Essential macOS applications are the core programs needed to run your computer smoothly.
Essential macOS applications are the core programs needed to run your computer smoothly.
A few years back I entered the macOS community, after spending years as a Windows enthusiast. While excited about the sleek Mac interfaces, I experienced a bit of culture shock initially. Still, I don’t like Finder much—it feels less than ideal compared to Windows Explorer. Early on, I started organizing a selection of applications, mixing free and paid options, to help ease my transition. This post aims to inspire others to share their top Mac applications? Here’s what I’m listing: Bettersnap – a snapping tool for Edge https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bettersn...5580?mt=12 Magnet – another snapping utility https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/magnet/i...8766?mt=12 Monosnap – a handy screenshot app https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/monosnap...8655?mt=12 istat – a useful utility for network, drive, and power info https://bjango.com/mac/istatmenus/ NZBGETCONNECT - sends to nzbget in Safari https://github.com/BreeeZe/NZBGetConnect/releases Unplug your MacBook without putting it to sleep https://code.google.com/p/macosx-nosleep-extension/ Caffeine (especially helpful when working from home with a VPN) https://lightheadsw.com/caffeine/ Display my desktop – a convenient and free option https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/show-my-...8370?mt=12
It's fascinating how window snapping isn't available on macOS yet. Whenever I use a Mac at school, I often have to manually drag the windows to fit together properly. Even then, they don't align perfectly and still seem misaligned. Maybe I'm missing something.
You can achieve this using the same approach as Windows, but you haven't been able to find a solution yet.
At first I focused on tools to restore the old Windows experience. Important apps also include Microsoft Office (the macOS edition is much better than the native version), CleanMyMac (missing ccleaner was a letdown), Parallels Desktop (great virtualization on Mac), Flume (a stylish Instagram alternative), and Airmail 3 (the default email client feels too basic).
I also suggest: Bartender (helps conceal status bar icons, etc.), Amphetamine or Caffeine (prevents session from timing out, both work similarly; first is newer), iTerm is another excellent terminal alternative, and Find Any File (a powerful search tool that lets you locate files across your Mac and connected drives using names).