Journal entries in the "Computing" category
The billionth download in the App Store
If you keep up with Apple-related news, you’re bound to know that Apple is approaching 1 billion downloads at the App Store, and will be giving 13.000 USD worth of gifts to whomever either downloads the billionth app, or sends a form right after the 999.999.999th app has been downloaded.
So, the question is: when will that be?
Turns out the counter can help us have a certain strategy.
iTunesque: Aquaffic for iTunes 8.1.1
Another day, another update of Aquaffic. Seems it’s all I do these days. At least, it means that Apple is updating iTunes regularly!
Anyway, if you use Aquaffic and don’t want to see the iTunes traffic lights, head over to the iTunesque page, or grab the Aquaffic updater directly here.
The Heist
There we go, I’ve finally done it. The Heist of the year is over for me. It took time and dedication, logical thinking and puzzle-solving, but I managed. I am talking of course of MacHeist 3.
MacHeist is a web community of Mac users in which the Directorate (the big bosses) organise “Heists”, missions for the community members to solve in exchange for free software, and once the missions are over, a bundle of applications is revealed.
A few days ago, finally, the MacHeist 3 bundle was revealed, and I’ve shelled out 31 US dollars (thanks to my Heister discounts) for the nice applications that compose it.
It was loads of fun, and now it’s over. Well, almost: the Directorate should be revealing one or two other apps in the coming days, or something like it. We’ll see what happens next.
If you’re a Mac user, have the available funds and haven’t done so yet, go get your bundle now.
Proof of the advantages of MacHeist for users: in total, when all applications are unlocked, I’ll have obtained over 1500 USD-worth of applications during MacHeist 3, all for 31 USD. Awesome!
Still, I should add that I’m slightly disappointed in the bundle, which has many applications that I shall not be using all that often. Previous bundles, especially the MacHeist 2 one, seemed to be more interesting overall. However, this opinion may change in the coming days if the Directorate announces new applications to go with the bundle.
Arpia forums back online
Well, there we go. Finally, problems are resolved, and we’re on a new forum system.
So, why don’t you go check it out and talk about ARPIA2 or SFA?
I should add that, unfortunately, passwords from the previous board no longer work (well, the hashes do, but I won’t be distributing those 
). You will therefore have to request a new password.
Of course, if there are any problems, do let me know.
iTunesque: Aquaffic & iTunes 8.1
In iTunes 8.1, Apple has taken another step towards using PNGs as its main source of image support, and this new format serves as an excuse for the fact that this update for Aquaffic comes a few days after iTunes 8.1 became available for download.
Here is a small updater for these resources, also available from the iTunesque page.
Arpia forum troubles
For those who visit the Arpia forum, it is currently down. The reason is that I have encountered substantial problems relating to the database and to the templates, and am therefore in the process of trying to re-install the whole thing.
I’m afraid all access to the forum will be cut until I can fix this.
SFA’ers and ARPIA2′ers, I would suggest finding temporary shelter back on the EV Nova boards. Or you can use this post or the ARPIA2 page to discuss your woes.
The MacBooks have landed
PC makers, run! The cause is lost: Mac laptops rule the world!
While this statement may be somewhat exaggerated (ever so slightly), it is based on the ultimate proof: my observations.
During my first year at university, back in September 2004, there were probably 10 laptops present during lectures, while we were 300 students in our first year of Law. Laptops were marginal, as they have been for many a year in universities in Continental Europe, where courses are often given ex cathedra and aren’t highly interactive.
ARPIA2 update, and yet another new song
Update time: ARPIA2.1.1 fixes a number of bugs and adds a couple of mini-features (almost invisible, but pleasant nonetheless), and includes long overdue updates to the in-game music (especially “Adieu”). Download the updated version from the ARPIA2 page.
Thoughts to be read worldwide
A question that nagged at my mind a few times these past months was what makes people use Twitter, WordPress and other such services.
Why blog? Why tweet? Why change status every day on Facebook?
My analysis is biased, as I favour blogs over Twitter pages and Facebook activity, but I might as well post my thoughts. Who knows, they might some day be read worldwide.
A little icon order
A few days ago, MacThemes user spiralstairs released a set of Finder background images, entitled Shelves. Tell you what, it turns out it was just what I needed to change the look of my Leopard.
What’s the purpose of Shelves? It makes your Finder look as ordered as a nice, clean shelf of documents. And with a few tricks, you can apply that look to all your folders.