Useful MAC Applications [Ongoing Updates]

[Mike Lucey]

Thanks for the list all, as a new comer to OSX is there a freeware theme changer? Something like ShapeShifter?
TIA

Here is one, Cricket1
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Utilities/Cricket1.shtml

Also you might check out this list,
http://www.softlookup.com/category.asp?ID=513

Mike

[Glenn at home]

Thanks Mike, I'll check into those.

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Guys,

I've had Corel Painter Essential 2 for a while. It came as a freebie with something that I bought, can't remember what BTW I did not like the GUI.

I've just learned that Corel has now launched Painter Essentials 4 for both Win and Mac. I've downloaded the demo (60 days!) and had a very quick look araound and liked what I saw.
It is a major improvement over pervious versions. Its the 'lazy man's' ideal tool for trouble free quick painterly effects. Just upload the photo / picture and try the various options.

I think with a bit of time it might be possible to achieve the 'Dennis Effect'!

The demo can be had here, http://www.corel.com They require an account setup but I think its worth the effort. Or try here http://www.download.com/3001-2187_4-10747944.html

Here is a little YouTube presentation, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UeI07Y6FdA
Corel Painter Essentials 4

My efforts attached.

Mike

[Edson]

let me add my 2$.

Jing (http://www.jingproject.com/): very nice and useful free screen capture/annotation app. it allows you to record videos too.

Rita (http://www.frykholm.se/rita.html): "Rita is a paint program for MacOS X that attempts to be limitless, flexible and easy to use. Unlike traditional paint programs Rita does not restrict you to a particular image size or resolution. Instead, it uses an infinite canvas. You can make the image as big as you like and zoom in as much as you want without ever encountering any big blocky pixels."

Shindler (http://www.1802.it/shindler.php): drag any folder on this app and it will produce a text list all its contents.

Justlooking (http://chipmunkninja.com/article/justlooking2): no-frills image viewer

VLC (http://www.videolan.org/): media player that supports a large number of formats. whenever quicktime refuses to go vlc does the trick.

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Edson,

That JingProject is a useful tool to have in the arsenal. I have downloaded but was disappointed to see that the ScreenCast site is currently down. However I did sign up for a Flikr account. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Mike

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Guys,

Here is a useful 2D Allpication, QCad. It has both Win and Mac versions and is very low cost. http://www.qcad.org/qcad.html

Mike

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Guys,

If you are half as unorganised as me you must be looking
for a good To-Do list maker, one that works!

I've tried a few and the 'list' system simply does not help
that much.

I've come across LifeShaker, a graphical slant on the To-Do
list maker. Check it out here,
http://www.funkycloud.com/lifeshaker/features.php

BTW, I was very impressed with the producer's web site and
tutorial videos, very entertaining in deed

Mike

[Edson]

have a look at MacBreakz (http://www.publicspace.net/MacBreakZ/), an application devised to help you prevent RSI. i have been using it for some days and it feels really good to take short breaks and stretch in the middle of a work session.

[Mike Lucey]

.... my cure for RSI is a cigarette break

[juju]

Messrs. Moderators, this topic should be a sticky I reckon!

[Burkhard]

Do anyone know a little prog which samples the program Icons on the desktop?
( Now I'm in the Mac family, too )

Burkhard

[Mike Lucey]

Welcome to the club Burkhard. I'm not clear on what
you are looking for! You might find something here,
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Graphics/Pixer.shtml

Mike

[Burkhard]

Thanks Mike. I am meaning an easy way to start my apps from the Desktop without folder structures. I have similar something for windows, where I can organize my apps and start quickly what I need ( without having the desktop blowup with copied Icons).

Burkhard

[Edson]

burkhard,

no need to do such a thing on a mac. if you just drag an application's icon to the dock it will be there for you all the time.

if you are not yet using the dock (a very handy system feature), have a look at it as it is very useful.

[Mike Lucey]

I understand what you are after now Burkhard. Yes, as Edson
says the Mac Dock is the most obvious way to do this but there
are quite a number of programs that also for customised (pullout)
docks, Dock Fun is one and it can be located here,
http://www.donelleschi.com/dockfun/

BTW, this company also produces Sticky Windows, I would be lost
without it

Mike

[Edson]

.... my cure for RSI is a cigarette break

well, then what is your cure for the cigarette breaks...?

[Burkhard]

Thanks Mike,

that what I was looking for.

[Mike Lucey]

.... my cure for RSI is a cigarette break

well, then what is your cure for the cigarette breaks...?

LOL, well Edson I do have a cure for ciggy breaks ... NicoGel!

Your welcome Burkhard

Mike

[Mike Lucey]

Anyone that is looking for a good 2D Drawing application that shakes hands
with SketchUp (via .skp import) might check out ViaCAD http://www.punchcad.com/products/viacad2d3d.htm

Its like SketchUp is some ways, a clean and uncluttered intreface and the
LogiCursor Thinks As You Draw Simple interface with LogiCursor
technology aids in visually anticipating your moves, partnering with you in
the design process.

I purchased this program when I had the PC but had difficulty importing
a .skp file. I have again tried the Mac version and the .skp import worked
fine. I am now seeing if I can get a replacement Mac lisense!

Mike

[kwistenbiebel]

Thanks Mike for that link,

It seems that Viacad has some tools that I always wished for to have in Sketchup.
Did you see how easy it is to chamfer edges, bend a shape, move vertex points etc...?

In that perspective it is ahead of Sketchup.

And a 2D function underneath, that's very cool.
I wonder how it would hold for architecture.
Can it do 2D double line polygons (walls) etc...?

[Mike Lucey]

Hi kwistenbiebel, just a quick update on ViaCAD. I only sent
the request to them yesterday for the license change and I
have received a link to the new Mac license this morning.
That's what I call great service

I'm not sure about the 'wall drawing function', I did not see
it there but will check it out. If its not there I imagine
ViaCAD might be coaxed into providing such a function.

ViaCAD 2D/3D is approx $100 but there is a 2D version for under
$50! I did not see a download available for this however.

Mike


PS: As Burkhard say below there is a double line tool here on
the pull-out menu / option.

[Edson]

have a look at finderpop (http://www.finderpop.com), a very useful free little app that enhances your conetxtual menus and allows you to see your folder organization without having to go the finder. it does for nothing what Filegazer does for $20,00.

EDIT: URL fixed.

[Burkhard]

There is a wall line tool under lines in the rollover menue.

correction: http://www.finderpop.com

[Mike Lucey]

3D Toolbox Build your own 3D CAD software!

http://www.microspot.com/products/3dtoolbox/index.htm

[TomDC]

Hmmm ... I gotta look into ViaCAD. Wonder how well it'll get along with SU. Would be nice to use it for bevelling SU stuff.

$ 99 ain't expensive either.

[Mike Lucey]

Its a nice program and not expensive

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Guys,

I must really start updating this thread as I have learned
about a load of nifty Mac applications over the past months.

Here is one that has just launched on the Apple site, 'Its
about time to learn to Switch to Mac'. The site blurb goes,

"It's About Time to Learn the Switch to Mac" is the most innovative learning tool ever created for Switchers. It’s all about teaching you the Mac by connecting the dots to Windows equivalents. When the instructor, Saied, teaches you a lesson on the Mac, you can then instantly try it on the virtual Mac that is built into the learning tool - an interactive experience unique to “It’s About Time Products.” From using the basics in Finder, to keyboard shortcuts, to using many Mac applications - you’ll “learn the Switch to Mac” very quickly. We think people learn better by trying it out for themselves, not by reading a 300 page manual. We also teach you amazing Mac only features."

http://www.itsabouttimeproducts.com/welcome/

While I think the app is a very good idea as it at least saves
a potential Switcher a trip to an Apple Outlet it falls down
badly not offering a demo. It seems its a buy only option at
$25. Still maybe good value! I don't know as I've switched
If anyone gives it a go let us know about it please.

Mike

[tomasz]

FreeMind-SCF Thread (open source project) helps me a lot with storing some useful information.

[Mike Lucey]

Thanks Tomasz for adding that link. I have also been looking
for a Mind Mapping App that will help me keep my stuff organised.

I have come across Personal Brain, http://www.thebrain.com/#-42
I have explored that app and feel I will get stuck into it when
I can spare a little time. It is really well thought out AND it
offers a free version also.

Mike

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Guys,

I've been looking for a simple / powerful app that would allow me to organise my stuff on the Mac. I wanted something that I felt comfortable with.

I have tried out quite a few but have not been converted as yet, that
is until I came across Note Book by Circus Ponies, http://www.circusponies.com/store/index ... d953633310

The above link is to the Video Tutorials page. Its well worth spending a little time checking these out.

What I like about Note Book is that is a very down to earth system that all of us are familiar with. The way Circus Ponies have put this system together is simple yet VERY effective.

I would value any opinions.

Mike