The majority of Mac users are "normal" users, that is, we use our equipment to surf the Internet and search for information, to write in the odd blog and / or for our studies. Today we are going to focus on this type of user who, although they do not need incredible applications for design or editing, they do want the best possible experience on their computers.
Next we will see a series of essential applications and tools; those that cannot be missing from any user's Mac computer. With them you can write as much as you want, keep your documents synchronized with other computers, manage your daily tasks and much more. Shall we start?
Native apps
We are going to divide this article into two sections. On the one hand, the native Apple applications that are already installed on our Mac; on the other hand, third-party applications that we can find inside or outside the App Store.
We started with the Apple applications that the company already provides us as part of the operating system itself. The following applications feature a optimal design and performance, plus seamless integration via iCloud with the rest of iOS devices you have. So, I will not recommend searching for alternatives Except for those users who have very specific needs.
- To surf the internet, Safari. I know that many of you will think "what about Chrome?" The bad thing about Chrome is that it consumes a lot of resources, not to mention the doubts that exist about privacy. With Safari you will have your favorites and bookmarks always available on all your devices, a reading list that you can use offline, you can complete it with extensions such as Pocket, ad blocker, and so on. In addition, it supports the "picture in picture" function.
- For managing your email, Email. The reasons are basically the same: very easy configuration and synchronization with the rest of the devices. There are tons of alternatives, but I prefer the one offered by Apple.
- Notes to manage your daily quick notes, or to store access data and other sensitive information that you can protect by password.
- And if you like to read, iBooks It offers you an incredible experience on Mac, with your books in iCloud (if you choose), syncing notes and bookmarks, and more.
- CalendarDespite the many alternatives, it is still the best option for the average user. Once again, its integration with the rest of the apple ecosystem continues to be its greatest asset.
Non-native applications
In this section we include all those applications that do not come standard included in macOS Sierra, whether they are the result of Apple or third-party developers.
- The Unarchiver (free) is the ideal option to decompress all types of files. I installed it with my first MacBook (about six years ago) and it has never failed me.
- Smart Converter (free) a simple video converter for practically any format. It also allows you to extract just the audio.
- T (free), is the most complete task management application that exists. It also includes a widget for the notification center. It offers a subscription mode but I have already told you that the vast majority of you are not going to need it.
- Telegram (free). Messaging is great, but if you want to communicate with everyone, whatever their mobile or desktop operating system, Telegram is the best option, without a doubt.
- Spotify (free). If you are not an Apple Music user, with Spotify and its free mode, music will always be with you on your Mac.
- Pocket (free). The best application to save now and read later. It syncs with the rest of your devices (it's cross-platform) and offers an extension for Safari with which you can add new articles with just one click.
- VLC (free) is the player that plays practically everything, regardless of the format.
- uTorrent (free), the best application to easily download all kinds of torrent files: books, movies, television series, music ...
- WordPress (free). If you have a blog on this platform, with its app for Mac you will enjoy writing much more. I assure.
- dropbox (free), to have all your files available anywhere. It works like one more folder, in fact it is my "Documents" folder. Optionally you can also choose Google Drive o iCloudDrive.
- Pages (free from the moment you buy any new equipment), Apple's "word" will never fail you and allows you to import and export in Word or PDF format, so you won't have compatibility problems.
- CleanMyMac (paid), the best option to keep your Mac clean and eliminate those apps that you no longer use without leaving a trace.