Top 10 Mac Apps

1. Quicksilver
Own a Mac? Then you need to get Quicksilver. It is hard to describe because it does so many things. Most of what I use it for is to open files and applications, all without having to use the Finder. The great thing about it is that there are many add-ons and plug-ins that you can get. It integrates with many other applications.

2. MacJournal
This program allows you to have multiple journals on your Mac. That is basically all it is: a journal. But that is what is so great about it. Anytime you have an idea you want to work out in your head, open MacJournal and type away. Journaling really helps when you have an idea and you need to get a better grasp of what it is and how you will implement it. It is also a great program if you want to have a personal journal for writing your feelings down. There is an option to make it password protected, so no one can see what you wrote.

3. Firefox
I recommend you get Firefox right now. If you don’t have it you are missing out. Safari is a good browser, but Firefox is great because you can install extensions. If you want it to do something special, there is probably an extension that will do it for you. The ‘theme’ of the browser is also changeable. The ‘theme’ is simply the look and feel of it; such as the colors and the way the buttons look. A highly customizable web browser. Also, check out Camino. It comes from the creators of Firefox as well.

4. KompoZer
Want a website? This is a free WYSIWIG editior for creating html pages. If you already have some knowledge of html, that can be edited too.

5. iTerm
I find myself in Terminal quite a bit. The reason I use iTerm instead of Terminal is simple: press cmd-t, and you find yourself in another tab. You can have multiple tabs open in a window. Each tab is a different session. Because, sometimes, one session is not enough. ITerm’s GUI looks good too.

6. Freemind
Freemind is a free mind-mapping application. Very simple to use. Mind mapping is another great way to get your ideas down. If you don’t already do it, check it out. There are other mind-mapping apps, but Freemind is the one I use because it is simple and free.

7. Colloquy
If you use Internet Relay Chat, you probably already know about this one. This application allows you to get on IRC and chat with your buddies or get help on different topics. Once again, this app is free. It also has a great look and feel. IRC has been around for ages, so check it out. Learn a little about it, then get Colloquy.

8. Azureus
This is the bittorrent app I like for the Mac. I have been using this one for quite a while, and it works great. There are configuration wizards that come with it, so you can have it set up and working at max speeds. It lets you selectively download certain files from the torrent.
Another bittorrent app for the Mac is Transmission. I just started using it, and I like it too. It is a simpler application in some ways, but it seems to work well. Plus it has a cool icon.

9. Google Earth
This one is fun to mess around with. It is a big application (something like a 100 MB). If you have fun with Google Maps, then you will love Google Earth. There is also a mini flight simulator, which is accessible with a little tweaking. Just a fun toy for you and your Mac.

10. KisMAC
Are you interested in WiFi? With a hotspot popping up on almost every corner and coffeehouse, you should be interested. KisMAC is based on Kismet, a popular program among Linux users. If wardriving is fun to you, you should get this one. While driving the other day, I found 43 hotspots over the course of one mile. Lots of businesses, but also plenty in neighborhoods too.