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VMware Fusion hits version 3.0

Want to run Windows side-by-side with Mac OS X on your Intel Mac? VMware Fusion just released a major update putting the software at version 3.0 and there's a lot of fixes and changes that make it worthy of checking out.

Those who have used VMware Fusion in the past know that it has had its share of hiccups with earlier versions, but most seem to have been ironed out in the latest release. Along with fixes, version 3.0 includes a performance boost making the overall experience more snappy and up to twice as fast when resuming … Read more

An extra Dock...with extras

Like LaunchBar, Fruitmenu, and Default Folder, this popular and well-tested shareware GUI-enhancer has become an indispensable addition to OS X for many users. DragThing exists to make getting to things on your Mac--files, folders, apps, disks, URLs, and windows--quick and easy. Inveterate interface tweakers love DragThing because you can create multiple docks (like the OS X Dock) that can be almost infinitely configured to suit your specific situation. Plus, you can save snippets, define tons of hot keys, and perform quite a few neat OS tricks (like putting a Trash back on your desktop).

If you don't like bells … Read more

Parallels software eases the switch to Mac

No matter how clean-cut-looking and convincing the "I am a Mac" guy appears, those switching to a Mac could use some assistance, and Parallels wants to extend its helping hand.

The maker of the popular virtualized software environment that lets you run Windows within a Mac OS announced Tuesday its "complete solution" designed to simplify the process of moving from a PC to Mac.

The product combines the company's Parallels Desktop 4.0 and a set of tools and interactive tutorials designed to help "switchers" understand how to operate Mac OS X, transfer … Read more

When one Dock isn't enough

As an integral part of the Mac OS X interface from the beginning, all Mac users know the Dock is where people can launch their most-used software and check to see which programs are currently running. I always find it interesting to see how people use the Dock on their Macs because its inherent flexibility makes it something personal for every user. Everyone has a specific way they work or play, and the Dock is easily customized to fit each person's style.

A program I discovered today makes the Dock in Leopard even more flexible and customizable for the … Read more

This plug-in Prius gives back good energy

A common argument against electric vehicles is that they'll increase demand for carbon-producing electricity and cause brownouts during peak times. But what if plug-ins could actually prevent these outages by sending electricity from their batteries back to the grid?

It's an interesting concept dreamed up by engineers at the University of Technology Sydney. Combining their research on plug-in hybrids and electrical grids, they've developed "Switch," a plug-in Toyota Prius that acts as a sort of an energy reservoir that can give back to the grid whenever needed.

The Switch uses a 4.1 kWh lithium ion battery stored in the trunk to store extra electricity that is theoretically purchased during cheaper off-peak times. The extra battery also helps power the Prius' existing NiMH battery pack and raises fuel economy to 118 mpg. … Read more

Quick virtual desktops

There are many times when users wish they could have a secret desktop to hide things from wandering eyes. Sneaky Virtual Desktop offers a possible solution to users who need a quick place to cover their open documents.

This freeware embeds itself in the program tray as an inconspicuous black dot. Right clicking will give users a simple menu of options. Their desktops are numbered here (users can create up to 32), as well as options to create new desktops and delete old ones. There is also a simple settings menu that mostly lets users replace mouse clicking with hot … Read more

IBM challenges partner Cisco

IBM is adding a new chapter to the high-tech industry's long history of "coopetition."

Big Blue is expected to announce on Tuesday that it plans to resell Ethernet switching equipment from Brocade, a much smaller rival to Cisco Systems. Under the agreement, IBM will rebrand and sell Brocade's enterprise IP networking equipment as its own through IBM's global sales force and authorized IBM Business Partners.

IBM's move is interesting for two reasons. One, it clearly pits IBM against one of its biggest partners, Cisco. And two, it puts IBM back in a market it … Read more

The 404 320: Where we're cleaning up this pigsty

Jason Howell, from Bore Out Loud, keeps us classy in this very special episode of The 404. We make our big videocasting announcement. That's right! The 404, podcast of the future, is going to become a video podcast, so you'll be able to watch as Wilson looks deeply/creeply into the camera every morning. Plus, we get into some studio shenanigans as we prepare to revamp this place. And CNET TV is nominated for a Webby!

On today's show, find out why you should never eat Domino's pizza, especially if you live in New York City. It's all about the Ray'z Pizza, man. Also, Amazon says it had a homophobic "glitch" that caused several LGBT books to be removed from its listings. We think Nazis did it.

On the second half of the show, it's Tuna Tuesday! (Please listen to the show to find out what that means.) Nintendo releases an add-on to the Wiimote that makes it even longer and more precise. TWSS. Also, a 79-year-old Japanese man has the greatest job in the world.

By the by, is Miramax sending the right message to a girl who couldn't find a copy of "Adventureland" on bittorrent by giving her free tickets to see the movie? Or is it all a ploy to get her arrested? Finally, be sure to check out your RSS and iTunes feeds for our little "404 presents."

Keep sending in your best survival stories and character voices to the show at 1-866-404-CNET (2638). Be sure to RSVP for The 404 and Buzz Out Loud Meetup here in New York City. Alison Rosen, Jason Howell, Natali Del Conte, Kenley Bradstreet, and so many more are going to be making their appearance. Maybe you can buy them a drink? (Be warned: Jason is ours though.)

EPISODE 320 Download today's podcast |  Subscribe in iTunes |  Subscribe in RSS… Read more

Light switches brace themselves for Swarovski

It seems like everything under the sun is getting the Swarovski crystal treatment. Back in February, we introduced you to the top five Swarovski disasters, which included phones, radios, and even a whole piano covered in the stuff. Now you can add light switches to the list of useless abominations sprinkled with Swarovskis.

This time around, Berker Switches and Systems has teamed with Swarovski to present the "Crystal Collection." Why would you settle for a boring old plastic switch when you can get a large, multi-faceted Swarovski-cut crystal instead?

OK, the technology behind the light switch is actually … Read more