Apr 27 2009
Schubert-it Style
In all the time we spend downloading and using free software, we rarely or never take thought as to the work that went into it. We take for granted the code-junkies that sacrifice their lunch breaks and evenings to give us software we use everyday.
With that in mind, this week we’ll be taking a look at Manfred Schubert, the author of the one-and-only OS X PDF web browser plug-in appropriately called PDF Browser Plugin.
Manfred, who first started programming on a Commodore 64, maintains several software projects on his website. His first Mac was a PowerMac 6100. When asked what motivates him to author freeware he said simply, “It’s software I needed and programming is a lot of fun.”
Manfred’s shareware offerings include Vektor3, a slick OS X chess app and runner-up for a 2002 Apple Design Award, and Vanessa, an OS 9 chess game. Both are $10, available for download with a 30 trial period.
While Manfred discounts his free software as too simple to charge for, many users appreciate the gaps in functionality they bridge.
Along with PDF Browser Plug-in, you can download Video Viewer, a straightforward monitor for any QuickTime video input. As for the Browser Plugin, it has matured to version 1.1.1 and adds print external viewer options.
You can download all these goodies from Schubert-it.com. While Manfred does not solicit donations for his free software, grateful users could always invest in one of his chess games. Of course, for chess fans, they merit purchase on their own.
Thanks for joining me this week. If you have a free software author who you think deserves a feature here, let me know.
Regardless, join me next week for more great free software!
Brian
