Mac Resources
I do most of my work on Macs because I like having a full Unix operating system, I like having well-integrated graphical tools, I like having hardware that's highly integrated with the software, and I like having other people worry about the system administration. The Mac is a great system, but I've also found that there are some programs that make it a lot easier to use:
Recommended Installations
Install these applications in this order
- Download and install the latest version of XCode from http://developer.apple.com/
- MacPorts, a nice port management system for Open Source ports on the Mac.
- Install MacPorts
- sudo port selfupdate
- sudo port install unison
- sudo port install py26-matplotlib
This installs matplotlib for the python in /opt/local/bin/python2.6, so you'll need to type python2.6 to use it. The advantage is that you can update the python by using port update installed but the disadvantage is that you don't get the most up-to-date version of matplotlib.
These commercial applications should be installed:
- Microsoft Office 2008 (Institutional install)
- Apple iWork 09 (for Keynote)
- Apple iLife '09 (for iPhoto with face recognition)
Other Installations
You may find these interesting
- EMACS on MacOS: Aquamacs Emacs 21 for MacOS Emacs.app
- iterm (better Terminal)
- TeXniscope
- Enhanced Carbon Emacs (ECE) plugin
- pdfsync
- LinkBack Framework; you want the Keynote plug-in
- SuperDuper!, an easy-to-use backup system for the Mac which makes bootable drives.
See Also
Other places to look for cool Mac stuff:
- Hawk Wings' list of MacOS Plug-ins
- PHP5 for Mac
