Just a quick note to say that Pidgin has been released in version 2.4.

For those who do not know Pidgin (formerly Gaim) is an instant messaging software (like WLM) cross-platform (Windows, Linux, BSD) compatible with Windows Live Messenger, AIM, ICQ, Jabber, IRC, and even many other services of IM.

This is the software of IM that I prefer Linux!

Downloading

I just updated Windows Live Messenger (WLM). This version 8.5, adduces as not many new features, just an interface more in line with Vista. Messenger plus! still works with this new version, without having to make updates.

The novelty is more the fact that during the installation, in addition to various toolbars or homepages, it is possible to install new tools such as Windows Live Writer (WLW) which is no other than a software composition of articles for your blog ... and I test with this post.

The interface is quite useful, in terms of composition, allows the easy insertion of tables, images (with effects) and other objects.
The spell checker is it good enough, which probably does not prevent you from finding fault!
WLW can also download the theme of your blog in order to preview the post (but I did not succeed).

It 's still not THE software of the year for blogging, but it is always better than the WordPress WYSIWYG editor.

Now for the problems:

• It does not handle the additional fields added by plugins such as tags
• If you chose a shade option, WLW sends two default images on the server (with a shadow and one without)
• It is necessary to go through the WordPress editor to ensure that the layout fits perfectly.
• A few glitches ...

So in my opinion, you can find better!

Leaks had already announced, but here is finally unveiled the famous Microsoft Project: the World Wide Telescope.

This virtual telescope will view the universe through images of many ground and space telescopes, including the famous Hubble telescope.
You can then browse through the sky in search of unknown worlds and this without leaving your seat!

WWT will be avaialble in the spring ... in the meantime you can always go for a tower on the official site .

Source with a video

If you do not know what to do with giga availables on your mail account, here is a program that might find them useful. This is Backup To Email , which as its name suggests allows you easily and quickly send files via email.

Once installed, and configuration is complete (I tested on Gmail, but it works elsewhere), an item "Backup to Email" is added to the context menu. Thus a simple right click on a file, it will be sent!

Really easy to use and very practical.

Source

I mentioned, some time ago , the great possibilities of the Wiimote and notably the "Head Tracking" with a pair of glasses and two infrared emitters.

Well here is one of the first applications: developers of Compiz Fusion (the famous 3D cube Linux including Ubuntu) is currently considering developing a program for controlling the cube with one or more Wiimotes.

I already see myself in front of my laptop to rotate the cube a nod! ^ _ ^

To be continued.

Source and Official Website

Ubuntu Tweak , the new version 0.2.6 is a small utility to ease configuration Ubuntu Gnome menus if you are unclear.

It allows among others:

• Consult information system (Distribution, Kernel, CPU, Memory)
• Manage sessions Gnome
• Manage programs start at startup
• Display / hide / change the home screen
• Show / Hide icons
• Manage icon display system
• Metacity Customize (Style)
• Manages the graphical effects (Compiz, ...)
• Gnome
• Configure Nautilus
• Manage your power options
• Configure security system

Ubuntu Tweak is already functional with Ubuntu Hardy Heron, expected in April 2008, and all in French.

Official Website

Source

PicLens is an add-on avaialble for browsers (Firefox, Safari, IE) that will change your habits.

Finished, the pages of Google Image thumbnail or DevianArt: now you view your images on a 3D real wall, where it is possible to scroll through images, zoom, start a slideshow.

The interface is very successful in the Mac style beautifully.
This plugin is compatible with all the most common sites such as Google, Yahoo, Ask, Live, AOL, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Hi5, Friendster, Flickr, Smugmug, DeviantArt, Photobucket, Picasa ...

But enough chatter, here's a demo:

How it works? It's very simple, once installed, when you search, a small blue arrow appears on the images. With one click you start the 3D wall! In short it is a MUST!

• Download for Firefox (XP / Vista)
• Firefox for Mac
• And for Safari and IE

Just to keep you informed of a security update to install for WordPress.
It is therefore to version 2.3.3.

Details (in):

WordPress 2.3.3 is an urgent security release year. If You have registration enabled a flaw WAS found in the XML - RPC implementation That Such a specially crafted request Would allow a user to edit posts of users On That Other Blog. In addition to fixing this security flaw, 2.3.3 fixed minor bugs A Few . If you are only intéressée in the security fix, download the fixed version of xmlrpc.php and copy it over your Existing xmlrpc.php . Otherwise, You Can Get The Entire release here .

Also, There Is a vulnerability in the WP-Forum plugin That Is Being Actively Exploited right now. If you are using this plugin, please remove it Until an update is available from author icts.

Since we are talking security, remember to use strong passwords and change 'em Regularly. While you're updating WP and your plugins, Consider refreshing your passwords.

1. Official source
2. WordPress in French