There are many things I like about being a Mac user. As Computerworld’s Scot Finnie explains it, unlike the PC the Mac simply does not draw attention to itself in the day-to-day. No malware, no registry corruption, no hassles whatsoever. It’s just “so much chrome wrapping the data I’m interacting with.” I picked up this Macbook Pro about a year ago primarily to get a hold of Final Cut Studio for college, and secondly to get as far away from Redmond’s colossal mistake of an OS as possible. All these reasons aside, what I like most about my Mac is the enormous amount of available OS X-exclusive freeware and the communities surrounding it. It’s ironic too – the age-old complaint about Mac OS X regards software compatibility. Most PC users never consider: maybe the software you’re anchoring yourself to is shit to begin with; try moving on entirely.
The great thing is that Mac freeware is often so well-designed. Starting from a UI standpoint, looks are streamlined and unified, thanks to some Quartz and Aqualicious goodness. A lot of them are incredibly innovative and elegantly simple. Best of all, they’re free because there is an ever-growing collective of individuals who believe that software shouldn’t cost a damn thing. It’s okay to feel that way, you know.
Enough of that. In this past year, I’ve come across a vast assortment of freeware. After some significant field-testing, my experience with these applications has rendered me a loyal Mac user. I’m not budging. There’s no reason: this software simplifies workflows and vastly improves quotidian computer use. Apple’s market share has been growing at a ridiculous rate recently, so it’s safe to say there are a lot of new users like myself. I’m hoping at least a few people will get something out of this list. Remember all of this is free.
