Must-Have Apps for OS X

| Open Source Os X Wiki

Since Steve just got himself a shiny new Powerbook, and asked for a list of apps he should throw on it, I decided to blog the list. Here is my "must-have" list of apps for OS X (unless otherwise noted, everything is either freeware or open source):

  • Adium - multi-service IM client. Themes, plugins, icon sets - everything you could ever want to customize your IM experience (and it's faster than AIM).
  • Azureus - Best torrent client for OS X, even if it is Java.
  • BBEdit - If you can't afford BBEdit, you can download TextWrangler for free. not free
  • BookIt - Keep your bookmarks synced up across all the browsers you've got installed on your machine. not free
  • Chicken of the VNC - Nothing else needs to be said. It is the chicken of the VNC world - light on the calories, long on possibilities.
  • Conversation - My favorite IRC client for OS X.
  • Instiki - Best wiki out there, period, especially on OS X.
  • MarsEdit - For to be editing your blog. not free
  • NetNewsWire - Best newsreader on any platform. Pay for it, because it's friggin' worth it (and so you can use the beta). not free (although there is NNW Lite)
  • NVu - I use it as a word processor when I don't feel like writing documentation in HTML or on my wiki (you know, when you have to use an existing template). HTML editing goodness that just keeps getting better.
  • OmniOutliner - Why don't other platforms have decent outlining software? Before Instiki, I couldn't live without OmniOutliner. Even now, it's great for brainstorming, taking notes during meetings, and making lists. not free
  • OnyX - A must-have for Powerbooks; OnyX runs all those BSD maintenance scripts that are supposed to run at 3 A.M., but never do because your laptop is sleeping.
  • SubEthaEdit - The first and best collaborative text editors. Great for taking notes at conferences, in meetings (with other people smart enough to have Powerbooks and bring them to meetings), etc. semi-not free
  • Tigerlaunch - Nice little menu item that has all your applications in it. Great when you don't have something in your dock, but need to start it up.
  • Transmit - A great FTP Client with right-click editing of text files in your favorite text editor. Very cool. not free (check out Fugu or Cyberduck if you're a cheap bastard).
  • VLC - For watching all the TV shows you download with Azureus. It plays everything, and plays it well.

There you have it (and I can't believe I kept it alphabetical). I didn't include stuff that should have come with the machine, like iPhoto (even though it's amazing) or Safari. Am I missing anything?