Essential Mac Software

Ok, not really photography-related, Mac-related...so related if you really allow me to stretch here. So in no particular order, my top 10 essential pieces of Mac software, not including anything that is included when you buy a Mac (like iLife):

• Quicksilver - The best application launcher and document finder ever. I find it faster than Spotlight, and more stable than Google Desktop for Mac


• Google Desktop for Mac - Same as Google Desktop for PC, but for Mac! It's not quite stable and has the tendency to eat up gobs of your CPU for no good reason. I ended up uninstalling the app because of its instability but I think a re-installation would fix the problem.


• Microsoft Entourage - The only solution if you want to connect to a Microsoft Exchange Server. Get the Office for Mac 2008 version as that has a new "My Day" docking widget that gives you a quick summary of meetings/appointments and to-do's for the day.


• Remote Buddy - This is very relevant if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch. This basically allows you to enhance the remote control capabilities of the Mac, it's own infrared Apple Remote, and allows you to control the Mac with your iPhone or iPod Touch via a web-based menu screen served by a built-in HTTP server. Awesome


• iCalViewer - Allows you to view your iCal appointments and meetings on your desktop.


• Synergy2 - Not to be confused with a similarly-named application for iTunes, this wonderful open-source app allows you to use the same keyboard and mouse across 2 computers. It's cross-platform so this will work with Windows, Mac or Linux. I use this extensively at work on my Windows desktop. Once my Mac connects to the network, it's configured to use the Windows keyboard and mouse as if it was an extension of the Windows desktop.


• VLC - Because not everything plays on Quicktime.


• Vmware or Parallels - For those of us who need a Windows computer or needs some software that runs on Windows only, Vmware Fusion or Parallels for Mac allows you to run a virtualized PC on your Mac. It's like having 2 computers in one! Only good if you have Intel-based Macs. For those who are still running PowerPC, there's still the woefully slow Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac.


• Evernote - I just discovered this product that allows you to import any or all documents, images, webpages, e-mail, etc., into its document library and it will allow you to search your relevant document library for anything you're looking for. The greatest thing about this is its text-recognition software that can even read image-based text.


• TiVo Decode Manager - Obviously only useful if you have a TiVo, but this app allows you to pull your television programming off your TiVo and into a iTunes and iPod-compatible format. Do not use it to distribute copyright material. End of disclaimer.


• Handbrake - Same as above except you can rip DVDs with it into many many formats, including Apple TV, iPhone/iPod Touch, iTunes, iPod Classic and so on. Again, do not use it to distribute copyright material. End of disclaimer.


• AppZapper - Because sometimes just throwing the application into the Trash is not enough. You missed all the preferences that are tucked away elsewhere. Use AppZapper to delete the application and all associated preference files as well.