhancements.

The Explorer Background feature allows users to change the background of their explorer, along with the background color and opacity. There are 30 different background textures to choose from, including a “no texture” option that lets you set just the color and transparency of the Explorer background.  WindowBlinds has a free download available for evaluation, and is $19.95 for the full enhanced version.  WindowBlinds is also part of the Object Desktop suite of desktop enhancements.

Link: WindowBlinds

From OSX-E

March 2nd, 2008

Microsoft is developing a mobile dating application that will play on that oh so human of traits - narcissism.
Details of a patent entitled Image-Based Face Search have been leaked onto the web.
It appears that the computing giant is developing a complex facial recognition software application.
The patent explains how a photo could be uploaded from a mobile phone or PC and compared with millions of other pictures to find similar matching faces.
So whether you are looking for a partner who will compliment your looks or someone who looks like the celebrity you have idolised since you were 10 - this could find them.
The software also includes a HotOrNot style application for which the user is shown a face and then rates it according to how attractive they find the person.

And it allows you to go into details - for example - do you like their hair colour; is their nose too big etc.
Microsoft can then take this information and find some matches that are more suited to the user’s tastes.

More info at pocket-lint.co.uk

July 11th, 2007

Rating:  

Price: $999 - 2,499 USD

Hands down, the best graphics package money can buy. We reviewed the eight applications that comprise the Design and Web editions of Adobe’s Creative Suite 3, and haven’t given any program a score of less than 4. Mac users should be especially pleased, since all the apps are now available as universal binaries.

If you’re involved with computer graphics (or want to be), Adobe has a program for you. But if more than one Adobe app appeals to you, then you may want to think about purchasing one of the Creative Suite packages instead of buying the apps à la carte. And with six different editions of the Adobe Creative Suite 3, to choose from, there’s definitely one tailored to your needs!

June 25th, 2007

From Zone Labs
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite protects you at every level, from the deepest layers of your operating system to the physical world. Includes award-winning Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, Identity Theft Protection, Operating System Firewall, Network and Program Firewall, IM Protection, Parental Control, Email Security, Auto-Learn, Game Mode.

Version 7.0 includes new Antivirus engine with significantly enhanced detection and removal capabilities. Auto-Learn feature allows hassle-free computer operation from the moment of installation by hiding unnecessary security alerts.

Along with its effective and easy-to-use firewall and additional security features, this new version of ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite revamps the mostly solid antispyware protection introduced in the last release.

ZoneAlarm’s wizard makes firewall configuration and maintanence incredibly easy, with a stylish interface and simple slider controls. The app boasts an ultrasecure triple-layer firewall and experts will appreciate the customizing options. The Zones feature allows you to assign different security levels for local networks and the Internet. The program was very good at automatically including our local network settings and auto-detected wireless machines. In all our tests, the firewall held strong against all threats it encountered.

The suite also includes an antivirus scanner, a cookie cleaner, ad and pop-up blockers and new antispwyare tools. Happily, the app offers both real-time protection against malware as well as a scanning engine. In our tests, spyware scans were blisteringly fast and almost always accurate, though some minor traces were left behind. The real-time module could have offered more information from directly within the program on potential threats.

Other features include Web site-specific protections, an ID Lock for personal information and a configurable site-blocking content filter. Security Suite also incorporates the company’s IMSecurity program, which protects instant-messaging programs from spam and encrypts messages (so long as the person on the other end also is using IMSecurity). Users looking for one solution to almost all their Internet-security concerns can turn to ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite.