The widely-popular universal Internet Messaging (IM) client, Pidgin 2.5.3, is now released. This application supports several protocols, such as MSN, Yahoo!, Google Talk, QQ and ICQ. There is also a portable version available for users to download and install on removable drives, i.e. Pidgin 2.5.3 Portable.

Having used this software myself for quite a long period of time, I have to admit that it has rarely failed me. If this were to be used solely for basic messaging, it’s a fantastic piece of application. For more advanced features, such as webcam, perhaps it’s better to stick to the original software, such as Windows Live Messenger, or Yahoo! Messenger.

It also runs on Linux platform, thus makes it highly portable. Interested users can download the application from the link below.

Download File
Pidgin 2.5.3
Pidgin Portable 2.5.3

Google Chrome has finally hit the public without the Beta tag! The latest version is 1.0.154.39. However, you would probably not have noticed it, as the upgrade was done automatically by the system in the background.

Some unknown source reports that this release of Google Chrome has seen its performance improved by 1.5 times compared to its initial beta release. Considered that Google is truly serious about the web browser market, this is indeed remarkable.

Download File
Google Chrome 1.0.154.39

The next version of Google Chrome 0.4.154.33 has just been released. With my last few written posts related to web browsers, it seems that there is a strong competition going on in the browser marketing. With the exception of Microsoft Internet Explorer, which seems to be losing grip on its stronghold, other developers, such as Mozilla, Google and Opera, have been hitting it really hard.

Upgrading Google Chrome is just a breeze; however, there is still some issues with this web browser that I am still not comfortable with. For example, there is a problem opening Hotmail. Apart from that, other sites seem to load pretty well.

Download File
Google Chrome 0.4.154.33

Mozilla Firefox 3.1 Beta 2 is now released to the public for download. The upgrade process is a simple click of a button from the “Help” menu, whereas new users can download the file from the link at the bottom of this page.

There are several new features in Mozilla Firefox 3.1:

• * Use the new Private Browsing Mode and the updated Clear Recent History function to keep your holiday shopping a secret.
• * Tear tabs off the tab bar to create new windows, and drag and drop them from one Firefox window to another.
• * Control the Smart Location Bar results with special characters.
• * Watch a video in your browser without needing any plugins or external media players.
• * and more…

Note that, this version is still for testing purposes and deployment onto production machines should be avoided. Interested users can download from the link here.

Download File
Mozilla Firefox 3.1 Beta 2

Finally, after a long-awaiting period for Songbird, the official release of version 1.0 is now available! In this release, there are several new features to look out for.

Features

• GStreamer
• Improved mashTape
• Improved Album Art Support
• Complete Keyboard Shortcuts
• Updated Linux Installer
• Re-usable Smart Playlists
• Reveal Original Files
• Recommended Add-ons Updater
• Hide & Show Display Panes
• Simpler Column Headings

Besides, there are several other enhancements as well!

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Released just yesterday, WordPress 2.7 is ready to take the Internet by storm and with that, WordPress 2.7 RC 1 is now available for download. Released on the first day in December 2008, about 280 fixes have been applied since its beta 3 version.

This version encompasses several changes, including a new Administration User Interface (UI), automated version upgrade function, and several other enhancements and bug fixes.

Although this was noted to be ready for trial, but make sure you back up all the essential files and database prior the upgrade. Trust me, you’ll like this version over any previous versions of WordPress!

Download Upgrade File
WordPress 2.7 RC 1

The time has finally come for Mac users who love BitTorrent. The popular and widely-used uTorrent is now available in Mac platform; combing the lightweight power and high performance of the uTorrent feature, Mac users can delightfully choose to use this application - uTorrent for Mac - now.

However, do note that this application is still currently under beta development and bugs my be present. Do not deploy this on production machines.

Requirement
- Mac OS X 10.5 - Intel

uTorrent for Windows are also available here.

Download Link
uTorrent Mac Beta 0.9

Great news for Ubuntu lovers. The latest alpha version of Ubuntu 9.04, nick named Jaunty Jackalope, is now officially released for public to try. As part of the development cycle, this alpha version is the first of the 6 Alphas, 1 Beta and final Release Candidate, prior the Final Release.

Current Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex users can upgrade directly from the Ubuntu desktop. Firstly, press Alt+F2 key and type in “update-manager -d” into the command box. This will bring up the Update Manager console informing you that “New distribution release ‘9.04′ is available“. Simply click on Upgrade and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade your Ubuntu version.

New Users can download the installation files from the link below. However, please note that this is still under development and it is strongly advised that it is not to be deployed for production. The final release will be available on April 23rd, 2009.

Download Link
Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope Alpha 1

It is easy for Linux users in Linux environment to access Windows partitions, such as FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS, by mounting the volume in the operating system. However, it is not easy to do so for the reverse; that is, to access Linux partitions (files and folders) from Windows environment.

Nonetheless, the task is not impossible. Although Microsoft did not equip the Windows operating systems with this feature, it can done via Disk Internals Linux Readers. With this tool, users can access the ext2 and ext3 partitions from Windows.

System Requirement

• - An Intel-compatible platform running Windows 9x/ME/NT4.0/2000/XP/2003/Vista.
• - At least 16 MB of RAM, a mouse, and enough disk space for recovered files.

Download File
DiskInternals Linux Reader 1.0

Last week, Apple released the latest version of Safari 3.2 web browser for both Windows and Mac (Tiger and Leopard) platforms. Though available on the site, the announcement was still showing version 3.1.

The update of this application over the previous version is recommended for all Safari users as this release features several protection features for users, such as identifying fraudulent phishing websites. Furthermore, it includes some bug fixes and security enhancement to ensure users surf the web safely.

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