Source:BBC

This is a great way to visualise a candidate’s campaign (assuming we believe the data-collection is accurate).  Naturally open to interpretation, but Joe seems to have really found a place in McCain’s vocabulary…

It was inevitable, Google has entered the web browser field.  

The web browser is our window onto the web, our window onto Google.  It’s simply a matter of self-preservation to have users using your own window, rather than have Microsoft close the shutters in the name of Security (for example).  

After this there is only one more hurdle before Google is safe, Windows.  As soons as users can access the web through the Google browser without needing to first open Chrome through their Windows OS (or indeed any OS), Microsoft will well worry.

Having tested the Chrome Beta, it looks fine at first glance. However, one glaring absence is the sidebar plugins that Firefox affords.  I want sidebar access to my Delicious bookmarks for example (listening Google?).  This will obviously come soon enough, or maybe I haven’t found it yet?  

I am writing this article from Chrome itself.  The interface is minimal and slick enough, with tabs and all the usually functions (and developer functions).  In addition they have the Incognito function to hide surfing traces.  This release has been strategically timed to follow IE8’s debut…

Google is edging it’s way into Microsofts bed, and taking all the covers.  Not sure if they will nudge Firefox out too as that browser has a hard core following (and is a fantastic browser).  Safari is also sneaking up in the browser wars using eerily similar strong-arm tactics that Microsoft use.

The browser market is looking competitive as Apple is also pushing Safari (and people are moving to MAC platform in droves).  Firefox also has a fanatical following and IE has it’s obvious delivery advantages. 

I have a sneaking feeling that Google Labs has an OS on the front burner which will be bundled with an ultra-lightweight “internet” PC served up by the likes of Asus and Acer (and now Dell?).  That will be Windows out of the way.  Then it seems there is only one more obstacle… free, lightweight Google PCs anyone?

If you are small business or professional and are also pretty hopeless at keeping track of your finances, contracts, invoices etc. check out this list of top Web2 Accounting and Business Applications compiled by Mashable.

Fancy serving your own enterprise instant messaging?  Jabber is the solution.

Open source instant messaging software for your business.

Check out www.jabber.org.

Meebo is an all-star instant messaging software that allows you to sign in to your IM accounts all at once. The firefox plugin allows you to keep tabs on all your contacts directly through through the browser, no need to have all those programs open in your system tray sucking memory.

Meebo also plays nicely with your blog, allowing you to embed a meebome widget for IM and chat directly into your pages.

Nice, clean interface too. Check out Meebo.com

Yet another profile, networking site. Easy to use and straightforward. Seems more inclined towards collaboration too than other networking sites, their are calendars and categories for your contacts. Also includes a twitter-like status thing, videos photos etc.

Take a look here and add me if you like…

Profile website for professionals on a decent wage. Fill out you profile and let headhunters come to you. Now that’s what i call working!

Take a look and sign up, or not, here.

Scribefire is a fantastic extension for Firefox that allows you to quickly and simply add blog entries. It is effectively your blog tools stuffed directly into firefox.

I am posting this blog entry through Scribefire as i write. Seems I have a problem uploading images at the moment, but may be doing something wrong. It seems quite complete, I’ll have to report back later when i have done some thorough checking.

If anyone else has used it, leave a comment for us below. To try it yourself click here.

I took a grab of their new QuickAds system for ‘monetizing’ (hateful word - great concept) your blog.  Why don’t people make it easy to grab their logos?

Toggl is a time-tracking software for freelancers and small business who juggle many small tasks at once and need to keep track of time and costs.  It’s simple and easy to use, take a look and sign up for a free account at www.toggl.com

More of these tools please…

This is a great site for freelancers. News, views, tools and all sorts of information for freelancers. Let’s face it, at times freelancing can be pretty stressful and even frustrating, most people think you are a bum, spending all day on the beach. But we know better, it’s all hard work and sometimes it might seem it’s not worth it, better to chuck in the towel and go back to a day job…

No chance! We wouldn’t give up our freedom for the world! That’s why other freelance blogs and news helps, where we can all share the ups and downs of freelance life and laugh and cry on each other’s comment walls.

Freelanceswitch.com is a must for all freelancers.