Here's a list of my current essential Mac applications. Most of these applications I use on a daily basis, and some I couldn't live without!! I've seen lots of lists of "top Mac apps", but a good portions of those applications tend to be specialty items.
- Firefox
Safari isn't bad, but for web design and a more customized surfing experience it's the only way to go. If you're on Windows this is a must to keep you secure from security holes in Internet Explorer. - OmniFocus
This GTD (Getting Things Done) based application is excellent for keeping track of every task and project you need to accomplish. Things can be organized by project, "context" or due date. I couldn't live without this at work, and it's helping me stay on track. A license will cost you $80, starting Janurary 8th, 2008. - Thunderbird
An excellent email client from Mozilla, the makers of Firefox. It's clean, simple, and a much appreciated alternative to Outlook and Outlook Express. If you're currently using Mail for Mac, it might not be worth the switch. - Lock Desktop
This automator application is the equivalent of locking the desktop on a Windows comptuer. It keeps all of the applications running, so you don't have to put the machine to sleep to protect it with your password. Stepping away from your desk for a few mintues? Lock Desktop is perfect for keeping your computer secure while you're away. It's compatible with Leopard! - 1Password
Have a hard time managing all your different passwords and logins. 1Password comes to the rescue, storing all your logins and encrypting them with one master password. You'll never have to try and guess what username and password combination you used. It integrates with Firefox and Safari among other web browsers. There's a strong password generator for times when you need a secure password on demand. Macworld is still offering a free license giveaway for 1password. It's normally a $30 license! - Backdrop
This application is essential for taking screenshots or even watching movies when using dual monitors. It covers your screen in the color of your choice. This will enable you to take screenshots that have smaller filesizes and eliminate distracting backgrounds. Watch movies on a laptop with second monitor? Use backdrop to cover the screen in black so you don't see anything on the screen. - TextWrangler
For a free code and text editor, Text Wrangler has some excellent features. Lifehacker has featured TextWrangler several times.
Lifehacker's 2007 Guide to Free Software and Webapps
Lifehacker: Rebuild your mac with 20 useful downloads
Mac Apps - Maybe Someday
A list of great Mac apps that I'll haven't gotten around to trying yet.
Read more:
Lifehacker's Top 10 Free Mac Downloads
Lifehacker's Top 10 Mac utilities
2 comments:
You can lock the desktop without a 3rd party app. Just launch Keychain Access from the Applications\Utilities folder. Then, go into Preferences for the app and check Show Status in Menu Bar.
Once that is checked a padlock will appear in your Menu Bar. Simply choose Lock Screen and walk away.
Michael, thanks for the tip. I've very new to Macs, so this should help me on my way to becoming a power user. I'll be quoting you're comment soon in an update to the post.
The lock desktop application just looked helpful. I may show others the lock desktop application if for some reason they don't want to change their keychain settings.
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