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

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

Most of Google’s services are optimized for mobile web browsers, including their search page, Google News, RSS reader, and email client. Google has yet to release a version for Windows Mobile, so developer Bryan Burkholder decided to create one. It is called Google2Go.

The application supports almost all Google mobile services, including:

Google web, image, and local search
Google Calendar
Google Reader
Gmail
Google Docs
Picasa
Google News
Google Notes

Google2Go requires a Windows Mobile 6 Professional device with a touchscreen, but Burkholder plans to add support for other devices later this year.

via Google Blogoscoped

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.

Can’t wait until March for Windows Vista SP1? Microsoft isn’t expected to officially release the update to users until March. But on their OEM partner site there is a full copy of SP1 ready for you to download, its a bit slow at the moment, due to everyone downloading copies. The 1.2GB disc image requires you run it as a clean installation, so you may want to wait until an easy update via Windows Update.

Download Image

Microsoft has included annoying anti-piracy measures in its software for some time now. We were happy to hear that Microsoft is toning down the Windows Genuine Advantage protection on Windows Vista SP1. With Vista SP1, ReadyBoost will not be disabled if you haven’t activated Windows or if you fail a WGA test.

This does not mean that WGA is dead. ZDNet reports that the new WGA will not take away certain features, but it may be just as annoying. Instead of logging you off or disabling services, Windows Vista SP1 will pop up an annoying screen every time you logon.

We wish that Microsoft would abandon WGA altogether, but this is a good start.

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