TidBITS Watchlist: Notable Software Updates for 13-Jul-09

Safari 4.0.2 from Apple is a minor security and stability update to the browser. The update enhances the Nitro JavaScript engine’s stability, and addresses basic cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that could stem from visiting maliciously crafted Web sites and result in application crashes, arbitrary code execution, or cross-site scripting attacks. Apple recommends the update for all Safari users. The update can be downloaded via Software Update or from Apple’s Safari Download page. (Free, 40.2 MB)

Default Folder X 4.2.1 from St. Clair Software is a minor update to the Open and Save dialog-enhancement utility. Changes include new pop-up file previews, improved support for the OpenMeta tagging standard, and support for Path Finder. Also, the Rebound feature has been refreshed, and a handful of unspecified compatibility issues have been addressed. ($34.95 new, free update, 11.1 MB)

VLC 1.0 from VideoLAN is the first official release of the open-source multimedia framework and player that offers wide support for various video types. The player also features live recording capabilities, frame by frame support, and full-screen video scaling. A lengthy list of features is available on VideoLAN’s Web site. (Free, 19 MB)

Electric Sheep 2.7 from Scott Draves is the latest version of the dazzling community-based screensaver. The update brings an enhanced client, higher resolution, an improved codec, new frame interpolation modes that can adjust playback speeds, and a new server with greater capacity. To learn more about Electric Sheep, see “Top 10 Screensavers for the 21st Century,” 2009-02-23. (Free, 4.9 MB)