- Namebench Helps You Find the Fastest DNS Server for Your Computer (Windows/Mac/Linux)
Windows/Mac/Linux: Last week Google announced a free DNS service designed to speed up your browsing, but just because Google wants to be fast doesn’t actually mean they’re the best option for you. Namebench finds the fastest DNS server for your connection.
- Thunderbird 3 Officially Released with New Features, Improved Look (Windows/Mac/Linux)
A whopping two years at its second major release, Mozilla’s popular desktop email client Thunderbird is now available as the new and improved Thunderbird 3.0, and there’s a lot to love in the new Thunderbird.
- Jolicloud Netbook OS Is a Bit Like Chrome OS with Awesome Desktop Applications (Windows/Mac/Linux)
Chrome OS is a promising cloud-based operating system, but the big complaint most people have about it is that Chrome OS is entirely browser-based. New netbook OS Jolicloud is a lot like Chrome OS, but with the addition of killer desktop apps.
- Decreased Productivity Helps You Browse at Work Without Getting Busted (Firefox)
If your boss is particularly restrictive to non-work browsing while you’re on the clock, Firefox extension Decreased Productivity makes web pages you’re looking at dull and boring so your boss will be none the wiser.
- Google Chrome for Mac and Linux Finally Hits Beta; Very Fast, Pretty Stable (Mac/Linux)
If you’re a Mac or Linux user who’s been waiting patiently for Chrome to hit at least a beta release before you felt comfortable kicking the tires on Chrome (or jumping on the bandwagon entirely), today’s your lucky day.
- Dragon Dictation Does Voice-to-Text Transcription on Your iPhone (iPhone)
If you’ve ever looked into text-to-speech transcription for your computer, you’ve certainly come across Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Now the folks at Dragon have developed their own iPhone app that lets you dictate to your iPhone—and it works really well.
- Networks Lights Turns Your Keyboard LEDs Into Activity Indicators (Windows)
You squeeze every bit of customization and productivity out of your computer, why let those lazy keyboard LEDs sit idle? Put them to work as network activity indicators.
- WhoCrashed Explains Why Your Windows PC Crashed (Windows)
Windows 7’s only been out for six weeks, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t experienced the occasional crash. Previously mentioned utility WhoCrashed has updated with Windows 7 support, giving you detailed information on what exactly caused your computer to go down.
- Note Taker Turns Your iPhone into an Endless Notepad (iPhone/iPod touch)
VisiCalc creator Dan Bricklin—you know, the guy who invented the spreadsheet—has delved into mobile development and released his first iPhone application, Note Taker. Rather than using the iPhone keyboard, Note Taker lets you write notes with your fingertip.
- Use Your PSP as a Wi-Fi Scanner (PSP)
While having a netbook slightly decreased the hassle of whipping out your laptop to check for wireless nodes, it’s still a pain. If you keep your PSP in your gadget bag, put it to work as a Wi-Fi scanner.
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