Software

Make Google Reader better

Better GReader is a young and not exactly robust Firefox extension, but like its sibling, Better Gmail, it has a lot of potential. Designed to improve the look as well as the functionality of Google Reader, GReader has four skins and four features to get your RSS going.

Made up of compiled Greasemonkey scripts, the four features are useful, but not simultaneously. One lets you skip the iGoogle and add feeds directly to Google Reader, while the two Preview Item options let you load the feed's source page directly in Google Reader--a long-needed feature that most other standalone readers … Read more

Image editing and conversion for cheap

This all-purpose image editor offers high-end editing tools and support for several image formats, without the high price tag of professional software. GraphicConverter can import and export almost any image format. It offers a simple, yet powerful, set of image-editing tools, batch-conversion capabilities, and compatibility with Photoshop-style plug-ins. You also can create a slide show of your images. The publisher actively updates the program in response to bug reports and requests for feature enhancements, which explains its longevity as a top Mac image editor. Though there certainly are better image-editing solutions out there, none offer as much value as GraphicConverter.

Mix it up

With effects, samples, and transitions that rival vinyl turntablisms, Virtual DJ lets anyone produce polished MP3 mixes.

At the top of the graphically-intense interface, song-structure visualizations show the beats as the music plays. Two simulated turntables play the currently- loaded tracks. Windows below the turntables show samples, effects, music search, recording, program options, and an Explorer-style interface for loading music. You'll need to download an MP3 encoder if you don't want to record files in WAV format.