Works with 10.6 Snow Leopard (in Safari’s 32-bit mode): SafariBlock

As noted, the update to SIMBL enables extensions like SafariBlock to continue providing their functionality, provided the plugin developer(s) update their code. However, some extensions may work without updates if the applications they affect are run in 32-bit mode. This isn’t directly stated in John Siracusa’s excellent Snow Leopard review, but this part inspired me to try it.

In this case, provided Safari is run in 32-bit mode, the current version of SafariBlock will function correctly (Quit Safari first):

1. Select Safari in the Finder. (Easy way: hold the Command key and click the Safari icon in the Dock. This will reveal and select Safari in the Finder.)
2. Type Command-i or choose Get Info from the File menu or the right-click menu.
3. Check the box next to “Open in 32-bit mode” and close the Get Info window.

Launch Safari and SafariBlock should be doing its job once again.

If you’re still seeing ads where you normally wouldn’t, make sure to grab the newest (currently a beta) version of SIMBL and install it.

Works with 10.6 Snow Leopard : SIMBL

Mike Solomon, developer of SIMBL, has released a beta update that enables SIMBL plugins to function in Snow Leopard. It now depends on the individual developers of these extensions to update them for full compatibility to be restored.

Thanks, Mike!

Works with 10.6 Snow Leopard : ControllerMate

From the Ordered Bytes News page, “ControllerMate v4.3.11 (9.8 MB) contains a minor change that allows it to be installed under Mac OS X 10.6.”

Thanks for the quick update, Ken!

Proxi and ControllerMate

Proxi is a useful free tool for automating AppleScripts and other events via remote or other device on OS X 10.4 (Tiger). Here’s hoping Proxi will be updated for Leopard compatibility soon. (Any time now, Griffin.)

For something Leopard-compatible (update: Snow Leopard-compatible as well), and free for up to 10 triggers (perfect for most external multi-button mice), I recommend ControllerMate.

I paid for a license¹ since I needed more than 10 triggers, and have found much use for it. Controllermate has a very responsive developer, Ken, who answers questions that are posted in the forum and are a good reference if you’re wondering what devices work with it.

I’ve used it for a number of USB devices, some for emulation or gaming, and configured each at least once to send Logic and Reason shortcuts; a Gravis GamePad Pro, a translucent blue Macally iStick joystick, a no-name finger-mounted mouse, and a whole horde of mice and keyboards whose manufactures don’t provide full-featured (if any) drivers for OS X. Using a gamepad or joystick to control an audio effect is always enjoyable.

ControllerMate delivers missing functionality to many USB devices, and adds more if wanted. Fully recommended.

1. I loathe saying that instead of “I bought a registered version”, it encourages the idea of licensing software as opposed to buying it, where fair ability of use and right of resale are restricted and controlled by anyone other than the user who paid money. [↩]

Opera Is Free

The excellent Opera web browser has been free (no fee, no ads) since 2005, but it definitely doesn’t get enough press.

Opera has surpassed Camino as my tertiary browser of choice on OS X. Once I get to test the Google web apps it may even knock Firefox from its number two spot. Safari (with the excellent and free SafariStand & SafariBlock) still performs better under duress than anything else I’ve tried.

Using Opera on Ubuntu and Linux Mint has convinced me of its flexibility, responsiveness, and robustness in the face of many tabs, even on older hardware. It’s my number-one browser on Linux, and works very well on Windows and OS X.