Apple released an updated version of the Safari web browser today, with many improvements on performance, compatibility, and reliability. Safari 3.1 also adds support for CSS 3 web fonts, HTML 5 audio and video elements, and other web standards. Safari was the first browser to pass the Acid2 standards test, but unfortunately it failed to pass the Acid3 test.

The update also includes:

Improved JavaScript performance
Enhancements to the Windows version including localization in 16 languages, Improved back/forward performance, and better pop-up blocking
Double clicking on the tab bar opens a new tab
URL metadata is included when images are dragged or saved from the browser
Support for trackpad gestures back, forward, and magnify on MacBook AIR and Pro computers

Download Safari

We recommend that you

One thing that has always annoyed us about Windows is how it brings up an AutoPlay menu asking if we’d like to burn a disc, watch a movie, or perform some other action. Or if you have selected an option, Windows may just automatically launch a program.

To our relief CleanHandler came along. It is a freeware program that helps you remove or fix entries from the AutoPlay menu. Sadly there’s no option for adding new programs to the AutoPlay menu. If your media player of choice doesn’t support AutoPlay, there’s not much CleanHandler can do. But it can clean up bad registry entries.

Go download it

eBay has just release eBay Desktop 1.0. Right after Adobe Air 1.0. Which they did purposely. It provides a desktop alternative to the eBay website. eBay users can use it to search, browse, bid, keep track of their auctions, and more. And because it uses Adobe AIR, it runs on both Windows and Max OS X.

The eBay Desktop installer is just 7 MB (Adobe AIR installer included). Installation was fast and simple, starting up the program was a little difficult because it crashed, but it finally opened.

When you first start the program, you are shown a video introduction to the eBay desktop. The eBay desktop home page allows you to track all your bidding and watching activity, and there are separate tabs for finding items, tracking and paying for your winning bids, and a feeds tab.

eBay has spent some time creating this program, and it shows. The user friendliness is a major plus. One drawback is some features are not available for sellers. Sellers are not able to track the items they’re selling or past sales.

If you love to customize your computer, we have the program for you. Vista Visual Master 1.0.2, a freeware program created by Vista123.net. The program features the most sought after tweaks for Vista and offers them up in a small package.

Vista Visual Master offers great customization, including the ability to:

Remove the arrows from the shortcut icons
Show the Windows version of your desktop (who doesn’t want a jumbled mass of numbers in the bottom corner of their screen?)
Change system and file icons
Change the boot and logon screens

Vista Visual Master also features a boot screen file creator, making it possible to create a boot screen using any image of your choice.

Vista Visual Master is freeware and supports Vista only, Doh.

Download it

Some time ago, Mozilla announced plans to create a new organization responsible for development of the Thunderbird e-mail client. Mozilla’s hugely popular Firefox web browser has been getting most of the attention from both developers and internet users, while Thunderbird has been standing in the dark.

Tuesday, David Ascher announced that the new Thunderbird project has a new name: Mozilla Messaging. He also released the following about Thunderbird 3:

An integrated calendar
Improved search
Easier configuration

In the long run, Ascher says the team is focusing on internet communication. Most people use instant messaging, IRC, blogs, and VoIP to communicate along side email. We hope to see an instant chat add-on included.

Firefox 3 beta 3 is now available to be downloaded. Updated versions include Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. There aren’t any major new features, but it does have improved OS-specific themes and a new bookmark/history manager. Check out Mozilla Links for a list of changes in the latest beta.

Firstly Firefox 3 beta 3 blends in better in Windows XP, Vista, OS X, and Linux. The new themes are still looking beta, but you will notice redesigned icons and some small changes to the toolbar layout. For example, the backward and forward buttons in the Windows version have been combined into one button. We actually like how it looks… and we found that it to be a faster way of going back and forward.

You will find that the Mac and Linux versions now have native windows for file and text selection boxes and other menus. And the OS X version also includes Growl integration.

Something that we have always wanted is now here. When you try to close multiple tabs or close a browser session with multiple tabs open, Firefox will ask if you want to save your session.

Mozilla has released a new version of Firefox to fix security problems. The most common problem that Version 2.0.0.12 hopes to fix are program crashes and corruption of stored passwords.

Other fixes include security holes, including browser history and navigation, holes related to multiple file inputs, and URL token stealing. Be sure to update for best security.

Have you ever thought that your mouse pointer should have a look? Well now it can. CursorFX, is a new mouse cursor customization program from Stardock, gives your mouse pointer some style.

CursorFX, formerly CursorXP, changes the look of the pointer and adds support for fluid animations, alpha blending, effects, real-time shadowing, color changing, trails, and much more. The newest version now is compatiable with Windows Vista and also works with XP and includes many new feature enhancements and fixes.

CursorFX comes in two versions a free version and a Plus version ($19.95). The free version will work for most users, but those who want even more features can buy the Plus version.

Most of us have some personal files on our computers. Hopefully no one has passwords or credit card numbers in a text file. For those who have only a few personal files we recommend that you download Lockbox. It is easy to use, and meets most users needs. If you want a program that offers more features check out TrueCrypt. It is free but packs many great features.

TrueCrypt 5 was released today, and has some great new additions:

Support for Mac OS X
New Graphical user interface for Linux version
Ability to encrypt system partitions

Via Slashdot

Here is a program for basically anyone who uses Flickr. FlickrDown, is a utility that allows users to download images from Flickr quickly and easily. FlickrDown is only available for Windows and requires .Net 2.0 to be installed.

Its simple to use. All you have to do is enter a username, email address, tags, or group and search. Then click the Download button and all the photos selected will start to download.