Year: 2002

Stanford University recently released a Mac OS X version of Folding@Home, its distributed computing client similar to the popular SETI@home. The goal of the project is to help researchers better understand the complex process of protein folding by lending your computer’s spare processor cycles to the task of simulating folding. The group does not plan to release a Mac OS 8/9 version of its client software.

REAL Software has opened REALbasic Explorer, a new section of its Web site devoted to in-depth discussion of various aspects on its cross-platform programming environment. The first installation covers REALbasic windows, ranging from non-modal to floating.

Research firm TrendWatch found in a recent survey that 46 percent of visual effects firms surveyed selected Mac OS 9 or earlier as their primary, most essential operating platform, according to MacCentral. The survey also found that Apple’s Final Cut Pro was used most often by 17 perent of respondents, which ranked fourth in popularity behind Adobe After Effects (44 percent), Avid Media Composer (31 percent), and Digi Design’s Pro Tools (23 percent).

Provue Development has released Panorama iPod Organizer 1.0, an application that allows iPod owners to store phone numbers, e-mail addresses, flight numbers, appointment times, and additional data in their iPod. The software sells for US$19.95.

Sapphire Innovations has released version 1.3 of Sapphire Pack Volume 1 – Illustrator plugins, a set of 11 plugins for Adobe Illustrator 10. The new version adds Mac OS X support and new features in opacity effects, blends, envelope, repeat effects, and more. Sapphire Pack Volume 1 – Illustrator plugins sells for £39.99 (US$56).