|
These are
the ones to which I subscribe and find worthwhile.
The
LangaList
Fred Langa's newsletter, aimed at intermediate to advanced
Windows users, offers solid, reliable information and
advice.
Lockergnome
Windows Daily
Chris Pirillo's wry sense of humor shines
through in this informative newsletter. Count on
reliable download links and knowledgeable Windows tips.
I've subscribed since 1997.
Almost
a Newsletter
Boogie Jack is smart and funny. Always solid
advice on website building as well as insights on life,
rants, silliness, Q & A, more. A worthwhile read.
Scott
Finnie's Newsletter
Originally dedicated primarily to Broadband coverage, SFNL
has expanded coverage to include Windows
tweaking, software revues and insights regarding the
wired culture.
Mike's
List
A clever, sideways glance is offered to
subscribers by Mike Elgin who calls his offering a
'humor-oriented technology newsletter.' Most
entertaining with lots of links.
Trafficology
Intended for webmasters, Wayne Yeager's monthly
offering pays for traffic-building ideas to publish.
Find some tricks or sell your brainstorm.
Search
Engine Watch
Danny Sullivan is a search engine guru whose
monthly newsletter examines the latest changes and
updates. A must for webmasters.
|
|
Some
individuals, some small groups of programmers, all carry
on the tradition of truly free software, offering
updates, support and accepting suggestions for features
and new programs. Support these folks. At least send an
Email in appreciation if you enjoy their efforts.
AnalogX
Mark Thompson single-handedly codes all the
software and writes some pretty cool tunes, both of
which are available at his ad-free website.
545 Studios
A stunning new website houses this group a creative
programmers who offer a variety of clever and handy
freeware applications.
Jans
Freeware Collection
I know of no other individual who has been continuously
producing freeware longer than Jan, and he keeps coding
and updating. Software is Win9x/Me compatible.
r2
Studios
An Australian-based group dedicated to "providing
high quality software to end users for free."
Frequent updates and developments. Watch these guys.
|
|
Wallpaper,
skins, icons and more. As discussed
at length on the Desktop
Tweaks
pages,
creating a desktop that looks great and reflects your
personality, work habits, interests and creativity is
one of the 'personal' aspects of personal computers. The folks
listed here have some great goodies for that purpose.
Blue
Sky Heart Graphics
Props to the master, Layne Karkruff, the man I want
to be when (if ever) I grow up. Jaw-dropping, insanely
beautiful wallpapers and icons. Buy some of his stuff;
it's so much more than worth it.
Endeffect
Precurser (George Smith III) has achieved
unusual status as a wallpaper designer: name
recognition. When his work is seen, the reason becomes
obvious. He's really that good. It will be interesting
to see what the future holds for this artist who started
with Photoshop at 15 and is not yet 20 years old (March,
2002).
VirtualPlastic
Where SailCat Graphics is a website and graphic design
studio which offers some desktop and Windows
customization, Virtual Plastic specializes exclusively in helping
users create a unique desktop environment and bend
Windows to their will. Set aside half a day to check it
out.
Red
Tricycle
A small collection of fine, original wallpapers
along with many stunning photographs from various
world-wide locations for which use of the latter, even
as a desktop picture, one must obtain permission. Also a
very cool tricycle.
Chickenhead
That this site has some odd retro wallpapers should
come as no surprise.
Dark
Project
A fine collection of detailed, original wallpapers and
icons crafted with care by talented digital artist Greg
Fleming.
Line
Studio
While this site is in the Japanese language,
navigation is no problem. Simple, clean icons and
minimalist wallpapers are available.
MOZCO
!GARASH!
Remarkably recognizable icons in unusual style
and subject. There's also a tutorial on the making of
icons which is aimed at Mac users but which techniques
can be applied to PC graphics software. Have fun with
it.
M's
factory
Masatoshi Ueji creates stunning icons, desktops
that look like different operating systems and skins for
various applications. The website is straightforward and
easy to navigate. This website has run continuously sine
1997.
Copland
Icons
It is my understanding that these are no longer
being developed, but this work remains a testament to
fine icon design.
MMICONS
This website, of stunning design, offers some
nice fruit-flavored folder icons, but the reason it's
listed here as a premium purveyor of free icons is the
MMX.MERCURY set. The complete collection is massive; 380
gorgeous, shiny monochromatic icons lovingly rendered in
PhotoShop and downloadable in 10 zip files totaling a
little over 17 MB. Will somebody please port the BBX Mac
OSX GUI due out in Fall of 2002 to Mindows? Please?
Desktop Imperium
In its third version since 1998, Jens Karlsson
features his own and other artists' desktop graphics
work. Sweet website design requires late browser
technology and some attention to detail in order to
navigate. It's well worth it, though, as there are many
original wallpapers housed here.
DeviantArt
A gathering place for an eclectic group of
graphical artists. The site is intuitive and attractive.
Thousands of wallpapers are housed here as well as lots
of skins and icons. Definitely worth a visit.
Spoono
Three Pittsburgh teens created this site
with wallpaper, icon and font libraries, plus some
good graphics tutorials. Nice site, guys, I mean, w00t,
dudez!
Wallpapers
HQ
Although featuring individual artists or small
communities of creative designers is preferable, many of
the artists featured here are also represented at this
commercial site in addition to lesser-known craftsmen in
this field. Tons of wildly eclectic desktop offerings
amidst plenty of French advertising (although this
version of the site is in English). See also:
Looroll
digital
craving
3D
Artists Gallery
|
