Now, obviously my choices will not suite many programmers. For this reason, please bear in mind that I’m a PHP developer, and my choices focus on PHP/HTML/CSS development. There are going to be a few repeated apps, simply because there’s a fine line between the two subjects.

Ok, lets get started!

10. VMWare Fusion
As any web developer will know, getting your sites to work properly in all the major browsers can be a nightmare. Especially when you’ve got to work around IE. For this reason, I needed to have a way to test out my work on Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8, as well as some other, less well known Windows only browsers. VMWare fusion lets you install, and run Windows on top of your existing OS X system. You can effectively run windows and mac applications side-by-side seamlessly. This is great when testing our your work in those Windows browsers. VMWare has a few alternatives such as Parallels, or the free VirtualBox by sun. All of these apps provide a great way of getting Windows, Linux or any Unix based OS up an running inside your Mac!

9. Snapz Pro X
Snapz Pro X is a screenshot application, that replaces the standard CMD+Shift+3 screen capture combination with a range of options. For example, instead of saving the screenshot to your desktop, you can put it in the clipboard. In addition to this, you’re not forced to capture the entire screen. Snapz X Pro lets you capture a small selection, a window (‘objects’) or even take a video! It’s a very lightweight application and has some great features!

8. Dropbox -
Where o where would I be without my Dropbox! Dropbox provides you with 2GB of free storage. It acts like a folder on your mac, but whenever files are updated (locally or by another computer with access), the files get synced. Whats great, is that because the files are synced, you don’t need Internet access to use it. I generally use DropBox for storing files that I’m working on, allowing me to access them on my iMac, or my MacBook Pro. There’s also a great revisions system, which means if you accidentally overwrite a file, you can log into their site, and retrieve it, similar to a subversion setup. If you use THIS LINK to get a Dropbox account, I get some extra free space, and so do you. If you dont want to use that link, you can go directly to GetDropbox.com and register.

I’m currently using the free 2GB, however for $9.99 /month (or $99.99 /year) you can upgrade to 50GB storage. They also offer a 100GB option for $199.99 / year.

7. Active Collab
I only really started using this over the last month, however have found it to be fantastic for managing my web projects. It lets you track release versions (and their individual tasks, documents, etc), projects, files, staff, time tracking, etc. Its fantastic. There are a few free alternatives out there, and a fork was made off of the first release of Active Collab before it stopped being a free app.

6. Web Developer Toolbar (Firefox)
The Web Developer Toolbar is a Firefox addon. Ok, its not technically an App, but its as good as. It lets you perform a range of options on a website, including disabling images, javascript, css, etc as well as add custom stylesheets, resize windows, etc. It’s a must-have for web developers. You can download it for free from the Mozilla addons site!

5. MAMP Pro
MAMP pro is the paid add-on to the free MAMP application. MAMP is basically Apache, MySQL and PHP for your Mac, all ready to use. MAMP Pro adds on an attractive GUI to allow you to setup virtual hosts, and configure custom settings per domain. I use it for splitting up projects into separate local sub-domains.

4. Transmit
Transmit is a paid FTP application, with a fantastic GUI and range of features. It’s made by Panic, the same guys that brought you Coda. Transmit is a fantastic FTP application, and supports all major functions. In addition, it supports Amazon S3, WebDav, SFTP and SCP.

3. Photoshop
I think this one goes without saying. I’ve been using Photoshop for over 5 years and have yet to find anything remotely similar. Even GIMP, an application that Linux lovers swear is just as good as Photoshop, really does not come anywhere near the features of this great Adobe app. I’m using CS4 on my MBP, and CS3 on the iMac (simply because I’ve not really needed to upgrade yet!)

2. Terminal
I’m a heavy Terminal user when developing. I generally tend to keep terminal open 24/7 because it allows me complete control of my Linux server. I use it to debug, test and install software. If you’re strictly dealing with a Mac, you’re not going to be needing this, however its a handy tool to have when you’ve not got a GUI handy!

1. Coda
Yes, Coda’s done it again. You will recall, Coda made it to the top of my last ‘Top 10′ post, for the simple reason that there is nothing like it! Coda provides a complete web development suite; A site management system, a file browser, a code editor, a css editor, a terminal, books and a web browser. What more could you need?!

So, those are my top 10, what are yours?

I do a lot of web development on my Mac’s. My current setup is to have my iMac as my ‘main’ display. To my far right I have my new MacBook Pro that I purchased on the day they came out (yes…I’m a fanatic). The MBP has a second display connected which sits in between the iMac and MBP. I’ve got FireFox running on that display, showing phpMyAdmin, Terminal and DirectAdmin. The main MBP display just runs Skype and iTunes. I then use my iPhone to control iTunes remotely to save having to turn around to keep skipping those naff songs that I’ve not gotten round to removing from my library!

On the iMac I do all the coding and design. I also have a copy of Google Docs running stand-alone with fluid. I use Google Docs to do all my planning and (most) note taking so running it in a dedicated window is a must for me.

So here they are. The top 10 Mac productivity apps (in my opinion), be it free or paid! Even though there’s are in a 10 down to 1 order, I wouldn’t be without any of them!

10. Fluid (free) (URL: http://www.fluidapp.com)

I mentioned above that I use Fluid to run a stand-alone copy of Google Docs. Fluid is a light-weight application that allows you to run any web-based page or site as an application from your desktop. You can then set this application to work in a window, or as a ‘drop-down’ window from your top menu bar. I currently use Fluid for my home-server’s phpMyAdmin url, Google Docs and Gmail. It saves having to switch between multiple tabs when you really only need to glance at a document or email.

You could also use it to have your Google Calendar running in the top bar, that way you just click the icon, the window is displayed, when you’re done click out of the window and its gone. Fluid is also compatible with Google Gears so is fantastic for Google Docs.

An alternative option is to use the Mozilla Labs FireFox addon, Prism. Personally I prefer Fluid as it doesn’t require Firefox to run, plus its using WebKit, which I feel is just as good as gecko. I tried Prism when it first hit beta however had many problems with it crashing, plus it doesn’t allow you to run the web-applications from your menu bar!

9. 1Password (Paid) (http://agilewebsolutions.com)

I’ve blogged about one password many times before. Simply because I love it. 1Password is a password manager that integrates with all major Mac-based browsers (Safari, FireFox, Camino, Flock, etc). It stores all your password’s in a secure database and allows you to quickly select the login you want from a list (in a toolbar at the top of your browser) and it will automatically fill out and submit the form for you.

I’ll not go on about 1Password too much as I’ve covered it extensively in my other posts. Be sure to check it out!

8. VMWare Fusion (Paid) (http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/)

VMWare fusion is a virtualization environment for OS X. It allows you to run other operating systems whilst still running OS X at the same time. Currently I use it on my MacBook to run a slimmed out copy of XP. I then have MultiIE installed to allow me to test my websites in IE 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6 and 7. This is a lifesaver and saves a great amount of time. You can also use it to run almost anything Windows based (providing it doesn’t need insanely high graphic requirements!)

7. Transmit (Paid) (http://www.panic.com/transmit/)

I’ve used transmit since switching to Mac back in April 2006. Its a light-weight FTP client that allows you to store your login details for each of your sites in a tidy ‘Favourites’ menu. Transmit looks fantastic and integrates well into OS X. Additionally it supports iDisk/WebDAV and allows you to sync files back and fourth.

I also use this on my laptop when I’m at University. I created an Automator application that will run every time my ‘Uni Docs’ folder is modified. The application will use Transmit to sync my documents with my home server, instantly backing up my work as I save it.

6. Google Quick Search (free) (http://code.google.com/p/qsb-mac/)

GQS is a fairly new application. It is designed to allow you to search your local files, applications, Google, define text, check the weather and will also work as a calculator. Brought to you by the same guy that made the legendary Quicksilver, Google Quick Search has taken the spot of Google Desktop to provide a fast, lightweight alternative to Spotlight.

5. Snippely (free) (http://code.google.com/p/snippely/)

Snippely is a great little app for programmers. It allows you to store code snippets in organized folders. Its a fairly simple little application however provides all the functionality needed to manage your code snippets. A life saver and prevents you having to keep Googling to jog your mind!

4. Little Snapper (free) (http://www.realmacsoftware.com/littlesnapper/)

Little Snapper is more for designers. But since I do both I find it to be of great use. It allows you to take, and store screenshots of websites that provide an inspiring design. I use it a lot when trying to come up with ideas for websites I’m designing. A highly recommended app for anyone looking at designing their own layouts!

3. Photoshop (paid) (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/)

Adobe Photoshop is an industry standard image editing and design application. It doesn’t really need a huge explanation. I use Photoshop for all my design work and would be nowhere without it. Its a really fantastic design suite. The only downside is its outrageously expensive price tag. Adobe really are pushing Photoshop as an executive tool and by doing so are driving away smaller developers. If you can afford Photoshop, its great. However many people have switched to free or cheap alternatives such as GIMP which provides almost the same functionality but without a price tag!

2. Firefox (http://www.firefox.com)

Firefox is becoming the web-developers standard browser. I personally don’t know of any web developer or ‘tech savvy’ person who doesn’t use Firefox as their primary web browser. Anyone still using I.E needs to try this out. Its a complaints standard web browser, with endless potential with a huge fan-base. It works on Mac, Windows and Linux so there’s no excuse!

1. Coda (http://www.panic.com/coda/)

Coda is a complete all-in-one web development application. It contains a code editor supporting code highlighting and tabbing for all major programming languages including (X)HTML, CSS, PHP, ASP, Java, XML, Ruby, etc. It also contains a built in WebKit based browser to view your code as you write it.

Additional features include built-in Transmit (FTP app), Subversion support, one-click-publishing, code snippets, WebDAV, built-in Terminal, extensive CSS editor plus a great little feature that allow you to view e-books. They have also included a HTML e-book, bundled with the main app.

Coda makes the number 1 spot as I use it every day. As I type this, I have it open next to me. Its a fantastic, beautiful code editor and beats Smultron, BBEdit and TextMate hands down. So far there’s been no other application remotely like this one. I highly recommend any developer gives it a try. Panic provide a free 14 day trial, after that the full app can be purchased for $99 (USD) — a fraction of the price of Dreamweaver.

So, that’s my top ten mac productivity applications.
What are your top applications? Post below and let the world know!

When I was out in Florida over Christmas, I bought myself an Acer Aspire One netbook. Basically this little thing has very similar specifications to my Mac Mini which has recently had lots of problems….problems that would be very expensive to fix.

Anyway, I decided I would have a go at getting OS X Leopard running on the Aspire One. I had read that it was possible however without wireless and in some cases sound. Plus I would have to sacrifice the use of the SD expansion port and other media ports. That’s not really something that bothers me though as I use my main computer for anything relating to cameras.

So I installed OS X using Kalyway’s great distro (also I may note that I do own a separate OS X license for this computer) and got everything working except wireless. I found that the Atheros based wireless card in the Aspire wasn’t supported by OS X. So I purchased a broadcom based dell card from eBay for £12 inc P&P. Once that arrived, I fitted it and it worked first time. At the same time I took the opportunity to replace the 512MB RAM module with a 1GB module, taking the system memory up to 1.5GB’s

Overall I’m very happy with the result. I got a great portable laptop / server running the best operating system around for just $349 USD in Walmart!

Unfortunately I cant post any snaps up at the moment as I’m in the middle of moving from Flickr to my own gallery, however will update you once I do have a bunch of images to show off!

The seller kindly sent me a replacement 1GB stick as it looked like one of the RAM slots was faulty. I had been running fine for about 5 months, then last month I did a re-boot after OS X 10.5.5 was released and boom….the mini wouldn’t boot. After spending about 5 days trying to fix it, even trying to reinstall OS X I gave in. It looked like OS X stopped running if there were memory issues.

I installed Ubuntu which worked flawlessly….for 5 days. I’m still running Ubuntu and have to re-boot every 5 or so days as it locks up. Nothing in the logs, it just locks up. I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s something not right hardware wise and cant be fixed.

I’m going to be looking into replacing it, but cant really afford to splash out on another MacMini. I think I’ll be making a new server using an Intel Atom package. I can still run at 1.6 Ghz and its still a small sized motherboard.

Since the Atom integrated motherboards are fairly cheap, I will be able to spend some money on getting system to boot on a solid state drive. I found that you can get 32GB CF Cards, and a CF to SATA drive for under £50 which is great! You can even get duel CF readers, thus giving you a 64GB solid state drive on the cheap!

So heres my spec plan:

1.6Ghz Intel Atom
2GB DDR2 RAM
2x 32GB CF solid drives (using a SATA -> CF adaptor)
A small case (not much bigger than the MacMini case hopefully)
DVD RW +/-

Since I’m off on holiday soon I cant really afford to build this, however when I’m over in the states, I’ll pop into circuit city, Best Buy and a few other places to see if I can get some of the parts….will be much cheaper than buying here!

I’m now a full time student studying Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. The best bit is that on my induction interview I was asked “You do know you got a £3,000 scholarship?” to which my reply was “Uh…no….but thank you!” :p

With my little (free) nest egg, I’ll be buying whatever new Apple laptop gets released tonight/tomorrow morning! I’m going to be buying a MacBook Pro to replace my 8 month old MacBook!

So, tomorrow afternoon I will post the unboxing pictures!

(ok, ok….this was a poor excuse for a blog post, but I am getting quite excited at the prospect of finally owning a MacBook Pro!)

I found that to run Windows games or apps I needed to use bootcamp (which results in tedius rebooting to switch between the two operating systems) or Parallels (which is great for apps, but not for games). Another alternative was Crossover. I had used WINE on Linux before and loved it, however knew it had limitations, as did Crossover.

I’ve pretty much stopped playing games on my mac as I’ve got an Xbox 360 however I still have the piles of Windows only games. Well, today I decided to give the new crossover a whirl as well as crossover games and was amazed. I tried a few games (RCT2, Train Simulator and Joint Operations). They all worked flawlessly! What surprized me was that the crossover site said they wouldnt work!

Basically the new crossover release, supports almost anything. I’ve yet to find something that doesnt work! Another fantasic reason why Windows users should get a mac!

For anyone interested in crossover office, check out their site: http://www.codeweavers.com

Alternatively you can try the free WINE app: http://www.winehq.org

The new application allows you to sync your passwords from your Mac to your iPhone, via WiFi! You then have access to all your passwords, meaning you’ll never have to type them out again.

So far, I’ve found it to be a fantastic piece of software. The folks over at Agile Web Solutions have once again set a new standard in OS X applications. They have created a highly reliable, clean polished app, which will prove very useful to many people.

Anyone looking for an easy way to manage thier passwords on a Mac or iPhone, 1Password is the application to use!

Here are some screenshots I’ve taken of the 1Password for iPhone application.

You can download the 1Password application via the iTunes App Store (Link)

1Password on the iPhone

I’ve been using an application called 1Password for about 5 months now. I purchased it through the MacHeist Bundle for a really low price. I wanted to share a bit about this app, as they have just announced that they are releasing an iPhone version that will allow you to sync all stored passwords from your mac! Not only that, but the iPhone native application is set to be FREE for a limited time!

These guys have provided me with free updates and are now providing an entire application, free! The new application will allow pushing of passwords to an from the iPhone. It will fill out all saved forms, and submit them without you needing to touch anything!

This post is really just to thank Agile Web Solutions for their fantastic work and updates to 1Password. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a mac. It uses browser plugins to work with all major Mac browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Camino and Opera, plus it can be used across more than one mac at a time!

Take a look at the link below for some great screenshots and details about the upcoming iPhone App!

Switchers’ Blog » 1Password Coming Soon to an App Store Near You.

(NOTE: None of the links in this post are affiliate links. I simply want to thank the developers for their fantastic work!)