Mac software of choice
Since my recent transition from Windows XP to Mac OS X, some have asked what major software choices I have made. Although my article on my switch explained a few various choices, here are some of my choices, which are subject to change, and what their function is.
Apple’s Safari [site]
So far, this is my web browser of choice. After “playing” with Firefox, OmniWeb and a few others - I’ve opted for Safari. It’s easy-to-use, utilizes tabs, a Google search, pop-up blocking and snap back. All of these features were major contributors to my reasons for using Safari. Firefox 1.0, however, is starting to look like a very solid browser.
Apple’s Mail [site]
I had mentioned previously that I chose to use Mozilla’s Thunderbird mail client as my default mail client. The decision to change from Thunderbird to Mail was not easily met. After using Thunderbird for about 1 full week, I found a few small things that the email client was lacking. The lack of features stems from the type of software project that it is, namely Open Source. Being that this program is cross-platform compatible, one can’t expect for it to integrate perfectly with any 1 Operating System. I’ve only programmed small applications in my time, so if my wording isn’t proper please don’t shoot me. However, my biggest reason for choosing Mail as my E-mail client is it’s integration with the Address Book. Synergy on Mac OS is prominent, and welcome. However, since Thunderbird is cross-platform, direct integration of the Mac Address Book isn’t something the developers focus on. So, Thunderbird is left to the task of 1) being able to create it’s own Address Book 2) being able to import the most common Address Book file types. Although Thunderbird does very well at importing/exporting contacts, it doesn’t help me with complete synergy of my applications. For instance, iChatAV (as well as other Mac OS X IM clients) utilize the Address Book to store the screen names of those on your buddy list. This simple fact shows that the IM client’s developers are trying to keep all applications for Mac OS X tightly wrapped by storing it’s needed information in a centralized location. At this point, although I enjoy using Thunderbird more than Mail, I don’t think I have much choice if I am to keep all of my data centralized.
iChatAV [site]
I will be using iChatAV for Audio chats and Video Conferencing, as other IM clients do not have this ability on OS X that I have found.
Proteus [site]
I will be using Proteus for my every day text chatting needs. Specific features make Proteus better, in my personal opinion, than other IM clients. I will not get into these specific features here, however, the interface is highly customizable, and yet easily tamable. I enjoy a minimal yet powerful interface, and Proteus provides this. Text chat logging is a must for me, and Proteus does very well in the archiving, storing and viewing of chats. If you’d like to make an educated decision on your IM client for Mac OS X, read MacZealot’s wonderful article on the leading IM clients available.
iTunes [site]
For playing, purchasing and burning music I’ve chosen Apple’s iTunes. I’ve been using iTunes since I got my mac, and since it’s Windows release I used it on XP as well. Prior to that, and for many years, I used Winamp. Although iTunes for OS X seems like the obvious choice, really there is great reasoning behind it. iTunes is unlike any other Jukebox on Windows or OS X in that it provides you with a solution for all of your music needs. Some have complained that iTunes is a 20Mb binary download. Although this is true, the file size is definitely warranted. I ask, especially the Windows users, not to make a decision on their Jukebox of choice blindly - but to take the time to go through the iTunes Tutorials - to see some of the functionality your missing out on. The tutorial that is available on Apple.com, as of this post’s publish date, is geared towards iTunes 4.2 (I think). iTunes 4.6 brings an even greater amount of features into your Jukebox.
Conversation [site]
Although I wouldn’t consider myself an overly heavy IRC user (I’m not using the word chat here, because IRC is definitely not just chatting). However, I do frequent the #wordpress channel as well as a few select others. So having an IRC client that is enjoyable to use is still important to me. I’ve tried a few, and decided on Conversation. The interface is really well done, and that’s probably the single reason for me choosing it.
skEdit [site]
As previously mentioned, the ability to edit some of my older code, and still being able to support my client’s websites was incredibly important to me. skEdit, and it’s choice to syntax highlight legacy ASP code, has allowed me to make my transition from Windows XP to Mac OS X, as well as the transition from ASP to PHP. Thank you Sean.
Panic’s Transmit [site]
Transmit, from what I can tell, is the FTP client of choice for most OS X users. I’ve been unable to find a client which can rival it’s interface, features, and small footprint. The interface, although simple, is very powerful in that it allows you to administer remote and local directory structures from one pane. I believe that Transmit is one of only a select few applications that strikes the happy-medium of simple yet functional.
iPhoto[site]
See a pattern here? It’s not by coincidence that the best software for the Mac OS is also created by Apple. iPhoto is to photos as iTunes is to music. Well, almost. iPhoto allows for categorization, printing, print ordering, book creation, sharing and burning of photo CDs. You can also use iPhoto to create slideshows with audio, import into iDVD, and use it to export to a web site. As far as I know, there is no better photo manager available for OS X. Currently I have just about 7,100 photos in iPhoto, with about 1,500 left on my Windows machine to import. iPhoto runs beautifully since the iLife ‘04 release which boasts “25,000 photos. Zero waiting.” The main reasons for my choosing iPhoto are: 1) easy-to-use 2) centralized data storage 3) automatic file structure 4) works well with low memory 5) integration with the rest of the iLife apps.
Two more quick applications, without much explanation, because really none is needed.
Adobe Photoshop 7[site]
I don’t have Adobe CS yet, so I’m still in 7ville. However, I use Photoshop for web site mockups, Interface design, and overall photo manipulation. I think enough has been said about Adobe Products before, and it’s obviously very well deserved.
Adobe Illustrator 10 [site]
Illustrator provides me with the ability to create vector graphics for use in Logos, and mockups. That’s all I have to say about that.
There are many more application choices that I’ve made so far, and a few more that are still on the fence. I usually install 1-3 different applications which serve the same purpose, and then eliminate 2 out of the 3 to leave me with the application that best suites my needs. I will be writing up the rest of my choices as I make them, as well as doing a write-up for some of the smaller Open Source projects I’ve decided to use in lieu of better established corporate entity’s applications.
To be continued…
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