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.

A bunch of ‘coffee people’ became happy yesterday, when Starbucks announced it would be partnering with AT&T to provide free WiFi. Starbucks has said that about 7,000 locations nationwide will carry the new service. Will small cafes hurt due to Starbucks offering free WiFi. We believe so.

Ok so is it really free? Well sort of, you get two hours free, but only if you buy coffee with a Starbucks card. This doesn’t seem to bad to us, though: you’ll just have to put your espresso money on a gift card instead of cash. After using WiFi for two hours, you can buy additional hours at a rate of $3.99 an additional two hours, and the unlimited monthly plan is $20. Existing AT&T customers, will be able to use the new Starbucks hotspots for free.

T-Mobile is getting the boot, but if you already bought a T-Mobile plan, AT&T is allowing existing customers to use their accounts on the new hotspots.

Via Switched

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.

Kindo.com allows you to create your family tree online. When you first visit the site it asks you for some information, name, gender, and your email address. Once you enter that in you are ready to add members to your family tree. Adding members to the tree is simple, and you are able to invite family members to Kindo to fill in people in your tree you might have missed. Kindo allows you to create profiles for members of you tree including a picture, email address, home address, phone number, birthday, website, and AIM screenname.

Kindo has taken privacy into account making only family members able to view your information.

Also check out One Family.

Via Download Squad

Google has just introduced an online business software package designed to make it easier for people in the same organization to share documents and information.

The free “Team Edition” version, released today, shows the Internet search leader’s latest attempt to attract more users to free applications, which makes Microsoft quiver because of their costly word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and calendar programs.

Most likely Google chose to release the software this week due to Microsoft offering a bid to buy Yahoo Inc. in an attempt to stop Google’s lead in Internet search and advertising.

Microsoft’s bid, said to be $44.6 billion, is from the profit of software.

Google knows that giving away free software cloaks how they make a profit. By users clicking ads on search result pages.

At this time more than 500,000 businesses have signed up to use Google’s applications, according to Google. Some businesses pay $50 extra per user for more features, but the fees are measly compared to Google’s $16.6 billion in annual revenue. Google makes $181 million for software sales.

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.

Box.net has joined Google in offering more collaboration features. The well known online file storage service Box.net has added a new invite collaborators button that makes it easy to share a folder with other Box.net users.

This feature is great for users that have images, documents, and any other files they want to share with another user, all they have to do is just right-click and enter the email addresses of the receiving user(s). The recieveing user will then be able to access the contents sent. There is a feature that lets users specify if the receiving user may edit the folders contents or just view it.

In the future we hope Box.net will offer applications for editing documents and spreadsheets, like Google Docs.

Via Box.net

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