Month: July 2011

How to play Blu-Ray discs on your Mac

Macs won’t recognize Blu-ray devices because Apple chose not to support them in OS X. However, one developer has come up with a way of forcing OS X to accept external Blu-ray players in the form of Mac Blu-ray Player.

Mac Blu-ray player lets OS X recognize Blu-ray devices instantly so you can watch Blu-ray discs. Not only that, but it supports almost every format out there so you can use it as your default player. For the first three months it’s completely free to use although a watermark is placed on the screen and some features will be deactivated.

To play protected Blu-ray movies you need an internet connection, because Mac Blu-ray Player has to acquire a license to play the movie on your system.

When you start it up for the first time, it will prompt you to select which files you want to associate with it so it won’t take over your media files unless you allow it to:

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Free Microsoft Word Alternatives

There’s no doubt that Microsoft Word is the best word processing program around. Like most luxury products, however, it comes with a hefty price tag. Even if you decide to get a Microsoft Word trial, you can’t download the program individually – you must download the whole Microsoft Office suite, and it’s a monster. Even once you manage to get the beast installed on your machine, you’ll only be able to use it for 60 days before you need to pay up nearly $400!

So, what’s to be done? Luckily, there are a bunch of great free Microsoft Word alternatives, each of them perfect for a different purpose. Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to get all of the functionality without the tyranny of Word!

Just need to read a Word document?

If you just need to read a Word document, but not change or modify it in any way, then you have things really easy. Just download Microsoft Office Word Viewer, an official Microsoft product that does exactly what it promises – it lets you open and read Word documents, even if you don’t have the program installed!
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How to get a Google+ invite

If you’re into social media and tech, you can’t have missed the news that Google has sort-of-launched a beta for its new social network, Google+.

Like Facebook, the system allows users to add friends and share updates, photos, videos and links. Unlike Facebook, Google+ also offers Hangouts (group video chat), Circles (a better way of grouping your contacts) and Sparks (a not very well integrated way of subscribing to topics).

Google+ was originally opened up to a select bunch of übergeeks, who in turn started to invite friends onto the service. Then Google closed the invites system. So now it seems you just have to wait….

…Or do you?

I tested this method found via a friend on Google+ and it worked. Firstly, you need to know someone who’s already on Google+. Then, get them to create a new Circle – it doesn’t matter what it’s called. Next, have your friend add you to the Circle, which you can do by inserting an email address and then a name. Finally, send an update to that Circle, checking the ‘Also email x people not yet using Google+’ checkbox before sending the update.

If everything goes according to plan, you should get an email from Google+ that includes a link to view the new update. Clicking the link takes you to a page that allows you to join the service immediately.

Google is currently throttling the number of people who can join via this method. Therefore, it may not work all the time. But keep trying and you should get lucky soon.

If you don’t know anyone who’s already on Google+, leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to invite you when Google relaxes invitation controls. I can’t guarantee that everyone will get an invitation but I’ll do what I can.

Skype for Mac updated with group screen sharing

On the same day that Facebook announced it has added Skype video calling,  Skype for Mac has just been updated to version 5.2.0.1523 to finally include group screen sharing.

There have also been a few other improvements including improved multi-tasking, a sidebar enhancement, support for Mac’s built-in HD and Logitech’s B910 HD cameras and some minor bug fixes.

These tweaks and improvements still don’t address the major gripes of many Mac users concerning the interface however and probably won’t stop the exodus of people downgrading to the old version 2.8. Added to the recent takeover of Skype by Microsoft and the rise of Apple’s Facetime (and now even Google+’s new Hangout feature), the Skype team are going to have to do much better than this to hold onto their Mac user base.

Download Skype for Mac 5.2.0.1523 here.

Switching from Firefox to Chrome made simple

I switched to Chrome only a few weeks ago. I didn’t consider switching before because Firefox was working fine for me, and I wasn’t suffering from any of the speed, stability of memory issues everyone around me was complaining about. But when Firefox 4 launched everything changed, and that was the turning point for me. I downloaded Chrome and I’m not going back. Here’s my simple guide to switching without a hitch:

Switching to a new browser makes you anxious. Will it be easy to use? Will I be able to adapt? What about extensions? You spend the very first hours exploring menus and options, learning the new location of options and settings, testing if your old keyboard shortcuts are still working. Luckily, moving from Firefox to Chrome is not that difficult – there are just a few things you need to take into account.
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Control Firefox’s memory use

Firefox is a really flexible and customizable browser, but over the course of a day it can really start to eat up memory, and slow your PC down. Unfortunately there is no silver bullet for this problem, but here are four ways you can help keep Firefox’s memory use in check:

Memory Restart: This little add-on simply lets you set a maximum memory threshold, and allows you to choose either to be warned when it is reached, or to automatically restart Firefox. Memory Restart is a simple solution, and a good way to keep down the memory usage that creeps up over your day.

Memory Fox: This add-on monitors Firefox’s memory usage, and when activated it will cut it. This management of Firefox memory use seems to work in the short term, although we found that over time it would creep back up again. Like Memory Restart, it’s not perfect, but does help.

Check your Add-Ons: Mozilla has a page that names and shames the add-ons that are the biggest memory hogs. Niamh wrote about it a while back, and suggested some alternatives to the worst offenders. Check out her post here. Disabling add-ons is a common suggested solution to keeping memory usage down, but as many people point out on Firefox support forums, Firefox without add-ons just isn’t the same.

Take a deep breath: And change your browser. Both Chrome and Opera are improving their range of extensions. While they aren’t as customizable as Firefox, they are more efficient and will lighten the load on your processor. The Firefox memory problem has certainly been noticed, so lets hope something is done about it by Firefox 6, due in September.

Don’t upgrade to Lion until you’ve read this

With the recent release of the Golden Master version, it looks like Lion will be officially released either this week or next. Before rushing into upgrading though, take a deep breath and consider some of the following to ensure you have no nasty surprises:

  • Lion will only upgrade if you’re running OS X 10.6.8.
  • Your processor must be an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 or Xeon CPU.
  • You must have at least 2GB of RAM.

If you’re unsure about these 3 basic requirements, click on the Apple logo in the top left of your screen and select About This Mac:

If all of the above are correct then consider the following:

  • Obtain an Apple ID. If you’re an iTunes user, you’ll already have one but if not, you’ll have to create one because for the first time, Apple are releasing a new operating system via the net i.e. The Mac App Store.
  • Have a credit card ready. Lion costs $29.99. If you don’t have a credit card, you can use an iTunes gift voucher. Note that Apple Gift cards will not work in The Mac App Store.
  • Make sure you have at least 8GB of free hard drive space. If you’re need to clean some space but can’t quite identify which files are taking-up so much room, try DaisyDisk or OmniDiskSweeper (which is now free).
  • Backup your hard drive. If something should go wrong with the installation of Lion, it’s essential that you have a backup of your data. Time Machine comes free with OS X and is ideal for this or alternatively, Super Duper! is another excellent backup tool.
  • Lion doesn’t support PPC Macs so Rosetta Apps won’t work with it. If you’re running older versions (usually 5 years or more old) of any of the following and can’t afford to upgrade them to an Intel version, don’t install Lion just yet as they either won’t work or you will experience problems with them: Creative Suite, Quicken 2007, Microsoft Office 2008, Rosetta Stone Language Software, Freehand and Appleworks. For a breakdown of which major apps are and aren’t compatible with Lion, check here.
  • Have some updated Printer Drivers handy. Since some older printer drivers require Rosetta to work, you may find that your printer doesn’t work with Lion. You should be able to find updated drivers on the developer website although if the printer is really old, you’ll be out of luck.
  • Be extra cautious if you use Apple Mail or Aperture. Both applications are particularly sensitive to OS changes as was illustrated with Mail when Snow Leopard arrived. It may be worth waiting at least a few weeks before upgrading to Lion if you rely on either or both and can’t afford to waste time re-configuring them.
  • Throw away your Magic Mouse and buy a Magic Trackpad (about $69). Well, you don’t have to throw away your Magic Mouse but you’ll probably feel like it if you’ve ever used a Magic Trackpad. Lion has been optimized to be more like using an iPhone so you’ll miss out on many gesture features if you don’t have a Magic Trackpad although it’s not essential.

If you are concerned about teething issues when upgrading, the best single piece of advice is simply wait! Most of the problems with Snow Leopard were ironed-out within a month-or-so of the release and so if you’re not desperate to have Lion on your Mac immediately, take it easy.

There are bound to be issues that arise after upgrading, so if you discover any when Lion is released, let us know in the comments below!

avast! updated to 6.0.1203

Security app extraordinaire, avast! Free Antivirus, has been updated to 6.0.1203, bringing with it a host of new features that definitely improve the performance of the most popular anti-virus on Softonic!

So what’s in this version? Well, on a technical level, the app is now more compatible with Windows Vista service packs 0 and 1, and a firewall issue with uTorrent has been solved. Add that to the resolution of a memory-eating problem with Chrome, and bunches of users are going to find using avast! a whole lot more comfortable.

Advanced avast! users are also going to benefit from improvements to the CommunityIQ sample submission process, one of the aspects to the app that make it as powerful as it is. There is also a raft of improvements and stability fixes for avast!’s sandbox module, making your test installs and technical tinkering a whole lot safer!

Microsoft Office 365 review

Microsoft’s two biggest sources of revenue are Windows and Office. After several months of beta testing, the release of Office 365 therefore marks a significant change in the way Microsoft is attempting to do business. The company has been effectively forced into this situation by Google Docs which is completely free to use and offers a competitive alternative to buying Office. However, the one advantage Microsoft have is that not only is Office a more powerful and complete package than Google Docs, but millions of people and businesses trust it and use the desktop version of it everyday.

In theory then, Office 365 sounds like a win-win situation. For the first time, users no longer need Office installed on their computer – they can access the entire suite online for a small monthly fee with all the functionality as if it were installed on their computer. Individual users get to use the Office suite for a modest monthly fee (up to $6) without having to pay the hefty price for the full package while companies no longer need a tech department to maintain and administer Office onsite. Microsoft meanwhile get a steady revenue stream every month and perhaps most importantly, guaranteed income from lucrative updates to Office which users will be obliged to pay for to continue using the service.

Sounds too good to be true? Let’s take a look:

When you sign-up for Office 365, you have to create a domain name for yourself which isn’t too painful. This domain (yourname@yourorganisation.onmicrosoft.com) will be used for all of your Office 365 activities:

When you log-in, you’re presented with the main dashboard. Office 365 will then attempt to setup with Outlook Online, Lync Online and Sharepoint Online. This can take a few minutes:


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Gear up for Independence Day with these fun apps

It’s that time of year again. Barbecues, fireworks, lake and beach parties await this evening as Americans celebrate the 4th of July and Independence Day. What if you want to add a little something extra to your celebrations today? We’ve got you covered with these fun Independence Day-themed apps and more!

United States Quizzle: Think you’re a US history buff? Prove it with this fun fact-packed app. With a ton of different quizzes to choose from in categories such as state capitals, flowers, nicknames, landmarks and the US Constitution and presidents, United States Quizzle can really keep you and your friends busy for quite some time. Choose a specific category to be quizzed on or a mixture of any two or more. Soon enough you’ll know for sure whether your prowess with US trivia really is as great as you think.

MASH 4th of July: For a quick dose of childhood nostalgia, MASH 4th of July is the way to go.  A popular game with kids, this app will provide a few minutes of fun for anyone in the family. Just input your answer choices into each category when prompted, watch as your choices are narrowed down by the app and enjoy the little story about how you’ll be spending your 4th of July celebrations. Good for a little laugh, this app’s a fun distraction in between your various food courses or when you just need a break from more active festivities.

iLoveFireworks Lite: Not all Americans will be in the US to celebrate on the 4th, myself included. That doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to enjoy your own version of fireworks. iLoveFireworks Lite is a free app that lets you do just that. Simply pick a favorite song, then tap or drag your finger across your iPhone’s touch screen to start the mini fireworks show. It might not be quite as cool as the real thing, but it’s a fun substitute. Plus, you can take your fireworks display with you wherever you go and save specific sets to enjoy again later on.

New York City 4th of July Wallpaper: If you’re a huge fan of the 4th, you’ll want to spruce up your computer to show that off. Now you can appreciate the beauty of a 4th of July fireworks display right from the comfort of your computer with this striking desktop wallpaper. Available for both PC and Mac.

There you go.  Install a selection of these apps and you’ll be set, no matter where you are in the world tonight.  Happy 4th of July, everyone!