Apr 27 2009
Bring out the Gimp
This week’s episode is another homage to free software. For starters, Gimp has arrived, courtesy of Aaron Voisine. But, the fight is not over. We’ll also look at a live battle for OS X compatibility, as we work to get a popular new P2P internet phone app made for Mac.
Between OpenOffice and Gimp, many argue there’s no need to pay hundreds for software. This version of Gimp comes packaged in an Aqua-like theme and packs new features. Today it works with Panther, Jaguar compatibility is on the way.
It is doubtful that Adobe sees this as a threat to Photoshop, which recently reeled in record profits for the company with its new CS version. Photoshop will likely out-feature Gimp for the foreseeable future.
But Gimp does bring an element of freedom to users who don’t yet have the free cash to own the best, and are happy for a free alternative. Free software opens doors, and the efforts of the many who contribute to the project are more than appreciated.
Upgrade your graphics power, or get yourself a powerful backup. Either way, Gimp is worth the download.
Peer to peer telephony is what they call it. A long-awaited, quality successor to DialPad is another way to describe Skype. But, with a Mac OS version mentioned only as a possibility, you may not even have a chance to try it out.
Thanks to Jack Arends for the heads up on this one. The coming of a Mac version of Skype my be in your hands. Send feedback to make sure the makers of Skype know that there is interest and you can help ensure that Skype comes to the best OS there is.
Doesn’t free software make the Mac OS a great place to be? More next week.
Downloads provided by MacUpdate
Sure, with their measly 350 or 400MHz PowerPC processors, these machines haven’t been “cool” since the Y2K bug was still a lingering threat. But Apple has continued to offer service parts and documentation to authorized repair facilities all these years.