CNET Editors' review
MacPilot is another good option for fiddling around with your Mac, optimizing it to run better and unlocking the hidden potential of OS X and many applications--all without having to use the command line. MacPilot's graphic interface and file browser give you access to an almost staggering number of customizations, commands, key combos, and more, all organized around specific applications (include Apple and some third-party apps) as well as categories like Disks, Startup, Logs, Tools, and Power. You can do everything from changing the boot mode (64-bit or 32-bit) to tweaking the behavior of the Finder and Dock to activating hundreds of "secret features" in many apps (whether you want to, say, disable inline attachment viewing in Mail or automatically grammar check your Web forms in Safari). You can also search for features within a given app or category using a search bar, and browse through popular or favorite features.
There are other cheap--and even free--options out there with similar functionality, so try out a few just to make sure you're getting the features you want. Fortunately, MacPilot comes with a no-limits 15-day trial.
Publisher's Description
From Koingo Software:
Scared of the terminal or can't be bothered to remember those commands to customize your system the way you want? MacPilot is your digital savior. Easily enable and disable hidden features in Mac OS X, optimize and repair your system, and perform numerous routine maintenance operations with the click of a button! Pro user or not, you can now increase computer performance with only a few clicks of the mouse. Optimize your network for broadband connectivity, completely customize Apple File Sharing, perform essential maintenance without having to remember mind boggling acronyms, and much more. However, those are just a few of the many reasons why MacPilot is your choice over Cocktail, TinkerTool and Onyx! Disable the translucent menubar in Leopard, disable menu items for security, disable icon caches, set history limits, erase recently used files, prevent your dock from being modified, turn off all system animations, increase the speed at which windows resize, change which format screenshots are taken in, set a default name and location for screenshots, disable a secondary processor, disable the startup chime, and even change the login window picture! We welcome you to put MacPilot to the test against our competitors. Features, stability and interface say it all - but why don't you be the judge? Download your free fifteen day limitless evaluation now.
What's new in this version:
- New Feature: Can now allow text selection in QuickLook previews in Mac OS X 10.7 Lion.
- New Feature: iTunes Dock notifications.
- Bug Fix: 'default' grey text no longer draws in the wrong position in the Save Point creator.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 16 votes
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Current version:
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"Good prog. Very intuitive"
Version: MacPilot 4.1.8
Pros
Good prog. Very intuitive
Cons
remember to clear cache
Summary
Re MacPilot:
I installed the program and was adjusting this and that, back and forth, seeing the effects of what I was doing and then after doing that I tried to use Word, Excel, and Safari. None of these would work.
I was freaking out. But then I remembered the old Empty the Cache routine. I did this, with MacPilot, under the maintenance section but Word would still not work. Then I did a restart, and all's well. Yay. It's a good program, but do remember to do the above. By the way it runs really fast now. I guess I was getting bogged down with cache files for some time now. -
"Comprehensive and powerful"
Version: MacPilot 4.0.8
Pros
Covers many elements of system management, most of which you should be aware, and many of which you should exercise some control. Covers more system admin areas than the competition.
Cons
In an ideal world there would be a better overview of the system admin tasks/elements, how they interact, and pros/cons of making any changes. I'd enjoy the bigger picture(s) as well as the item summaries.
Summary
Comprehensive, powerful - more so than the competition. Better big-picture info to supplement the individual item summaries would be most helpful.
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"When I need it I need it!"
Version: MacPilot 4.0.8
Pros
The ability to perform many tasks which I could do on terminal but don't do often enough to recall all the syntax and options.
Cons
You need a modicum of system knowledge OR the good sense to not do things you don't undersstand.
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"Worthwhile functions. Needs good tech knowledge"
Version: MacPilot 4.0.8
Pros
Makes many utilities easily available. Great way to fine tune your Mac. Can definitely improve computer function.
Cons
Requires some technical knowledge. Number of tasks performed is daunting at first. Documentation could be better.
Summary
I like it. I use it frequently. Has never caused any problems.
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"Great product."
Version: MacPilot 4.0.3
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Nuff said......... -
"Provides very easy GUI access to many program settings."
Version: MacPilot 3.5.1
Pros
Rapidly updated and easy to use.
Cons
A more detailed explanation of what each setting does and showing examples would make it more approachable.
Summary
This is something that everyone that is an Intermediate or better Mac OS X user should have in their toolbox.
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"very useful to me"
Version: MacPilot 3.5.1
Pros
Options to change almost everything
Cons
Options to change almost everything. can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing
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"Great way to access some well-hidden features"
Version: MacPilot 3.5
Pros
simple interface
Cons
explanation of functions is often unclear or too brief
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"Very strong application for customising Snow Leopard"
Version: MacPilot 3.5
Pros
Simple UI.
Cons
Y will need to keep your wits about you.
Not an app for random trial and error. -
"Multiple utility tools in one application"
Version: MacPilot 3.4.2
Pros
MacPilot combines an eclectic aggregate of useful utilities in one package. it's functions for system management, disk utilities and Easter egg like preference access for multiple applications.
Cons
There is no function to explain howt a preference activation will affect a program.
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