Actually, we could live without
any of these applications . . perhaps even better. . . but we had fun
talking about favorite Mac programs that we use daily. . . and learned
some interesting things about each.
Tom's favorite apps (using a PowerBook G4 with OSX Tiger):
Safari
(free) - still the best browser because it loads fast. For even more
speed, disable 'Plug-ins' in Safari>Preferences>Security. If
site requires Adobe Flashplayer, just re-enable plug-ins. Safari
5 for Leopard - Safari
4 for Tiger
Firefox
(free) - secure, dependable web browser with many handy plug-ins -
from the slightly weird Mozilla group. For example, type about:mozilla into
a Firefox URL window to see a hidden message. Mozilla co-founder Brendan
Eich invented JavaScript.
Stickies (free)
- great for daily memos or To-Do list - can be set to automatically open
at Log-in. (All the people that remembered the MUG meeting use
this App. : )
Mail (free)
- still the main reason most people even want to touch a computer.
PowerPoint -
can be installed from PowerPoint-for-Mac or MS Office for Mac- works
cross platform.
1Password (free
trial - $39 to buy) - manage all your website passwords with one click. Read a
review. (Download 16.3mb)
Audacity (free)
- fantastic sound-recording application, with MP3 export capability. (see
more)
JAlbum (free)
- convert a folder of images into
a multi-page website with a single drop and click - in a few seconds,
it creates all thumbs, reduced images, and html pages needed. (Tom
prefers the older version
6.1)
QuickTime (free)
- handy Apple app for viewing downloaded YouTube videos (see
how) or capturing live streaming music from internet via audio
line-in. (This requires a 2nd computer. Play internet stream on 1st
Mac which is connected to 2nd mac via stereo miniplug (sound out to
sound in). Open QuickTime Pro on 2nd mac to New Audio Recording, adjust
input levels, then record.)
TextEdit (free)
- handy word processor found in every Apple Applications folder - uses
all fonts, colors, styles, tables, lists, images and hyperlinks - very
fast loading. Good for testing a printer connection with a single dot
(.)
Dreamweaver -
create your own websites with this WYSIWYG app (see a sample tutorial)
- Tom uses an older Macromedia MX version ($99) to design and maintain
the site your looking at.
AppDelete ($5)
- completely removes any unwanted app (and all its parts) from your
Mac with a single drag+drop - older free version 1.1.1 is available here.
AppleWorks -
all-in-one word processor, spreadsheet, drawing, painting windows -
works in OS8.1 to OS10.6 Snow Leopard - if you don't have an original
install disk, order here for
$49. Read about some possible alternatives to
AW beyond Snow Leopard.
Dictionary (free)
- while using any Apple application, right-click on a word to launch
Dictionary - or hover over
a word while pressing Ctrl+Com+D to pop-up definiton.
Caffeine (free)
- keep your Mac awake and running with one click - especially handy
when downloading or copying a large file or doing extensive updating
(download 240k)
Internet related: 1Password -
can't live without it. Generates powerful passwords and retrieves them
as needed Dropbox - Off site
storage for 1Password data allowing multiple computers to use 1Password
always in sync Adblock Plus -
eliminates a lot of the clutter on websites WOT (Web of Trust)
- warns of web sites that have a history of having unwanted presents Surf Canyon -
Search Engine Assistant - improves searching on Google
Photography related: Lightroom
3 - Fantastic photo database and enhancement Photoshop
Elements - great photo editing program that integrates with Lightroom Huey -
a must if doing serious photography, calibrates the color temperature
of the screen (includes measurement hardware)
Misc: iStat -
great info about the operating conditions of the computer BackupLoupe -
great info about Time Machine backups and handling them Audacity -
fantastic free audio editing Monolingual -
Greatly reduce app sizes by eliminating foreign languages not needed
(ex. French, German, Spanish, Icelandic, etc) Parallels - allows
running Microsoft Windows for needed PC programs
OTHER DISCOVERIES
Chipmunk
Mac Serial Decoder - find Mac specs by entering the Serial #
in blank space, then 'Show the information' - the following letters
indicate where your mac was built.
F: Fremont, California, USA
CK: Cork, Ireland
SG or E: Singapore
UV: Taiwan
QT: Taiwan (Quanta Factory)
W8: Shanghai China
PT: Korea
-
great tutorials for every Apple app can be found by clicking Help in
the Desktop Menu.
-
use Command+-DRAG to rearrange icons.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS - the group
had some robust conversations revolving around iPhoto albums and KB
shortcuts such as Com+Shift+4 to capture a portion
of any screen. See more
KB shortcuts.
TUAW -
find more great tips at The Unofficial Apple Website.
Safari
(free) - still the best browser because it loads fast. For even more
speed, disable 'Plug-ins' in Safari>Preferences>Security. If
site requires Adobe Flashplayer, just re-enable plug-ins. 
Firefox
(free) - secure, dependable web browser with many handy plug-ins -
from the slightly weird Mozilla group. For example, type about:mozilla into
a Firefox URL window to see a hidden message. Mozilla co-founder 
-
secure search 
-
great tutorials for every Apple app can be found by clicking Help in
the Desktop Menu.
-
use Command+-DRAG to rearrange icons. 