The Applications You Really Need

A coworker recently started taking an interest in the PowerBook that I bring to work each day. After asking me several questions about it I pointed him in the direction of Apple’s website with instructions to look around and come back if he had any more questions. And come back he did, several times in fact. And each time he came with more questions, questions that I was happy to answer. Finally he informed me that in a little while he was going to purchase a new Mac. As such he had one final question for me, what software did he absolutely need?

And I must admit I had to pause for a second before answering him. I had a most definite idea of what I would absolutely need, but for a less experienced Mac user? Well, that would be a slightly shorter list. So, here are two list, the first being the applications that a beginning Mac user would need and the second being the ones that a more advanced user would need.

The Novice’s Guide to OS X Applications

Required Software - These are applications that every new Mac user needs

1. Microsoft Office Suite
I hate to say it but this is the first and most important software suite that a beginner needs. It offers plenty of functionality, reads many common file types and most importantly it is a beacon of familiarity in a strange new world. Yes, there are alternatives (OpenOffice or iWork comes to mind) but the bottom line is someone new to OS X doesn’t need the extra hassle, so let them stick with MS Office until they are more comfortable using the operating system. Only then should they consider finding a replacement if they feel they need one (which many won’t).

2. iLife
I almost made this one number one but decided that typing documents was more important that making movies. However, buying a Mac and not getting the iLife suite is rather pointless. The most important application (for me) is iTunes, followed by iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and finally Garage Band. Hands down iTunes is the best software around for playing, organizing or buying music. I have yet to find anything that comes close to it in usability, function and power. Next up is iPhoto, another superb program. Personally I like it better than Google’s Picasa but that is because I have used it more. IMovie and iDVD take a little bit of practice but once you have mastered it you can produce some very cool DVDs with just an afternoon’s effort. As for Garage Band you will either love it (i.e. you have musical talent) or will never use it (like myself) because you don’t play an instrument. Overall this is suite is completely necessary for getting the most out of your Mac.

3. Photoshop/Photoshop Elements
Only one of these excellent products is needed and it depends solely on the users skill level. If they are already adept at using Photoshop then purchasing the Mac version is a must. Adobe has created an entire software line around this program and with good reason. For the money, it is the most powerful and versatile image editing tool around, period. However, if a new user is unfamiliar with Photoshop then he or she should instead invest in Photoshop Elements, the little brother of Photoshop. It doesn’t have as many features but it isn’t nearly as complex. Instead, it offers a very nice balance for the casual user.

4. Quicken
The all purpose financial management tool. If you have a job then chances are you could use Quicken. Whether it be to balance your checkbook or to navigate through your portfolio Quicken is the way to go. However, Quicken isn’t always the most user friendly of programs so to get the most of it I would highly suggest reading through the manual and taking its automatic tour.

Optional Software - Your average user may or may not need this according to their situation

5. iWork
If a new user decides that he or she will be doing some type of desktop publishing then Pages is definitely a program worth taking a look at. Once you get use to the interface you can rapidly create letterheads, flyers, brochures, resumes and the like all with a definitive sense of style. Not every user will need this package but it is still nice to have around.

6. Adium
If you use instant messaging frequently then Adium might be for you. One of the easiest to use IM clients around, Adium is rich with features that make IMing a breeze. However, it doesn’t support iChatAV, so if you want to use your camera for that face to face chatting then you will just have to use Apple’s product. However, for all of your other needs Adium will do nicely.

The PowerUser’s Guide to OS X Applications

Required Software - These are applications that every advanced Mac user needs

1. Productivity Suite
According to your preference StarOffice, OpenOffice, MS Office or AppleWorks (going old school there) will all suffice. Personally, I use Pages or TextEdit for all of my documents, Keynote for my presentations and Excel for spreadsheets. I find Word too cluttered and slow, PowerPoint inferior to Keynote and Entourage useless for my needs. Only Excel finds a place on my dock. I have used OpenOffice before and found it to be just a copy of MS Office. No real new, groundbreaking features just the open source version of Microsoft’s suite. Use it if you like but I was never impressed enough keep it for long.

2. Creativity Suites
I find everyone of the following packages to be extremely useful: Adobe’s CS2, Macromedia’s Studio 8 and Apple’s Final Cut Studio. At the very least Photoshop, Dreamweaver and FinalCut should be considered for purchase. All are extremely strong products geared towards professional development. Since these packages can get quite expensive only buy what you need.

3. OS X Optimizers
Every poweruser likes to tweak his or her system and with Onyx, Cocktail or TinkerTool that process becomes much easier. Each one of these utilities offers ways to modify one’s system to better suit its user. For example I used Cocktail to add up/down arrows both the top and bottom of the scroll bar. OS X will only let you put on set on there instead of two. That is just one of the little modifications you can accomplish with these very easy to use tools. Additionally they can perform system maintenance at the touch of a button helping you to clear out old caches, repair disk permissions, run cleaning scripts and delete log files.

4. FTP Client
I absolutely love Transmit by Panic software. It is simple, easy to use and a nice free version exists (with limited features, the full product is $29). I keep it tucked away in my applications folder knowing that whenever I need to FTP a file it will be there ready to handle any job I throw it. There are many excellent FTP clients out there I just happen to like this one.

Optional Software - Your average power user may or may not need this according to their tastes

1. Multiple Desktops
Desktop Manager can be confusing if you aren’t use to having multiple desktops, however once you become accustomed to using them they can substantially increase your productivity. Anyone who has ever used Unix or Linux before can attest to the usefulness of having an extra desktop or two so don’t let this gem pass you by.

2. Safari Enhancements
Three excellent utilities that help you get the most out of Safari are Saft, Safari Stand, PithHelmet all of which can be found at Pimp My Safari. You might not need everything that each one of these plug-ins offers but that shouldn’t deter you from checking them out. PithHelmet is my favorite as it helps to considerably cut down on the clutter I see from annoying ads.

So, there are my two lists of useful pieces of software that both novice and experienced Mac users can instal to make their lives a little easier and more productive. If you can think of anything I have left out let me know and I will amend my lists.