I’m a Windows-user for life, and I couldn’t imagine being away from it. However, I do dream of one day owning the next-gen in Macintosh G hardware. They do an amazing job processing graphics, which as a writer, isn’t something I do much. The thought of owning such power is amazing though. For those that are running Macs, though, you probably need some programs to fill up that desktop space. Let’s fill you in on what you need.
Mozilla Firefox - No Internet surfing experience would be completely fulfilled without Mozilla Firefox. With Mozilla Firefox 3 breaking download records, it goes without saying that it is well trusted. It also allows amazing support with hundreds of plug-ins, theming options, and security that other browsers can’t provide. I would never try any other browser, no matter how stellar the reviews are after trying Firefox for the first time. Firefox does a great job hooking you with what it is loaded with.
Mozilla Thunderbird - For those tired of using programs like Outlook, or just don’t want to have to log into Gmail to view their mail updates, check out Thunderbird. As well as being a great email client, Thunderbird has support to view all your RSS feeds in a categorized fashion, as well. It is developed by the same guys that made the record-breaking Firefox, Mozilla, so you can be assured that it is dependable. Spam filtering is being the fold!
Gimp.app - It is no Adobe Photoshop, but it will do what you need it to. Gimp is a free image editing program that is said to be up to grade with Photoshop, providing all the basics that a photo-editing program needs, as well as throwing in advanced options using layers, effects, fliters and color balance tools. Gimp is the must have for those not able to purchase a legal copy of those more expensive imaging software tools.
Cyberduck - Got a webpage? Then you might need a FTP (file transfer protocol) program. Cyberduck is top ranking FTP software amongst free file-transfer programs. It offers you the ease of drag-and-drop transfers with an easy to use interface that even the least geeky of web-nerds could understand.
Miro - Quicktime is boring, hard to use, and hardly supports the file types you actually use. With Miro, you no longer feel screwed when your MPEGs fail to load. Miro is an amazing video player sporting a myriad of features. Want to watch a video off of YouTube? Search for it and download it instead! Subscribe to video RSS and watch it as soon as it is broadcast. Miro also doubles as a Torrent app.
Quicksilver - This application would be excellent for a freelance writer and blogger like me. Why? Quicksilver lets you launch all your programs without taking your hand off the keyboard. When the hotkeys on your keyboard just don’t cut it, Quicksilver will. Activate it, type in a couple letters and hit enter. Viola! The program you wanted opened in seconds, rather than you having to dig into your harddrive to find it.
The Unarchiver - The ever so important unzipping program is something no computer should come incomplete without. With so many different zipped file types - 7zip, .zip, . tar, .bz2, and the Mac perplexxing .Rar file types - you will want a program that can handle them all fast and easily. The Unarchiver handles all major zip files and some of the not as well known types. This program is essential for those wanting to send and recieve large files in small packages.
Senuti - Apple is nice enough to give awesome G5s, but they screwed iPods up when they decided not to let you transfer music files directly off of the iPod onto your Macs harddrive. Not to worry, though, when you have Senuti! Senuti lets you rip the music straight off your iPod and directly into any computer you choose. No longer are you limited to a designated computer where you have to load all your songs.
Burn - This approprietly named app does just what you think it does. It burns CDs and DVDs. Its simple interface and ease of use makes it a favorite amongst Mac owners. One can burn music, movies, and data files to make sure you are getting the most out of that overpriced DVD-drive. Burn it up, baby!
NeoOffice - Last in our line up of just 10 of the great applications for Macs is NeoOffice. NeoOffice is the Microsoft Office minus the giant price tap. Based and built off of the OpenOffice.org coding, you are getting a program that is completely compatible with Word and Open Document formats. There are programs similar to that of Excel, Word, Publisher, and all your other desktop favorites.
Got any more suggestions for our next list. Voice them in the comments!
