When friends I know switch to a Mac, they often ask me two questions:

1. What software would you recommend?
2. What are some tips you can give me to use it better?

Since I find myself answering these questions over and over again, I figure it would be better to just write a blog post about them for people to reference. Let's start with question number 1.

Now, this list is not intended to be exhaustive and complete--just what I think is essential. There are a number of apps that other Mac users would suggest but these are what I use frequently and they have a definite bent toward increasing general work productivity. Using my Mac quickly and efficiently is a big thing for me so that's what these apps should help you accomplish!

Launchbar

This is my number one recommendation. Launchbar is what you would call a launcher--an app that helps you launch other apps. It sounds completely unnecessary, but in practice you will find yourself doing things dramatically faster on your computer. I didn't get it either until I tried it out.

The app allows you to do many things you would normally do with your mouse in Finder but with your keyboard instead. A general rule of thumb with computer use is that it's much faster to use a keyboard shortcut to do something than move around your mouse. By using an app like this, you'll increase your work productivity enormously.

The app has a system-wide shortcut that pops down a small bar at the top of your screen. On my computer, it's command-space. So, for example, if I need to go to Amazon.com while writing an email, I could do it quickly by typing command-space, period (this tells Launchbar I want to go to a web address), amazon, enter. Launchbar would then launch Safari and go straight to Amazon.com. That's much faster than taking you hand off the keyboard, dragging your mouse to the dock, clicking on Safari, then typing in www.amazon.com.

Another great feature of Launchbar is that it quickly searches your computer based on an index. Yes, Max OS X's built-in Spotlight function does this too but Launchbar is much faster and will show results from a partial search query. So for example, Launchbar allows you to open up a document called "Class Notes" by typing C-L-N-O or C-L-A-S or L-A-T-E-S. If you typed in the last combination, the right file would probably be near the bottom of the list, but you get the idea.

Launchbar isn't limited to searching for files; it can also search address book entries, songs in iTunes, web browsing history, and much more. You just have to tell it what to include in the search indexing.

Launchbar is a paid app but there are many other alternatives to it, such as the free and popular Quicksilver. I just prefer Launchbar because it very quick, minimalistic, and reliable.

Default Folder X

This app is more like a service that runs in the background. Basically, whenever you open a file dialog, like to open a file, you'll see additional options on the side. Then, with a quick click, you can go to a recent folder, favorite folders, or a folder that's open in the Finder. It's a HUGE time saver!

1Password

I used to be one of those people that used the same password for everything. Unfortunately, that's extremely idiotic. But if you do have different passwords, how do you keep track of them all? 1Password is the answer! It keeps track of all your passwords and allows you to easily log into sites at the click of a button. It can also generate random passwords for you, eliminating the need to think of something clever every time you sign up for a new account, and reducing the likelihood of someone being able to guess the password.

You're probably worried about the security of having all your passwords stored on your computer but don't worry. The password database is encrypted and you need a master password to open it up. Just make sure you have a secure master password that isn't easy to guess. Be sure to back up your password database frequently too so you don't lose access to important sites if you hard drive crashes.

Stuf

Stuf is a clipboard manager, which allows you to save multiple copies/cuts in your computer's memory. This means that you don't have to worry about copying or cutting over something else in your clipboard accidentally and you can recall items that you copied or cut in the past. You can even save previous items and share them with other people on your network who are also using Stuf.

There are a lot of other clipboard managers out there so you don't necessarily need to use this one. But I've found it pretty versatile and I really like the network sharing function.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a free little app that does one simple thing: it keeps your computer from going to sleep. This is especially useful when you're watching something online or doing anything else at your computer that doesn't require you to use the mouse or keyboard. I use it when I'm watching video tutorials or when I'm editing a long video.

Caffeine stays unobtrusively in your menubar and looks like an empty latte cup. When you click on it, it appears full of coffee and activates to prevent sleeping.

iStat Menus

iStat Menus is a menubar app that shows your CPU usage, network speed, memory usage, CPU temperature, etc. If you're a minimalist, you might not like this app because it can clutter your menubar a bit, but it's very useful for monitoring what your computer's doing.

For example, I use it to monitor CPU usage while I'm encoding videos. This helps me make sure I'm maximizing the speed of my computer. I also use it to monitor my Internet connection, which allows me to see how much data I'm uploading or downloading, or if my connection is stalled and I'm not transferring anything. Or every once in a while, I'll have an app that's gone berserk or is hogging all the memory. I can see that on the menubar and quickly terminate the offending app.

In my last blog entry, I wrote about my most essential Mac applications for everyday productivity improvement. This time, I'm going to write about my most essential Mac tips for new users. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to Mac awesomeness!

How to think like a Mac

Though the fundamentals of using a Mac and PC are similar, Macs have a very different way of "thinking" that I believe is much more intuitive and user-friendly. Most people think Macs are just prettier PCs, but they are actually designed very differently.

Let's start by understanding the Mac's interface design principles. This is important because the interface is what you interact with constantly. It's as important in a computer as it is in a car. An interface should allow you to intuitively use the device without getting in the way of the task at hand. The Mac operating system and most software designed for the platform follow these rules:

1. Simple: The interface is uncluttered so you can easily access the most often-used and most important functions.
2. Logical: The arrangement of the interface readily makes sense to most users and the buttons' functions can easily be identified without looking them up in a manual.
3. Consistent: The interface does not change during use but it generally stays the same so you can always find what you need fast.

That brings us to the first tip...

Don't minimize windows!

The Mac was designed for having multiple windows open on your screen at a time. Initially, that seems to fly in the face of simplicity but let me explain. By keeping your windows consistently open, you reduce the need to constantly reorient yourself with each application you switch to.

Notice the menubar. It is designed very different from the PC menu, which attaches to each window. On the Mac, the menubar stays consistently at the top of the screen. This provides (1) consistency in the interface, (2) less clutter on each window, and (3) simpler, smaller windows.

So follow that same way of thinking and try not to minimize windows. You will spend much less time worrying about the state of the windows and spend more time being productive. You'll be more like a pro juggler, spinning those balls around in circles, rather than stuck in a modal way of thinking, like a wannabe juggler who can only hold onto one ball at a time.

However, in order for this tip to be effective, you have to follow the next tip...

Don't maximize windows!

If you're always maximizing windows, you'll be covering up other apps. So keep your windows as small as makes sense for your task. Not only does it let you see something in the background, but it groups the information on your screen better, especially if it's text.

Hide your windows

If you really must not see your windows, hide them instead of minimizing them. It's much quicker and cleaner because the window won't go down to your dock. Just press Command-H to hide your current window or press Command-Option-H to hide all other windows.

How do you open the window back up? Read on to the next tip...

Use Command-Tab to switch between apps

Every time you move your hand from the keyboard to the mouse, you waste precious seconds in your work. Learn to utilize keyboard shortcuts to increase productivity dramatically. The most important shortcut to learn is Command-Tab, which allows you to switch between applications. Here's how to use it:

• Tap Command-Tab to switch to the previously used application.
• Hold down Command and tap Tab to show all your open applications. Press Tab repeatedly to get to the app you want. Press ` (the button above Tab) to go left. Let go of Command to go to the selected application or press Esc to cancel.
• Hold down Command and tap Tab to show all your open applications. Then navigate to the desired application using the keys mentioned previously and press Q to quit the app or H to hide the app.

If you happen to switch to an app that has no windows currently open and just shows the menubar, in most cases, you can press Command-N to launch a new window.

Memorize these easy-to-learn shortcuts! They will speed up your life and will become second-nature.

Switch between windows in the current app

Equally important to learn is Command-` (the button above Tab), which switches between open windows within the current application. Again, this helps you navigate between windows quickly and not have to minimize/maximize or take your hand off the keyboard.

Quit quitting apps!

Use Command-W to close the window.

So okay, first off, the way of doing things on a Mac is in general, similar but different from a PC. For example, the question you have about maximizing a window is a bit irrelevant because maximizing is not really the way we do things in the Mac world. If you really need to maximize, you can press the round green button on the top left corner of the window. Then you would press it again to restore the window to its former size. Or you can drag the lower right corner of the window out and that will resize it.

BUT...this is why I say we do things differently in the Mac world... You will notice that in Windows, the way you work is kind of like one application at a time. You maximize, minimize, click on the task bar on the bottom, etc. In the Mac world, we're more comfortable with having multiple programs up at the same time so you can really multitask. For example, if you open up Photoshop on Windows and Photoshop on Mac, they look different because on Windows, there is a gray background behind the image windows that blocks your view of all other applications. On the Mac, there is no gray background and you can see your desktop. That means I can have multiple applications open at the same time and can see past the windows to other programs. This is more realistic, like having paper on your desk and arranging them so you can see too sheets at one time. Does that make sense? So if you get in the habit of having multiple windows open at the same time, you'll see that you save a lot of time. Try not to minimize things too much.

The best way to start off is to learn a few essential shortcuts so you don't have to use the max/minimize buttons...

Command-Tab: Switch between running applications (Hold Command and press Tab repeatedly to move to the right)

Command-`: Switch between running applications (Same but moves to the left)

Command-H: Hide the application

Command-Option-H: Hide all other applications

Command-W: Close the current window (not quit the entire program)

Command-Q: Quit the current program

Learn these shortcuts first and they will dramatically improve your productivity. Command-Tab is very important because it keeps you from having to reach for your mouse every time you need to switch applications. Command-H and Command-Option-H are very important because this will keep you from worrying about maximizing and minimizing. You don't need to do that when you can hide applications. But do note that I rarely use the hide commands because I usually just have multiple windows open at the same time. Get in the habit of using Command-W and Command-Q as well because that will save you a lot of time.

One quick way of quitting many applications at once is to combine a couple of these shortcuts: (1) Push Command-Tab and keep the Command key pushed down. Push the Tab key multiple times until you reach the application you want to hide or quit. While still holding down Command, press H or Q over that application. It will hide or quit without ever having to see the application again. (Unless you have an unsaved document open.)

Make sure you learn the expose shortcuts too:

F9: Show all windows across all applications

F10: Show all windows in current application

F11: Show desktop

F12: Dashboard

Once you press F9 or F10, you also don't have to go back to your mouse. You can use the arrow keys to select the window you want.

Keyboard Shortcuts

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343

Software

iWork

Software bundles...also give to charity