Apple has released the first iteration of Safari 5, bringing with it 'official' support for a variety of usability extensions, many of which can be found at Apple's own Safari Extensions Gallery.

Similar in concept to Firefox's add-ons, Safari Extensions are a significant step up from previously available 'plug-ins', in that the latter lacked automated installation and any sort of management support. Not only that, plug-ins require low-level programming expertise in order to create them, whereas anyone with a grasp of HTML, CSS and some JavaScript know-how can have a go at building extensions – so expect a bucketload of the things from hereon in.

To install extensions from within Safari, navigate to Apple's gallery page and simply click on the install button next to your extension of choice. Then select Safari > Preferences > Extensions and you should see your new installation appear in the Extensions management dialog, where enable/disable, uninstall and other options can be accessed.

Actual functions differ from extension to extension – some apply in-page modifications to selected sites such as Facebook, while others alter browser functionality such as tab behaviour, or add to the interface via buttons and menu options. The best way to find out what works for you at this early stage is to do a little experimenting yourself. We'll be back soon with our pick of the bunch, so watch this space.

Back in MacFormat Issue 223, we covered enigmaTAG. Just in case you missed it, I'll reproduce the review here:

Every bottle of enigmaTAG has a unique combination of micro-particles visible under ultraviolet light. By dabbing a spot on your valuables and registering your pack’s code online, you give your property an indelible fingerprint the police can identify using special scanners. A single bottle is good for around 120 applications. Under normal light it’s unobtrusive but far from invisible, so it’s best to mark your Macs somewhere discreet.

enigmaTAG is endorsed (and in some areas, distributed) by the police as a security solution you can rely on. Each bottle comes with a free UV flashlight. 

Score: 4/5

enigmaTAG costs £29.99 a bottle, but if you order online using MacFormat's exclusive code, you can get £5 off. Just go to http://enigmaTAG.com follow the Buy Now link and put EGSL16 in the 'Enter coupon' field.

Computers Unlimited are supporting participating Apple dealers in the UK with a special offer. If you buy a new iMac, MacBook or MacBook Pro with the AppleCare Protection Plan you get Parallels Desktop 5 free, a saving of almost £65.

The popular virtualisation software enables you to run Microsoft Windows on your Mac within the OS X environment. Its unintrusive interface works seamlessly with OS X enabling you to share files with Windows users, and connect your favourite USB devices.

Jason Rouse, Apple Business Manager at Computers Ulimited, said “the promotion is available across the UK through participating dealers. We’ve set up a handy dealer locator to help you find your nearest stockist which can be found at www.unlimited.com/appleoffers”.

Computers Unlimted tell us that the offer is valid “whilst stocks last", so visit a participating Apple retailer today.

Macs take a lot of the hassle out of basic maintenance, but as much as you might like to think you’re invulnerable, they can get clogged up and slow to a crawl over time. So if you have to go and make a cup of coffee while you wait for your Mac to boot up or walk the dog to kill time while launching that all-important application, then read this month’s advice to restore your Mac to its sparkling, speedy best. Elsewhere this issue, we test six photo sharing websites for the best service, and also investigate the usefulness of Apple’s own One to One training in getting the most out of your Mac. Not only that, we’ll introduce you to the new features of Safari 5 and show you how to sync your Mac with your lifestyle.

In the shops now, or you can buy and subscribe online!

It's unusual for Apple to call a press conference like the one scheduled to start this afternoon, so we'll be paying close attention to what's said. We'll join our colleagues the dudes at Mac|Life magazine, our US sister publication, to report on and provide analysis of the news as it breaks. Join us at 6pm UK time for our joint live coverage!