Mac Stuff

Desktop Manager - an alternative virtual desktop application

I've been a long time user of CodeTek Virtual Desktop [1]—a very useful application if you find yourself constantly switching between applications and trying to manage a collection of open windows, but the current version has problems with Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger", so after a little searching I've run across Desktop Manager [2].

Desktop Manager isn't as feature laden as CodeTek Virtual Desktop: it doesn't allow you to automatically open certain applications on pre-specified desktops or allow certain applications to always display regardless of the desktop you're working on. However, it does allow a number of named desktops with hotkeys to switch between them and even some nice visual effects to indicate the switch and to display the desktop name on the desktop background.

There are three key features of Desktop Manager that appeal to me: firstly, it works with Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger"; secondly, it is open source with evidence of active development, so I can easily install it at work without having to manage the complications of trying to arrange purchase orders from unknown suppliers, etc; finally, it works as a simple application, not requiring any complicated or concerning installation of extensions or frameworks.

Let me know what you think.

[1] http://www.codetek.com/ctvd/
[2] http://desktopmanager.berlios.de/

Comic Life—comic strip design for the rest of us

Someone has just drawn my attention to "Comic Life" [1]—an application for aiding in the creation of comic strip cartoons. I haven't even downloaded the demo, and to be honest I probably won't have much chance to try it soon, but it looks to me like it could be a great way of taking your holiday snaps and turning them into something a little more creative. Just thought I'd mention it incase, like with me, this one had passed you by.

[1] http://plasq.com/comiclife