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Updated 9:03 a.m. PST Nov. 9--See additional information below; the plug-in now can write the geographic data to files.

Jeffrey Friedl, an enterprising photographer and programmer, has released a geotagging plug-in for Adobe Systems' Lightroom, one data point in a trend that shows the image editing and cataloging software is gradually acquiring some of the clout of the more mainstream sibling Photoshop products.

Geotagging is getting easier with cameras such as Nikon's high-end compact camera, the Coolpix P6000, but it's a somewhat onerous process that today requires some technical abilities and sometimes specialized software. Writing the … Read more

The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features for anyone who is concerned with protecting their data from thievery.

It offers 11 algorithms for encrypting your private files in a password-protected volume, with full support for Snow Leopard. You can store your encrypted data in files (containers) or partitions (devices). TrueCrypt works hard to offer powerful data protection, recommending complex passwords, explaining the benefits of hidden volumes, and erasing telltale signs of the encryption process, including mouse movements and keystrokes. Though the interface may not be immediately intuitive, its powerful, on-the-fly, no-cost encryption still earns the freeware … Read more

This image editor earns kudos for its impressive feature set. Before it launches, FxFoto offers to scan your PC for images and gives you the option to view a detailed tutorial. The cluttered interface might make you wary, but it's not as bad as it looks.

FxFoto has just about every image-editing tool most folks will need. You can automatically or manually improve shots, remove red-eye and blemishes, apply a number of effects, add frames and borders, correct colors, and alter white balance. FxFoto supplies a standard set of drawing tools and lets you add captions to any of … Read more

Apple's photography software now can accommodate raw images from some newer digital cameras through the release of Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 2.3.

Specifically, the update to iPhoto '08 and Aperture 2 means that the photography software can deal with raw images from three prominent new digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras: Canon's midrange EOS 50D, Nikon's video-enabled midrange D90, and Sony's ambitious 24-megapixel full-frame Alpha DSLR-A900.

Also supported is Nikon's high-end compact camera, the Coolpix P6000.

Raw images are taken directly from higher-end cameras with no in-camera processing into a JPEG. That means photographers … Read more

Beware of flashing your keys in public.

Computer scientists at the University of California at San Diego have developed software that can make a duplicate of a key from just a distant photo of it using technology available to almost anyone.

Referred to as Sneakey, the system is capable of "teleduplication--extracting a key's complete and precise bitting code at a distance via optical decoding and then cutting precise duplicates," according to Sneakey's Web site.

Part of the project's mission is to make people realize that traditional keys are not really as safe as they might … Read more

Jupiterimages announced Thursday that it will now allow users to buy individual images from its vast library of stock photos on Photos.com instead of forcing them to pay monthly subscription fees for access to the images. The move could be a part of the new strategy being set in place by Getty, which recently agreed to acquire the company for $96 million.

All the photos currently available on the site can be purchased as single images and, according to the company, they will be offered in any desired resolution. Prices will start at $5 for multimedia resolution images with … Read more

I got a kick out of the recent headlines stating that Microsoft wants to make the next version of Windows less annoying than Vista. Talk about setting the bar low!

Most of the things that bug me about Windows are easy to fix--the lack of a Run option on Vista's Start menu is an example. To put Run back on the menu, right click the Start button, choose Properties, click Customize under the Start Menu tab, scroll to and check "Run command," and click OK twice.

Here are three other Windows irritations that I finally got around … Read more

Online image editing suite Aviary is now open and available to all after serving out a lengthy private beta which lasted about a year and a half.

The suite is comprised of four Web-based image editing tools that aim to compete with traditional software solutions like Adobe's Creative Suite by putting all of the applications right in your browser, making them accessible from anywhere.

The opening comes with the imminent launch of two new premium levels of service, which offer paying members more control over their creations than free users have. While all four Web applications are available to … Read more

OnOne Software has announced version 6 of its Genuine Fractals software for expanding images up to mammoth sizes.

These new features include texture presets that more rapidly tune the resizing algorithm, batch processing so bulk operations can be run in the background, tiling to split images up into pieces for printing on smaller printers, a gallery wrap feature to help when printed images are mounted on thick frames, and the ability to work with Adobe Systems' Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom 2 and with Apple Aperture 2.1.

The Standard and Professional editions cost $159.95 and $299.95, respectively. In … Read more