newsletters

Most Mac users know that you can take a screenshot of your Mac desktop or a region of your desktop with key commands, but if you want to add more to your screen captures you need a specialized utility. SnagIt for Mac was released just today and offers several tools for calling out important screen elements, adding effects, and conveying your message using speech balloons, so everybody at work understands what you're talking about. There's even a giveaway going on over at TechSmith right now, so make sure to check it out here after you download SnagIt for … Read more

Having a tidy system is important, which is why we're always eager to see updates from our favorite drive wipers. Last week, we took a closer look at CCleaner 3, freeware from Piriform, that hasn't seen many major revisions since it was launched in 2004. Version 3 of the software introduces some major new features that make it worth the upgrade, such as a drive-wiping tool that can wipe all the data from your hard drive. You can see much of the new functionality for yourself in our First Look video.

We also got up close and personal … Read more

One of the most popular and customizable third-party clients in the multiservice chat category continues to impress. Adium supports multiple services, including AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Facebook, Windows Live, and Google Chat. Part of what made the original Adium so attractive was the multitude of IM service options, and that still forms the core appeal of this client. This latest version comes with a laundry list of new features and fixes making it a must-download for Adium users.

Also this week, we have the latest version of EarthDesk, the app that lets you view our planet with animations and info all … Read more

Browsers saw some renewed interest over this past week as Microsoft kicked off its Professional Developers Conference in Redmond. The company released an updated test version of Internet Explorer 9, which is a new platform preview that developers can use to test Web sites. However, it's not an update to the more full-featured beta version that Microsoft released earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Mozilla announced that it would be pushing back the Firefox 4 launch to 2011. Six beta versions have arrived in recent weeks, but Firefox 4 beta 7 hasn't appeared, despite more than six weeks of frenzied … Read more

Now into its second year, Google Chrome has begun to mature from a lightweight and fast browsing alternative into an innovative browser on the precipice of a potential revolution with the pending ChromeOS. The software saw another minor rev recently, so we decided to give it an even closer look for a review update. The browser that people can use today, Chrome 7, offers highly competitive features, including synchronization, autofill, and maintains Google's reputation for building one of the fastest browsers available.

We also got up close and personal with Trend Micro's Maximum Security 2011, which brings users … Read more

The most popular office suites on the Mac are probably iWork and Microsoft Office, but if you want a suite that provides almost all the same features without having to spend a penny, try OpenOffice. This open-source office suite features word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software with much of the same features as their commercial counterparts. If you want a free alternative to the big name office suites, OpenOffice is definitely worth checking out.

Also this week, we have the latest update to OnyX, the utility that lets you conduct routine maintenance and tweak the interface on your Mac. Our … Read more

Financial software might not be the type of thing to make your knees go weak, but a good program is a control freak's dream come true. Such is the case with Intuit's latest offering in the form of Quicken 2011, which launched last week in a choice of three versions: Starter Edition, Deluxe, and Premier. No matter which one you choose, you'll benefit from a streamlined setup process and handy improvements to the user interface.

Also cycling through the update process is popular VoIP service Skype, which revved to version 5 last week. This edition features a … Read more

Need to run Windows on your Mac? Check out VirtualBox, a free virtualization software that lets you run Windows or just about any operating system without the need to reboot. Handy wizards help you through the setup process so you can set up multiple environments to suit your needs. This latest version features compatibility improvements and bug fixes.

Also this week, we have the latest version of Mactracker, the comprehensive database that lets you check out the specs of (and compatibility between) all things Apple. Our game this week is Out of the Park Baseball, a baseball management sim that … Read more

Over the past week, desktop software took a back seat as CNET attended the CTIA Fall 2010 trade show, where editors got up close and personal with every variety of mobile app under the sun. The highlights included the innovative and supremely useful shopping app Aisle411; a new twist on the universal remote from Twonky; and an all-new, all-free texting service from HeyWire. In addition, Vlingo announced its new InCar feature, aimed at making texting while driving safer (a popular theme this season).

We also got to check out a nifty software solution from memory-maker SanDisk. The company announced Media Manager … Read more