Just Bought a Mac? Install These Free Programs!
Must-Have Mac Utilities for the New User
Dec 15, 2008
Apple ships iLife, a great suite of programs on all Macs that will make its users a superstar in organizing their digital life but there are plenty of utilities and shortcuts that will enhance the experience on a Mac. Lets face it: there's a reason people buy a Mac for a reason and everyone should take advantage of everything it offers. There are great programs both included with the computer and great freebees that everyone should download.
iLife is Included on Every Mac
Apple's included software on the Mac ranges from iLife to Quicken. iLife is a suite of applications that lets its user get creative and organize their digital life. iPhoto gets those thousands of digital pictures under control and organized.
iTunes is a fantastic jukebox but also the gateway to one of the largest digital music stores on the internet. Additionally, people can channel their inner Beethoven in GarageBand and produce the next summer blockbuster in iMovie. The Mac has many other great programs to check out in the Applications folder once the computer is set up.
Mac Applications So Good, You Can't Believe They're Free
For any a seasoned Windows user, there is probably a set list of programs to always install on the Machine. The same goes for any Mac but free programs that do a great job should be at the top of any list. Here are the top five programs all Mac users should install onto their computer within minutes of getting it set up and online:
- Quicksilver This is an application launcher and shortcut executer. Quicksilver can get things open and done on the Mac really quickly. Free from Blacktree.com
- Caffeine This program will stop a Mac from sleeping. It's perfect when downloading a large file and the Mac needs to remain awake. Caffeine can be downloaded here.
- GMail notifier Calling all GMail users! This notifier for the Mac is a must-have. This is from google and will pop up an alert when there is new mail. It's very handy and unobtrusive. Download Google Notifier here.
- Flip4Mac A couple of years ago Microsoft discontinued Windows Media Play for OsX. This company developed a plugin that will let QuickTime play WMP audio and video. This is a must-have for the web.
- Perian Along the lines of number four, this installs many video decoders into QuickTime, allowing it to play many more video formats. For anyone watching lots of vide online, this is another must-have.
These five programs should jump-start any Mac experience. Next time I will round out the list with five more must-have applications for the Mac.
 |
