More and more I’m finding cool stuff. Cool useful stuff. Cool useful free stuff. Handy apps or websites that don’t cost a thing but have lots of value, at least to me.
So, instead of sitting here being mad about not being at the New Media Expo in Vegas this weekend, I will share my current favorites.
- Skitch. This one has actually been bumped to living in the dock for me I’m using it so much lately. I would, for sure, pay for this.
- Fluidapp. I’ve heard that SSBs will be a part of the next version of OSX. Until then, there is this and it’s awesome.
- Quicksilver. I’m lost without this. Let’s me work without thinking or looking at the keyboard. Stuff. Just. Happens.
- Viddler. Have you seen the new features? Check out my new player! If there was a “Pro” account (like flickr), I would totally pony up.
Sure there are other free apps out there for the Mac, but none of them wow me like these. If you don’t use them, I believe it would be well worth your time.
There are a couple of new switchers in our midsts, so, like Josh did for me last year, I shall do the same. A list of apps that, I think, are a must have for the Mac.
Starting with not an app. An external hard drive for Time Machine. You need to backup as often as possible. Might I recommend any of the Western Digital MyBook external drives. Shoot for the dual-interface model if you can (Firewire and USB). Firewire is better on the Mac. And Faster. And, you can boot to it.
If you want a backup solution other than Time Machine, I would recommend SuperDuper. $30 and worth every penny.
We will begin with the free apps.
Before you do anything else, get a copy of Quicksilver (free) and install it. If you used the ‘run’ box in Windows (or many keyboard shortcuts), you will use this all the time. After it is installed, go into System Preference –> Spotlight and uncheck menu keyboard shortcut at the bottom. Then, whenever you press cmd-space, Quicksilver will come up and be ready.
For video, you will need Flip4Mac and Perian. Download and install both of them and you will be able to play any video you come across. Another good one to have is the VLC Player. This app plays everything, but I only use it to play the odd video files that quicktime won’t (high def .mkv files in particular). And, if you are one that likes to rip your DVD’s to your machine, Handbrake is the only way to go.
