Useful OS X software
Posted on February 27, 2003
Revised on February 10, 2005
We have to keep in mind that OS X is an immature operating system (Update: With the release of version 10.3, I think I can now say OS X is fairly mature), lacking many features that one would expect from a successor to OS 9. In fact, we should think of it as OS 1, because it really is a brand new system in its first incarnation.
However, all hope is not lost. There are plenty of independant developers out there who are creating tools and applications to help round out OS X. The ones listed on this page are only some of them. If you have a favourite freeware or shareware application you'd like to recommend, please let me know.
Finder enhancers
FruitMenu
(shareware)
Haxie that gives you the ability to customize the Apple Menu and contextual
menus.
Labels
X (shareware)
Returns label colours to the Finder.
Print
Window (freeware)
Returns the ability to print Finder windows.
LaunchBar
(shareware)
Excellent tool to open apps, files, URLs, and e-mails by typing abbreviations,
without using the mouse. It adapts to user behaviour. Used properly, it
can replace the dock and other screen clutter.
Butler
(freeware, formerly Another Launcher)
File launcher with hot keys, bookmark manager, Web search menus, customizable
menus, and more.
iKey (shareware,
formerly the freeware YoupiKey)
Macro automation tool with hot keys, menu, and timer.
MenuCalendar
(freeware)
Small calendar drawer for the menu bar.
Dragthing
(shareware)
Dock replacement.
LiteSwitch
(shareware)
Enhanced keyboard application switcher.
Utilities
Onyx
(freeware)
General purpose maintenance utility that simplifies the use of advanced
UNIX functions and gives access to hidden Mac OS X settings.
Dragster
(freeware) (No longer being developed and not necessary with newer
versions of OS X)
Assists you in resetting your system user settings, by trashing your old
preferences and forcing the system to rebuild new ones.
BatchMod
(freeware)
Great tool that manipulates file and folder privileges, and also force
empties the trash.
FileType
(freeware)
Utility to change the file types (type and creator) of files.
Kilometre
(freeware)
Change file visibility, file types, Unix permissions, etc.
DropObliter8
(freeware)
AppleScript application that force-empties stubborn Trash items (essentially
runs the "rm" Unix command).
Print
Center Repair (shareware) (No longer necessary with newer
versions of OS X)
Helps repair multiple Print Center problems. (Panther version also available.)
BootCD (freeware)
Creates an OS X boot CD.
Applications
Notes
(freeware)
Notepad replacement.
ClipIt
(freeware) or ClipEdit
(freeware)
Edits text clippings.
Use British spelling in your searches