I just downloaded Google Chrome (their new web browser).  It’s kind of cool, but it still has room for improvements.  So far, I like the ideas of tabs on the top.  Even though you still have tabs, it gives each tab it’s own feeling of control.  The status bar and tool bars take up minimal space.  The status bar also fades in and out.  Downloads also appear in the lower area.  This is pretty cool because I hate how IE, FF, KM, and etc have a pop-up Window for downloads, the only problem is it cancels the download when you close the browser and there is no warning.  The menu is hidden which is both good and bad.  I like having a File menu for different purposes; it also makes things easier to find.  I guess I’ll have to get used to it if I ever decide to make it my browser of choice.  The Window border isn’t too grand.  I like it better when applications integrate with the scheme of the operating system they are on.  SUre it’s great to “define” yourself, but by looking at it, it looks like a “Vista” app, not something that would integrate anywhere else.  I really like the Tabs though, if one tab is acting up, I can still use the rest of the browser.  The “New Tab” button is on the very right, which I sortof dislike, but since I made K-Meleon my default browser, I’ve gotten somewhat used to it, but I prefer it to be in a fixed location.  Another problem I’m seeing is if you have a multitude of tabs open in one window.  The tabs start to shrink to fit the width of the window.  I know most people have at most 15 or so tabs open, but if you can’t see the title and the site doesn’t have a favIcon, then the tabs because a nuisance when they’re that small.  K-Meleon on the other hand create a drop-down menu in the corner when the tabs reach a certain width.  Firefox has tab scrolling and the menu.  I’m guessing Google is still coming up with a cool new unique modern way to do it.  I know some browsers in the past have done multiple levels of tabs, but that doesn’t work to well when the tabs are tall and there are a bunch.  Scrolling tabs have the limitation that the titles are hidden until you scroll over to them one’s out of view.  It’s a similar problem with the menu bar idea.  It’s a puzzle to me as well on how to keep the tabs out in the open without a spacial issue.  I think what would be cool for google to do is a hover tab type thing.  Like once the width is filled up and the tabs are starting to get a certain width wide, an icon appears in the corner next to the tab, like a Staircase or a arrow pointing down, then when you put the mouse over that, the folder stack appears (like the Tab Tab Tab, new row, Tab Tab Tab).  So when the mouse isn’t there, you see Tab Tab Tab Arrow then when you hover over the arrow, the stack appears.  That way it’s visually appealing and somewhat functional.  That way when you want to see all the tabs, it’s nicely organized and what not.  If you see it done, I thought of it first!!!…  I must admit though, Google Chrome does feel faster than Firefox and K-Meleon.

Anyways, I also installed the latest AbiWord.  It’s functional and all, but I think they need some new icons or something.  It still feels old and out of date.  Keep the buttons and everything where they are, but change the icons and what not.

I’m also trying some other wordProcessors and what not.  I’m going to attempt to write some stories.  I’m trying to learn LaTeX, not just for math, but I hear that if you learn it, it can be a powerful publishing language.  I’m thinking about having a main job with web design and writing on the side or something I guess.