mac

Open-source and usable across platforms, this utility application lets you share a single mouse and keyboard across more than one computer at a time. Even though Synergy for Mac is an easy-to-use utility concept, it could use some additional improvements with its setup process and execution.

Upon downloading and installing Synergy for Mac, the user will find that the mouse and keyboard sharing concept is based on the user's knowledge and ability to either set up a server for all the computers that will be sharing or to access a client base already established. Synergy could have done a … Read more

There's no question that you need to protect your computer from incoming network threats, and there are plenty of options available. One option, TCPBlock for Mac, functions adequately as a firewall; but its options lag behind other, more popular programs.

TCPBlock for Mac downloaded quickly, but installing it required a computer system restart, which was a disappointment. A readme file contained some basic instructions, but a detailed manual would have been helpful, especially for longtime Mac users not familiar with firewall software. It was also disappointing to see that there were no indications of direct technical support availability, although … Read more

Finding applications that are appropriate for young children can be a challenge. Tux Paint for Mac may entertain young children who like to draw, but ultimately functions no differently than any rudimentary drawing application.

The program's download completed quickly, but installation required a separate installation of a font package, which extended the overall time. User instructions and other program documentation were available, which was a nice feature. Technical support for updates from the developer appeared to be present, too. The program's interface is elementary and a bit dated, but even children would find it easy to navigate. A … Read more

When connected to a Wi-Fi hot spot, especially if the hot spot uses multiple access points and there are multiple networks in the vicinity, you may encounter a problem where your Mac keeps losing its network connection and then attempts to establish a connection with a network for which you do not have access.

Additionally, even after you have selected a working connection, if you put the system in sleep mode, restart it, or if you just temporarily lose your connection for some reason, the system will again attempt to connect to that network. Having to continually select your Wi-Fi … Read more

Users may want to change preferences in their Quicktime player without having to do it every time the program opens. Quicktime X Preferences for Mac's options window allows changes to a number of default settings, which is a welcome feature for some users.

After startup, this freeware application installs easily as an additional preference pane in the system preferences menu. There did not appear to be any technical support available, but there was a basic readme file that explained the various options present and how changing each impacted the Quicktime program. Some of the options include automatically playing movies, … Read more

While Mac offers a great operating system, some users may need to switch to Windows or other operating systems for system compatibility or other purposes. With QuickBoot for Mac, users will be able to switch from their Mac OS to another system drive by selecting the drive or partition from the menu bar.

With a simple drag and drop the installation of QuickBoot for Mac went smooth. The program started up well and displayed our drives properly. After launching, the app will run in the background with an icon on top of the menu bar. There is also an option … Read more

Photo editing programs can be geared towards the digital editing expert or the novice. Despite a lack of user guidance, the free Photo Zoe Editor for Mac is definitely aimed at the less experienced user. It performs all of the basic editing functions well and is fairly easy to use for any Mac owner.

Installation of Photo Zoe Editor completed quickly. The program started for the first time without any problematic setup steps. No user instructions were present, but the interface was very easy to use for anyone familiar with other photo editing programs. Technical support did not appear to … Read more

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