Welcome to the Readerware Newsletter
Readerware 2.82 is now shipping. Readerware now includes
Java 1.4.1 on all platforms for improved performance and platform feature
enhancements.
Also, more on The Internet Book List.
Visit the Readerware
Newsletter archive, all back issues of the newsletter are online.
Readerware 2.82 Now Shipping
Release 2.82 is now available for all products (Readerware,
ReaderwareAW and ReaderwareVW), and all platforms, (Windows, Mac OS
X and Linux). A full list of the changes included in 2.82 is available
online:
Readerware 2.82
changes
Some of the highlights in this release.
Readerware now includes Java 1.4.1 on all platforms for improved performance
and platform feature enhancements. Windows and Linux users should download
the full install to get the updated Java. Mac OS X users should get the
Java 1.4.1 update from Apple using the software updater.
Added support for The Internet Book List
Fixed a problem in ReaderwareAW when hiding track columns.
Fixed copy/paste problems on Mac OS X
Upgrade Policy
Most of you know this by now but Readerware 2.82 is a free upgrade.
All 2.x upgrades are free.
You can always download the latest 2.x release for free. If you ever want
the latest version on CD, you can order it from the web site for $12.
Readerware
CD
New Java Runtime
Readerware now includes Java 1.4.1 on all platforms for improved
performance and platform feature enhancements. Most of you probably neither
know nor care that Readerware is a Java application. But this new version
of the Java runtime does offer significant improvements on all platforms.
Exactly what these means to you, will depend on which platform you are
using.
If you want to confirm which version of Java Readerware is using, Select
Help->About from the Readerware menu.
Windows and Linux
Windows users will see new file dialogs along with improved performance
and startup times. There have been changes in many areas of the UI, new
fonts and HTML layout improvements.
Important: You must download the full install to get
the new Java runtime. If you download the upgrade installer, you will get
the other fixes, but Readerware will still use the old Java runtime.
Mac OS X
This is a major upgrade for Mac OS X users. Apple have jumped
from Java 1.3.1 to 1.4.1. It is a complete reworking of how Java is implemented
for Mac OS X. Apple have rewritten the graphics interface using the Cocoa
API instead of Carbon. This change brings a true multithreaded environment
and enhancements to the Aqua look and feel. You will see much better graphics
performance, scrolling, changing views etc. If you have a wheel mouse,
it will now work with Readerware. Start up is faster, and more.
This version also fixes some bugs that were causing problems. Searching
through the Readerware help now works for example.
There is one known issue. Support for the grow box is broken, so Readerware
will no longer display the grow box in the bottom right hand corner of
the window. However, you can still resize the window, just grab the corner
and resize as normal.
Java 1.4.1 support on Mac OS X requires version 10.2.3 or later. The
update is distributed by Apple via the software updater, so be sure to
install the Java 1.4.1 upgrade.
Java 1.4.1 is not required but is recommended. Readerware will continue
to work with Java 1.3.1 if you choose not to install 1.4.1. It will also
still work on older systems that are not capable of running 1.4.1.
Apple Software
Update
Java 1.4.1 for Mac OS X
CD Price Fixing Settlement
Did you file your claim in the legal settlement between the major
record labels and the attorneys general of 41 states? As reported in the
last newsletter, you had until March 3rd to file your claim. The filing
date is now past, but if you filed a claim it looks as though you might
see some cash. If the court approves the settlement, checks should arrive
this summer.
The suit filed in August 2000 alleges that the record labels and
music retailers violated antitrust laws when they overcharged consumers.
The case stems from a practice record labels used to subsidize the cost
of promoting a CD for retailers that agreed to sell it for a "minimum advertised
price".
You can get more information at:
http://www.musiccdsettlement.com
Site News
The Internet Book List recently opened. Its purpose is to provide
a comprehensive and easily accessible database of books. It has been described
as the IMDb of books.
It is hard to say what will become of this project, right now it lists
only about 4,000 books. The listings are uneven coming from many different
volunteers. But it is certainly an interesting project and has the potential
to grow into a major resource for book lovers everywhere.
As the site is title driven, it doesn't maintain details on specific
editions or support an ISBN search. But it is easy to navigate and you
can use the site to catalog books in Readerware, simply drag and drop.
Check out the site. If you have the time, consider getting involved.
Internet Book List
Readerware Drag and Drop support
Your Feedback
Your feedback is always welcome
and does make a difference. Please send in your comments. E-Mail support@readerware.com.
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