Good/Free Mac Software
So, I’ve decided that unless something big happens, I’m going to buy myself my first Mac on Monday. Once I get it home, I need some direction on what to install.
What are the “essential” pieces of Mac software? I’d prefer free, but if it’s really really worth it, I may pay for something.
What about the following:
- Multi-protocol IM. I think Adium is the answer, but I’m open for alternatives
- Easy DVD Backups. I think I’d heard that Handbrake was good. I’m looking for something like DVDShrink.
- Browser. Is there really any reason not to use Firefox?
- Virtualization. Most people I know with Macs swear by VMWare Fusion. Does anyone use Parallels that wants to weigh in?
- Network/CPU Monitor. I like to be no more than a glance away from some feedback on network usage (as in, how quickly am I currently uploading/downloading) and CPU usage. That feedback can be graphical, but I need something. A dashboard widget seems reasonable for this, but is there anything that exists in the upper-right area, where the clock is? What is that area called anyway?
- Anything I’m not thinking of…?
Any and all feedback is appreciated. I’m a total Mac n00b.
Edit: For anyone who isn’t a tumblr member, the following have reblogged this with their own input. Thanks, everyone!!
Marco, Marcus, 2arrs2ells, Brad
And some good links I’ve stumbled on or been pointed to:
