10 Freeware Mac OS X Lion Utilities...+1 more:

While upgrading from Snow Leopard to Lion wasn't as pain-free as I would have liked...things are running pretty smoothly now.  All PowerPC apps need replacing.  They don't work with OS X Lion.

Here are my recommendations for FREE programs to check out, that should work just fine with Mac OS X Lion:

1. Chrome, with Google mail/contacts/calendar/documents.  I actually use this for document creation/storage, though I have LibreOffice loaded for those time that I have something on my machine that I need to open locally.  Basic, I know...but worth mentioning.
2. Evernote, which I use for all my note-taking/getting-rid-of-paper tasks. I have the client on all my computers, and also on my droid-based phone.  I use it all the time...well, except when I am typing blog entries...though it can be used for that as well.  :)
3. LibreOffice (yes, instead of OpenOffice).  This is a tightly-integrated office suite, and the price is right.  A very cool app suite that also includes the coveted "database" client that most Mac (free office) users could never seem to get their hands on...until now.
4. Dropbox, free for 2GB (and beyond, if you recommend to other users).  Also has iPhone, Droid iPad/Android tablet clients (and Linux for you super-geeks).  Heck, there will probably be a client for your fridge next year.
5. SuperDuper!.  You have seen it before.  Here it is again.  Make free/bootable hard disk images.
6. MacFuse...to read NTFS (Windows) hard drive partitions.  Even if you don't know what it is...you will benefit by loading it...and it is free.  However, for the record, I actually prefer Paragon NTFS for Mac...but it is $19.95. 
7. Adium is a free chat client.  Works with just about everything...all at once.
8. Transmission.  Free/simple torrent client.  However, they should call it "reception" shouldn't they? 
9. Cyberduck, primarily a free FTP client.  Also, it works with Google Docs, giving you drag/drop convenience.
10. MindNode is a great tool for doing flow diagrams, and just plain organizing ideas.  Check it out.  I had never used a program like this before.  Of course I used to live in a cave. :) 

 

Still here? Great!  OK then...here is the +1...

Not free (at the moment), though a very good download client that I have used for years:

1. SpeedDownload instead of jDownloader (which IS free).  It has a built-in FTP client, iDisk integration, and encrypted file sharing.

Post By: Mick Jolly, http://simplesystems.us

Back these programs/files up

There are specific types of files/data that are commonly left unprotected on most computers.  That is...stuff that is not backed up, that "should be" backed up.  :)  There are several different items to consider, and I will cover as much as I can in this post.  What we want to avoid is the false sense of security surrounding users that buy a hard drive, connect it to their computer, drag over the Documents folder to it once in a while, and think they are protected.  Well...maybe you are, and maybe you aren't.

Username and Password Manager

LastPass - The last password you'll ever need...

For this, and possibly another post or two, I wanted to focus on free apps that backup data that most folks forget about.  Usernames/passwords are items that most people either forget about (for instance, their password).  There are a hundred different options to deal with this issue...but my favorite is LastPass.  LastPass creates a single login (I know, I know, another login...but this is the only one you need to remember :), and then loads a client for your browser(s).  Any time there is a form on a website, LastPass is smart enough to ask if you want it to populate the fields, or if you would like to manually enter the information.  You can set many different options, based on individual sites, and even have it autofill without prompting.  Give it a try, and thank me later. -- MJ

Hard drive prices rising...

For those that are interested...hard drive supply is diminishing causing prices to rise exponentially. The flooding in Thailand is continuing to affect Western Digital and Seagate. Prices have doubled since last week and are going up every hour, every day and expected to continue for the next few months.  If you were looking to upgrade your drive, the time is better now than November or December.

Windows 8. Not your regular Windows upgrade.

Windows 8 is set to be a monumental upgrade for Microsoft.  With a completely upgraded interface/homescreen, users will not get the feeling that this is a minor Windows 7 upgrade, but a completely renewed computing experience.

At the core of the new Windows interface is Search...or Start Search...carried forward from Windows 7.  Surveys showed that 67% of Start Menu Search in Windows 7 was used to find/and start programs. 

Much of the new interface is inspired by Microsoft's Metro Design language.  Though I will cover this in a future blog posting, Windows Phone 7 currently employs Metro, and the much anticipated coming Windows Phone 8 is expected to revolutionize the smart phone market.  Microsoft hopes (though they may use the word "expects") Windows Phone 8 will put them in the running with Google and Apple (currently #'s 1 and 2 in smart phone sales, respectively).

OK...back to Windows 8.  Developers can get a preview/demo of Windows 8 Beta, along with development tools here (which are significantly changed), if they don't mind dealing with a bug or two along the way (or a 3.5GB download:).

For years I noted Microsoft would have a tough time beating XP as a workhorse OS...but it appears that they are moving in the right direction.  I am a fan of Windows 7 Pro, and excited to try out my Windows 8 demo...which is downloading as we speak.

The must-have Android phone app...JuiceDefender

JuiceDefender

Through a friend (thanks Phil), I was introduced to the app that allows me to leave all my services running (Bluetooth, Wireless, GPS), without having to worry about battery life.  Ever again.  It is called JuiceDefender...and best of all...it's FREE.  They do have a paid version with more features, but the free one works great for me. 

Have an Android phone?  You can install it here...

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.latedroid.juicedefender&feature=search_result

Apple iPhone 4S...not 5

At long last...the new iPhone...4S, not 5.  That will teach us to guess what Apple will name its products. :)  In a nutshell, it has 'most' everything we were expecting...the new IOS 5, dual-core A5 processor (really fast), an 8mp camera, and 1080p HD video.  Most important "cool" factor?  Siri.  It is the closest to Star Trek we have ever gotten, so far.  How does it work?  Just ask your phone, "what will the weather be like in Miami this weekend..." and it figures the best app to use to find out an answer to your question, or complete your command.  Dictate searches, text messages, calls, anything.  Way cool.