If you’ve heard the phrase, “Once you go Mac, you never go back,” you know it holds true. Macs offer amazing features, apps, and top-notch desktop programs supplied by Apple. But there are.
Paint.NET offers users an intuitive interface and blazing fast performance. Furthermore, advanced photo-editing features like image layers, special effects, powerful enhancement tools, and more, all for free, make Paint.NET a clear choice for users to have. Download Paint.NET for free (.zip).
Standard macOS users (i.e. Accounts without administrator rights) can disable protection, and set scan exclusions, but not uninstall the program. We could not find a means of password protecting the settings. Users who share their Mac with someone else should be aware that it’s thus not possible to prevent other users disabling protection.
Much of the preinstalled default apps on a MacOS computer is actually really good. But like any new computer, there is always new stuff you can add to make your user experience just that little bit better.
During the seven years I have used a Mac computer, there are some apps which were a case of “love at first install”. I would now like to share that love with you.
Alfred
Most Mac users are content with using Spotlight for launching their apps. After all, Spotlight is already built into MacOS by default. But if you want something a bit more powerful under the hood, then consider upgrading to Alfred.
If you give it access to all areas of your computer, it will search everywhere for you when you put in a search term – your Finder files, installed apps, contacts, calendar, email, browser bookmarks, the whole lot. You can also control your Spotify music and iTunes music using Alfred.
The app launcher part of Alfred is free. The paid upgrade is only if you want to use extra features such as “workflows” (similar to MacOS’s Automator app or iOS’s Shortcuts).
I highly recommend you pay the money for this extra function because once you get the hang of things like the workflows, you will never touch that trackpad or mouse ever again.
Amphetamine
No, not the drug. Amphetamine, in this case, is a small MacOS app which stops the screen from going to sleep or switching over to the screensaver.
Since the longevity of your laptop battery (assuming you have a Mac laptop) is measured by its ability to power down on a regular basis, you should not have Amphetamine on all the time.
But for those moments when sleep mode or the screensaver would be a huge inconvenience, this is a nice little free app to have standing by.
AppCleaner
The bane of any computer’s existence are the crap files left behind by a departing uninstalled file. Even though you think all of the remnants of the uninstalled app are gone, there are bound to be a few bits and bytes hiding out clogging up the MacOS pipes.
AppCleaner solves this problem neatly by uninstalling apps properly. Consider it the Revo Uninstaller of Macs. By dragging the app you want to uninstall onto AppCleaner, it will hunt your entire computer hard-drive and present to you every connected file which you can then safely delete.
Bartender
The more programs you install, the more crowded that top bar next to the clock is going to get. For minimalists like myself, that can become very stressful.
Bartender is an app which takes all of those running program icons and groups them together, hiding them from view. They are still there – you just have to click the Bartender icon and the hidden icons will be revealed.
A very simple tool but once you have it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
ItsyCal
The Apple Calendar app is OK as it goes. But I don’t always want to have to open the calendar app if I only need to check a date. That’s a bit like using a bazooka to kill a buzzing insect – overkill.
If you need something small, unobtrusive and which shows you your appointments for the next week or so, check out the free lightweight ItsyCal. It shows the date next to your clock, and clicking on it shows a calendar and your appointments underneath (synced from your calendar of choice – mine is Google Calendar).
Being an entrepreneur is a very rewarding experience, but it can be quite challenging when it comes to staying organized. Apps are a great way for every business owner to stay organized and on top of their day-to-day business activities. Here are 13 essentials apps that every entrepreneur should have on their mobile devices.
Evernote allows you to write and store notes within the app, and you can access them from anywhere. You can record audio notes, pictures and web screenshots (with their “clipper” tool) as well. On top of that, whatever you save in Evernote can be shared and sent to the rest of your team.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
2. Dropbox
Well-known on desktop platforms, Dropbox is a great app for remotely storing your documents, photos, videos and other files. You can also edit documents within the app and easily share your files with team members or clients from multiple devices.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
3. Skype
Apps All Mac Users Should Have To Start
Skype is a handy communication tool that offers free instant messaging, video and voice calls, and file sharing. Its paid features include mobile and landline calls, text messaging and access to Skype Wi-Fi public hotspots. It’s a great, low-cost option that facilitates communication and collaboration with team members.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
4. PayPal
Especially useful if you are dealing with a lot of freelancers, it’s a good idea for every entrepreneur to have PayPal installed on his or her mobile device to easily pay and receive money for business transactions. It’s also a good way to track transactions for anyone with a website or e-commerce storefront utilizes the payment service.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
5. Dashboard for Google Analytics
Dashboard for Google Analytics allows you to quickly access and track your key performance indicators (KPIs) through the Google Analytics service. It will give you a nearly real-time view of your site’s visitors and their activities (including goal conversions) while you’re on the go.
Compatibility: iOS
6. Buffer
This app lets you read articles now and schedule them to post on multiple social media channels later. You can also use Buffer as a scheduling tool for general social media usage to help you keep up with your customers.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
7. Genius Scan
Genius Scan turns your phone into a portable scanner. After scanning documents or images, you can send them via email or PDF. You can also crop and adjust the perspective of images, and it’s compatible with Box and Dropbox, allowing you to scan, adjust, archive and share files from a single app.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
8. Hipmunk
If you travel quite often, you can get great deals on hotels and flights with Hipmunk. It also compiles contextual data (e.g. number of layovers, amenities, schedules, etc.) and allows users to rank choices to help determine their best business travel options.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
9. OpenTable
Apps All Mac Users Should Have Free
Whether you’re dining with a client or just looking for a nice spot to eat, OpenTable is your best option to make online reservations and to read reviews on potential restaurants. If you’re a restaurateur, this app is even more essential. OpenTable allows restaurants to accept reservations from multiple outlets, including Facebook and Twitter; it also offers email services that allow you to send out special offers and other marketing collateral to select patrons.
Apps All Mac Users Should Have One
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
10. Amazon
Not just for books or music, the Amazon app can help you organize and purchase goods or make wish lists to further your business. With their wide-range of offerings, Amazon’s app is a must-have for all your business shopping needs.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
11. Jibbigo
Do you often find yourself in different countries or around others that speak different languages? If so, you should download Jibbigo to your phone to help you translate both voice and text. You even have the option to download languages offline. As a free service that translates over 20 different languages, it’s an indispensable app for any business traveler.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
Mac Users Forum
12. Free Wi-Fi Finder
Those who are constantly on the go know how convenient Wi-Fi hotspots can be. Luckily, Free Wi-Fi Finder can do the searching for you, allowing you to save the time and the headaches involved with scrambling for internet service.
Mint makes it easy to stay updated with your finances and manage your savings while on the go. You can easily create budgets, set goals and record business expenses. It also offers email and mobile alerts, as well as bill payment reminders to help you stay on top of both your personal and business finances.
Mac Computers
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Apps All Mac Users Should Have Won
There are many apps out there to help entrepreneurs, and these resources are a great way to get started. With these apps, you’ll have what you need to stay organized and help your business grow and thrive.