We’re only just through the second week of January, but the number of software releases is just as fast as ever. There have been so many applications hitting the servers over the last seven days, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had missed some here and there. This is why we have put together this handy roundup to get you back up to speed. If you want to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues, look no further than Skype for Windows 5.7.0.137 Beta. The latest beta version of this chat client fixes a number of problems that have been found, but Mac users have more to look forward to in Skype for Mac Beta 5.5. The latest beta includes an improve call interface that makes it easier to mute calls, add new people to a conversation, and share files and video.

Pale Moon 9 is an ultra-fast Firefox 9 powered web browser

There are a number of web browsers to choose from these days, and one up and coming star is Pale Moon 9.0.1. The latest release is an impressively speed-optimized custom build of Firefox and there is also a 64-bit version available in the form of Pale Moon x64 9.0.1. Fans of portable apps should take a look at Pale Moon 9.0.1 Portable and Pale Moon x64 9.0.1 Portable which can be popped onto a USB drive. Another web browser update worth checking out is Google Chrome 17.0.963.33 Beta which enables you to check out just where Google’s alternative to the likes of Firefox is heading.

Many people use their computers t manage a digital photo collection, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Beta 32-bit and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Beta 64-bit can be used to make this easier. The latest beat version of this handy utility makes it possible to not only browse and manage photos as well as editing and enhancing them. Adobe may be well known for its photo editing software, but PhotoFiltre 7 is worth a look. This surprisingly powerful photo editor can also be found in a portable form – PhotoFiltre Portable 7.

If you have spent any time creating a work of art or touching up your photo collection, you should definitely think about backing up your files. O&O AutoBackup 1.0.106 (32-bit) is a wonderful free backup tool which enables you to put your external hard drive to good use and if you are working with a 64-bit version of Windows, you should try O&O AutoBackup 1.0.106 (64-bit) instead. It is important to keep all of your files backed up but FavBackup 2.1.3 provides a quick and easy way to back up the settings and data for your web browser. Hardwipe 1.5.0 is a handy security tool that can be used to completely eliminate the files you want to delete.

Play your tracks through your Android device using TuneSync and Notepod

If you are used to working with an iOS or Android device, the idea of gestures will be familiar. StrokesPlus 1.2.3 enables you to create gestures that can be used in any Windows application to help automate common tasks. To make it easier to work with your applications and get to work faster, Windows 7 App Launcher v0.0.9.1 makes it easy to quickly launch multiple programs at the same time. If you want to customize the look of your computer, Rainmeter 2.2 makes it possible to completely alter the appearance of Windows with skins, gadgets, widgets and much more. On a more practical note, CDBurnerXP 4.4.0.2905 includes everything you need to create your own CDs and DVDs, including audio discs. Also in the musical category is TuneSync Server 2.0 which can be used by Android users in conjunction with Notpod 1.4.1 to wirelessly transfer your iTunes music collection to your Android device.

That’s it for this week – there’ll be a plethora of downloads to look forward to in the week ahead and another roundup in seven days.