From Windows To OS X
The Applications
17 September 2004 Ryan J. Bonnell Skip to comments
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In this article, Justin Williams & Ryan J. Bonnell offer real world advice to help you get accustomed to the many applications that are available for OS X and hopefully help you figure out which applications will get YOUR job done.
Part of switching to a new computing platform is learning the “in’s and out’s” of the new system, and getting accustomed to making it work for you, not against you. A large part of the adjustment is finding the right application on this new platform to get the job done.
If you’re a recent switcher, or wanting to switch to OS X, then this article is for you. Over the course of this article we’ll help you to figure out which Applications you’re used to using on Windows, and recommend their equivalent or counterpart on OS X. Who knows? You might even fall in love with the Mac version of your favorite app and wonder how you even got along before it.
About This Article
This is by no means an authoritative article of all the [best] applications on OS X, rather a vignette of the most popular Applications most people would use.
We’ll offer Real World advice to help you get accustomed to the many productivity Applications that are available on OS X and hopefully help you figure out which applications will get the job done.
Getting Started
Since you’re entertaining or have already made the decision to switch to a Mac, you’ll no doubt want to use the documents and data from your previous computer – that is unless a horrible Windows virus eradicated all of them.
Laugh as you might, but it’s happened before, and no doubt could happen again. For some, losing their data to a Windows virus has been the final straw in convincing them to switch to a Mac.
Just a few years ago when OS X was still in beta, the number of Applications available for OS X was still in the triple digits. Thanks in part to a huge Independent developer base. The sheer number of applications for OS X has grown. At Apple’s recent Developer Conference, WWDC 2004, Steve Jobs announced that there are over 10,000 Applications available for OS X. That’s a lot of choice for consumers.
While you probably won’t ever need that many applications on OS X, it’s good to know that there are plenty of choices out there.
Why can’t I just use my Windows apps? I paid for them!
One of the first things switchers come to realize is that they can’t use their Windows software easily on the Mac. Sure, you can buy a copy of Microsoft’s VirtualPC to accomplish the task, but what is the point to having a Mac if you are spending most of your time emulating Windows?
The Mac and the PC, while both personal computers, are different in one important aspect: processors. Windows machines tend to use processors from Intel and AMD x86 chips while Macs use Motorola and IBM PowerPC chips. What does that mean? Well, think of buying a new Volkswagon Jetta TDI. The TDI uses a Diesel engine. The diesel gives the car excellent gas mileage, pretty decent performance, and a little bit of extra cash in your pocket. What is the only problem? Finding diesel. You can look in any street corner and find an unleaded gas station, but finding one with a diesel pump or two can sometimes prove difficult if you live in the middle of Indiana like we do. You can’t put a tank of unleaded or premium in your car and expect it to run just like you can’t open a Windows application on the Mac. They both have different architectures powering them.
As for the software you already paid for in Windows, there may be some hope. If you have a Windows license for an application and know it has a Macintosh counterpart, you can usually get in touch with the developer and get some sort of deal on switching your license to your new platform. Sometimes the company will charge a fee, but you may get lucky and not have to worry with that.
Knowing your workflow
The applications you normally use on a daily basis are probably totally different than say your next door neighbor, the person possibly sitting in the cubicle next to you, or even me. What matters is that you know your workflow, and we’ll do the best we can to help you find that applications you’ll need to find on OS X to get your work done. To help you realize what applications you’ll need on your new Mac, make a list of the tasks you use your computer for. Try and leave out the function of the software, and instead focus on tasks. For example: if you write you dear old Grandmother often, think of that as “writing grandma an e-mail”. You don’t need to say that you “open up Microsoft Outlook, click on File -> New E-mail…” rather that you just write an e-mail.
By reducing down the type of things you do on your computer to a list, it’s easier to understand the applications you’ll need instead of the other way around. If instead you realized you were going to need “SmartFTP” and only SmartFTP on your new Mac, then you’re going to waste a lot of time looking for it – some software just isn’t available on the Mac. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some great application out there that will take it’s place, just that you need to find a great FTP client for OS X.
So to review: What’s important is knowing what tasks you use your computer for, so that when you make the switch you can find the type of applications you’ll need, and not the name of the applications.
The great hunt
So now you’ve got your list of tasks you use your computer for. All we have to do is go out and find the software for OS X that will allow you to accomplish your tasks – but where do you start?
Well the good folks at Apple have already thought of that. If you’re new to OS X or even if you’re not, take a look at your Apple menu (in the top left hand corner of your screen) the next time you’re thinking of it. Better yet, why not take a look now? Ever notice what the third choice is under your Apple Menu is? Go ahead, take a peek. That’s right it says “Mac OS X Software …” Ever wonder what it does?
Click on it, and find out. OS X will automatically open up your default web browser and take you to the following URL:
Mac OS X Software …
http://www.apple.com/macosx/get/
What’s this? Apple has taken the lead and put together a fairly nice directory of OS X specific software, sorted by category. Notice what I said. Sorted by category. So if you’re looking for a great Tax Software program, you’ll know to look under the “Business & Finance” category.
What’s especially useful about the category listing Apple has put together, is that you don’t need to know the name of the software you’re looking for, only the type of software it is.
Remember that list of tasks we put together earlier? That’s where it this comes in handy. Looking for an application to draw symbols, flow charts, and take on the same relative features of Microsoft Visio, then maybe Omni Graffle is for you. Need to resize some digital pictures and export them out to the web but don’t have the budget for Adobe Photoshop, then maybe Graphic Converter is for you?
More often than not in your “hunt for that one app” you’ll know what you’re looking for, but you won’t know what it’s named. That’s were Apple’s directory will come in handy.
Other Ways of finding software
If you can’t find just the right Application you’re looking for on Apple’s website, there’s many more places you can go to. Similar to the Category type directory Apple has put together both VersionTracker and MacUpdate offer a more robust offering of Mac software.
They both offer extensive search capabilities, and probably the nicest feature: finding out what the latest version of Software ABC is.
VersionTracker
http://www.versiontracker.com/
MacUpdate
http://www.macupdate.com/
OS X Applications
http://www.macosxapps.com/
Other great resources for finding software and applications specifically for your Mac is the Apple Product Guide, http://guide.apple.com/, which is often updated with offerings from various Mac software vendors.
Finally, we have compiled a small resource that should prove beneficial to someone looking for that specific Windows application on the Mac. We have listed many of the big Windows programs for certain categories and recommended a few Mac alternatives to each. We have not stated which is our preference, because this is about you and your workflow. Feel free to post a comment letting us know which applications you like, and which you don’t. That will undoubtedly help a new switcher in the future.
If you still can’t find it
It’s almost become cliché, but “when in doubt, Google it”. A lot of people overlook the fact that Google has a Mac specific search feature, and many Apple Usenet groups. We’ve come to love Google, and so should you.
Sometimes even the most extensive and exhaustive search efforts on your part can yield the best results. Take the time to get to know your new platform, find the shareware products that make the Mac so great, and kiss Windows goodbye forever.
| Application | Windows | Macintosh |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Office | Microsoft Office | Microsoft Office 2004 |
| Sending E-Mail |
|
|
| Web Browsers |
|
|
| Instant Messaging |
|
|
| Listen To Music |
|
|
| Download Music |
|
|
| Burning CDs |
|
|
| Organizing Your Photos |
|
|
| Edit Your Photos |
|
|
| Viewing PDFs |
|
|
| Watching DVDs |
|
|
| RSS Readers |
|
|
| Web Development |
|
|
| FTP (File Transfer Protocol) |
|
Telnet/SSH Clients |
|
|
| Manage Your PDA |
|
|
| Edit Digital Video/Burn DVDs |
|
|
| Scanning For Viruses |
|
Ryan J. Bonnell is a Web Developer, Student, and leading contributor to MacZealots.com. When he is not playing around with his endless amount of toys, he can be reached at .
Reader Comments (34)
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#1) On September 17, 2004 3:28 PM
Great list. Just wanted to point out that a lot of this software actually comes with the Mac, preinstalled. May not be obvious if you’re new to the platform.
#2) On September 17, 2004 9:33 PM
Great post. Very informative. I switched just over a month ago and have pretty well moved in, but for all those who are new, this is a great resource. I even found a new alternative multi-client chat program (I’m using Adium now).
#3) On September 19, 2004 6:19 PM
Very good idea, indeed. Just let me add yet another great Mac OS X app list: osx.hyperjeff.net/Apps/cats.php. For a Mac OS X freeware list go to www.worldmac.de (Express Download). In addition see: www.jars.com (Java software); smultron.sf.net (text editor); www.jedit.org; www.codeservant.com/jnotes.php; PDFViewer, ICSwitch, … (search at www.googxx.com/mac).
#4) On September 21, 2004 12:14 PM
Just some more items that could be mentioned: MS Word: Mellel by www.redlers.com, TeXShop; system backup/recovery/restore: SuperDuper! by www.shirt-pocket.com; disc utility: iPartition by www.coriolis-systems.com; Windows taskbar: Expose, Switcheroo by software.holymac.com, Sticky Windows by www.donelleschi.com; photo: Chameleon by www.zonic.co.uk, naturalPhoto by www.sc-design.de; audio: www.whamb.com; Winplot: www.geogebra.at; WAMP: wserverxkit.sf.net; XML editor: www.butterflyxml.org; MS Exchange Server: www.groupville.com, www.open-xchange.org; top tools list: www.mac360.com, www.jluster.org/indispensable/, www.framasoft.net/mot17.html; email: www.gyazsquare.com/gyazmail/; VPN: www.tinc-vpn.org, IPSecuritas by www.lobotomo.com.
#5) On September 21, 2004 12:21 PM
For Web development, I would add Freeway. Easy, intuitive and powerful. I love it.
#6) On September 22, 2004 12:23 AM
Thunderbird also works as a RSS Reader and I use Taco HTML Edit along with Freeway Express for web design, Arcsoft Photostudio works simpler than Photoshop Elements but with less filters, and I use NTI Dragon Burn for burning to hybrid CD-ROM.
#7) On September 25, 2004 7:57 AM
Final part: www.xvsxp.com; www.sebpayne.com; www.macwindows.com; www.macscience.net; Move2Mac by www.detto.com; Outlook2Mac by www.littlemachines.com; MS Exchange Server: www.snerdware.com; PowerPoint: Keynote; Excel: Mesa, ChartSmith, Mariner Calc; firewall: www.intego.com, BrickHouse; virus scanning: www.intego.com; FTP: www.bpftpmac.com, iGet, LiFTP, Captain FTP; file server: Rumpus by www.maxum.com, proftpd by www.mneptok.com/static/software/osx/; www.colorschemer.com; file permissions: BatChmod, Modifier by www.finikin.com, www.zenonez.com/chop/; backup: Impression by www.babelcompany.com, ChronoSync; database: FileMaker.com, DataWerkz by www.uwerkz.com; Unix ports: fink.sf.net; top tools list: www.chezmark.com/osx/; and shadowClipboard by www.stupidfish23.com/products.php.
#8) On September 28, 2004 1:58 PM
Final part (add-on): Windows Explorer: Finder.app, Path Finder, Macintosh Explorer by ragesw.com, sf.net/projects/javaexplorer/, Filematic by macprime.com; VNC: Apple Remote Desktop, Desktop Transporter; virtual scroll wheel: SideTrack, uControl; photo: PhotoConverter by dekorte.com, www.cenon.info, PhotoPresenter, www.untitled-app.com; search sw: Spotlight, www.x-friend.de, www.dieselpoint.com, webglimpse.net; HPC: hpc.sf.net, www.xgrid.info, www.californiadigital.com; network: Net Tool Box, MindTerm by appgate.com; backup: www.freebsddiary.org/bacula.php, www.dantz.com, DejaVu, www.mount10.com, www.fastdvdcopy.com (movie), rsyncX; Unix/Open Source: www.osdir.com; osx.freshmeat.net, www.shelldorado.com and www.scriptgui.com, www.ugu.com, www.freebsdsoftware.org, www.freshports.org; system info: MenuMeters, Informator by www.end-if.de; XML: www.snapbrigde.com; groupware: www.scheduleworld.com, www.coware.de (for DTP), www.gluecode.com, www.collab.ca, www.teamoperate.com; Winplot: www.cinderella.de; download: SpeedDownload, Deep Vacuum, SimpleWget, iDownload; notepad: MacJournal, Notebook by circusponnies.com, maniacalrage.net/xpad/; and DesktopCollage by www.aksima.com.
#9) On September 28, 2004 2:02 PM
Final part (add-on): Windows Explorer: Finder.app, Path Finder, Macintosh Explorer by ragesw.com, sf.net/projects/javaexplorer/, Filematic by macprime.com; VNC: Apple Remote Desktop, Desktop Transporter; virtual scroll wheel: SideTrack, uControl; photo: PhotoConverter by dekorte.com, www.cenon.info, PhotoPresenter, www.untitled-app.com; search sw: Spotlight, www.x-friend.de, www.dieselpoint.com, webglimpse.net; HPC: hpc.sf.net, www.xgrid.info, www.californiadigital.com; network: Net Tool Box, MindTerm by appgate.com; backup: www.freebsddiary.org/bacula.php, www.dantz.com, DejaVu, www.mount10.com, www.fastdvdcopy.com (movie), rsyncX; Unix/Open Source: www.osdir.com; osx.freshmeat.net, www.shelldorado.com and www.scriptgui.com, www.ugu.com, www.freebsdsoftware.org, www.freshports.org; system info: MenuMeters, Informator by www.end-if.de; XML: www.snapbrigde.com; groupware: www.scheduleworld.com, www.coware.de (for DTP), www.gluecode.com, www.collab.ca, www.teamoperate.com; Winplot: www.cinderella.de; download: SpeedDownload, Deep Vacuum, SimpleWget, iDownload; notepad: MacJournal, Notebook by circusponnies.com, maniacalrage.net/xpad/; and DesktopCollage by www.aksima.com.
#10) On September 28, 2004 2:02 PM
Final part (add-on): Windows Explorer: Finder.app, Path Finder, Macintosh Explorer by ragesw.com, sf.net/projects/javaexplorer/, Filematic by macprime.com; VNC: Apple Remote Desktop, Desktop Transporter; virtual scroll wheel: SideTrack, uControl; photo: PhotoConverter by dekorte.com, www.cenon.info, PhotoPresenter, www.untitled-app.com; search sw: Spotlight, www.x-friend.de, www.dieselpoint.com, webglimpse.net; HPC: hpc.sf.net, www.xgrid.info, www.californiadigital.com; network: Net Tool Box, MindTerm by appgate.com; backup: www.freebsddiary.org/bacula.php, www.dantz.com, DejaVu, www.mount10.com, www.fastdvdcopy.com (movie), rsyncX; Unix/Open Source: www.osdir.com; osx.freshmeat.net, www.shelldorado.com and www.scriptgui.com, www.ugu.com, www.freebsdsoftware.org, www.freshports.org; system info: MenuMeters, Informator by www.end-if.de; XML: www.snapbrigde.com; groupware: www.scheduleworld.com, www.coware.de (for DTP), www.gluecode.com, www.collab.ca, www.teamoperate.com; Winplot: www.cinderella.de; download: SpeedDownload, Deep Vacuum, SimpleWget, iDownload; notepad: MacJournal, Notebook by circusponnies.com, maniacalrage.net/xpad/; and DesktopCollage by www.aksima.com.
#11) On September 29, 2004 6:49 AM
A top virus checker is ClamXav (donationware; www.markallan.co.uk).
#12) On September 29, 2004 8:52 AM
Yet another Download Wizzard can be found at www.whizzosoftware.com (which can also be used as a Safari plugin). A cross-platform sync server is Unison (www.cis.upenn.edu/~bcpierce/unison/).
#13) On September 29, 2004 8:54 AM
Yet another Download Wizzard can be found at www.whizzosoftware.com (which can also be used as a Safari plugin). A cross-platform sync server is Unison (www.cis.upenn.edu/~bcpierce/unison/).
#14) On September 29, 2004 1:33 PM
Some apps that may be helpful for switchers to get started: KoalaCalc, CalculX, iAlarm, iNotify, Codex, Shredder, zoe.nu, and www.pgp.com (all listed at www.macupdate.com).
#15) On September 30, 2004 12:17 PM
Perhaps some special information sources for potential professional switchers should be mentioned: www.macattorney.com, www.architosh.com, www.smallbizmac.com, www.macweb3d.org, www.iqtvra.org, webmastermac.com, macservers.org, www.ggsd.com, www.genamics.com/Software/index.htm, and mdd.gebe.net.
For yet another killer app I would like to hint at www.speechissimo.com (but also see such apps as Renamer4Mac or SnapWeb).
To get rid off a small OS X Finder bug see FinderSync (www.manyetas.com) or WindowsUpdater (www.choosefile.com).
#16) On October 1, 2004 9:36 AM
For switchers who would like to learn more about the next major release of OS X (10.4, aka Tiger) there are such sites as www.tigertracker.net, www.automatorworld.com or www.thedashboarder.com.
Some further URLs I would like to add to this great article: sf.net/projects/osxutils/ (lsmac and more), sf.net/projects/jshopz/ and www.ofbiz.org (online shop systems), RCDefaultApp (system utility), theConcept and Illumination (search software), www.experts-exchange.com/Networking/Macintosh_Networking/, www.filemakerworld.com, www.advancedwebranking.com and www.mreriksson.net/uptimes/, missingmanuals.com, www.samspublishing.com, radmind.org, www.macnewsworld.com (Mac and enterprise), macslash.org, and mac.oreilly.com.
#17) On October 4, 2004 4:45 AM
Great list. 2 apps that I think should be on that list is Omniweb (browsers) and NewsFire (RSS Readers).
#18) On October 5, 2004 6:05 AM
For yet another text editor see Tag (www.talacia.com). A phpmyadmin alternative is www.mludi.net/YourSQL/. For an experimental developer website see www.macosxguru.net. Perhaps some scripting resources could also be added: pythonmac.org, www.pythonmania.de, www.stackless.com/wiki/stackless/, www.rubyonrails.org, rubyforge.org, RubyStudio, www.ocaml.org. Two interesting FireWire URLs are www.fwdepot.com and www.sancube.com. For yet another OS X system hack see VirtualPrinter (www.wissen-wie.ch). Great idea, great job, great list!
#19) On October 5, 2004 7:15 AM
There is a German info site called www.officemac.de that focusses on MS Office for Mac OS X. Is there an English counterpart?
#20) On October 6, 2004 6:58 AM
www.jars.com is a good starting point for Java apps, but just let me add some more hot tips: www.freewarejava.com; www.javashareware.com; www.pepsan.com/javamac/; www.yafpc.de (free PDF creator); www.pramati.com, www.caucho.com and jonas.objectweb.org (app servers), www.onionnetworks.com; www.thebrain.com (for OS X?); PhotoMesa by www.windsorinterfaces.com; Jeks by www.eteks.com/index_us.html (spreadsheet); www.imitation.uk.com and www.educeth.ch/informatik/karatojava/ (learning Java); basepath.com/aup/jtux/index.htm; www.melati.net; www.db4o.com; and www.activeslide.com.
#21) On October 7, 2004 8:24 PM
I’m considering switching.
Probably 14inch ibook. Really want 17inch pwrbk.
This really helps. Thanks.:)
#22) On October 8, 2004 8:46 AM
Some useful, if not must-have tools and URLs not mentioned yet: quicksilver.blacktree.com; MacReporter by inferiis.com (newsreader); FileBuddy; SMB Browser by shukwit.com and freshmeat.net/~mballen/ (mixed network); VueScan and www.sane-project.org (scanner drivers); www.serverlogistics.com/software.php (cf. WAMP); msxlight.solidosystems.com, PopOver by eidolonsoftware.com and postfix.state-of-mind.de (mail server); cocoadialog.sf.net (shell script GUI); www.patchburn.de; www.thinkertons.com; www.phpmac.com; www.xmlinsider.com, www.topxml.com and www.cafeconleche.org (XML news and info sites).
#23) On October 10, 2004 1:10 PM
For some tools and information on how to tap the powers of Mac OS X switchers can also go to www.tackyshirt.com or macosxlabs.org (the latter is rather for the advanced switcher). If someone still needs to develop cross-plattform apps rapidly, there is dreamcard.runrev.com (but also see supercard.us for Mac only; and also visit www.ezedia.com or www.acruxsoftware.com; for a bug tracking program go to www.seapine.com).
The Dock of OS X is great, but can be improved by using such tools as DockSwitcher (www.ilearnat.com), DockWorker (chris2x.com/software/), Overflow (www.stuntsoftware.com) or Dock Switch (www.luxordevelopment.ch.vu).
For a little-known physics software resource go to www.wooster.edu/physics/software/ (for professional science apps there are such companies as www.serenasoft.com or www.schrodinger.com, which by the way are not listed at apple.com).
For linguists there is a pretty good software collection at www.linguistlist.org/sp/Software.html (though not only for the Mac).
Useful file management tools are Restore and MacVault (www.chronopath.com), MacHacha (homepage.mac.com/julifos/soft/) and InfoItems (www.choosefile.com).
#24) On October 11, 2004 9:42 AM
MS PowerPoint is a powerful presentation software, and so is Keynote. To get a sense of how to use and enhance Keynote´s strength and flexibiliy just go to the following websites: www.jumsoft.com, www.keynotepro.com, and www.indeview.org (Independent Presentation Viewer).
#25) On October 11, 2004 10:29 AM
For professional switchers interested in physics/science software I would like to point out some interesting URLs: www.falstad.com/mathphysics.html (free Java applets); www.openchannelfoundation.org/cosmos (NASA software); www.dynamicalsystems.org/sw/sw/; perc.nersc.gov/applications.html; www.phy.davidson.edu/MacInfo.html (under construction); www.fable.co.uk; www.hypertextbook.com/chaos/92a.shtml; and www.science-computing.de/software/powerviz.html (Computational Fluid Dynamics). (Some packages may require building, i.e. IBMs Fortran compiler, etc.)
#26) On October 11, 2004 10:53 AM
Correction: www.openchannelfoundation.org/cosmic/ or server1.openchannelsoftware.org/cosmic/ (the NASA COSMIC collection).
#27) On October 13, 2004 6:54 AM
Yet another way to transfer files securely is Secure Copy (SCP): remotefinder.sf.net, freshmeat.net/projects/scponly/. For a cross-platform file manager see www.mucommander.com or Xfolders for OS X. Physics software: www.femlab.de, www.ensight.com (the latter can also be used for computational fluid dynamics).
#28) On October 17, 2004 12:30 PM
I am a 3 year convert from Windows to Mac and the only thing I miss is Microsoft Excel. Yes, there is an opensource clone called Gumeric and I have it installed and running, but it pales in comparison with the real thing.
Fortunately I am now retired and don’t really need to be an Excel power user anymore.
#29) On October 19, 2004 9:16 AM
@david, no.28: For two MS Excel alternatives (esp. for science and business) see xmChart (www.x2max.com) and QuantrixModeler (www.quantrix.com).
#30) On November 16, 2004 6:03 AM
THANK YOU! Great article. I have just switched over and found it most helpfful.
#31) On November 22, 2004 5:12 PM
I recently switched from Windows to Mac. I was (unpleasantly) surprised to learn that the shortcut keys no longer work (for example, F4 to make a cell reference absolute). Additionally, it seems that there are simply not as many shortcuts available. Is it possible to have Excel use “Windows” shortcut keys on the Mac (short of reassigning each key one at a time)?
#32) On November 26, 2004 11:45 AM
For CD Burning, there’s a little app I found called DiscBlaze. It’s awesome. It burns data cds and ISOs.
#33) On May 10, 2005 9:21 AM
A six month late comment :-(
I too have just made the switch. Whilst I love the interface look and feel, expose and OSX’s stability, I do find that Finder is not up to scratch. For example, when I want to open an image file to attach to a mail or open in Fireworks, I want to see the images as thumbnails - just like you see them on Explorer. For some reason, the Finder team at Apple removed the ability to view files by icon view (thumbnails would show up then) whilst opening a file. they also disabled the ability to view file sizes too. The release of Tiger did not see any of these fixes.
#34) On November 26, 2005 8:44 AM
Hey… I really dunno why these people are going on about not having Excell on mac platforms…. Well… the good news is if you have MS Office:Mac 2004 you will, definitely, have Ecell with it… and the whole Office Packcage looks and works just llike its PC version… I hope you guys find it and live a happier life with it…LOL
—> To enable icon preview (thumbnails) on the finder just go to the top menu > View > Show view options and select the ‘show icon preview’ option… and if you want to see all your pix in slideshow (OSX 10.4) just select all the pix and right click any pic and select ‘slideshow’, voilá!!! it’s a nice feature… I personally love it!!! Hope this helps…