Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
The number of options available in the Mac OS and its applications can be difficult to manage for all but expert users. With MacPilot for Mac, users can track and change settings in a number of areas from one program.
The free trial version of MacPilot for Mac comes with a 15-day usage limit, while the full program requires a payment of $19.95 to activate. The program's native installer set the program up quickly, but a lengthy user agreement must be accepted to use the program. Upon startup, the user is prompted to purchase the full version or continue with the limited trial, but this dismisses quickly. No instructions were apparent, which would have been helpful since the sheer number of options and their potential system effects make using this program difficult for novices. The interface's graphics are well designed, and the top row of buttons divides the system options by category. Each menu has a slightly different design due to the varying options and some of them are not easy to figure out. The changes do take effect when selected and it is easy to revert back if the user does not like the new choices.
While functional, MacPilot for Mac's cluttered interface and lack of instructions make it a poor choice for beginning Mac users, while those with experience may find it useful.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of MacPilot for Mac 5.0.8.
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: Tembo: Default search scope
- New Feature: Tembo: List mounted volumes
- New Feature: Tembo: Maximum result count
- New Feature: Tembo: Grouped results: date and time values
- New Feature: Tembo: Sort by date added
- New Feature: Tembo: Hide results with no value for the sort attribute
- New Feature: HoudahGeo: EXIF/XMP export: Do not preserve dates
- New Feature: HoudahGeo: EXIF/XMP export: Default attribute values See all new features
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 36 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"It says "can't be opened" on my Mountain Lion."
Version: MacPilot 5.0.4
Pros
I bet it's good, I can't tell.
Cons
I can't open it.
Summary
I've tried several downloads. It always says"MacPilot.app" is damaged, and can't be opened.
I went to the developer's home page, and downloaded version 5.05. It opened fine, and looks to be a really useful utility. I have been bothered by the "accidental click" feature on my trackpad not working correctly. I quickly found the option to fix it on MacPilot, a great start.
It sounds like a really good app to me, but I can't open it on my Mountain Lion machine.
I wish I could skip putting stars on the review, because I don't want to add noise to the review stats.
Updated on Feb 6, 2013
I fully expect to pay for this and use it beyond the trial period. -
"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.
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