I am using a MacBook for the first time, but I am not sure which applications to install. I want to introduce productivity applications unique to Mac. There are numerous outstanding applications and software that should be installed on Mac. In this article, we will introduce recommended Mac applications that beginners using iMac or MacBook should install. We will also introduce divine applications that are available for free. Please try them out.
Google Chrome【WebBrowser No.1】
Google Chrome is an internet browser that enables you to view websites. MacBook comes with an internet browser called Safari pre-installed. However, Chrome has unique features that Safari does not possess.
For instance, while Safari requires manual updates, Chrome automatically updates itself. Additionally, by installing extensions, various functions become available. One such example is the ‘grt memo’ extension, which allows for easy note-taking on the browser. By installing this, there is no need to open a separate notepad, leading to time-saving benefits.
Evernote【Popular note-taking applications】
Evernote is an application that allows you to create notes, which possesses several features not found in traditional notepad applications.
For instance, data stored in notes can be synchronized across other devices via iCloud. This means that notes created on MacBook can be accessed from a smartphone through iCloud.
Additionally, image data can also be saved. When using a whiteboard during company meetings, for example, taking a photo of it and saving it as a note is possible.
Other features include the ability to use the web clipper function, which allows for easy note-taking of website information.
1Password【Eliminating the Hassle of Password Management】
1Password is an app that manages user IDs, email addresses, passwords, and more. Managing passwords when using web services can be very time-consuming.
1Password has a feature that automatically generates strong passwords for each web service, and users only need to remember one master password to manage these passwords.
The biggest feature is that it can easily manage passwords while avoiding reuse of passwords. In addition, the password vault can be shared by creating groups within members.
Security measures such as authentication and usage status reporting when adding members are also in place, minimizing risks.
VirusBarrier Scanner【Free virus protection】
VirusBarrier Scanner is an application designed for MacBook users to guard against viruses and malware. Its essential features for virus protection, such as automatic updating, disk scanning, scheduling, and quarantining and deleting dangerous files, are all available for free.
In particular, the application offers added reassurance by accommodating not only Mac-compatible malware, but also malware for Windows. As a result, users can feel secure in their use of this software.
The premium version is also highly praised, so I encourage you to consider it.
BetterSnapTool【Efficient Management】
BetterSnapTool is a convenient app for optimizing window operations. While it is possible to manipulate windows without using an app, it can be inconvenient. With BetterSnapTool, splitting windows becomes effortless, and it can even split your screen into four parts, displaying them in the upper right, lower right, lower left, and upper left. Moreover, it is also handy to set shortcut keys to adjust windows without using the mouse.
The action of moving between the keyboard and the mouse surprisingly impairs work efficiency.
Therefore, let’s make use of shortcut keys as much as possible to speed up our work.
PopClip【Expand the text selection feature】
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PopClip is an application that offers various functionalities when text is copied, among other things. Its most notable feature is the web search function for copied words.
When encountering an unfamiliar English word or a word of interest, it is common to copy and paste the word into the search bar. By utilizing the search function, search results can be displayed without the hassle of copying and pasting.
Additionally, the range of application can be expanded by using its extension feature. For instance, using the Amazon extension feature allows for the display of Amazon search results, while the Google Maps extension feature allows for the display of a location by copying its address into Google Maps.
Skitch【Free Image Editor】
Skitch is an application that allows for the addition of shapes and text to screenshots and images. Have you ever found the need to add some information to an image saved through a screenshot?
While the standard features of a Mac allow for the taking and saving of screenshots, they are limited to that extent. With Skitch, in addition to taking screenshots, users can add shapes such as arrows or rectangles, as well as input text onto the captured image.
The application also includes a cropping function, allowing for the removal of unwanted parts before saving the image. Additionally, users have the option to apply mosaic processing to areas they do not wish to share.”
Alfred【Popular Launcher App】
Alfred is an incredibly convenient launcher application that saw the release of Alfred 5 in July 2022.
By entering the name of the desired application into the search bar, Alfred displays a list of corresponding candidates, allowing for quick and easy launching of the application. This is especially useful as searching for the intended application from the list of all applications can be time-consuming.
In addition to application searches, Alfred allows for Google, Amazon, and other searches, as well as file searches within the MacBook. The display of Alfred’s search bar can be freely customized by configuring shortcut keys.
MindNode【MindMap Creator】
MindNode is an application primarily used for creating mind maps.
Mind maps refer to the process of visualizing thoughts and ideas by connecting them with lines. In the workplace, mind maps are used in a variety of situations, such as generating new ideas or identifying the necessary components to achieve goals.
With MindNode, this process can be executed on a MacBook. Its features and user interface are both simple and efficient, making it easy to work without any stress.
Additionally, it is possible to create a custom theme by freely setting line thickness and color according to your own preferences.
Be Focused Pro【Recommend Task Management】
Be Focused Pro is an app that can be used for task management. While there are many task management apps available, what sets Be Focused Pro apart is that it is based on the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity strategy that involves breaking tasks down into intervals of work time followed by short breaks. This helps to maintain focus and avoid burnout while increasing productivity. Be Focused Pro allows you to set a timer for your work intervals and breaks, making it easy to implement the Pomodoro Technique into your workflow.
ImageOptim【Images Compressor】
ImageOptim is an application that can be used for compressing and optimizing images. By removing attached information from image data and optimizing them without deteriorating the quality, the capacity can be significantly reduced.
If you are unaware of the fact that your disk space is being compressed due to a large amount of image data, it is recommended to compress the images regularly.
CleanMyMac X【Mac Optimize】
CleanMyMac X is an application that cleans up unnecessary files to achieve comfortable performance and optimize storage on Mac.
It is recommended for users who are having trouble with slow Mac performance or who want to enhance virus protection and security. Although it is a paid application, it has received high user ratings and can be considered an essential app worth investing in.
KeyboardCleanTool【Keyboard Cleaner】
It is not possible to disable the keyboard on a MacBook by default. Therefore, when cleaning the keyboard, it is necessary to shut down all running applications and turn off the power. However, shutting down the power for cleaning purposes can be inconvenient.
This is where “KeyboardCleanTool” comes in. It is a simple tool that disables keyboard operation on a Mac. This enables easy cleaning of the keyboard even while the computer is powered on.
Conclusion
By installing apps on your MacBook, you can take advantage of new and useful features. If you use your MacBook for work, using apps can significantly increase your productivity. Even if you use it for personal reasons, it can greatly enhance your user experience. All the apps introduced in this article are highly recommended, so feel free to install them and enjoy their benefits.
