Being a recent convert to the secret society of Mac users, I’ve spent some time trying out different “.apps”. I’ve come across a lot of advice, tips, tricks, app recommendations and so forth concerning the Apple OS. So what I’ve done here is compile my own list of recommended apps. I hope it’s useful to someone. It’s far from comprehensive and mostly based on my personal opinions.

13.) Transmit 3
Not the only FTP client available for the Mac, but of the ones I’ve tried it’s definitely the best currently available. On Windows I used cuteFTP 7 Pro, it served it’s purpose but at times it was overly complex for my needs. Transmit solves this issue with simplicity and a navtive OS feel.

My only complaint or wish for Transmit would be the ability to synch the folders offline with the ones online. What I mean by this is if I click a folder offline to open it the corresponding folder online would open as well. Transmit may already do this, but I haven’t been able to accomplish it.

12.) Delicious Library
As a person who owns far too many DVDs, Games, CDs and books this program is a must have. It’s ability to catalog all your hard copy entertainment media in a digital, search-able format is priceless. I think it’s a beautifully rendered and executed app as well.

11.) AppZapper
100% Necessary, ’nuff said.

10.) Parallels
A must for web-developers, this program allows you to install windows on your Intel based Mac. I guess this is so you can see what your missing… Oh, and also so you can test your web-sites in a crappy browser or two.

It’s very smooth and I haven’t had any real issues with it so far. The 20 minutes a day I spend testing in IE 6 and 7 was well worth the cost. (I rolled my eyes while typing that last line.)

9.) On The Job
I use this program daily, it tracks my work hours. It let’s me know when I start losing money on my client work. Also it’s great as a tracking tool for those rare times when a client goes crazy 25 hours into the project and you need to “justify” your no refund policy.

8.) MAMP
Apache, MySQL and PHP a necessary combo for most web programmers and designers. This package makes installation and setup of the three insanely easy, literally two clicks and shows on!

I use this to develop locally. You can also configure all the raw files so it works well for code tinkerers too!

7.) Quicksilver
Cannot live without this. The sheer power and time-saving abilities of this beautiful program are amazing. I love quicksilver, and it loves me back… All night long

6.) TextMate
Although I miss the ease of use and flexibility of EditPlus 2 on Windows, TextMate makes up for it with a load of functionality. My only gripe would be that TextMate customization has a steep learning curve.

5.) SnapNDrag
I like watching DVDs while I work but unfortunately the grab utility that comes with OS X doesn’t allow you to take screen shots while the DVD player is running.

I found this app after searching google, and it’s great. I can take all kinds of screen shots without having to quit anything. Me likey.

4.) OmniOutliner
OO comes with Mac OS X, and it’s one of those hidden treasures. I use it to plan databases and make lists and stuff. Quite useful.

3.) Flip4Mac
Wanna watch videos online? Wanna watch .wmvs? Get Flip4Mac. It’s very smooth and I don’t notice any lag or issues when trying to view windows based media.

2.) Firefox 2
No Brainer. Seriously download this browser and use it.

1.) RCDefaultApps
One thing I dislike about Mac OS X is the inability to change default applications and make file extension associations system wide. This app—which adds itself to your preferences pane—gives you just that ability. It’s free and it’s a must have like AppZapper and Firefox.

I hope you found this list helpful. Thanks for reading.