The Download Dispatch for Mac

Some media files around the Web simply won't play on your Mac without the right software. When you run into a pesky media file, try using VLC Media Player. With this software on your Mac, you'll not only be able to play that file, but also use unique tools like finely-tuned fast forward and rewind controls, and skinning options to make it your own. Best of all, VLC Media Player is open source so you won't have to spend a dime on all this functionality.

Also this week, we have the latest version of Dropbox, the free … Read more

If you don't quite need the sweeping feature set (and steeper price tag) of bigger-name text editors, BareBones software's TextWrangler is a free but still impressive alternative. This versatile text editor lacks the extensive Web-authoring capabilities of its big brother, BBEdit, but TextWrangler still delivers many useful text-wrangling capabilities above and beyond the basics, like spell-checking and unlimited undo/redo. This latest update fixes bugs for a smoother user experience.

Also this week we have the latest version of Audio Hijack Pro, the software that lets you record and add effects to any audio streamed through your Mac. … Read more

Acorn is an easy-to-use but still relatively feature-filled image editor that provides a lower-cost alternative to professional editing programs. What makes this app most appealing is its ease of use and raw speed. Acorn takes full advantage of Snow Leopard (which is required), opening, saving, and performing many operations faster than ever. Snow Leopard users looking for a quick image-editing app should definitely check Acorn out.

Also this week we have the latest update for Synergy, the utility that brings your iTunes controls into the menubar for easy access. Our game this week is LinkLines, the simple yet oddly addicting … Read more

If you're not already a pro at using the command line, OnyX is a solid choice for conducting routine maintenance and tweaking the interface on your Mac. This free utility can help you with everything from checking SMART status on your disks to configuring the Dock, Finder, Dashboard, and Expose to your liking.

Also this week we have the latest update for HandBrake, an open-source utility for converting video from any source into MPEG-4 files so you can view them on your Mac or iOS device. Our game this week is Out of the Park Baseball, a game that … Read more

The Mac Finder is pretty good on its own for managing and finding the files and folders you need. But if you want more options than what come on your Mac, try TotalFinder. With this app installed on your Mac, you'll get added extras to the Finder to make it even easier to use. You can use tabs to move around Finder windows quickly, or use dual mode, which lets you view two finder windows side by side.

Also this week, we have the latest update for MacCleanse, the history and cache file cleaner that can be scheduled to … Read more

Radioshift is an application for listening to and recording Internet radio, providing a Radio Guide with listings for more than 50,000 stations and programs. Casual users might still find the price tag too formidable for a radio app ($32), but Radioshift delivers well on its core promise, with very useful features in an easy-to-use interface.

Also this week we have the latest version of ForkLift, an easy to use FTP client with an intuitive two-paned interface. Our game this week is Battle for Wesnoth, the expansive free turn-based strategy game that makes up for its graphical shortcomings with solid … Read more

Built around a gorgeous interface, this free, GPL-licensed FTP browser is a lean, mean, file-managing machine. Cyberduck offers support for both FTP transfers as well as the more secure SFTP and makes it easy to bookmark frequently visited sites for quick file transfers. This latest version fixes several bugs and adds minor interface enhancements.

Also this week, we have the latest version of Skitch, the handy tool for illustrating your ideas using images and annotations, all with an easy-to-use interface. Our game this week is Defenstar, a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up game a lot like the stand-up, quarter-eating machines of classic … Read more

Are you the type to have a lot of applications and windows open while you work? Find the right window easily by using DockView, the program that lets you view thumbnails of open windows by mousing over their icons in the OS X Dock. This latest update fixes bugs in previous releases.

Also this week we have the latest version of Scrivener, the tool for fiction writers that keeps all your important writing info in one place. Our game this week is Freeciv, the free open-source civilization strategy game where you can slowly build your empire and take over the … Read more

If you run a small Web site or blog, you need a solid FTP client to keep your site up to date. ForkLift packs speed and flexibility into a tidy user interface that helps you manage files without a lot of fuss. This latest update includes a laundry list of new features and enhancements making it a must-download for ForkLift users and definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a good FTP client.

Also this week, we have the latest version of Geekbench, the benchmarking utility that lets you accurately measure your Mac's memory and … Read more