An Introduction to Mac Software

The Apple Macintosh (often shortened to "Mac") is a line of computers that was launched with a very famous Super Bowl commercial directed by Ridley Scott. Most notably, the Macintosh was the first to use a graphical user interface (GUI) and a mouse. Although Apple handles all facets of its hardware and internal operating system, many third-party companies still create software for the Mac.

Top e-mail clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird and free chat programs such as AOL Instant Messenger, Adium X, and Yahoo Messenger meet all your online communication needs in our Internet category. A variety of Mac-specific browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Camino let you sample a different style of surfing from your MacBook.

Find the most feature-rich Mac FTP clients, RSS newsreaders, and connectivity applications to let you network with other Macs via VPN. Search for MP3 files with LimeWire, or burn CDs and design your own jewel cases with the best in multimedia and design software. Watch movies in several formats with VLC Media Player, and use a slew of other video apps to fill every need.

Edit your images with GraphicConverter, create your own Web albums with JAlbum, and design a Web site with our development tools to display your work. Artists will love the animation and illustration software available with trial versions of Adobe Photoshop and animation tool eZ-Motion. View and edit your font library with our collection of font tools. You can also substitute and edit Mac icons to give your desktop a new look and feel.

The Mac Utilities category offers solutions to security threats as well as backup software, file compression, launchers, network apps, and optmization software. Educational software and programs for hobbyists are in the home and education category along with nutrition apps, science software, home-inventory solutions, and genealogy tools. If you're a Mac gamer, you can check out all the latest demos and free games in our Mac Games category. Finally, for the latest news in the wonderful world of Mac computers, check out The Mac Minute blog featuring long-time CNET Download.com Mac guru, Jason Parker.