Mac Newbie Software Advice

[roughiain]

Hi

My wife just got a new 13" i5 mac book pro and need some recommendations on what software to use dvd ripping and decrypting, free games ect. Have no idea as I have never used a mac before. Have looked at cnet and a couple of other "Mac Starter Kit Threads" but they seem useless.

So let me know what you consider essential software that she should put on her new mac..

 

[Speedster]

For DVD ripping I use MactheRipper and / or DVDremaster. Still looking for any worthwhile free games.

You may also want to have a look here: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/281097-Macbook-Air-software-query

 

[Speedster]

You could also look at Mac DVDRipper: http://www.macdvdripperpro.com/

 

[roughiain]

Will check out the links DVD stuff you mentioned. Had already read the thread you posted.

Need simple stuff like best IM client or does everyone use iChat, best torrent program, best ftp client, pdf viewers reader ects.

Any help is appreciated

 

[Speedster]

Sorry - the thread link in my first post is wrong. Here is the correct url: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/290135-Ideal-Mac-Software

 

[roughiain]

Cool, will go though the apps in the second link you posted Speedster, Thanks for the help.

 

[greg0205]

Will check out the links DVD stuff you mentioned. Had already read the thread you posted.

Need simple stuff like best IM client or does everyone use iChat, best torrent program, best ftp client, pdf viewers reader ects.

Any help is appreciated

There are some pretty good suggestions in the thread Speedster pointed you to.
For the "simple stuff" you mention, you could also look at Nimbuzz and Adium for IM, they both support multiple network protocols (AIM, Gtalk, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Facebook and Twitter). Have a look at Transmission or uTorrent for torrents and Cyberduck for FTP... No need for a PDF viewer, Preview does that for you already.

 

[n3cr0]

I use SyncSyncSync (free app) to keep certain folders synced between my Mac and my external HDD and my laptop.

 

[Speedster]

For IM - Skype & iChat, for FTP I use Filezilla and I installed Adobe reader for a bit more advanced PDF readability. Preview is fine most of the time though

 

[GreGorGy]

For a free alternative, download VirtualDJ FREE HOME edition. It installs a DVD ripper for unknown reasons.
RipIt (http://thelittleappfactory.com/) and MacDVDRipper will be a more satisfying buyer experience than MacTheRipper.

 

[Rashaad_Sallie]

HI heres my 2cents:
IM Chat = ADIUM (has many IM accounts you can add)
To Do Lists = The Hit List
Image Viewer - ACDSEE

you may wanna checkout wtfmacos.ru