Gaim evolves into Pidgin 2.0

Posted by Peter Butler on May 4 2007

The free instant-messaging client Gaim (GDK+ AOL Instant Messenger) has become popular in recent years because of its ability to connect with a wide range of IM networks (Yahoo, MSN, IRC, Jabber/Google Talk/XMPP, AIM, ICQ, Gadu-Gadu, and others) and its extensibility in the form of user-created plug-ins.

The name Gaim came about due to complaints from AOL about the name GDK+ AOL Instant Messenger. However, as AOL Instant Messenger became more popular, AOL trademarked the acronym "AIM," leading to further legal struggles with the Gaim developers. After a series of negotations, the developers agreed to change the name of the 2.0 version of Gaim to Pidgin, based on the word for simplified speech between people who do not share a common language.

The big change in Pidgin 2.0 is the new look. The interface has been redesigned, with the option to view your Buddy List in Basic or Advanced view. Important facets like plug-ins and status availability have been broken out of the Preferences dialog and into areas of their own. Plug-ins have their own dialog available from the Tools menu, and status is now set by a drop-down menu at the bottom of your buddy list.

... (Read more)

Topics: Chat & Email, Windows Software

Tags: pidgin, gaim, im, chat

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First-class file recovery

Posted by Jason Parker on May 4 2007

Recently, when Power Downloader got hit with a nasty virus while out in the field, several folders of important data were lost. Though many of the files would be available to him when he returned to the Power Lair, some files were crucial to his current case. Many miles from home, Power had only one option: recovery software.

Thinking quickly, Power Downloader searched Download.com for a software savior. After only a few clicks of his mouse, he was able to locate R-Studio. With the help of a generous front-desk clerk at his hotel, Power was able to use a second computer to create emergency floppy disks to aid his recovery effort. Inserting the disk into his laptop, Power used R-Studio's extensive help files to determine which recovery type was needed to reclaim his data. After registering for R-Studio and scanning his drive, Power was able to determine which files were recoverable and proceeded to bring them back from the void. Though it was a difficult process, Power recovered most of the data he needed to continue with his case. It cost him close to $50 for R-Studio, but the crucial information he got back made the purchase well worth the money.

Sometimes, even Power Downloader's digital defenses can be breached by a malicious virus, resulting in data loss. Fortunately, with R-studio in his software arsenal, Power can recover most of his important files and get back to the business of capturing Internet bad guys.... (Read more)

Topics: Power Downloader, Utilities & Drivers, Windows Software

Tags: recovery, Power Downloader, utilities

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T-Mobile users: Get yer free Windows Mobile upgrade

Posted by Jessica Dolcourt on May 4 2007

It's freebie Friday for T-Mobile Dash or MDA users running Windows Mobile 5 from their handsets. The carrier is offering free downloads of the Windows Mobile 6 platform from its Web site, and all you have to do to get them is enter your 10-digit phone number.

The updated mobile platform officially launched in February at the 3GSM conference in Barcelona, Spain, unwrapping improvements to search, security, and Windows Live support services. Visit CNET News.com for full coverage of the new platform's launch and CNET.com for Bonnie Cha's thorough review of the interface and features.

Topics: Mobile Software, Windows Software

Tags: T-Mobile, Windows Mobile 6, Microsoft, mobile software

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Mysteries of Software: VLC Media Player full-screen controls

Posted by Peter Butler on May 3 2007

Here's an answer to a question that no one has ever asked me: "What are the full-screen keyboard controls for the open-source video software VLC Media Player?"

Boy, I'm glad you never asked me that fantastic question, because VLC Media Player (for Windows or Mac) is excellent free software that has gone on to inspire other open-source projects like Songbird.

The answer to the question is indeed out there in the wild tubes of the Internet, but it's pretty tricky to find, because it's hidden in a screenshot (and an outdated one at that.)

The easiest way to control full-screen playback is via keyboard hot keys. The VLC documentation at the VideoLAN Web site linked to above explains how to change the hot keys, but it doesn't provide a quick and easy reference.

All of these hot keys are indeed customizable, although the VideoLAN documentation is a bit outdated. To change the key bindings, go to the Settings menu, then select Preferences, or hit Ctrl-S. Now expand the Interface menu, and select "Hotkeys settings."

Although the interface for the Mac is similar, I'm writing this using 0.8.6b version for Windows. (I've also heard that there's a full-screen-control GUI skin for the Mac.)

Here are the default hot keys for the Windows version. Do not ask, and ye shall receive.

Basic playback:
spacebar - Play/Pause
S - ... (Read more)

Topics: Audio/MP3, Video, Windows Software

Tags: VLC, full-screen, hot keys, controls

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Make research easier with the Googalyzer for Mac

Posted by Jason Parker on May 3 2007

What's your method for research on the Web? If I'm involved with a project that requires searching a lot of sites, I'll probably have a couple of programs running on my Mac, including a browser and some sort of word processing program or text editor.

If I need an outline, I might open another window in my word processing program and set it up there. Taking notes would probably involve opening yet another window for cutting and pasting and adding my own comments. While my usual method is functional, I can tell you from experience that sifting through all the open windows can make things pretty confusing.

I recently found a program that makes the whole process easier. An elegant Mac app called Googalyzer gives you a Web browser with useful search tools, a way to organize separate projects, and a word processor--all within the same interface. You can drag the vertical split-view divider to the right to add, subtract, and manage projects you're working on, while dragging the horizontal divider opens up writing, bibliography, and outlining tools.

With the Googalyzer running, you can work with information off a particular Web site to create an outline, or quickly switch to writing mode without ever switching windows. Searches are made easy with icons across the top of the browserlike interface, which let you choose common Google search filters like News, Images, blogs, or ... (Read more)

Topics: Browsers & extensions, Mac Software

Tags: Mac, Googalyzer, research, Funkware

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