mendax.org

v1.12

We’re not shy about our love for OS X, and don’t hesitate to declare it superior to Windows in practically every way, shape, and form. However, as with every OS, third party applications are a necessity, and there’s only so much that Apple can package alongside OS X. To fill the gaps present, we share our picks for “must-have” software, and lovingly refer to our list as mendax.mac.

System

• AppZapper: Uninstalling applications under OS X seems like such an easy task, but what a lot of users are unaware of is that most applications leave residual stuff behind. This stuff takes various forms, such as cache files or configuration settings, which can lay buried away from an application’s executable file. AppZapper makes removing these files super-easy; drag an unused application into the AppZapper window, and it will be deleted along with its associated files. [$12.95]
• ClamXav: While computer viruses aren’t nearly as big of a concern for OS X users as they are for Windows users, those wishing to stay protected can utilize ClamXav, which is built on the open-source ClamAV antivirus engine. [Free]
• iTerm: Apple’s Terminal application offers a basic shell window, but iTerm offers one with tabs and various other improvements. Those who never use the shell at all may not have need for this application, but even as someone who rarely needs a shell window anymore, iTerm is a welcome tool to have. [Free]
• Quicksilver: The dock is a great tool for seeing what applications are open, but it takes up unnecessary space when used as a launcher. Enter Quicksilver, which is activated with a hot-key. Users then type the first few characters of an application’s name they wish to invoke. A press of the “enter” key launches the respective application easily and quickly. Quicksilver can also be used to open documents, URLs, and even pipe data into them before launch. [Free]
• Remote Buddy: Years ago, we bought Sailing Clicker to control iTunes remotely from our Sony Ericsson T610, and it was a fantastic application until we moved to a new cell phone. Remote Buddy meets our current needs by allowing us to control not only iTunes, but other applications on our computer remotely as well, via a variety of devices, to include the Apple Remote, an iPhone, and even Wii remotes. [19.99 €]
• Transmit: Finding a reliable FTP client can be a pain, especially given the large number of clients available While we previously swore by CyberDuck, it’s given us problems in the past, and Transmit has been a staple of the Mac community for some time now, making it a natural choice for our FTPing needs. [$29.95]
• YemuZip: While not everyone needs to compress files into a tight zip file, those that do no doubt prefer a tool with minimal configuration requirements. YemuZip offers exactly this, with a simple window to drag files onto. An easy drop-down box gives us the option of making the package Mac-specific, or Windows-friendly. Better yet, it works, unlike StuffIt, which has shown compatibility problems in files opened in Windows. [Free]

Multimedia

• Airfoil: The Airport Express is a splendid piece of hardware, as it serves as a wireless bridge, portable wireless router, and wireless connection to both a USB printer and a set of speakers. To this end, our Airport Express serves as the link between iTunes and our entertainment center. Unfortunately, there’s often media outside of iTunes that we’d like to stream across our abode, and this is where Airfoil comes in. Airfoil allows us, in no uncertain terms, to broadcast any audio regardless of source, to our Airport Express. While many readers will undoubtedly find numerous reasons to do so, our primary purpose for this software is to stream web-based audio, to include sources such as Last.FM and Pandora. [$25]
• Azureus: Bittorrent clients may be a dime a dozen, but Azureus is a seamless transition from the Windows world to the Mac world (or vice versa). Being a fully-featured, cross-platform Bittorrent client, Azureus meets the downloading needs of both novice and expert Bittorrent users. [Free]
• Connect360: Stream movies, music, and photos to your XBox 360 from your Mac. For Internet radio enthusiasts, even allows streaming of Shoutcast stations to one’s XBox 360. [$20]
• Handbrake: I didn’t get into the “ripping-DVDs” business until after I got an iPhone, and I quickly sought for an application to aid in converting my movies into a digital form for playback on-the-go. Handbrake meets these needs nicely, with presets for sizing movies appropriately for a variety of devices, to include those that are not portable, such as for viewing on one’s home television. [Free]
• PandoraJam: Many people may have moved on from Pandora, or have never heard of it to begin with, but it’s a free music service that plays custom playlists based on songs users rate highly. PandoraJam takes the service one step further, by recording anything Pandora plays, and automatically adding it to iTunes. [$15]
• ShakesPeer: This application may be less sought after than Azureus above, but for those who need/want access to a DirectConnect server, ShakesPeer is the best solution available under OS X. And by “best”, we do not mean to imply that it pales in comparison to Windows-based clients at all. [Free]
• VisualHub: The ultimate video conversion program, which takes my non-DVD movies, and converts them into whatever form I’d like. As with HandBrakem VisualHub comes prepackaged with a variety of presets, to make converting videos to a specific device’s requirements easy. [$23.32]
• VideoLAN: We’ve sued this cross-platform application on everything from BeOS to Windows, and OS X is no exception.VLC plays practically every common media format flawlessly. [Free]

Writing

• ecto: We stayed away from desktop blogging software for quite some time, and instead relied on basic writing software for drafting posts before copy/pasting them directly into WordPress or an OS X widget. However, when we’re not on the run, ecto has become our staple blogging tool, which integrates nicely with most popular blogging software. This application not only offers WYSIWYG editing, but makes writing blog entries easier overall. [$17.95]
• Ulysses: A text editor for creative writers, or anyone else with complex projects that require a fair amount of organization. Ulysses removes distracting, unnecessary features found in most word-processing applications (i.e. text layout options), and instead helps writers focus on content.

If you believe an OS X application should be on this list, please provide its information in the comments, or e-mail them in!

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