Apple updates iMacs, Mac Mini, iLife, iWork, and much more!

Every Apple fan should be quite excited after yesterday's updates. Apple has completely updated their entire product line after yesterday's press conference. The big news is of course the new Apple iMacs and the new keyboard. From the pictures that have been posted, both products look really sharp. I'm really interested in iLife '08 and iWork '08. I almost purchased iLife '08 last night, but held off until I read more about it. All in all, I think many of Apple's faithful will be quite happy with the updates. For a complete roundup, check out Mac Rumors here.


One tip for potential buyers of an Apple iMac, you ought to consider looking at the refurbished ones as you will find yourself some great deals as some folks who purchased a Mac in the past few days will be returning them for a brand new metallic Mac.

Mac Download: Ez Money by Adoracom

I have been looking for a good financial program that can keep track of my checking and savings accounts. I've been using Splash Money from Splash Data, but they do not have a Mac version at this time. If they did, I would gladly use it!
So for the last few days, I've been looking for a good and hopefully free mac financial software. I found Ex Money 2.4.4 over at the Apple website. It looks to have all the features that I wanted and needed. My wife did not wanted to have something complicated or fully featured, but wanted something simple and easy to understand. Basically, no geeky programs! :( So here is the description of Ez Money for your reading pleasure and if you have a personal financial app that you use for your Mac, please do share it with us!

"About EZ Money
A simple and easy to use financial program. It helps simplify managing your money by allowing you to itemize and budget your spending. EZ Money is available for download free of charge.

- Checkbook style transactions
- Purchase itemization
- Spending management
- Monthly bills monitoring
- Reporting tools
- Support for importing & exporting data
- Privacy protection

What’s New in this Version
- You can create transaction reports
- Improved importing
- Bug fixes"

Google Complains About Microsoft's Vista

Isn't this funny? Google complains about Windows Vista. Apparently, Google states that Vista is hampering desktop search applications, like their Google Desktop. So they have filed a lawsuit against Microsoft. I really cannot imagine being Microsoft with all these lawsuits. It's no wondered they turn out mediocre products. Their time and money is being spent in lawyer services!
If you are thinking of going with Vista, it doesn't beat out Windows XP and there are still many drivers that are not yet available for it. I'm sure in time it will be a better operating system, but for now, it's got some issues. I know I been there and done that. Wasn't fun, needed drivers and was told sure later this year. Not cool!

"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Internet search leader Google Inc. is trying to convince federal and state authorities that Microsoft Corp.'s Vista operating system is stifling competition as the high-tech heavyweights wrestle for the allegiance of personal computer users.

In a 49-page document filed April 18 with the U.S. Justice Department and state attorneys general, Google alleged that the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system impairs the performance of "desktop search" programs that find data stored on a computer's hard drive.

The Vista operating system, which became widely available in January, includes a desktop search function that competes with a free program Google introduced in 2004. Several other companies also offer desktop search applications."

Read More

Safari 3 beta is now available for Windows and Mac

During yesterday's Apple keynote, Steve Jobs announced that Safari would now be available for Windows. They also released a beta version of Safari 3 that is supposedly faster than Internet Explorer 7, FireFox, and Opera. I've tried it myself and it does seem to be faster although, I cannot official test it. Still if you are looking to save yourself some time and be more productive, a faster web browser could be very useful. I'm sticking with FireFox for right now, but I may switch once Safari 3 is in its final version. Here is a list of the improved features:

1. Blazing Performance

   Safari is the fastest web browser on any platform.

2. Elegant User Interface

   Safari’s clean look lets you focus on the web — not your browser.

3. Easy Bookmarks

   Organize your bookmarks just like you organize music in iTunes.

4. Pop-up Blocking

   Say goodbye to annoying pop-up ads and pop-under windows.

5. Inline Find

   Search any text on any website with the integrated Find banner.

6. Tabbed Browsing

   Open and switch between multiple web pages in a single window.

7. SnapBack

   Instantly snap back to search results or the top level of a website.

8. Forms AutoFill

   Let Safari complete online forms for you, automatically and securely.

9. Built-in RSS

   RSS tells you when new content is added to your favorite sites.

10. Resizable Text Fields

    Resize text fields on any website: Just grab the corner and drag.

11. Private Browsing

    Keep your online activities private with a single click.

12. Security

    Apple engineers designed Safari to be secure from day one.

Open Source Mac

I stumbled upon this website while looking for some applications for my Mac. Of course free is much better for me ;) , I did find CashBox, a financial manager, and Frozen Bubble, a fun game that I played on Linux. There were some other apps, but I will save those for later. It's a great summary of open source software for macs and you would do well to check it out.

Frozen Bubble for Linux

I've been using Ubuntu as a second OS on my desktop. I do not think I'll totally make the switch to it, but I most admit that it is tempting. One of those temptations is Frozen Bubble. It's a highly addictive game that will keep you entertained for hours. I've played it already too much! If you are a Linux user or you tinker with ubuntu, you need to check this game out.

"Colorful 3D rendered penguin animations, 100 levels of 1p game, hours and hours of 2p game, nights and nights of 2p/3p/4p/5p game over LAN or Internet, a level-editor, 3 professional quality digital soundtracks, 15 stereo sound effects, 8 unique graphical transition effects, 8 unique logo eye-candies.

More than ever, you really need this game."

Envelope Budget software for PC or Mac

Let's face it, managing our money is a necessary evil. I try to find every avenue I can to simplify the process, but it is still work. Growing up my parents taught me to use an envelope system to help me budget my money. Well, today on Lifehacker, they mentioned a piece of software that does exactly that- allow you to use virtual envelopes to organize your finances. Talk about a useful piece of software. I've downloaded it and I'm giving it a try for the next few days to see how it works for me. I like the concept, I just hope it helps my family out. The program cost $30, so that could be a draw back for some, but still it's sure to be a big help for those wanting to managing their finances right. This could also be a help to your church as well.

• QIF Import: Convert data from other applications, or download your transactions from a bank.
  
  
• Bank Account Management: Record checks, debits, and deposits, and easily balance your checkbook.
  
  
• Define Pay Sources: Set up your income to automatically distribute funds to various envelopes.
  
  
• Multiple Bank Accounts: Define as many bank accounts as you need.
  
  
• Credit Cards: Track your credit card spending, and stay out of debt.

15 great utilities you've never heard of by PC World

PC World has compiled a list of 15 not-so-well-known software titles. From security to Graphics and media to system tools, they have it covered for your PC. My personal favorites from the list are Windows Advanced Care which I have mentioned here at TGP before, Undelete Plus as this has bailed me out several times, and Eusing Free Registery Cleaner. Definitely apps I would recommend and could easily help you and your PC be more productive.

"Looking at the price of software today is enough to send you into sticker shock. Sometimes it feels as if you need to mortgage your house if you want to get a full suite of tools.

Luckily, that's not the case. There are plenty of very good free programs that do everything from protecting you against spyware, to giving you a comprehensive look inside your PC, and cleaning your Registry, to managing your media, and plenty more.

We've scoured the Web and come up with 15 of our favorite free utilities that most people have never heard of. We've focused on three popular categories: security software, system tools, and graphics and multimedia. But we've also thrown in some personal favorites that defy categorization."

Source: PC World

Sunbird: Calendar Application for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X

Most people are aware of Mozilla's FireFox web browser and Thunderbird email application. Mozilla does have some other offerings and one of those I wanted to mention is Sunbird. Sunbird is a standalone desktop client somewhat similar to Microsoft Outlook. Sunbird does have some limitations as it has yet to see a 1.0 release, but if you are looking for an application that can keep your data on your PC or laptop and you need it for free, Sunbird could be the way for you to go.

I was able to sync my Google calendar by adding the ical address to Sunbird and using Sunbird's remote calendar function. I think I would have to manually reload the calendar if I want to update Sunbird. It doesn't look like there would be a auto feature for this. You can also have multiple calendars which would be a great way to keep your family events and church events separated.

You might be wondering why use Sunbird? I think it would be quite useful if you did not have a constant internet access on a computer. Maybe you use dailup at home or work or at your church. You would be able to backup your calendar information to Sunbird incase you cannot access Gcal or you lose data in Gcal. Overall, it's a nice app and I'm sure it could prove to be quite useful once it reaches version 1.0.

Google adds more software to their Google Pack.

I just mentioned spyware removal tools below and then I read about Google adding some spyware removal tools in their Google Pack. According to the Google Blog, the Google Pack will now included "Symantec's Norton Security Scan, which detects and removes viruses, and PC Tools' Spyware Doctor Starter Edition, a top-rated anti-spyware utility."
I checked on the Google Pack page, but didn't see these apps listed on the page. I didn't take the time to try and download the Google Pack, so maybe that are included, but not listed yet. Still, it's good to see companies like Google helping out PC users.

Tackling spyware.

Spyware can really cause your internet experience to stink, slow down, and compromise your computer. Today, I spent some time working on a church member's computer that had acquired some nasty spyware. It took a couple hours for me to final rid the plagued PC from the spyware. I thought I'd share some of the tools that I used today and others I've used to eliminate spyware on my PC and others. Keep in mind one spyware tool usually doesn't get all the spyware on your PC. It's quite helpful to have two or three programs that you run to eliminate spyware.

Spyware Blaster - A program that doesn't scan for spyware but rather it helps prevent spyware from being installed in the first place.

Spybot Search and Destroy - This one does remove spyware and also can begin a scan before Windows is fully loading helping you to eliminate some of the tougher spyware out there.

AVG Anti-Spyware - From the makers of AVG Anti-Virus Free edition, comes this excellent freebie that eliminates spyware and works just as well as their virus protection software.

PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 3.1 - CNET gives this spyware removal tool 4/5 stars.

Windows Defender - This is a Microsoft program, but I'm sure some folks may prefer to use a "name brand" application. If that's you, try this one.

All the applications I mentioned above are freeware. Some maybe a lite version of a paid program, but they can and will effectively remove spyware from your PC. So if you are having some issues with your PC and you think it might be spyware, try this apps out and you'll soon be back to safe happy surfing.

A portable PC on a flash drive, iPod, or harddrive with Mojopac

Today, I was searching for a way to install an operating system on my USB flash drive. I figured that it would be fun to try something like this. A while back on Lifehacker, they mention a software application called MojoPac that will allow you to use an iPod, USB 2.0 flash drive or harddrive, even a cellphone as a portable PC. You can even play games from your portable device and even use specific software like MS Office, Photoshop, etc. It appears to be a rather straight forward device and this would be a convenient piece of software to have on an iPod I would think. Not sure how much space this would take on an iPod, but it would be nice to have all my stuff available to me that I have on my home PC. Here are some more features of this product.

pick ANY Device
MojoPac can turn any USB 2.0 compliant portable storage device, including your iPod, or your USB flash or hard drives, into your Personal Computer - your MojoPac PC.

run ANY Application
You can install any of the most popular Windows applications on your MojoPac PC. You can use the same version of the applications you use daily at work (such as Microsoft Office) or at home (such as Photoshop, iTunes, IM and Games).

use ANY PC
With MojoPac, you can go to any Windows XP computer, plug in your MojoPac device, and bring up your MojoPac PC. The experience is exactly as if you are logging into your Personal Computer, complete with your desktop, shortcuts, applications and preferences.
*** Free Microsoft Vista support coming Q2 2007 for all current customers.

Privately and Securely
Your applications, browser history, and activities leave no trace on the computer you are connected to. What happens on MojoPac, stays on MojoPac.

Source: Lifehacker

Freeware Download: Google Desktop

Unfortunately, Windows Vista did not take to my current PC. I'm still waiting on drivers for my video card from nvidia of which they said would be able later in 2007. I think it may be- never!
One feature I liked from Vista was the sidebar. I had tried other sidebars and never did like them all that much. The Vista Sidebar worked for me and now that I'm using Windows XP again, I miss the Vista Sidebar.
Well, I had never really gave Google Desktop a real good go and so today I installed it. My main reason for installing Google Desktop is to be able to view my Google Calendar on the sidebar and see my agenda for the day. Google Desktop can do this rather easily and it looks great. Having a widescreen monitor does help with a sidebar. So if you are looking for a sidebar like Windows Vista, consider the Google Desktop. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other sidebar apps, but it does look good and seems to keep things simple.

Advanced WindowsCare Professional for free!

Giveaway of the Day is giving away for free - Advanced WindowsCare Professional. I missed this earlier today, so your time is very short on this one. You must download install and activate the software in the next 6 hours at the time of this posting. I've used the freeware version of this software from IObit and it has helped my PC run a lot smoother. The best part about it is you can just about set it and forget it. Hope you get the chance to get this freebie!

FireFox updated.

Mozilla has released an update to FireFox. The latest version now is 2.0.0.2. You can also view the latest known issues and other release notes here.

Install other operating systems on your PC with Virtual PC from Windows (Freeware)

Virtual PC is a freeware program that allows you to run other operating systems on your PC. It's kinda like Parallels. You can't run the Mac OS X with it, but you can run another version of Windows, OS/2, and some folks have certain versions of Linux running with Virtual PC. Now why would you talk about this on TGP? Well, it's not just because it's free.

Our school uses the ACE curriculum and some of the ACE software needs either Windows 95/98 which means I've got to keep older computers running and both those operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft. So, I'm hoping to install Virtual PC on a Windows XP computer and then install Windows 98se on that computer to hopefully support the aging software. I'd rather see some updates to that part of the curriculum, but it could be a bit before we do. In the meantime I'm hoping this creative solution will work. I'll let you know hopefully later this week.

Calendar Magic (Freeware)

Calendar Magic has several useful calendar features which could be helpful when you are studying or preparing for a lesson/sermon. You can compare the Hebrew calendar with our calendar. It makes for any interesting comparison, but there are a few odd things that come with it. Mainly to do with zodiac and biorhythm stuff, which most of us aren't interested in. However the other features I've found to be helpful and useful. Try and decide for yourself.

Here are comments from PC World. You can also download the app from them as well.

"There must be a lot of calendar geeks, because Calendar Magic is a perennial favorite, even though it's more of an educational tool than a scheduling tool. Any interest in calendars beyond the January half-price sales is amply rewarded by this program, which offers an astonishing 23 calendar systems for use, study and comparison. There are also numerous tools that calculate and convert data, from a global distance calculator to a pregnancy calculator.

Approximately 16 functions in the program deal with calendar- and date-related information. You can also chart the positions of the sun and moon relative to your physical location. Four tools deal with time: an alarm clock, a stopwatch, an addictive reaction timer, and another that reveals the current time almost anywhere on the planet. Five more tools manage your personal notes and event reminders, while another ten are primarily concerned with mathematical calculations and conversions. Kids in particular will enjoy the "Magic Square" calculator. One final button is mysteriously labeled, "For later use."

You could pay for other programs that provide some of the features in Calendar Magic, but you won't pay for Calendar Magic, because it's freeware."

Print your own PDFs for free.

On a weekly basis I send out a basketball standings report to the coaches in our boys and girls league. Once the report is done I email it to the coaches. Just to make sure that everyone could read the document, I print it off as a PDF document. How you may ask? With a simple program called PrimoPDF. It installs a virtual PDF printer on your computer. So instead of sending the document or spreadsheet to your paper printing, you select your PrimoPDF printer and it "prints" a PDF file for you. You can view it with Foxit PDF Reader or Adobe Acrobat Reader. The software is free and works great on my PC. I've even installed it at our church and school's computers. The secretary uses it to print out the church bulletin so it can be easily read by our website readers.
I also have used this to print off our yearbook pages so I could send it to the printer. Works great with my Publisher documents. Occassionally I have come across a format error with Publisher documents, but a little tweaking usually fixes the job. This is definitely a must if you send out documents from programs that others cannot open, but they need the information. Here are some features of the software.

• FREE PDF Converter - not a trial version.
• Print to PDF from virtually any application.
• Create PDF output optmized for print, screen, ebook, or prepress.
• No annoying pop-up ads, no registration requirement - no catch!
• High-quality, easy to use PDF creator for all users.
• NEW! Double byte character support, enhanced support for Microsoft Windows 98, ME, and NT, PDF viewing support for non-Windows environments, and full support for 64-bit machines (download separate installer here).
• Secure PDFs with 40-/128-bit encryption, allowing the highest level of security for your PDF files. Settings include password to open, password to change, disable printing, disable text/graphics copying, disable commenting, disable text editing, disable page addition.
• Add document information (e.g. title, author, subject, keywords) to converted PDF files, resulting in faster and easier searching of PDF documents.

Foxit PDF Reader

For a long time, I used Adobe PDF reader to view PDF documents. It was all right, but I did experience frequent crashes and it always seemed to want to update itself. I finally found a decent alternative to Adobe PDF. It's called Foxit PDF Reader (freeware). It doesn't do everything that Adobe does, but in my experience it has worked great with FireFox and Internet Explorer. It's also a lot smaller in size then Adobe. Foxit's download is only 1.5 mb while Adobe is 20.8 mb.
There is a paid version of Foxit PDF Reader that has a few more features, but the freeware version has sufficed for me. I even used Foxit PDF reader once to type my name into a rebate form and print it off. Since I was using the free version it did also print a watermark at the top of the page, but I didn't care.
It's a definitely warrants a test as it help me avoid my frequent crashes with Adobe. Did I also mention it is free?

Bill Gates on Vista and Apple's 'Lying' Ads

MSNBC has done a interview with Microsoft's Bill Gates on Microsoft's latest release of Windows Vista. It's an interesting article and kind of gives a bit more of the thinking behind Windows Vista. My favorite part is Gates response to the Apple "PC vs. Mac" commercials. I've always found the commercials funny and entertaining. Gates doesn't like them at all. Go figure.
I'm, so far, enjoying Windows Vista on my PC and I'm glad I upgraded to Vista. The install was a bit scary, but everything is running quite smoothly now. (knock on wood). If all stays and goes well, I'll be a very happy user of Windows Vista. I do believe though that if you have Windows XP or Professional, you don't really need to upgrade to Vista. You'll really not miss much. If you do decided to upgrade to Vista, I'd recommend purchasing a computer with Vista already on it. It'd will be a lot easier and less headaches for you.