Essential Mac OS X apps
Keeping this here, but overdue for an update
For context.. In 2006, I left Microsoft Windows for good, and switched to Ubuntu Linux. Two years later, in order to write an iOS app, I purchased my first MacBook Pro, and realized that OS X had all the ‘LINUX’ I needed and wanted, but also a great UX on top of it, and some really nice apps.
Ever since, I’ve been discovering new apps, little (and big) gems that make my tech life more fun and productive. Here is my up-to-date favs list:
General utilities and productivity tools
Alfred – a great program launcher, and much more. It is the app I install first, because it makes everything else easier. The cost is FREE, but you can purchase a power pack which will give you even more utility, and a great way to support this developer.
FreeMind – simply the best FREE mind mapping application that runs everywhere. I use mind mapping for light project management, capturing meeting notes on the fly, and brainstorming. With FreeMind, I can quickly visualize project status with the team, without having to weed through lots of text in Jira (used for more serious and time-consuming stuff).
Markdown Pro and Lightpaper – both are among the best Markdown editors for OS X. I use markdown for code documentation (GIT style), and wherever else I can – including this blog.
Markdown Pro is not free, but it’s worth the modest admission fee (around $12). I also played around with version 0.9 of Lightpaper which was free at the time, but a bit buggy. Lightpaper is no longer free. It costs around $10, and is worth a look.
Pocket – so, I’ve fund this great article online, and I want to keep it around for later
Google Chrome – other then IE, any browser is good enough for Internet browsing, but when it comes to developing apps, I turn to Chrome development tools
Google Chrome Remote Desktop – because everyone has a relative that needs help with their computer 🙁
Handbrake – I don’t even recall the last time I used this app, but if/when I need to rip a DVD, that’s where I'll go.
Dropbox – DOWNGRADED. They were at the forefront of the free storage and sync movement, but have recently started taking away what they've originally given us, like limiting the number of devices that we can syncronize with free accounts. To me, that's the worse thing that anyone could ever do, and so, I've moved almost entirely to Google drive. Sorry Dropbox.
Automagically synchronizes files across all of my computers. I modify a file on one computer, and all the other computers receive that latest file. It’s magic, ..and super handy!
KeePassX – I’m convinced that 1password is much better, but I find $50 very steep for a password manager. KeePass is still my absolute favorite password manager.
AppCleaner – when an app pushes me over the edge, and I need to dispose of it quickly and effectively
Spectacle – if you’re a bit OCD like me, and need to have your windows neatly arranged, ..just right, ..perfect, ..oh wait
Skype – the one to go to when you need to talk with your team, or relatives anywhere around the world
Transmission – when you need a bit-torrent client that is FREE and works well. I used to recommend µTorrent, but my latest download/install proved that µTorrent has become garbage that will change your default browser search engine, try to install a search bar, and so on. DO NOT EVEN TRY µTorrent at this point.
3D Computer graphics, graphics design and photo editing
Affinity Designer / Photo – when graphics, design, or photo editing strikes, these apps please me with sophistication and price. Both are convincing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop alternatives, especially if monthly subscription software isn’t your thing.
Blender – an amazing 3D CG app that is also FREE and open source. I wish I had more time to really master it.
Multimedia
PLEX – a great multimedia manager, DLNA server. DLNA server will show up on your HDTV DLNA-capable TV, and you’ll be able to stream music, videos, and movies. It also works with ROKU, but requires a paid plugin (reasonably priced)
VLC media player – not an app I use often, but when I do, I say: “that’s a nice and powerful multimedia player.”
OS X System Utilities
ResolutionTab – my eyes actually like it when I switch my MacbookPro 15″ monitor to 2880×1800 resolution, and this app makes it possible and easy. Well worth $2.
MenuMeters – keep an eye on the CPU, memory, hard drive and network activity. I needed a build for El Capitan, so I Googled for it (the link below is for the ‘original’ version)
Unarchiver – when RAR comes to town
BetterTouchTool – haven’t tried this one yet, but it looks very promising. At the moment, I’m struggling to get used to the force touch trackpad – thanks Apple for solving a problem that I didn’t have.
Little Snitch – would you like to know which apps are trying to ‘call home’ ..on what ports, or accepting what connections? yes, all that and more.
Geektool / Nerdtool – Display system, and weather type information on your desktop. I’m still trying to figure out why I need these, given that I have MenuMeters, and my desktop is almost always covered by a million windows. Nerdtool seems a bit user friendlier.
Developer tools and utilities
Eclipse – my goto IDE from more than just Java.
Netbeans – it used to be my goto IDE for Ruby On Rails, but now the focus is on Java, C/C++, PHP, and HTML5/JavaScript.
Atom – ..it beats Adobe Brackets behind a proxy, ..has very Mac friendly keyboard shortcuts, and I can get it to look and behave exactly the way I want it. That rarely happens in my life.
iTerm – when you need to open and keep around a dozen consoles to run your AMQP/RabbitMQ micro-service apps and clients 🙂
VMWare Fusion – Not exactly a developer tool, but it’s great for running Linux VMs with complete dev/runtime environments for apps that we’re working on, and that way our Macs stay clean.
Music making apps and plugins
Logic Pro X – if you are a musician, or even if you’re just a bit curious about how modern music is made, there is absolutely no better way to spend $200. Why? Because in the world of pro audio, there are very few “PRO” things that you can buy for $200, ..and this is the absolute best $200 that you’ll ever spend on a piece of music-making software. The value per dollar that you get with Logic Pro X is simply astounding.
Ableton Live – a lot more expensive then Logic Pro X, but has a unique angle. Its extensive MIDI learning capabilities combined with an external MIDI controller turn your computer into a sort of unique and powerful instrument for live performances.
Plugins
- Korg – a giant in the music industry. Somehow, KORG is able to reinvent itself and keep up with the ever-changing times better than other companies in this space. For starters, KORG has virtualized their legendary synths, and they’re part of the Legacy Collection. It’s truly amazing what $99 can get you.
But KORG is also leading the way with amazing iOS apps. All of these apps are outstanding, but I especially recommend Module for the high quality of piano sounds and playability (to make the most out of these iOS apps, you should consider a dedicated interface, and you simply can’t go wrong with the $40 Griffin StudioConnect.
What’s missing?
Please share..
