Chapter 5. Applications That You've (Probably) Gotta Have

In This Chapter

  • Using Microsoft Office 2008

  • Using disk repair applications

  • Editing images

  • Editing digital video

  • Using Internet applications

  • Burning discs with Toast

  • Running Windows with Parallels Desktop

  • Adding third-party utilities

  • Playing games with Mac OS X

In Chapter 1 of this minibook, I present you with an overview of the most popular hardware that you can add to your MacBook — and where there's hardware, software can't be far behind. (Somebody famous said that — I think it was either Bill Gates or Dennis Miller. I consider both of them famous comedians.)

Anyway, Mac OS X comes with a full suite of software tools right out of the box. You get Internet connectivity, disk repair, a digital audio and video player, basic image editing and cataloging, digital video editing, and — depending on the price that you paid or the MacBook model that you bought — even games and a complete set of productivity applications. However, if you're willing to pay for additional features and a manual (at least what passes for a manual in the manufacturer's opinion), you can make all these tasks easier and accomplish them in even shorter time.

Read on for an overview of the most popular third-party software applications for Mac OS X: what everyone's using, how much they cost, and why they're (usually) better. Before you drop a wad of cash on a fancy new application, though, remember yet another of Mark's Maxims:

Note

If a program you already have does everything ...

Get MacBook® All-in-One For Dummies® now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.