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Now that your new Mac is set up and you have the Internet hooked up, how about some software? Out of the box, your Mac is loaded with cool apps to get you started on stuff like uploading and organizing your digital images, creating a music library, making your own movies, and surfing the Web. But it doesn't come with everything.
There are several cool apps Mac users count on every day that aren't included in the initial setup. To get you started, we've rounded up our must-have downloads for your new Mac. From Web browsers and useful utilities to fun and games, these top Mac downloads are perfect for your new computer and a great way to start exploring the world of Mac software at CNET Download.com.
Mozilla Firefox
- CNET editors' rating: 5.0 stars
Sure, Safari comes preloaded on your Mac and it's got a lot of great features, but it's not for everybody. The folks at Mozilla have come a long way with the Mac version of Firefox with the intention of creating a flexible browser that plays nice with the elegance of Mac OS X. In addition to Firefox 3's revamped interface, what makes Firefox particularly enticing is the ability to pick from a huge library of themes and add-ons. Unlike Safari, Firefox lets you change the overall look of your browser to fit your style. With add-ons covering a wide range of functions--from adding iTunes controls to your browser window to the ability to view lists of found photos in 3D--the sheer number of additional things and customization options you can tinker with in Firefox is staggering.
Opera
- CNET editors' rating: 5.0 stars
Though it's often overlooked with Safari and Firefox stealing most of the spotlight, Opera is an excellent Mac browser in its own right. Themes and add-ons are easily searched right from within the interface and Opera might be the fastest when it comes to page-loading times. The Speed Dial feature lays out your favorite sites in an easy-to-navigate format, letting you get to your most visited sites with the click of your mouse. Its Wand utility makes autofilling of forms a breeze. Unlike other browsers for the Mac, Opera also supports torrent downloads. To top it all off, Opera Link makes it possible to transfer your Personal Bar, Bookmarks, Speed Dial, and Notes across multiple computers if you have Opera in several locations. As you can see, while Opera isn't as popular as the other Mac browsers, it has plenty to offer including unique tools everyone can appreciate.
Camino
Not interested in extras and add-ons? If you like the idea of surfing the Web without all the excess baggage, check out Mozilla's other browser for Mac, Camino. Camino is for those not interested in weighing down their Web surfing experience with added options and just want to get down to the business of exploring the Web. With basic controls and smartly designed for speed, Camino is the minimalists Web browser. Solid Web standards support means you'll be able to explore all the Web sites you would in other browsers, and the slimmed down interface makes this option the most agile of the group.
The fact is, any of these browsers are great choices, but it's a good idea to check out all of them to find the browser that fits your particular Web surfing style.
