I know someone who just picked up a new Mac and it got me to thinking, I bet people new to the Mac platform don’t know about all of the great software you can find for the Mac. I thought I’d write up a post on some of my favorite free and paid apps.

• Firefox
• RipIt: DVD ripping made easy
• Adium: Multi-protocol chat
• Growl: Must have notification system
• NetNewsWire: RSS reader that syncs with Google Reader
• BootChamp: Simple menu for rebooting directly into your BootCamp OS installation
• Tweetie: Twitter client
• iTerm: I can’t let go of this great ssh client.
• 1Password: Store all of your passwords. LastPass is free alternative that is more cross platform
• Automator: Built in robot too useful not to mention
• Caffeine: Sometimes you just don’t want your Mac to dim the display or go to sleep.
• Colloquy: Decent IRC client
• Cord: Remote Desktop Client for Mac.
• CrashPlan: Time Machine is good but I just have to have a second way of backing up all of our photos. CrashPlan really does a good job and has saved me.
• HandBrake: Very good video encoder and DVD ripper (requires VLC)
• Loginox: Swap out that ridiculous login screen image.
• MarcoPolo: Change preferences based on your location or “context.”
• MacFusion: Mount/Map ssh/sftp servers in Finder allowing any app to directly access remote files
• smcFanControl: The Mac generally does a good job with the fan but there are times when having it cranked up on high is a good thing, especially for your lap.
• NTFS-3G: Mount NTFS drives as read/write
• SmartSleep: Preference pane that allows you to adjust how your Mac sleeps or hibernates

I think that about covers it. There are far more applications in my applications directory but the apps I listed are must haves in my book. If there are any apps you think I missed leave a comment.