Ralph's Tech Tips for Mac

By Ralph Tolbert, Educational Technology Consultant ()

Create a Christmas gift for your Mac friends by downloading and burning a CD with affordable software (shareware, which asks for a note or pittance, and freeware) found at these Mac Web sites. Don't blame me if you lose track of time, drool on your keyboard and decide to fill your own hard drive in the process.

Version Tracker
This site keeps you current on software versions and offers reviews. Visit http:// www.versiontracker.com.

Download.com
A newsletter and links to the newest and most popular software and upgrades are available. Go to http://download.cnet.com.

MacUpdate
Piles of older games and OS 9 apps plus an OS X section are included with a daily list of new releases. You'll find it all at http://www.macupdate.com.

ZDNET
Both Mac and PC offerings are available as well as technology news, lowest price comparisons and availability of equipment and software. Go to http://www.zdnet.com.

The Mother Ship
Apple has selected the best of the best Mac OS X shareware, freeware, updates and demos for you at http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx.

In Mac OS X ...
Don't waste time closing several open windows individually; option-click on the red close button at the top left of any open window and watch all the windows close at once.

To scroll quickly in any open finder window, press option-command and a little white grabber hand appears that will allow you to scroll efficiently through any icon- or list-view window.