List of recommended utilities

Utility software is any kind of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain the computer. (Utility programs are so classified in contrast with application software programs (apps). The latter are the reasons for having a computer, as they generally do something useful or entertaining, e.g. helping you to write a Bible study, make music or play a game.)

The following wiki pages and other links cover utility programs that have been recommended on the Mac-Ministry List.

Precautions for being connected

• Little Snitch is our top recommendation. Read about it at here at MacUpdate.

• Anti-Virus Software for Macintosh

• Internet safety products for internet filtering, accountability and safety

Hard disk repair

Apple's Disk Utility, installed on every Mac by default, does some basic repairs. "Repair Permissions" is worth running periodically, especially before and after major software installations or updates. In recent versions of OS X it shows a large number of warnings that can safely be ignored, see this Apple Support page.

If you need more than that, the good tools do not come cheap. Our best buys are:

• DiskWarrior (MacUpdate link) first, then:
• TechToolPro (MacUpdate)
• Drive Genius (MacUpdate)

Managing files

• OnyX, a free program to run system maintenance, configure hidden system options and delete old cache files (see OnyX at MacUpdate)

• Cocktail, a non-free but highly-rated alternative

• Disk Inventory X to see what's taking up space on your Mac

• To delete apps, AppDelete (shareware) puts all of the pieces in one file in your trash where it will remain until you delete your trash, or AppCleaner (free)

• IClean Language saves disk space by removing unnecessary language support

• IExplorer to manage files on your iPhone/ iPad / iPod Touch from your Mac

Warning

Note that CATUG members do NOT recommend a widely-advertised app called MacKeeper.

Other stuff to manage your Mac

• Activity Monitor is a free Apple utility which monitors CPU and memory use, among other things.
• Caffeine keeps the Mac awake; you don't want it going to sleep during backups, downloads etc.
• Growl notifies you with a little popup of almost any kind of information (you choose) about things starting and stopping on your Mac.
• Mactracker tells you whether you can upgrade to the latest operating system, and loads more useful info about your Apple Mac model.

Burning CDs and DVDs

The Mac's standard apps (iTunes, iDVD, Disk Utility) will do the basics. If you want an app to do more, the market leader is called Toast, but a free alternative which probably does all you need is Burn.

Credits

Compiled by Neville Reid, January 2012–August 2016