DEV.KevinPierpont.com

Having recently switched from using a PC to doing all my work on a very nice Macbook I’ve found the following programs indispensable. Those making the switch from PC to Mac may find this list helpful.

Quicksilver: “A unified, extensible interface for working with applications, contacts, music, and other data.” - This application is slick. I have it setup to activate by pressing the Command (Apple key) + spacebar keys and then use it to launch applications, open, move, copy and compress files, open folders, launch web pages and more. And I haven’t come anywhere close to using it to it’s fullest potential. The quicksilver docs and 43folders.com is probably as good a place as any to get started learning about using this amazing tool. Update (6/30/07): Here’s a very informative screencast to get you going — Quicksilver for Beginners

Firefox - I love this browser for all the add-ons that are available for it. Free.

NeoOffice - a very capable office suite. I’m finding I love the simplicity of this program and yet it has many powerful features too. Way cheaper than MS Office too. Free

Journler - I haven’t even scratched the surface of this application and yet I’m finding it very handy. Simply keep your thoughts and ideas and any other kind of information you can think of handy, tagged and easily searchable all in one place. “Freely available for personal use only, although a donation is requested.”

Audacity: Free Audio Editor and Recorder - this free audio editor is not a weakling. For preparing my sermon audio for the web this is a life saver. Used it on the PC, using it on the MAC. Free.

Switch - Audio File Format Converter Software. As powerful as Audacity is this app is the final stage for my audio as I prepare the MP3 that I’ll make available for download. Makes for a very high quality and relatively small file size for my sermon audio. I use the free version.

Google Talk - Sometimes I use the web based interface - other times I use Adium — this chat client works well with Google Talk. Free.

MacFreeware Update - This is a cool utility to help you keep your freeware up-to-date.

I’ll update this page as I find more great software for the Mac.