macs

Those Mac users who don't like using Safari may want an alternative. Netscape X for Mac is a solid option that performs well with all of the features expected of a good Web browser. The problem isn't with the program or how it works, it's actually a message from the publisher.

The browser is available fully functional for free. Netscape X for Mac downloaded quickly, but acceptance of a lengthy user agreement was required to use the application. Once the program starts, it gives the user the option to import all presets and bookmarks from their primary … Read more

Those with large DVD collections may want a program to back them up on their computer hard drives. If so, you'll pass on Mp4DVD for Mac, which didn't work well for us.

Available as freeware, Mp4DVD for Mac downloaded quickly and installation did not require any user interaction. It also didn't include any user instruction, and technical support did not appear to be available. Fortunately, the user interface was easy to use, albeit dated. The program asks the user to drag and drop a DVD icon into it for ripping. There are no options available for file … Read more

Some users may find modern Web browsers too complicated for basic Internet use. Minimalist Browser for Mac accomplishes its goal of presenting a less complicated browsing experience, but ultimately appears incomplete.

There were no unnecessary steps required to download and install Minimalist Browser for Mac. After installation, there did not appear to be any technical support for updates, but the first page in the browser was a rudimentary instruction page. The program, itself, is just a Web page window with no control or URL bar. Navigation is limited to a key combination that brings up a Google search and a … Read more

The beautiful LED keyboard backlight is perhaps one of the most beloved features of Mac laptops. With Lab Tick for Mac, users can now fine-tune their settings to customize this feature.

Installation of this app is a very easy drag-and-drop process. The interface is very straightforward and rudimentary, too. Once installed, Lab Tick for Mac will sit very conveniently on top of the menu bar while running in the background. When you click the icon on top of the menu bar, a slider will pop up, allowing you to adjust the brightness of your keyboard backlight. For the adventurous users, … Read more

Even though it's an excellent file browser, the standard file manager for Mac is lacking some features related to working with invisible system files. Kilometre for Mac aims to provide some extra features that are not supported by the Finder. Despite being functional, this file manager has a dated look and few features beyond displaying invisible files.

Kilometre for Mac downloads quickly and installs without much hassle. Technical support did not appear to be available, though. There were no user instructions, which would be a deterrent for some because the interface was not intuitive and the features were not … Read more

Users who handle large files may need an application to compress and extract them. Keka for Mac performs all of the functions expected of a file archive application, and has many options that would be useful for advanced users.

The program is free, and better yet, comes without any advertisements. The download and installation completed as quickly as expected. There did not appear to be any technical support or product updates available, and furthermore, there were no instructions, which less experienced Mac users might find disappointing since the program's options can be confusing. The user interface also lacks helpful … Read more

Pop-up advertising impacts most users' Web browsing experience. GlimmerBlocker for Mac blocks most advertisements adequately, all while stopping the need for reinstallation after browser updates.

Download of GlimmerBlocker for Mac completed quickly and the program installed as a separate application modified from the main computer preferences menu. Unlike other third-party ad blocking applications, this program is outside of the Web browser, itself, which prevents it from being deleted or modified when the browser updates. The application has no menu of its own during operations and works in the background to prevent animated ads from playing. Support for product updates is … Read more

The computer's cooling fan typically operates on default presets, but for those who want to customize, Fan Control for Mac is an easy-to-use application that adds the ability to control fan operation from the user's preferences menu.

The free application has no restrictions. Download completed quickly, but the program's installed location was difficult to find. The program, itself, is easy to use and installs an extra option on the computer's overall preferences menu. Once this is selected, an easy-to-read but dated menu appears. There are no user instructions, but they aren't really needed either. It … Read more

News updates and information are coming out every second on the Web and it's becoming substantially harder to keep up with everything. If you are someone who wants or needs to be on top of every news item, try using Shrook for Mac to ensure you never miss a beat. This news reader allows you to subscribe to and manage multiple news feeds so you are always notified about the latest updates.

Installation of Shrook for Mac is an easy drag-and-drop process which should only take a few seconds. Upon launching this application you'll notice that it looks … Read more