This quick fix, courtesy of DWTIPS, helps speed up the time it takes to open a PDF in Adobe reader. As DWTIPS point out, the reason behind Adobe’s apparent sluggishness lies in its use of unnecessary plug-ins that load every time you use the application to open a PDF. Thankfully, the solution detailed below is relatively painless and will significantly improve load up times to a fraction of what they were before.

• Install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat - you can get it here
• Browse to the plugins folder: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\plug_ins
• Create a new folder named Optional
• Move all files from the plug_ins folder to Optional, except EWH32.api, print*.api, and Search*.api

More info here.

Skype today released the 2.5 version of its popular VoIP client, adding a few new features and taking it out of beta. Users will now benefit from a simplified UI, with SMS capability added for those who find calling and instant messaging simply not enough. Outlook users will also welcome the ability to view and call contacts directly from the application.

Download and more info here.

Google Earth has celebrated its one year birthday by adding a few new features that will surely cement its position as the number one app for geographical information on a global scale. Linux users can now rejoice with full native support for all popular distributions, whilst French, Italian, German, and Spanish, speakers will be pleased with newly translated and localised searches. However, the most impressive changes have come in resolution improvements. Google now claims that it shows 20% of the landmass of the entire globe in high resolution.

"Google Earth has had medium resolution global satellite coverage since the beginning. But that was at 15 meters per pixel. This new global coverage was produced in conjunction with our exclusive satellite partner, Digital Globe, and is at approximately 70 cm per pixel. We have even better data for many countries, up to 10 cm per pixel."

In addition to all this, Google’s recently acquired SketchUp integrates painlessly too.

Download it here.

Microsoft released the Beta 2 version of its highly anticipated Windows Vista today, allowing the general public to test the most feature packed version of its OS yet. However, Microsoft does warn that the release is far from stable and should not be relied upon as a main machine for personal use. Users will also be disappointed by the weighty requirements needed to run the silky Aero interface, and the need for a high speed internet connection. Nevertheless, this release at least gives us some idea of what Vista will be capable of when Microsoft finally get round to the final release.

Info, PC requirements, and download here.

Adrian Roselli of evolt.org has completed the unenviable task of archiving every browser since the internet began. Amongst the familiar names, you’ll also find less memorable browsers, including Jean van Waterschoot’s Galahad and Alis Technologies’ Tango Multilingual. With well over fifty to choose and download from, it’s perhaps fitting the list ends with the one that helped start it all; Tim Berners-Lee’s WorldWideWeb (Nexus). Who said Internet Explorer, Firfox and Opera were the only browsers worth having?

Browse and download here.

More info and download here.