From time to time I get a wild hair and need to format my Mac and really start over with a clean slate. Most recently I’ve done it in response to a weird kernel panic I was getting. Here is the freeware that I installed right off the bat. Honestly you should too.
1. Google Chrome Browser
This is the very first thing I install. It allows me to easily download everything else on the list. Make it the default browser while you’re at it.
2. ClamXav
Best Anti-Virus hands down. Oh and it’s free.
3. Keka
Keka is a free file archiver for Mac OS X. Extracts: RAR, 7z, Lzma, Zip, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2, ISO, EXE, CAB, PAX, ACE – Compresses: 7z, Zip, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2
4. TextWrangler
TextWrangler is the powerful general purpose text editor, and Unix and server administrator’s tool. Good for light writing, coding or whatever.
5. Tweetdeck
Connect your Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin updates all together with this great program. If you are on Twitter or Facebook it is a must have application.
6. Evernote
I use Evernote for tons of different things. From clipping web sites to taking photos for later recall on my iPhone. It is a great application.
7. Adium
Do you have more than one instant messenger user? On both AIM and Yahoo AND MSN?!? Then Adium is for you. It allows you to connect all of them together and keep your chats in one simple program
8. Burn
Burn CDs, ISO files, DVDs. ‘Nuf said.
9. Caffeine
Caffeine is a tiny program that puts an icon in the right side of your menu bar. Click it to prevent your Mac from automatically going to sleep, dimming the screen or starting screen savers.
10. Remember
Remember is a to-do list application, focused on being straightforward and non- disruptive. Remember is a simple list of tasks, always available at your fingertips.