I’m going to post a series of articles on must-have applications. They’ll be broken down into categories such as Coding, Video Editing, etc. The first set of applications discussed here do not fit into any particular category, as well as some web design applications. These applications are usually the first thing I download when getting a new mac, or after a fresh install of the OS.
System Applications
- Quicksilver – Its spotlight (system searching for you switchers) on crack. You can launch applications, search text files… you name it.
- Perian – A codec pack that lets you view pretty much every video file type imaginable on your mac.
- Flip4Mac – This lets you watch those stupid .wmv videos. (This is really 2b.)
- Growl – This application is a system notifier that gives you updates on your desktop of what your applications are doing. It’s hard to explain, so the best thing you can do is watch this video .
Coding for the Web
- Coda – An amazing web programming application.
- CSS Edit – Another amazing program, but this one focuses on CSS work. Go figure!
- Smultron – Lightweight text editor with programming supports and highlighted syntax. If i need to get in and out really really quickly this is what I use.
My next post in this series will cover chat applications and banking/finance applications.
Have I forgotten any applications that should be included in these categories? Enlighten us in the comments!
April 8th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Interesting app Growl…gonna have to try that? I’ve found iusethis.com for a source of popular apps and such. Off the top of my list would be the Unsanity products HERE, of course, as you’ve listed it already, Flip4Mac, and a few other good ones…for back up, Superduper, and a simple free one, iBackup….and an excellent vital info database, info.xhead, and another one by the Flip4Mac people, Drive In.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Thanks for the insights. We’re going to be adding more programs in the coming days for different categories, such as backing up, like you had mentioned.
SuperDuper! will be on that list for sure.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Under web design, you’ve got to have perennial favorite, TextEdit, THE app for basic tinkering. Also, while I suppose it would fall more under the Internet/FTP Client category, CyberDuck is a must-have for getting those html/css files uploaded.
Definitely agree with Quicksilver and Growl, however Growl has been acting funky since I upgraded to Leopard. Or is it me?
More from author
April 9th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I’m not a big fan of textedit, or cyberduck… although “free” options are often a good alternative. As for growl… i haven’t had any problems… what kind of things are acting up?
More from author