Prism is an open source cross-platform prototype of functionality that lets users split web applications out of the browser and run them directly on the desktop.

Prism is part of a series of Mozilla Labs experiments into bridging the divide in the user experience between web and desktop apps and exploring new usability models as the line between those kinds of apps continues to blur.

On March 3rd the Web Standards Project (WaSP) announced the release of Acid3, the latest in a line of tests designed to expose flaws in the implementation of mature Web standards in Web browsers. By making sure their software adheres to the test, the creators of these products can be more confident that their software will display and function with Web pages correctly both now and with Web pages of the future.

The Acid3 Test is designed to test specifications for Web 2.0, and exposes potential flaws in implementations of the public ECMAScript 262 and W3C Document Object Model 2 standards. Collectively known as DOM Scripting, it is these technologies that enable advanced page interactivity and power many advanced web applications such as web-based email and on-line office applications.

As a series of 100 mini-tests, Acid3 has already been found to expose flaws in all tested browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Safari. WaSP hopes that Acid3 will prove useful to browser makers during the development of future versions of their products.

I know it’s a bit harsh making fun of people who fail, but it’s like watching a car crash. You know it’s wrong, but you just can’t look away.

1. The “during an NBA game” approach

For those who don’t already know, the Gimp is a powerful, open source image editing application. For more info on the Gimp visit gimp.org. GIMPshop is essentially the same program with some cosmetic changes.

If you’ve never used Photoshop before, you may not appreciate the GIMPshop hack. What Scott Moschella’s done is renamed and reorganized GIMP’s tools, options, windows, and menus to closely resemble Adobe Photoshop’s menu structure and naming conventions. Many of the menu options and even whole menus were recreated to faithfully reproduce a Photoshop-like experience. After running this GIMPshop hack, you’ll find that Photoshop and the GIMP are strikingly similar.

The latest version is available for Linux and Mac, and there’s also an earlier release available for Windows users. Updates are frequent so a Windows version should be available soon. So for all of you designers and photo enthusiasts that can’t afford to buy Adobe Photoshop this is a fantastic solid and free alternative.

For more information, screenshots and downloads visit plasticbugs.com.