mac

Those users tracking the size of large numbers of word processing files may find counting software included in office suites inadequate. Word Counter for Mac works well and has some useful features for working with hundreds of files, but average users will likely find it of little use.

Word Counter for Mac downloads and installs quickly. After startup, the program had no user instruction, although the menu labels explained the functions well enough. No technical support is available, although the program performed well overall with no bugs. The menu is small and easy to use, allowing the user to cut … Read more

Those working with multiple programs simultaneously may become frustrated if those windows change location and size each time they are used. Window Magician for Mac enables windows to be locked, but its lack of instructions and complicated steps make it hard to operate.

The free trial version of the program works for 15 days and purchasing a full license requires a $19.95 payment. While the download completed quickly, the program required us to activate certain assisting features in the control panel before startup. There are no user instructions or technical support available. The program's menus are easy to … Read more

As people eliminate cable subscriptions, applications to help users find entertaining content on the Internet are needed. VidMasta for Mac performs its search functions well, but the questionable copyright status of the source videos makes it impossible to recommend.

Download and installation of VidMasta for Mac completed quickly and there was no licensing agreement acceptance required. The program has no user instructions, and while the main menu is easy to interpret, the functions related to watching videos are less clear. No technical support appeared to be available. The main menu allows the user to search in two categories: popular movies … Read more

Users who lack or do not like using the editing program that comes with their Mac need additional options for working with their videos. VideoPad Free Video Editing Software for Mac works well for basic editing and has many features that would be expected from advanced programs.

Installation of VideoPad Free Video Editing Software for Mac requires the acceptance of a detailed user agreement. During startup, the user sees a list of additional programs they can install if they choose. A Web browser toolbar is the only one that is highlighted by default, so users should pay attention before moving … Read more

Musicians who create their own songs may need an application to track their collaborations. TuneSmith for Mac allows these users to monitor copyright, deadlines, and submissions of their original songs, but it lacks additional capabilities that would be welcome with this type of application.

Installation of this freeware program was complicated because the downloaded folder had several files that could be installed, although it eventually loaded quickly once the proper one was selected. A formal tutorial would have been a good addition, since TuneSmith for Mac's menus were difficult to interpret. The three main menus divide the program according … Read more

Users who have audio files spread across multiple computers and operating systems may have trouble compiling them using traditional programs. Tomahawk for Mac works well to search for and list music, and it's easy to use despite its lack of instructions.

Tomahawk for Mac is available as freeware with no advertisements or payments required. Installation completed quickly without the need for acceptance of a user agreement. Upon startup, a menu allows the user to link the program to outside accounts for music services as well as Google, among others. The program, itself, does not have any user instructions, but … Read more

Busy users may need an efficient way to track their tasks. TodoPlus for Mac has all of the functions necessary for organizing to-dos, but the cluttered interface makes it difficult to use.

Download and installation of this free program completed quickly, as did initial set up. No technical support was available and the tutorial was of little help. After moving through the tutorial menus, TodoPlus for Mac began to slow the test computer down, lengthening the time spent switching between different menus. The program's main interface has a cluttered row of buttons along the top of the window. Users … Read more

The default size of the mouse pointers in OS X should allow them to be viewable in most situations, but there could be some instances in which the cursor can be difficult to locate. For example, if you need to dim your screen, it might be difficult to find the pointer; and sometimes, optional pointers -- such as those for text input or crosshairs -- can become lost among the textures of images on the screen.

This might be especially true when using projectors and large-format displays, where the relatively small cursor can be difficult to locate.

While you can … Read more

The standard F1 through F12 function keys in OS X by default are set to change a number of common system settings, including audio volume, backlight and brightness levels, and media player controls. Convenient as this is, sometimes their default behaviors can be intrusive or too crude for your needs.

For example, if your system is connected to an external amplifier that is set to a high volume, then the increments changed by the volume function keys may be too crude for your needs, and the corresponding audio indicator pop may be unpleasantly loud and intrusive, especially if you are … Read more