Firefox has long been a top contender in the seemingly age-old battle of the browsers.  With its flexibility, stability, security, and ease of use, many people have jumped onto the Firefox bandwagon.  Another great feature of Firefox is the fact that Mozilla makes a constant and consistent effort to keep it up-to-date and working on the latest platforms, from mobile to PC to Mac.  Mozilla has done it again, releasing a new beta version of Firefox, dubbed Firefox 3.6 beta 1.  Among the numerous changes that have been made for this version, the most noticeable are the changes that help Firefox integrate more smoothly with Windows 7.  As one of the newest and most popular PC operating systems, Microsoft's Windows 7 is bound to be on millions of computers around the world and Firefox doesn't want to miss the runaway train.  Read on for some of the updates on Firefox 3.6 beta 1 that help with Windows 7 integration and compatibility.

Integrating Firefox functionality into Windows 7's Aero Peek

Some of the features that make Windows 7 such a joy to use are those that contribute to its intuitive interface and the new Firefox beta takes full advantage of these features.  Firefox 3.6 beta 1 is now fully compatible with the Aero Peek feature of the revamped Windows 7 taskbar.  When you hover your mouse over the Firefox icon on your taskbar, the Aero Peek feature will kick in, showing small displays of the tabs that you have open in your Firefox window.  The preview displays shrink as you open more tabs, ensuring that you can catch a glance of all the tabs you have open.  This feature is extremely useful, because you can easily view all of the open tabs and click on the one that you want to bring to the front of your display.

Getting total control over your Firefox browsing

Another useful feature of Firefox 3.6 beta 1 is the updated Control + Tab tool, which gives you full control over your open tabs.  When you have three or more tabs open and you use the CTRL + Tab hotkey, Firefox will open a preview pane of your open tabs.  Done in the Aero-look that Windows 7 is popular for, this CTRL + Tab functionality allows you to view and select open tabs without having to use the Aero Peek function mentioned above.  You can also activate another hotkey triggered by the Control + Shift + Tab buttons.  The CTRL + Shift + Tab hotkey brings up a similar Aero-style preview of your open tabs, with an added search bar feature.  The search bar allows you to search through the tabs that you have open by typing in all or part of the name of the tab you are looking for.  The list will then filter your tabs according to your search so you can find the exact tab you need at any given time.

Symantec Corp. may be a top provider of anti-virus software but its recent outstanding sales performance still surprised many analysts.  Symantec's performance exceeded predictions during the second quarter.  It was considered a sign of stabilization of the company based in Cupertino, California.

Trading details

During a morning trading, Symantec shares rose by 9.3% to $17.19.  On October 21, 2009, Symantec was reported to have earned $150 million because each share was priced at 18 cents each.  A share was only 15 cents earlier this year.   So, total earnings only totaled to $126 million.  However, Symantec Corp. did experience a little dip from last year's $312 million earnings.  This year, the company only enjoyed a $294 million.  This is because last year's unit share price was at 37 cents.  This year, shares are a little bit cheaper, at 36 cents each.  Still, the 36 cents unit price was still much better than the 33 cent forecast for Symantec shares.  Also, while analysts predict the 36 cents to go steady during the third quarter, the company itself predicts a return to the 37 cents per share price.  In the same way, analysts predict a total earning of a little less than $1.5 billion; Symantec is more optimistic, believing that there will be a $1.51 billion earning for the company.

The man behind the success

Some people attributed Symantec's recent success to new CEO, Enrique Salem.  Salem took the CEO post in April.  He focused on improving operations and sales instead of looking for new acquisitions.  Improving on what was already present was what made Salem effective.  His predecessor was more into acquisitions.  Improved sales really made Symantec exceed expectations.  Under this very new management, deals were made to include Symantec in the software pack provided to new computers.  Being included in the bundle for users to test helped users see its good features.  Symantec was able to make the right connections.

Improved estimates: A good challenge or a terrible pressure?

Because of Symantec's good performance, which exceeded analysts' predictions, analysts now cite higher estimates for 2010 and 2011.  Jefferies & Co's Katherine Egbert raised her expectations by a dollar.  Even Baird analyst, Steven Ashley increased his estimates.  While this may be a good challenge to currently successful Symantec Corp., this could be a lot of pressure as well.  Symantec's earnings took a slight fall from $312 million to $294 million.  This prompted low expectations.  Symantec exceeded those low expectations.  Now, what will happen when the expectations are high? Will Symantec crumble under the pressure?

On the lookout

What shareholders can do is to keep a vigilant watch at share prices' rise and falls.  Anyway, this should be done whatever product it is you have a share of in this case norton products.  If Symantec continues its success because of good management, expectations may continue to rise that it is not too difficult to imagine for the actual results to fall short.

What may be too good to be true may just be that -- not true at all.  In the case of the Google Chrome operating system (OS) leaks that has got some software users excited, it was a case of a disappointing hoax.  The hoax may not have been mean-spirited, but for people who have raised expectations because of it, it may just well be.  It was a believable fake.  How can you not believe that you are looking at the real thing if Google itself has announced the development of an operating system to be appropriately named as Google Chrome?  It would not then be a surprise to find updates and news about the Google Chrome OS.

Story from trusted sources

If a trusted Internet source reports something, readers will believe it.  What else can you believe over the Internet if trusted sources fail?  In the case of the fake Google Chrome leak, this is what happened.  Gizmodo, what should have been a trusted site, made readers believe that the OS is available to buy.  How else would you interpret a heading like this: "Google OS now Available.  Go Get It.  Though Gizmodo made good by later publishing an article that clears up the news as fake, it can make believing anything else on the Internet much more difficult.  Even Twitter has some published tweets that got some people excited.

The wait for the real Google Chrome OS

The real Google Chrome OS will take time to get through development.  This is true for all types of software.  The development team needs to carefully remove all sorts of bugs and test the software for user-friendliness.  If a company delivers software in no time and is similar in look to other software, it may be accused of making use of existing codes and altering them just a bit.  In short, the company will be accused of copyright infringement.  Google Chrome OS is right to take its time as it will be contending with other OS powerhouses such as Mac and Microsoft.  Google has a lot of catching up to do and yet it can still surprise would-be users if the company plays its cards right.

Google's reaction to the leaks

The site that "leaked" the so-called Google screenshots had put up a disclaimer.  The disclaimer stated that Google had nothing to do with the Google OS that the site was featuring.  Still, Google disabled the said site.  Google is not in a hurry to release the real Google Chrome OS.

What consumers can do

Consumers should not believe everything that they read over the Internet.  It is always imperative to check on the accuracy of information especially now that anyone can post and edit articles on the World Wide Web.

Apple released its newest version of the Apple TV software.  Version 3.0 was released just a month and a half after the company's other recent upgrades and changes.  The 40G Apple TV was released together with price slash to a mere $229 of the 160 GB models.  The new addition to the Apple TV family, however, can come without a cost to those that already own the Apple TV model and software.  Version 3.0 is a software upgrade to those who previously owned the earlier versions.

Features and improvements

Version 3.0 is said to have a simpler and more user-friendly interface.  This is good because users are not buying Apple TV software for the looks alone but to get around easily and get to the application needed in no time.  The application should be as easy to use as flicking on your remote control to watch a movie or a television show using your traditional television set.  Apple TV can now access streaming radio, Genius mixes and iTunes extras.  Those who have a copy of the previous versions will truly appreciate these improvements or additional features.  iTunes extras have been launched together with the formidably packed iTunes 9.

Users will enjoy Apple TV through full-screen viewing, additional music information such as lyrics and liner notes and more interactive features.  In short, Version 3.0 not only makes Apple TV easier to use but definitely more enjoyable.  The main menu interface will also take the user directly to movies that have either been bought or rented via iTunes.  It is easier to get hold of YouTube videos and your downloaded movies, as well.

Complaints and praises

As with most products, the upgraded version of the Apple TV software was also met with both complaints and praises.  From those that previously own an Apple TV model and an Apple TV software's older version, there are mostly praises.  After all, these users are getting version 3.0 for free.  There are additional features to enjoy and a change of interface to explore.  Some previous users believe that the new version is Apple's way of showing that the software is something that the company is taking seriously.  When a company is taking a product seriously, consumers expect more improvements to be released in the future.

There are also complaints, however.  Some believe that Version 3.0 is not really that much better than Version 2.0.  Beyond the main menu, the Apple TV software version 3.0 is mostly the same in interface.  This fact, however, is not really met with a hundred percent negativity; some are comfortable with what is familiar.  Some are still looking for more features though, such as web browser and connection capability.

Hacks and cracks are being offered liberally over the Internet.  Sometimes they are offered for free and sometimes they are sold at a much lower price.  So, it is no surprise that software users are tempted to grab these illegal deals rather than pay for genuine but much more expensive upgrades.  Piracy is so widespread that Microsoft felt that it is time to issue a specific and directed warning.

A simple misunderstanding?

Some consumers believe that once they buy their own PC, they completely own the software included.  This, however, is not the case for all software that comes with their PC.  Some applications found in a newly bought PC are actually demos or trial versions.  This means that buying the software alone can provide the user access to all the features of the application.  Sometimes software manufacturers provide a trial period in which the user can enjoy all the features.  When hooked, the user can buy the software itself.  So, when it comes to Windows 7 upgrades: they are only applicable to those who actually own Windows 7.  "Buying an upgrade and using its license for a newly installed Windows is illegal," said the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group's Eric Ligman.  It is time for consumers to start reading software license agreements.  Michael Cherry, the vice president of research for Microsoft, declares that it is still best to install with a proper license and not resort to piracy.

No more pledges of ignorance

Because piracy has been around for quite awhile, those who take advantage of hacks and cracks can no longer claim to be ignorant of the legality of the matter.  Those who actually find ways to download unauthorized versions of software are the ones who are most likely "in-the-know" when it comes to software and other technical stuff.  Ligman's blog post also makes it clearer to those who are actually ignorant about what should be considered against the law.  The blog serves as both a warning and an attempt to educate those who are still innocent about the legalities of hacks and cracks.

Microsoft's possible preventive measures

Because piracy can be very profitable to the sellers and even to the buyers, it is a very difficult case to crack -- no pun intended.  So, what Microsoft can do is go beyond the warnings and create active preventive measures.  One such measure is to design software differently.  The company can make definitive changes on Windows so that only authorized copies can enjoy the software's features.  WGA, Windows Genuine Advantage, may also be used.  WGA is an online validation tool that can recognize which copy is genuine and which one is not.  The threat of being revealed as a hack and a crack user can discourage Windows users from resorting to buying pirated software.

As a top-notch provider of security software, McAfee was predicted to have outstanding revenue for its 2009 third-quarter sales.  The number two security software maker, however, failed to do just that.  The revenue was expected by Wall Street to reach $486 million but McAfee was only able to deliver $485.3 million.  For some, the million dollar difference may not look that bad, but for a security software company such as McAfee, the drop can be devastating.  This is because McAfee has always been expected to perform better than expectations.

McAfee shares' troubles

A McAfee share was worth 31 cents about a year ago.  The challenges the security software maker was experiencing became obvious when the share dropped several cents to 23.  This caused McAfee's net income to drop by 25 percent.  This means that the net income was dragged down from $48.8 million to $36.8 million.  This amount, $12 million, is a steep drop in terms of software sales; it is a rough tumble for any product for that matter.

Trading drama

Extended trading had seen McAfee not just falter but fall by $1.95 to $41.80 at the New York Stock Exchange.  This is despite the fact that Todd Weller, who is connected with Stifel Nicolaus & Co., advised investors to buy shares from McAfee.  Weller himself does not have any McAfee share; that spelled trouble for both him and McAfee.

McAfee's tactics

McAfee had always excelled because of its association with some top computer dealers.  Its Chief Executive Officer, Dave DeWalt made it possible by paying establishments such as Internet-service providers and computer distributors to use MAfee trial versions.  Of course, when presented with a trial version of the particular software, consumers will gravitate towards that software.  McAfee even had a two-year agreement with Dell.  Dell, the number two PC maker, will recommend McAfee to its customers.  The relationship managed to boost McAfee sales by 13 percent.  This was one of the reasons for Wall Street's enthusiastic forecast.

Powerful competition

If McAfee's management had been doing everything right, the security software brand's competitor must be a great threat.  It seems that McAfee had failed to convince Symantec's consumers to change software brand.  While MAfee experienced a fall, Symantec produced better than expected results.  DeWalt confirmed that MAfee was not able to take away enough clients from toughest competitor, Symantec.  MAfee still displayed market share that were not too far from its previous year's results.  The worse thing, however, that the results can imply is that not only did McAfee fail to convince some of Symantec's customers to change software, some of its own customers must have shifted to Symantec.

Some analysts may start giving McAfee less than positive predictions as a result of the fall of its sales.  However, McAfee must still aim to exceed its earlier, more positive forecasts to consider itself back on track.

The Intel i7 processor is the latest addition to Intel’s family of processors.  Its name, i7, refers to the processor being the seventh generation in Intel’s processor architecture.  Like its predecessor, the Core2 Quad, it also has four processing cores in a single chip.  The i7 also can perform hyperthreading, so it can do a total of eight separate thread operations due to its quad core.  Another improvement from the previous generation is the increase in its cache, from 6 MB to 8 MB.  Another main improvement is the integration of the memory controller from the board to the processor itself.  Imitating what AMD has done with its Athlon and Phenom processors, this greatly produced performance gains from the i7 processor.  Aside from that, this integrated controller also allows the user to setup a triple channel configuration for DDR3 memory modules, which results to better performance numbers.

Another advantage for the i7 is that its price is quite reasonable for the performance gains that it produces.  Another good news for system builders and tweakers is the processor’s overclocking potential, since it can run from a range of 800 to 1033 MHz of memory bus speed.   Add to that a motherboard and memory upgrade, one can certainly build a monster system with the i7 processor as the centerpiece.

The downsides of the i7

This talk about upgrade is what brings us to some of the cons about the i7.  Though the price of the processor might be reasonable, it’s use is not.  Along with the changes in the processor is a change of the chipset, thus the processor is not backwards compatible to current boards with the Core 2 Quad.  One needs to get the LGA 1366 motherboard to fully utilize the i7 processor.  Another issue is that the memory performance hinges on the triple channel configuration, and the use of DDR3 memory sticks.  That just means that the purchase of the i7 processor would also require other upgrades so it’s not just a one-component deal.

But even if that is the case, the i7 still has a lot to offer in improved performance.  Continuing on with the quad core tradition and adding an integrated memory controller, the i7 can be a good buy for people looking to revamp their systems from the ground up.  This processor is a good choice for hardcore gamers and performance enthusiasts with an eye for a new system and some cash to spare.

Despite the rather macabre themes that pervade Halloween, "All Hallow's Eve" is still one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year.  With everyone dressing up in costumes and grabbing buckets and pillow cases for trick-or-treat, it's hard not to smile and laugh in the frightful festivities of this happy holiday.  With the Halloween of 2009 right around the corner, we thought it would be nice to share three of our favorite Halloween-themed iPhone apps.

Pet Semetary

For some Halloween fun and a blast from horror's past, you may want to check out the Pet Semetary iPhone game.  Based on the timeless 1980's horror film, "Pet Semetary", this game will have you putting an end to an undead zombie infestation on your town.  Tap the zombies and pet zombies through 15 levels of mayhem.  Great time-killer app that will have you hooked.  You can even login to your Facebook account with this app and share your scores with all your friends.

Costume Ideas - Halloween

If you want a more practical and less gory way of celebrating Halloween on your iPhone, then you may want to check out Costumer Ideas - Halloween.  Whether you are an adult or a child, male or female, single or couple, this iPhone app can give you thousands of great ideas for your Halloween costume.  You can browse through all of the costumes on your own or you can shake your iPhone to generate a random costume idea from the database.  Once you find a costume you like, just tap the "Shop For It" button and you will be given a list of the cheapest prices on the costume that you want. 

Hitchcock

The epitome of genius and greatness when it comes to psychological thrillers and suspense movies, Alfred Hitchcock is arguably one of the best filmmakers and producers in the history of thriller and suspense films.  If you are into film and photography, then one of the best Halloween iPhone applications you can get this season is Hitchcock, from Cinemek Inc.  This application allows you to make mobile storyboards to help you in fleshing out your ideas for writing, directing, photography, production, and art directing.  This piece of software gives you a wide range of tools and features to make full-fledged mobile storyboards, with storyboarding markups, like track, zoom, pan, or dolly.  You can also add audio clips or notes, panel descriptions, or define durations for panels.  Use your iPhones audio and image files to make an intuitive storyboard of any story you have in your head.  Hitchcock will help you in the editing, layout, and design of your story.  You can then playback your storyboards in realtime or export and email them in PDF format.  Halloween season or not, Hitchcock is definitely a must for any filmmaker on the go.

The Blackberry is one of the most popular mobile phones in the market.  Before the iPhone came out, it seemed that everyone was carrying one of these bad boys.  Although the iPhone has become quite popular these days, the Blackberry still holds its own.  With its multi-functionality, sleek looks, and intuitive design, the BlackBerry is a great gadget.  Sometime in the near future, BlackBerry owners will be able to get their hands on a new gadget that partners with their BlackBerry phone for extended functionality.  This new gadget is the inPulse Smartwatch for BlackBerry.  Basically, the inPulse Smartwatch is a watch that connects wirelessly to your BlackBerry, giving you extended functionality and convenience.

What are the specs for the inPulse Smartwatch?

When early rumors about a BlackBerry watch hit the Internet in August, everyone was doubting the news.  Now, however, a new company called Allerta has come out with proof.  Allerta has made a website for the inPulse Smartwatch, where you can check out the latest news on this BlackBerry-sidekick gadget.  Here are some of the specs as quoted from the official website of the inPulse Smartwatch:

* 1.3" full colour organic light-emitting-diode (OLED) display
* Bluetooth® v2.0+EDR
* 150 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
* Glass lens and full metal body
* 22mm interchangeable wrist band
* Vibrating motor
* Micro-USB port (for charging)
* Over-the-air firmware updates
* Dimensions: 51mm height x 38mm width x 12mm depth

Main functions of the inPulse Smartwatch

The inPulse Smartwatch is certainly full of some tasty technologies, from its bluetooth connectivity and OLED screen to the vibrating motor and micro-USB port, but what exactly is all that tech used for?  Many would suspect that you could control your BlackBerry with the watch, but this isn't exactly the case.  The inPulse Smartwatch is primarily an extension of the BlackBerry that gives you quick access to alerts on your phone.  For example, when you get a new e-mail, SMS message, or call, all of this info will flash on your Smartwatch.  When you have an incoming call, the watch can alert you with its vibrating function, and it will also show the ID that is calling.  When you have an email or SMS message, the phone will show you the ID as well as the message, so you won't have to pull out your BlackBerry just to check your incoming messages.  The phone can also show you calender alerts to keep track of your meetings, tasks, and appointments.  Finally, you can customize some of the inPulse Smartwatch settings and preferences from your BlackBerry.  Allerta's inPulse Smartwatch is definitely a good extension gadget for BlackBerry owners, but at $150, many people will probably think twice before grabbing this watch.

Halloween is just around the corner and what can be a better treat than getting access to hundreds of classic films - FREE!  Over at Classic Cinema Online (http://www.classiccinemaonline.com) you can get free access to streaming classic movies.  After a period of downtime, Classic Cinema Online just got up and running on October 26, just in time to catch some great classic horror flicks.  Let's face it, nothing says "Happy Halloween" better than a movie marathon of classic, monochrome horror flicks.  Whether you are planning to have a movie marathon on Halloween or you just want to get your fix of classic movies, Classic Cinema Online can give you exactly what you're looking for.

Getting a dose of that classic film charm

Classic films have a captivating charm about them.  Some like classic films for their use of innovative, industry-changing techniques, others enjoy classics for the timeless actors and actresses that have graced the silver screen.  One thing that all of the classics on this website have in common, however, is that they are no longer bound by copyright laws.  This is why a number of websites like Classic Cinema Online are giving us a blast from the past with these classics.  Watching these movies is completely legal and 100% free.  All you need is an Internet connection, a Internet-capable computer, and a browser with the applets necessary to view these movies via streaming media.  In fact, you aren't even required to register an account with the website to gain access to their library.  All you have to do is browse on over to the Classic Cinema Online website, look for a movie you want to watch, click the link, and wait for it to load.

Have a classic horror Halloween get-together

Halloween is a great time to get cozy on the couch with some friends and family to enjoy some horror flicks.  With Classic Cinema Online, you get access to loads of classic horror films.  One of the best things about these classics is that most of them don't include the extreme violence or sexual content that seems to have become an industry standard these days.  This means that these classic horror films are perfect for family fun.  Get some popcorn popping, pour the softdrinks, and get ready for a night full of classic horror films.  If you aren't in the mood for horror films, then you can choose from one of the dozens of genres available on Classic Cinema Online.

Reminders for getting the most out of your classic movie night

-  Before you throw your classic movie night party, be sure to test the site with your computer configuration to ensure that everything works well.
-  Some browsers are said to not work well with the site.  So far, however, there have been little to no complaints about Internet Explorer and Firefox.
-  Remember that these movies are streamed through the Internet, so you may need to wait while the movie is buffering.