As we make our way through 2015, I thought it might be a good idea (for beginners and veterans alike) to post software that you found to be stable, consistent, enjoyable, and most of all a benefit in your professional or personal use.
When posting software recommendations, please post the category first, followed by the software title, version, current OS, and why you like the software etc.
Hopefully, it will make it a little easier for those reading to peruse, especially if they have never heard of some of the titles before.
These are just a few of the programs I use on a regular basis and feel comfortable recommending to others.
OS: Yosemite 10.10.1
Multimedia
Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate ver. 4.4.2 (Paid)
I have found the program to be easy to set up and use. Video conversion and burning has been quick and seamless. I havent had any crashes.
NoteBurner M4v Converter Plus ver. 4.0.3 (Paid)
I use this program to remove DRM from purchased iTunes movies, so that i can play them on any device, as well as backup purposes. Program has a very nice GUI and is very easy to use. I havent encountered any problems and the finished product looks just like the original.
NoteBurner Audiobook Converter ver. 2.0.3 (Paid)
I use this program to remove DRM from purchased iTunes audiobooks. Interface is easy to use and straightforward. It can take a while to convert a iTunes audiobook, depending on size. Quality of the audio is excellent with no distortion or low volume.
Waltr ver. 1.0.7 (Paid)
This program allows you to load and play any non-native video on your iOS device in a quick manner with no loss of quality. The speed at which this program works is amazing. I havent noticed in problems with playback or sound.
MetaMovie ver. 2.1.0 (Paid) MAS
Very good program for adding metadata to movies. In my opinion, it does a much better job (all around) than Subler. Highly recommended
iFlicks 2 ver, 2.0.2 (Paid) MAS
Similar to MetaMovie. i use this program to add metadata to downloaded t.v. shows. Very quick and has the option to add to iTunes after conversion. Like MetaMovie, it does all the work for you.
TuneSpan ver. 1.2.2 (Paid)
Very good program for spanning your iTunes library across different devices. Comes in handy for those who dont want to fill up their HDD or SSD Mac drive with a large, single iTunes library.
ScreenFlow ver. 5.0 (Paid)
Excellent program that allows you to make professional looking screen cast presentations and will even upload to YouTube and other places online for you. I havent used it a lot. However, what I have done has been fairly easy.
Internet
Little Snitch ver. 3.5.1 (Paid)
Excellent program to monitor incoming and outgoing connections with the internet and your programs. I have found the program fairly easy to use. If you make a mistake with a rule, it is very easy to correct. The program is always being updated and comes with an uninstaller. Highly recommend.
1Password ver. 5 (Paid)
Excellent multiplatform password manager. Good looking GUI and is easy to use. Developer and staff is very attentive to customer any problems or suggestions. Highly recommend.
Ghostery ver. 5.4.1 (Free) Safari extension
Excellent extension for blocking unseen trackers and advertisers on websites.
JavaScript Blocker ver. 4.1.19 (Free) Safari extension
Excellent extension for blocking javascripts on websites. Many of these come in the form of annoying pop ups and rogue malware. Easy to use and edit as needed.
AdBlock Plus ver. 1.8.9 (Free) Safari extension
A very good adblocker that has been around for a long time.
WOT (Web of Trust) ver. 2.0.17 (Free) Safari extension
Gives you a good idea of what is or isn't a safe website to peruse, by denoting with green, yellow, or red indicators on your website search
System
EntreCheck 2.1.6 (Free)
Excellent program that provides a good snapshot of the overall health of your Mac, as it relates to general hardware, OS, and programs. Any problems are noted in red.
AdwareMedic ver. 2.2 (Free)
Excellent program that is capable of recognizing and removing malware. The scan process is very fast and many members here have found it beneficial. Developers website is very informative as well.
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test ver. 2.2.2 (Free) MAS
This program was recently updated. It is very easy to use and will give you a good idea of the current speed of your HDD or SSD.
Trim Enabler ver. 3.3 Pro (Paid)
Very good program that enables TRIM on your Non Apple SSD. Developer is very responsive and also provides a free version. Many members here can attest to the quality of this app. Highly recommend.
TextWrangler ver. 4.5.12 (Free) MAS
Good program for editing system files or general files of different formats. I find this to be much better than TextEdit.
The Unarchiver ver. 3.9.1 (Free) MAS
Good program for opening compressed files. Can handle zip, rar, and many other file types.
When posting software recommendations, please post the category first, followed by the software title, version, current OS, and why you like the software etc.
Hopefully, it will make it a little easier for those reading to peruse, especially if they have never heard of some of the titles before.
These are just a few of the programs I use on a regular basis and feel comfortable recommending to others.
OS: Yosemite 10.10.1
Multimedia
Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate ver. 4.4.2 (Paid)
I have found the program to be easy to set up and use. Video conversion and burning has been quick and seamless. I havent had any crashes.
NoteBurner M4v Converter Plus ver. 4.0.3 (Paid)
I use this program to remove DRM from purchased iTunes movies, so that i can play them on any device, as well as backup purposes. Program has a very nice GUI and is very easy to use. I havent encountered any problems and the finished product looks just like the original.
NoteBurner Audiobook Converter ver. 2.0.3 (Paid)
I use this program to remove DRM from purchased iTunes audiobooks. Interface is easy to use and straightforward. It can take a while to convert a iTunes audiobook, depending on size. Quality of the audio is excellent with no distortion or low volume.
Waltr ver. 1.0.7 (Paid)
This program allows you to load and play any non-native video on your iOS device in a quick manner with no loss of quality. The speed at which this program works is amazing. I havent noticed in problems with playback or sound.
MetaMovie ver. 2.1.0 (Paid) MAS
Very good program for adding metadata to movies. In my opinion, it does a much better job (all around) than Subler. Highly recommended
iFlicks 2 ver, 2.0.2 (Paid) MAS
Similar to MetaMovie. i use this program to add metadata to downloaded t.v. shows. Very quick and has the option to add to iTunes after conversion. Like MetaMovie, it does all the work for you.
TuneSpan ver. 1.2.2 (Paid)
Very good program for spanning your iTunes library across different devices. Comes in handy for those who dont want to fill up their HDD or SSD Mac drive with a large, single iTunes library.
ScreenFlow ver. 5.0 (Paid)
Excellent program that allows you to make professional looking screen cast presentations and will even upload to YouTube and other places online for you. I havent used it a lot. However, what I have done has been fairly easy.
Internet
Little Snitch ver. 3.5.1 (Paid)
Excellent program to monitor incoming and outgoing connections with the internet and your programs. I have found the program fairly easy to use. If you make a mistake with a rule, it is very easy to correct. The program is always being updated and comes with an uninstaller. Highly recommend.
1Password ver. 5 (Paid)
Excellent multiplatform password manager. Good looking GUI and is easy to use. Developer and staff is very attentive to customer any problems or suggestions. Highly recommend.
Ghostery ver. 5.4.1 (Free) Safari extension
Excellent extension for blocking unseen trackers and advertisers on websites.
JavaScript Blocker ver. 4.1.19 (Free) Safari extension
Excellent extension for blocking javascripts on websites. Many of these come in the form of annoying pop ups and rogue malware. Easy to use and edit as needed.
AdBlock Plus ver. 1.8.9 (Free) Safari extension
A very good adblocker that has been around for a long time.
WOT (Web of Trust) ver. 2.0.17 (Free) Safari extension
Gives you a good idea of what is or isn't a safe website to peruse, by denoting with green, yellow, or red indicators on your website search
System
EntreCheck 2.1.6 (Free)
Excellent program that provides a good snapshot of the overall health of your Mac, as it relates to general hardware, OS, and programs. Any problems are noted in red.
AdwareMedic ver. 2.2 (Free)
Excellent program that is capable of recognizing and removing malware. The scan process is very fast and many members here have found it beneficial. Developers website is very informative as well.
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test ver. 2.2.2 (Free) MAS
This program was recently updated. It is very easy to use and will give you a good idea of the current speed of your HDD or SSD.
Trim Enabler ver. 3.3 Pro (Paid)
Very good program that enables TRIM on your Non Apple SSD. Developer is very responsive and also provides a free version. Many members here can attest to the quality of this app. Highly recommend.
TextWrangler ver. 4.5.12 (Free) MAS
Good program for editing system files or general files of different formats. I find this to be much better than TextEdit.
The Unarchiver ver. 3.9.1 (Free) MAS
Good program for opening compressed files. Can handle zip, rar, and many other file types.
Last edited:
