Haven't tried it yet, but the website has a professional appearance anyway. [plus, it was recommended in an ArsTechnica forum, and they're usually a critical crowd.] It seems to consist of a large amount of python scripts. [one of the other apps i mentioned in the MFI thread called "Editra" also heavily employs python.] The thing is huge... almost 40 megs for the dmg download, and almost 150 megs for the app on disk.
I just discovered another text editor previously unbeknownst to me... [list][*] Komodo Edit
Did you know about Bean ? There's also a link to a page of Freeware at the bottom of the Bean info. I steer clear of add-ons, but Bean is a useful stand-alone application. Interestingly, Bean just showed up in my Services menu one day. I think I had recently downloaded something else, can't remember what. I use Bean once in awhile, but I'll be darned if I can find the application on my hard drive! I think I'll download the latest version and see what happens.
Back in this post i linked to a couple of quartz-composition-type of iTunes visualizers.
Tonight i ran a search and just discovered >>>this article<<< dated July 2 (day two of my vacation, thereby i totally missed it). There are even two visualizers which only get mentioned in the comments, most notably "Morphyre" -- which comes in 3 flavors: free, per$onal, and profe$$ional.
From the article itself, most interesting (to me anyway) was Cubism, and also amazing are several over at >>wowlab<< --Â Dragon being the strangest (almost life-like), Circle (uses too much clock for its simple display, but clever anyway), and Figure.
I only wish iTunes would let us randomize a subset of all installed visualizers... instead of us having to play around with menus to change the scenery. Also, I have yet to find any QC visualizer which make sufficient use of album cover artwork, other than the iVisualize/BeComposed combination (1st link in this post, to the MFI archives).
Once again, it feels good to be *free* of G-Force [and itsyearly"subscription" fee].
Just discovered this little gem: a freeware Pref Pane that lets you toggle a long list of undocumented Apple preferences for everything from controlling how Dashboard widgets are displayed to controlling how Spaces works.
Which reminds me that Marathon went "free" ages ago, and a few OSX versions have been ported. I never tested any *real* OSX version, simply running in Classic instead (back in Jaguar maybe). I was utterly hooked on the whole Marathon trilogy (starting around 1995?), and its various scenario-spinoffs (Siege of Nor'Korh, Tempus Irae, Rubicon, Marathon RED and Marathon EVIL).
If we're going that route, i think you'll enjoy "Jared - Butcher of Song". (i seem to recall in OS9 he would lip-sync as iTunes played music, or did i dream that?)
Doesn't quite make the grade...needs a "mute" option to augment its run/quit behavior.
I envision "Duck" as a great confounder of pets, whereas "Jared" strikes me more as an "Isn't it about time you went home?" app.
> (i seem to recall in OS9 he would lip-sync as iTunes played music, or did i dream that?)
You can select an iTunes song to replace the default song, if thats what you mean. (A built-in algorithm that butchered your selection would make it more appealing to me.)
[Admittedly, there's all manner of free "apps" at the App Store, but 1Password usually goes for $8 (or something), and will soon return to that status.]
edit(#3?): BTW, more general info about 1Password itself is at http://agile.ws/
I recently realized that JARED has an unadvertised feature, i.e. it enables users to switch, albeit one song at a time and with a quit/relaunch required, between iTunes libraries without quitting and relaunching iTunes. (I e-mailed the developers and asked that they facilitate switching.)
I have not searched for other apps that may have the same, but more easily invoked, functionality; is anybody aware of one?
Assuming iPhone apps count as well, check out Dragon Dictation for the iPhone. It provides better voice recognition on the iPhone that is far superior to anything I have seen on the Mac and it is FREE. The actual voice to text conversion is done on their servers not on the iPhone itself so if you happen to be running on Edge it can be a tad slow, but with a WiFi connection it is almost instantaneous. A very impressive little app.
Caution: It does capture the names (only the names) from your Contacts to improve voice recognition.
The "Lotsa" Screen Savers mentioned (and linked to) in this post have been updated for Snow Leopard. (i could play around with that M.C. Escher one for hours... but LotsaWater makes for a nice saver too).
I first grabbed LotsaWater after seeing it running in the SmallDog store, and now I have it on the 20 eMacs in my lab. it drives some of the kids crazy, and they run around hitting the space bar to make it stop...
I like to have LotsaWater fix on this photo: Saab logo. The raindrops on the hood add to the overall effect (well sort of), and the darkness of the image helps with the "screen saver" aspect.
It's donationware, not freeware, but I think GrandPerspective deserves a mention because of the unique and beautiful manner in which it presents its results; ...lots of neat themes, too.
(It's working fine for me in !0.5.7 with the exception of the keyboard "Re-scan" command; a bug report has been filed.)
Edit: The grand perspective continues on the developer's "Donations" page which offers options of $5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 250.
It didn't dawn on me until just now but, i ran into >>a thread at MacNN<< the other day... and so i mention it here and now. I'm not fully clued in on how the whole thing works, so i'll just quote a few items:
Quote:
Take part in the http://FreeMacApps.com Giveaway! 25 apps, over $1000 of combined worth for two lucky winners @TwistedMac
Contest start & finish The contest will run for 25days. Starting March 1st, 2010 - March 25th, 2010
The two winners will be randomly selected on March 26th, 2010 and posted. The winners will be contacted to arrange the setup of their new Mac App Bundles.
As a registered MacNN member, all i had to do was post a reply in their thread (1st link in my 1st sentence above). Maybe there are other ways to enter... idunno. Manyexcellent "free" apps, FWIW!!! Â Check it out.
Key phrases include: - no more new downloads, - time for a new direction, and - unable to share our future plans at this time.
This change is fueling speculation that Apple may have acquired same, in preparation for (also rumored) future streaming functionality in the (June?) upgrade of the iPad/iPhone OS (v 4.0)
In an attempt to address rumors of bias in this thread , here's the following announcement: Paragon HFS for Windows is temporarily free during a 50,000 license giveaway.
Key phrases include: - no more new downloads, - time for a new direction, and - unable to share our future plans at this time.
This change is fueling speculation that Apple may have acquired same, in preparation for (also rumored) future streaming functionality in the (June?) upgrade of the iPad/iPhone OS (v 4.0)
Permanent Eraser "provides an even stronger level of security by implementing the Gutmann Method.
This utility overwrites your data thirty-five times, scrambles the original file name, and truncates the file size to nothing before Permanent Eraser finally unlinks it from the system. Once your data has been erased, it can no longer be read through traditional means."
Not free, but only 99¢: Strata Design 3D SE, a 3D program for "2D designers, students, and hobbyists". The introductory price includes a two-week subscription to the Strata 3D University.
I'm mentioning PhoneDisk (Mount your iPhone or iPod Touch as a real Mac OS X disk.) because...
Quote:
Until September December 1st 2010, we're giving away Phone Disk to everyone for free!
If you unlock the software before that date, you get free upgrades and can enjoy the full version of the software on that computer with no expiration (just make sure you enter the code before December 1st)!
Use the following registration code to unlock the full version Phone Disk: 2H96A-QK7MX-8GEYK1V-ZR6S8
In addition to enabling you to control the volume of "multiple" audio devices from your menu bar...
Quote:
But what happens if you like the IBM Model M style of keyboards, without custom volume keys. Well PTHVolume 2 comes to your rescue, you can set keyboard shortcuts for any and all volume devices.
Features: Pop up menu at current mouse location using a hotkey Selectable font size (small to extra large) menu items Selectable menus to show: Apple menu and Application menu""
Glad to hear it harv... i will join in soon enough then. [i was formerly addicted to PTHPasteboard for quite a while, but its last update seemed to kill off the free (slightly crippled, non-"PRO") mode.]
--
As for the calendar situation, it amazes me that Apple itsel has never added a simple (drop-down) month view to the menubar... instead requiring users to launch iCal from the dock. I.e., iCal isn't even offered as a item for that menulet. All we are shown there is: [the current date in grey] View as Analog View as Digital Date & Time Preferences
hmmm an ical menulet.... that's a very good idea. I can't believe no one makes such a beaste? I've recently had to place ical in my dock because I use it often enough. I like to keep my dock (and my desktop) as clean as possible.
There are several iCal-integrated menulets out there (link), almost all shareware... and some of the free ones haven't been updated since Tiger (or Panther perhaps).
P.S. - CopyPaster is working nicely so far. Looks to be well-written (on the surface i mean). I wonder why the author didn't hit us up for a nominal 99 cents (or 3 bucks even).
SIDENOTE: is it still true that Apple doesn't document the menulet interface? (i.e., the Menu Extras on the righthand side of the menubar). I thought that all non-Apple things in that region were deemed "hacks" by definition.
SIDENOTE: is it still true that Apple doesn't document the menulet interface? (i.e., the Menu Extras on the righthand side of the menubar). I thought that all non-Apple things in that region were deemed "hacks" by definition.
There for awhile non apple menulets needed to be black and white only, only apple's could be color. And I think even now all non apple menulets have to be left of apple's. (and you can't move them as you can with apple's)
SIDENOTE: is it still true that Apple doesn't document the menulet interface? (i.e., the Menu Extras on the righthand side of the menubar). I thought that all non-Apple things in that region were deemed "hacks" by definition.
There for awhile non apple menulets needed to be black and white only, only apple's could be color. And I think even now all non apple menulets have to be left of apple's. (and you can't move them as you can with apple's)
Still see stuff like this everyday in the console messages too: 3/20/11 12:08:35 PM SystemUIServer[125] com.apple.console Warning MenuCracker 2.0 (/Library/PreferencePanes/MenuMeters.prefPane/Contents/Resources/MenuCracker.menu) Seehttp://sourceforge.net/projects/menucracker MenuCracker is now loaded. Ready to accept new menu extras. Ignore the failure message that follows.
3/20/11 12:08:35 PM SystemUIServer[125] com.apple.console Warning failed to instantiate and get the principal class of bundle: NSBundle </Library/PreferencePanes/MenuMeters.prefPane/Contents/Resources/MenuCracker.menu> (loaded)
SIDENOTE: is it still true that Apple doesn't document the menulet interface? (i.e., the Menu Extras on the righthand side of the menubar). I thought that all non-Apple things in that region were deemed "hacks" by definition.
There for awhile non apple menulets needed to be black and white only, only apple's could be color. And I think even now all non apple menulets have to be left of apple's. (and you can't move them as you can with apple's)
I don't recall the black & white thing at all, but MenuCracker (as per Hal) still enables the MenuMeters menulets to not only be moved, but to be moved to the right of Apple's, and MagiCal still inserts its menulet just to the left of Spotlight (It can be moved, but only from left of Spotlight to extreme left.), but it needs to restart SystemUIServer to turn the trick.
I don't recall the black & white thing at all, but MenuCracker (as per Hal) still enables the MenuMeters menulets to not only be moved, but to be moved to the right of Apple's, and MagiCal still inserts its menulet just to the left of Spotlight (It can be moved, but only from left of Spotlight to extreme left.), but it needs to restart SystemUIServer to turn the trick.
Yes, MenuMeters is movable... but several others i have are not: GeekTool, gfxCardStatus, HoudahSpot and FastScripts (as well as the two which kicked off this subtopic: CopyPaster and Calendar).
"Rember is a free and easy to use graphical front-end to the command line MemTest tool, it runs memory tests to help determine if you have defective RAM modules installed in a Mac, which could potentially lead to crashes and general system degradation." Preferences include number of loops and Verbose logging.
"Rember is a free and easy to use graphical front-end to the command line MemTest tool, it runs memory tests to help determine if you have defective RAM modules installed in a Mac, which could potentially lead to crashes and general system degradation." Preferences include number of loops and Verbose logging.
For the more daring among us... Memtest is included in AppleJack (Donationware) as an optional install.
Sessions, Safari Extension that restores your last (or earlier) browsing session(s); it's useful if you restart Safari 5 periodically to deal with its RAM hogging/memory leak.
"A small application programmed with AppleScript that you can use with Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7 to burn a DVD or build a bootable USB key from Mac OS X Lion’s Installation program."
In a bit of discussion with David, the developer of OldSchoogle, I learned that:
The best way to get those pesky side frames to go away using OldSchoogle is to also disable Google Instant at http://www.google.com/preferences. This will set a cookie and tell Google not to use Google Instant and OldSchoogle should work as intended.
OldSchoogle makes its changes to Google's search results page when the page first loads. Google Instant uses javascript/AJAX to dynamically change the content of the page without doing a page load so the OldSchoogle code doesn't get invoked when that happens.
I never was a big fan of Google Instant, so disabling it was no loss and indeed improved (for moi) the performance of OldSchoogle.
In a bit of discussion with David, the developer of OldSchoogle, I learned that:
The best way to get those pesky side frames to go away using OldSchoogle is to also disable Google Instant at http://www.google.com/preferences. This will set a cookie and tell Google not to use Google Instant and OldSchoogle should work as intended.
OldSchoogle makes its changes to Google's search results page when the page first loads. Google Instant uses javascript/AJAX to dynamically change the content of the page without doing a page load so the OldSchoogle code doesn't get invoked when that happens.
I never was a big fan of Google Instant, so disabling it was no loss and indeed improved (for moi) the performance of OldSchoogle.
Good post, Harv, for both its oldschoogle applicability and its general usefulness to those who've heretofore been unaware of Google prefs. Thanks!
(I picked up on Google prefs a few years back and have had Google Instant disabled since whenever, so I wasn't even aware there was an issue.)
I just ordered now, 3 1/2 hours after the ending time you posted, and I think I still got the free deal, but I'm not 100% certain, so I'm not d/ling yet.
Turns out that I had an account with SmithMicro that I wasn't aware of and still don't understand, , but I was able to guess which of my passwords I used.
If I really did get it free (Edit 2: Looks like I did.), I think my daughter's nephew will be a happy kid, and if I didn't... Well, I've never even met him (grinch that I am).
Edit: Actually, I'm giving him my iBook G4 instead of selling it on eBay, so he won't be getting grinched at all.
That's correct. The actual download can be done until Jan. 14, 2012, something that may be necessary due to the slow (10-12 hours) and occasionally problematic download (my first attempt bombed after 2.25GB). Note that there is an optional extended download service (for a small extra charge). Despite these hiccups it's a great offer, and there may be others in the near future. I'll keep you posted.
What is Extended Download Service? When you purchase downloadable files (purchased and downloaded to your computer), you have 30 days from the date of purchase to download your order.
If you purchase Extended Download Service, we will keep a backup copy of your file available to you for TWO YEARS. Should you need to re-download it for any reason, it will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the date of purchase.
The App Store version of software is frequently cheaper than the version available outside of the App Store (e.g., from the publisher directly), and not necessarily identical. In case of the latter condition, the App Store version tends to lack features.
I wonder whether there's a Web site dedicated to comparing the functionality of App Store apps with that of their developers' self-marketed counterparts?
It sounds like an idea whose time has come if it hasn't already arrived.
The actual download can be done until Jan. 14, 2012, something that may be necessary due to the slow (10-12 hours) and occasionally problematic download (my first attempt bombed after 2.25GB). Note that there is an optional extended download service (for a small extra charge).
At my place 18 hours so far and still only half way through. And the time remaining wants to increase...and hour ago it was 15 hours and 12 minutes...now it's 15 hours and 36 minutes to go.
I'm glad I paid the 1.68 for the extended download window. I may have to leave this if it doesn't start picking up speed.
I suspect that server capacity is throttling download speeds. My initial attempt lasted over 14 hours at 40KBps max, and failed during the final MBs. My second attempt lasted a bit over 10 hours and after reaching speeds up to 70KBps gradually dropped to 40+KBps. So if things slow down too much, you could try again and hope for a better throughput.
PS, $1.68 is a modest fee, but even without it you would have had until Jan. 14 to complete your download.
I left the computer downloading over night. It was less than halfway complete when I got up the next day. I stopped the download, restarted it and the speed was doubled. Total time: 14 hours.
I installed the application, completed the online registration, then stared at one heckuva learning curve!
Well, if it's free, it's for me. I'll have a go at Poser over the holidays.
I don't see your posted date or any other date (other than the Dec. 19th expiry).
The Jan. 14 download deadline is listed on your online order confirmation, NOT in the one you receive by email.
I just edited my post to reflect that...sorta. (I originally responded to your "that date is listed on the order confirmation behind the download link," which I interpreted to be the first screen I got to after clicking on your link.)
I suspect that server capacity is throttling download speeds. My initial attempt lasted over 14 hours at 40KBps max, and failed during the final MBs. My second attempt lasted a bit over 10 hours and after reaching speeds up to 70KBps gradually dropped to 40+KBps.
Originally Posted By: artie505
With my 7Gb DSL I'm d/l'ing at about 350Kbps, and I'm on target, barring the unforeseen, for a bit less than 2 hours.
I just ran a speed test (at the ISP site) and the results said Download 15.06 Mbps and Upload .39 Mbps.
The time remaining has now increased by an hour (16 hours 26 minutes)
It's interesting that the speed indicated in the download window is 16.6 Kbps.
I just ran a speed test (at the ISP site) and the results said Download 15.06 Mbps and Upload .39 Mbps.
It's interesting that the speed indicated in the download window is 16.6 Kbps.
As we've discussed before in these forums, the actual download speed you observe is rarely limited by your ISPs specs. Far more often the server you're downloading from sets the rate, possibly 'aided' by local and general network conditions. In my case the highest download speed attained was about 1/4 of my ISP-set maximum, but mostly it was closer to 1/10 of that. At the same time I could download other files at up to 250KBps. Hence my suspicions about the source server.
As we've discussed before in these forums, the actual download speed you observe is rarely limited by your ISPs specs. Far more often the server you're downloading from sets the rate, possibly 'aided' by local and general network conditions.
I just ran a speed test (at the ISP site) and the results said Download 15.06 Mbps and Upload .39 Mbps.
It's interesting that the speed indicated in the download window is 16.6 Kbps.
As we've discussed before in these forums, the actual download speed you observe is rarely limited by your ISPs specs. Far more often the server you're downloading from sets the rate, possibly 'aided' by local and general network conditions. In my case the highest download speed attained was about 1/4 of my ISP-set maximum, but mostly it was closer to 1/10 of that. At the same time I could download other files at up to 250KBps. Hence my suspicions about the source server.
I fully agree with you that the source server "governs," or at least rules the day.
When I quote my top speed (785Kbps), it's based on my benchmark 10.6.8 Combo d/l, which I use on the assumption that Apple's servers are up to all tasks. (In my experience, Microsoft's servers are also pretty good.) As I said, though, the best I did with Poser was 350Kbps, and any number of other d/l's don't approach even that and are frequently considerably slower.
Out of curiosity, for what speed Internet service have you contracted?
The basics for my service are: up to 7.5 Mbps download speed, up to 512 Kbps upload speed and 125 GB monthly transfer limit, all of which are more than sufficient for anything I ever need. The key words in the speeds are, or course, "up to" as a lesser figure is still technically "up to" the contracted speed.
I have seen/heard reports that some ISPs take advantage of the technicality in the language although I have to admit I don't recall ever having any problems and, as you can see from today's earlier figures, I may even exceed the contracted speed.
I just re-ran their test and the numbers were Download 16.84 Mbps and Upload .38 Mbps.
I see why your d/l was taking so long... The slower the service, the longer the d/l, and, of course, the longer the d/l, the more chance for glitches to make it even longer. Shades of, but not quite, grelber.
> The basics for my service are: up to 7.5 Mbps download speed, up to 512 Kbps upload speed
> I just re-ran their test and the numbers were Download 16.84 Mbps and Upload .38 Mbps.
Something sounds odd in those numbers; the 7.5 and 16.84 don't jive. (7.5 s/b 750, maybe?)
Should anyone desire, I can try sending the file to you via iChat or Skype. If interested in such, contact me at (pndrgnsvc<<at>>aol<<dot>>com). And please put Poser in the subject line. I don't know how well a transfer of this size will work, but perhaps it's worth a try.
Should you desire, I can try sending the file to you via iChat or Skype. If interested in such, contact me at (pndrgnsvc<<at>>aol<<dot>>com). And please put Poser in the subject line. I don't know how well a transfer of this size will work, but perhaps it's worth a try.
Many thanks for your kind offer, Harv, but it's ryck who may need to take advantage of it. (Unless your upload speed approaches miraculous, though, won't it take an enormous amount of time to accomplish? Edit: And ryck will still have to deal with his slow d/l speed, anyhow, I assume.)
I guess I got lucky... First try and a bit under two hours.
(By way of comparison, I've contracted for 7Gb service, speed tests show a consistent 6.45Mb/sec, and my max d/l speed is about 785Kbps.)
Just so I can be sure I'm not missing something obvious...are you really saying that
you've contracted for a download speed of 7 gigabits per second?
your maximum download speed in practice is 785 kilobits per second?
My internet service is 750 Kbps (that's 750 kilobits per second), and my maximum sustained download speeds are typically about 80-90 KBps (that's kilobytes per second), which figures out to be an actual speed of around 680 Kbps (kilobits per second) of data transfer.
Hard to believe I'm getting download speeds that rival yours with service that's 9,000 times slower.
> The basics for my service are: up to 7.5 Mbps download speed, up to 512 Kbps upload speed
> I just re-ran their test and the numbers were Download 16.84 Mbps and Upload .38 Mbps.
Something sounds odd in those numbers; the 7.5 and 16.84 don't jive. (7.5 s/b 750, maybe?)
Nope. The test numbers are correct and I went to the ISP to double-check what is offered for the service I purchase (They have about 6 levels) and it's correct. The download page showed a coloured band indicating my service and a graphical line showing actual download speed. The line was above the coloured band. Maybe they're doing this as some sort of promotion.
Should anyone desire, I can try sending the file to you via iChat or Skype........And please put Poser in the subject line.
Thanks for a generous offer but I disconnected at the point it appeared the download was going to conclude somewhere around June and, after a few hours, tried again. I must have found the same connection as Artie because it was all over in about two hours.
(By way of comparison, I've contracted for 7Gb service, speed tests show a consistent 6.45Mb/sec, and my max d/l speed is about 785Kbps.)
Just so I can be sure I'm not missing something obvious...are you really saying that
you've contracted for a download speed of 7 gigabits per second?
your maximum download speed in practice is 785 kilobits per second?
My internet service is 750 Kbps (that's 750 kilobits per second), and my maximum sustained download speeds are typically about 80-90 KBps (that's kilobytes per second), which figures out to be an actual speed of around 680 Kbps (kilobits per second) of data transfer.
Hard to believe I'm getting download speeds that rival yours with service that's 9,000 times slower.
Good catch!
I stand corrected... I just checked and realized that I've actually contracted for 7Mbps service. Oops! (Wishful thinking, I guess.)
So it looks like our experiences are actually in line with each other. (My d/l speed, as reported by Safari is bytes, not bits as you posted, possibly as a result of some mis-statement on my part for which I apologize. [I think I've finally got the bits/bytes thing down pat.])
If you prefer contextual services (or contextual menus in older Mac OS X versions), try HsoiContextualServices (Snow Leopard) or Hsoi’s Shop CMPlugins (Leopard and earlier) for file paths and several related options. Downloads on this page.
If you prefer contextual services (or contextual menus in older Mac OS X versions), try HsoiContextualServices (Snow Leopard) or Hsoi’s Shop CMPlugins (Leopard and earlier) for file paths and several related options. Downloads on this page.
Thanks; I do prefer contextual items, and I've already dl'ed and failed with Hsoi, but your post has taught me that I had the wrong version...will try again.
I prefer Hsoi to Get_Path, but I'll never understand apps that think they need to run an installer package to get a single item into /Apps.
Following the standard, don't knock it, it's a good thing. Only admins can write to /Applications now I think anyway. Less chance of the installation process breaking if Apple decides to tweak something.
For those of you who missed it, the original Mac Marathon game series was updated for Mac OS X with the Aleph One (v1.0) game engine December 1, 2011 (Download). For the older stuff, go HERE.
PS to Hal: with 46 post titles with the 'RAM Test' addition and 9 with another, there is a better than 50% chance that a new reply has an 'inflated' title if one assumes (likely incorrectly) that any post has the same chance to get replied to. You want them all fixed?
For those of you who missed it, the original Mac Marathon game series was updated for Mac OS X with the Aleph One (v1.0) game engine December 1, 2011 (Download).
molto grazie
Originally Posted By: alternaut
You want them all fixed?
All? Heavens no... that would be overkill. Just the ones not pertaining to 'ram test'. L L
For those of you who missed it, the original Mac Marathon game series was updated for Mac OS X with the Aleph One (v1.0) game engine December 1, 2011 (Download). For the older stuff, go HERE.
That game has the distinction of having been the only game I've ever played to almost send me falling out of my chair in the first two minutes of play. The ambient sounds are perfect for mood setting.
That game has the distinction of having been the only game I've ever played to almost send me falling out of my chair in the first two minutes of play. The ambient sounds are perfect for mood setting.
Full agreement here. I was hooked in the first minute... and increasingly hopelessly more so, the further i progressed. Spent many a miserable (cold weather) winter weekend on my Quadra 630 carefully going through all those levels... even the hidden ones we had to search for (i.e., undocumented and not requisite to finish the game).The clever mix of story-telling and puzzle-solving (plus those creepy creatures) was incredibly intriguing.
Games today (e.g., Rage or infinity Blade) don't even come anywhere close, despite superior graphics. [perhaps Dead Space is one game attempting to clone the marathon tradition... but idunno since i haven't tried it yet.]
[btw, i happen to know that ganbustein is another fellow marathon fanatic... but he doesn't unlurk here in the lounge that often.]
haven't tried this (enhanced address book) as yet, but i did just download and install. It appears to be free, but sometimes "betas" can turn out to be bait...
haven't tried this (enhanced address book) as yet, but i did just download and install. It appears to be free, but sometimes "betas" can turn out to be bait...
First negative is that it doesn't replace the quirky, unintuitive, buggy (in Snow Leopard, anyhow) Address Book pane that appears when you click the "Address" icon in a new e-mail.
Edits:
Oops! I just discovered that it's got an "Email All" command under the work wheel.
In syncing with Address Book, it doesn't pick up my "Custom" phone # labels.
It didn't pick up my preferred e-mail address pref for my daughter, but I managed to reorder her addresses...once...can't figure out how to do it a second time. (Got it... I had to quit and relaunch.)
Time to contact the developer.
Looks like a promising app (particularly since Lion's Address Book seems prone to negative press; I wonder what it'll cost? (If it's reasonable, I'll spring.)
The Imageshack Bulk Uploader is a simple standalone application for uploading one or more image and video files to Imageshack. Users can upload to their account or anonymously.
Windows haters can rejoice: Version 2.2.0 is a cross-platform tool, supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux.
It works in Snow Leopard... Logs you in almost instantaneously when you launch it, uploads quickly via drag 'n' drop, and shows you thumbnails before and after upload.
ImageShack® - Uploader for your free image hosting needs: The Imageshack Bulk Uploader is a simple standalone application for uploading one or more image and video files to Imageshack. Users can upload to their account or anonymously. Windows haters can rejoice: Version 2.2.0 is a cross-platform tool, supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux.
It works in Snow Leopard... Logs you in almost instantaneously when you launch it, uploads quickly via drag 'n' drop, and shows you thumbnails before and after upload.
I don't upload to Imageshack, but i have viewed and downloaded files from there... and i think they enforce a per/file size restriction or something.
Anyway, reading that post made me realize that we haven't included Dropbox here (great for images and much much much much more):
> I don't upload to Imageshack, but i have viewed and downloaded files from there... and i think they enforce a per/file size restriction or something.
You can upload up to 500 files into your account. Anything over that number will expire by first of each month. Unlimited storage is available for Premium users. Subscription plans start at $2/month.
Are there any size restrictions for uploading files?
Each image you upload must be less than 5 megabytes in size, 10 megabytes for premium users. If it is greater than that amount, your image will be optimized for the Internet use. Video files must be less than 15 minutes or they will be trimmed after uploading. Gif files are restricted to only the first frame. In order to upload animated gifs, ou must be a Premium user.
Edit: You can also upload anonymously, which implies unlimited, which is great for purposes such as FTM posts, but you can't delete anonymous images or take advantage of assorted other (free) registered members' services.
All in all, though, ImageShack is great for minimal users. (I used another service before IS, Photobucket, I think, and I didn't like it at all.)
Forgot to mention, Dropbox also comes in iOS flavors... so having easy access while mobile is quite handy. And many other iOS apps have Dropbox saving/syncing built right in.
EDIT/ and the Mac OS version is nicely integrated into Finder: menu extra, contextual menu item as well as a special toolbar menu.
I think the only limit on (free) Dropbox is the 2 gigabyte max. To go beyond that they start to charge.
EDIT/ I also like how dropbox.com is using https (secure http), and Ghostery shows no sign of web beacons there (whereas imageshack has a couple). All in all, no one needs both... and the best choice is clear (imo).
Forgot to mention, Dropbox also comes in iOS flavors... so having easy access while mobile is quite handy. And many other iOS apps have Dropbox saving/syncing built right in.
EDIT/ and the Mac OS version is nicely integrated into Finder: menu extra, contextual menu item as well as a special toolbar menu.
I think the only limit on (free) Dropbox is the 2 gigabyte max. To go beyond that they start to charge.
EDIT/ I also like how dropbox.com is using https (secure http), and Ghostery shows no sign of web beacons there (whereas imageshack has a couple). All in all, no one needs both... and the best choice is clear (imo).
Dropbox is an application that creates a special Finder folder that automatically syncs online and between your computers. It allows you to both backup files and keep them up-to-date between systems.
Clarification, please... The above does not give me the impression that Dropbox allows you to link to stored images for, by way of example, FTM posting. If so, both Dropbox and ImageShack may be necessary.
Edit: But I do agree with you about the relative security and goblin-free aspects of D an IS.
The page to which MacUpdate links displays an assortment of d/l links, a video (Sorry...I'm a reader, not a watcher.), and a log-in link, but there's nary an info link to be found; I first saw links to "Tour" and "Help Center" after my d/l had begun (a coupl'a minutes ago), and I still haven't found a link to "Features."
dk's link pointed to a page with a Dropbox URL, whereas yours does not...another aspect of the app's functionality that I guess I'll have to pick up on.
At the cost of both leaving me with a worse impression and compromising Hal's "secure and 'no goblins'" evaluation...
I just noticed that my personal URL (Yeah! I think this most definitely calls for extreme emphasis.) is displayed in your Dropbox hosted image (so I'll very much appreciate your removing the link)!
Your personal URL—or what most folks know as an IP address—was captured in my screenshot because every post's IP address is logged by the FTM software and displayed alongside the post to all admins and mods.
This is standard practice for bulletin board systems, aka internet forums, and has nothing whatsoever to do with dropbox. (How could it? It's a screenshot, fer cryin' out loud!)
Nevertheless, my failure to notice that your IP address was included in my screenshot was a careless oversight on my part. I apologize for the error and am on my way to redact it forthwith. Edit: now redacted.
dk's link pointed to a page with a Dropbox URL, whereas yours does not...another aspect of the app's functionality that I guess I'll have to pick up on.
Nothing to do with the app or its functionality. I merely linked to a web page whose images are hosted on dropbox.com (just mouse over any graphic there and look at Safari's status bar [at the bottom], to see from whence it comes).
The page to which MacUpdate links displays an assortment of d/l links, a video (Sorry...I'm a reader, not a watcher.), and a log-in link, but there's nary an info link to be found; I first saw links to "Tour" and "Help Center" after my d/l had begun (a coupl'a minutes ago), and I still haven't found a link to "Features."
A bit obscure, I'd say.
Oh, yes, very obscure: you must scroll down an inch or two to find such a "Features" link.
Your personal URL—or what most folks know as an IP address—was captured in my screenshot because every post's IP address is logged by the FTM software and displayed alongside the post to all admins and mods.
This is standard practice for bulletin board systems, aka internet forums, and has nothing whatsoever to do with dropbox. (How could it? It's a screenshot, fer cryin' out loud!)
Nevertheless, my failure to notice that your IP address was included in my screenshot was a careless oversight on my part. I apologize for the error and am on my way to redact it forthwith. Edit: now redacted.
dk's link pointed to a page with a Dropbox URL, whereas yours does not...another aspect of the app's functionality that I guess I'll have to pick up on.
Nothing to do with the app or its functionality. I merely linked to a web page whose images are hosted on dropbox.com (just mouse over any graphic there and look at Safari's status bar [at the bottom], to see from whence it comes).
The page to which MacUpdate links displays an assortment of d/l links, a video (Sorry...I'm a reader, not a watcher.), and a log-in link, but there's nary an info link to be found; I first saw links to "Tour" and "Help Center" after my d/l had begun (a coupl'a minutes ago), and I still haven't found a link to "Features."
A bit obscure, I'd say.
Oh, yes, very obscure: you must scroll down an inch or two to find such a "Features" link.
Yeah, it does seem as though someone whizzed in his Wheaties.
I've never had an app approved by Apple--in fact, my most popular app could *never* be approved by Apple--and I still don't understand the vitriol directed at the App Store.
XtraFinder brings extra features to Mac Finder, such as: Arrange folders on top. Maximize on Zoom. Automatically arrange items by Name in Icons View. "Copy Path" menu. "Show Hidden Items", "Refresh"... actions. And more to come.
This is a 0.1 beta (OS X 10.6.6 and up) from a new developer, it looks like it's going to be a gem, and I don't expect it to stay free.
At the moment, a "Folders on top" sort only holds for about 10 seconds, so if that's what you're looking for, be warned. ("Show Hidden Items" works in a flash...without quitting Finder.)
I also like how dropbox.com is using https (secure http), and Ghostery shows no sign of web beacons there (whereas imageshack has a couple). All in all, no one needs both... and the best choice is clear (imo).
I've posted this at Ghostery, and it may deserve its own thread, but please take a gander at this and tell me what you think. (For the benefit of all, _u cookies are placed by Google Analytics, one of the "bugs" I've got Ghostery set to block. ("Blocking all bugs.")
(And while I'm revisiting the subject, I'll mention that unless I've missed something, a major advantage that ImageShackUploader offers over Dropbox is an immediate set of links on my desktop when I upload an image, whereas as far as I can tell, I've got to visit dropbox.com to link to images uploaded there.)
Alexei, an employee of Ghostery, replied to Google Analytics - 1 / Ghostery - 0?, a question about Ghostery.
Safari's blocking mechanism has several problems that result in blocking not being applied properly, which can lead to cookies. These problems have been reported to Apple.
In this particular case, dropbox.com has a custom script that dynamically creates Google Analytics tracking images in a way that Safari's "beforeload"-based interception cannot catch.
I recommend telling Safari to reject all third-party cookies, which should help with the cookie aspect of the issue.
and
Ghostery for Safari is a Safari extension, which means Ghostery depends on facilities that Safari provides to extensions.
Safari's way of intercepting and blocking requests for extensions (the "beforeload" listener coupled with a "canLoad" tester function) has several known deficiencies, this being one of them.
Until Apple provides better blocking facilities, Ghostery for Safari will remain limited in several ways.
...unless I've missed something, a major advantage that ImageShackUploader offers over Dropbox is an immediate set of links on my desktop when I upload an image...
Don't know if I'd call that a major advantage, but in any case, to view Dropbox as a mere image-hosting service is to overlook most of its functionality. Recall the manner in which Hal introduced Dropbox into the thread:
Originally Posted By: Hal Itosis
Anyway, reading that post made me realize that we haven't included Dropbox here (great for images and much much much much more)...
That much much much much more includes 2 GB of free storage, the ability to share all kinds of files (not just images), the ability to access files from multiple devices/platforms, the ability to sync files transparently between devices, and the ability to back up selected items from your local device to "the cloud" transparently (i.e. by simply choosing in advance what folders you want to keep backed up).
Basically, it's like a modern version of the iDisk, except it works, and it costs $99 less than Mac.com/me.com.
(Note: I don't imagine you have the slightest interest in storing your data on someone else's servers, which sentiment I fully understand, but since many Mac users have a different approach to such things, it's worth making the distinction between the ImageShack one-trick pony and the Dropbox circus.)
And while I'm revisiting the subject, I'll mention that unless I've missed something, a major advantage that ImageShackUploader offers over Dropbox is an immediate set of links on my desktop when I upload an image, whereas as far as I can tell, I've got to visit dropbox.com to link to images uploaded there.
You've missed something: the contextual-menu will give us a link right in Finder. I never visit dropbox.com for anything (anymore).
With regards to the cookie situation, thanks for the great sleuthing. As mentioned however, visiting dropbox.com directly is virtually unnecessary.
...unless I've missed something, a major advantage that ImageShackUploader offers over Dropbox is an immediate set of links on my desktop when I upload an image...
Don't know if I'd call that a major advantage, but in any case, to view Dropbox as a mere image-hosting service is to overlook most of its functionality. Recall the manner in which Hal introduced Dropbox into the thread:
Originally Posted By: Hal Itosis
Anyway, reading that post made me realize that we haven't included Dropbox here (great for images and much much much much more)...
That much much much much more includes 2 GB of free storage, the ability to share all kinds of files (not just images), the ability to access files from multiple devices/platforms, the ability to sync files transparently between devices, and the ability to back up selected items from your local device to "the cloud" transparently (i.e. by simply choosing in advance what folders you want to keep backed up).
Basically, it's like a modern version of the iDisk, except it works, and it costs $99 less than Mac.com/me.com.
(Note: I don't imagine you have the slightest interest in storing your data on someone else's servers, which sentiment I fully understand, but since many Mac users have a different approach to such things, it's worth making the distinction between the ImageShack one-trick pony and the Dropbox circus.)
Thanks for all that, but it's not only old hat, it's got absolutely zero bearing on my purely subjective observation about a single aspect of Dropbox's functionality.
And while I'm revisiting the subject, I'll mention that unless I've missed something, a major advantage that ImageShackUploader offers over Dropbox is an immediate set of links on my desktop when I upload an image, whereas as far as I can tell, I've got to visit dropbox.com to link to images uploaded there.
You've missed something: the contextual-menu will give us a link right in Finder. I never visit dropbox.com for anything (anymore).
With regards to the cookie situation, thanks for the great sleuthing. As mentioned however, visiting dropbox.com directly is virtually unnecessary.
And therein lies the rub...
Per /Users/artie/Dropbox/Public/How to use the Public folder.txt:
Quote:
The Public folder lets you easily share single files in your Dropbox. Any file you put in this folder gets its own Internet link that you can share with others -- even non-Dropbox users!
Step 1: Drop a file into the Public folder.
Step 2: Right-click this file, then choose Dropbox > Copy Public Link. This copies an Internet link to your file that you can paste anywhere: emails, instant messages, blogs, etc.
But this is what a right-click generates. (I only get the "Copy public link" option at dropbox.com, thereby my "Unless....")
I keep Dropbox in a non-standard location, but even moving it to /Apps or /Apps/Utils doesn't change anything.
Is what I'm doing incorrectly apparent to you?
And as for the cookie situation... You ain't seen nothin' yet! (My long-awaited and eagerly anticipated thread is close to publication.)
...absolutely zero bearing on my purely subjective observation about a single aspect of Dropbox's functionality.
Of course, your purely subjective observation about a single aspect of an app with much wider functionality—in a thread whose purpose is to provide a list of useful applications (hence the title "FREEWARE!," not "artie's subjective analysis of a single aspect of a particular piece of FREEWARE!")—on a forum site whose overall purpose is surely as much to provide a resource to the rest of the Mac world as it is to provide an outlet for your every nuanced thought—doesn't have a much bearing on my post, which post simply sought to remind the readership at large that Dropbox was added to this thread not because of its dubious usefulness as a means for you to post screenshots with the minimum possible effort, but because it's a useful piece of freeware.
Really, this entire discussion, as is so often the case when you're involved, belongs elsewhere.
[Off-topic comment about use of the Quote feature removed in favor of a thread in FineTunedMac Feedback.]
[ how did "FREEWARE!" evolve into a troubleshooting thread? ]
With hindsight that started towards the end of the previous page (i.e., p5, in 25 posts/page view), but by now it's virtually impossible to extract these troubleshooting posts to a new thread, due to the few interspersed post that stayed on topic.
i used to use this for launching apps, although it can do much much more:
Quicksilver A unified, extensible interface for working with applications, contacts, music, and other data.
It has more flexibility than Spotlight for app-launching. For example it can quickly be "taught" to launch Photoshop when we type ps, or Disk Utility by typing du.
This i'm using now (an' lovin' it). Another tool originaly by the creator of Quicksilver, this plug-in enhancement for Terminal.app was formerly called Visor:
TotalTerminal a systemwide terminal window accessible via a hotkey, much like the consoles found in games such as Quake.
To maximize its coolness factor: throw in a background animation, by using a quartz composition. Some nice (as well as free) examples are available for download from a page by Futurismo Zugakousaku. (i like 'Fish Crowd' and 'Particle Fish' the most)
edit-1/ btw, if anyone is experiencing the "extra window on startup" phenomenon, there is a <thread> which suggests tweaking the prefs by setting an undocumented parameter: defaults write com.apple.Terminal TotalTerminalCloseWindowsOnStart -bool YES
[works for me]
edit-2/ in other news, there is a different/similar piece ofsharewarethat simulates vintage cathode-ray tube monitors and various terminal screens which existed in bygone days:
It will work okay for free as well, but... the effects increase with time, and eventually get beyond annoying [curvature, scan-lines and "distress" (e.g., jitter, flicker, noise, horizontal-sync, etc).] It intentionally goes uncontrollably wild, until the $10 shareware fee is paid. (or we relaunch the app)
I dig Cathode too... but all those effects do take their toll, and it runs using around 30% CPU average (on my Core i7 MBP). That, plus the $10 price tag has given me pause thus far. If they can cut the CPU load in half (e.g., TotalTerminal only uses about 10% while running a quartz animation), then i might take the plunge.
I've been beta-testing Broomstick, Harv, and v 0.9 (to which you linked), in my opinion, anyhow, shouldn't have been released (particularly, prior to my reporting the results of my testing).
(Have you actually been able to hide the listed apps' icons? I'm running NoSleepHelper and DNSCrypt, but the only item I'm offered for hiding is Spotlight.)
Edit: I don't want to get involved with details...just want to know if you're experience is the same as mine.
I've been beta-testing Broomstick, Harv, and v 0.9 (to which you linked), in my opinion, anyhow, shouldn't have been released (particularly, prior to my reporting the results of my testing).
(Have you actually been able to hide the listed apps' icons? I'm running NoSleepHelper and DNSCrypt, but the only item I'm offered for hiding is Spotlight.)
Edit: I don't want to get involved with details...just want to know if you're experience is the same as mine.
My experience has been quite positive. I easily & successfully hid Boom and Dimmer with no (known) adverse consequence.
I have not yet tried to reorder the login sequence.
> I like the concept of Broomstick, but more work remains. Perhaps that's why it's a Beta.
I'm going to direct Sebastian, Broomstick's developer, to your post in lieu of asking you to file a bug report. (Hiding icons is the one aspect of Broomstick that I can't test, because it relies on Spotlight, which I've got disabled.)
This seems like the most appropriate place to post this: Luxembourg CIRC develops LaunchAgent monitoring tool for OS X links to a free tool that monitors your LaunchAgent folders for newly installed items such as LaunchAgent scripts..."a common route that malware developers use to run their malware in OS X once either the system is exploited or the user has been fooled into installing malware."
I bookmarked that Launch Agent site, Artie, but am a bit hesitant to install it until after I have heard of the experiences of those who had. That is, does it work as advertised and are there no unintended consequences?
And because I am curious and don't understand, would this script do anything that Little Snitch does't already do?
Have you seen any reports/opinions by those who have actually used it?
What you've seen is what I've seen, Harv. (I haven't installed it...don't feel particularly needy of another line of defense.)
This differs from Little Snitch in that it tells you that something has been installed whereas Little Snitch tells you that something that has been installed is trying to call home.
CandyBar, a utility to customize system icons up to and including Mountain Lion (albeit with some caveats due to changes in Mountain Lion) became free today. Please make sure to read the web page linked to above to appreciate the support changes the developer announced there.
may as well grab that, for the price of getting on a mailing list I suppose.
Having a little problem seeing some of the reg numbers... they're single line limited width. One of them (macscrambler) license is 250 characters long! um... wow. my printer ain't that wide.
To see those I did a save as pdf, and that provides proper linewrap. Though if you try to click on it in the pdf it will take you to their web site, it's a link. Start your highlight off to the right and drag left to capture it.
... may as well grab that, for the price of getting on a mailing list I suppose.
Having a little problem seeing some of the reg numbers... they're single line limited width. One of them (macscrambler) license is 250 characters long!
Yes, you'll get on MacLegions mailing list, unless of course you're already on it for buying another bundle. But there is an advantage to registration (see below).
Good point about the seemingly truncated registration numbers. Personally I always save such receipt pages, then print them to PDF and compare the two for discrepancies. But don't forget the receipt email MacLegion will send after you download the bundle. This email lists your registration numbers in their entirety. Finally, you can always access your MacLegion account to recover any registration numbers you may have lost.
This Wednesday, October 31, CodeWeavers Inc. will have a Halloween "Flock The Vote" Software Giveaway, where you can get a single copy of CrossOver with 12 months support for free.
Filesharing service Box is offering up 50 GB of free cloud storage in a new promotion. To qualify, you must be a new Dell employee or friend on a free plan, or just sign up for a new account with a new email address. The deal is also for non-commercial use only, and because it's free, there's a file-size cap of 250 MB that you'll have to duck in under.
There is also a free iPhone/iPad app (buried in the application settings).
I don't like their requirement that a phone number be included with the registration, but there are work arounds I suppose…
I have yet to use this cloud, but it seems routine as cloud services go.
P.S. While this indicates it's for Dell, I found that anyone can use it.
They do have a few "upgrade" options, so I suppose it's like drop box, "first one's free". Though they don't appear to have any tight OS integration. It appears to be entirely web and iapp based interface. Not as convenient as dropbox. for finder, but has some more features and iapps.
I suppose it's more accurately referred to as Donationware, but Mountain Tweaks provides a handy centralized interface for reverting an impressive number of Mountain Lion "features" back to their pre-Mountain Lion states (and in some cases, like the 3D Dock, to much earlier states than that), from "Show/Hide the user Library folder" to "Disable default iCloud save location."
In sum, it tells when OSX Protect was last updated on your machine.
Safe Download Version is a Mac OS X application that shows which safe downloads definition list version is installed, along with the date and time the definition list was last updated on your computer.
Wow! I'm amazed to see that nobody's posted to this thread in 14 1/2 months; I'm not sure what that says.
At any rate, for the benefit of those who both missed this thread and haven't been advised of it by a financial company with which they deal, Trusteer Rapport is a free offering (from an IBM company) that, among other things, stops man-in-the-middle and man-in-the-browser attacks. (Edit: It surpasses DNSCrypt's functionality in any number of neat ways.)
Its Mac implementation isn't exactly user-friendly, and its idea of local user security is kind of mystifying, but it apparently does its job, which is what it's really paid to do.
You can d/l Trusteer Rapport here. (Click on the orange "Bank Customers-?-Click Here" button.)
FWIW, I snuck in a few security related items via THE CYBER-SECURITY THREAD. Didn’t seem necessary to repeat myself here, until your comment… But this wash sure is rather dry lately.