Computers

Appifying the Mac, This is probably going to be the first part of a TBD length series. As mac power-user since 2002 and general user since 1996, I have had the chance to test and try many mac apps. I have also had time to get my fingers tingly by digging them deep inside terminal – sometimes not all for the good, such as the time when I deleted the English language off my laptop. So to say mac and I have been around the block a time or two would be a true statement. As for the often common mate called PC windows, I’ve been on that date and couldn’t wait to ditch the ugly fat beast and take some Rohypnol in hopes deleting my memory of said date and avoiding all future encounters with the awfulness. (That later failed when I got a job at a place that chooses to support such shittiness – not that I mind, because it’s not my money and windows is job security because it requires more support than mac based systems.)

None the less, I have made some pretty fantastic drinking buddies talking about the awesomeness of mac and so forth. So to continue that here with myself would be boring, however I am always up for going drinking to discuss Apple (some bad, but mostly good). Moving on, a TBD amount of future blog posts – and this one – will revolve around applications for the mac. I’ll usually try and stick with a theme, but I will make no such guarantee. You will also probably see why I’m not writing reviews for any reputable organizations.

Appifying the Mac: The Instant Messaging Experience

There are some great apps available which have become daily-use staples. Here are some opinions for when your figuring out what best fits your instant messaging needs and style.

We all know and love iChat, with the integrated audio and video chats which features screen and presentation sharing. There is also the slick integration it has with our address book so we are not looking at, “sillzSlim4523423456FREAK” but rather, “Crazy EX – Run Like Hell” in the name field. While iChat has made some awesome advances in recent updates, many – including myself – feel it is lacking in a certain -.- department. There are a few options when you have decided it is an issue – especially if you are using a pre 10.5 version of ichat (ichat 3 and below).

Solution 1 is the, “I love ichat and the user interface, but I just want some of that extra mojo spice.”
- Luckily, a pretty awesome guy named Kent Sutherland has offered up a free solution. (He is awesome because it’s free.) Sutherland has developed the bandaid for iChat, called Chax. Installing Chax on your system is quick and simple and is like getting a brand new iChat. The best part with Chax is you can continue to utilize all the Apple features while getting those spicy add-ons.

However, if your issues are deeper than Chax can go, (afterall, it can only go so far with the Apple wall in the way) then perhaps its time we look at some other applications all together.

Soluition 2 is the, “I want to customize everything including the user interface, use every possible chat service, and still have it be free. Oh, and I don’t mind if I can’t video chat because I’m camera shy.”
- Then perhaps the solution for you is Adium. Adium is the free ass-kicking instant messenger application available for OS X. Adium lets you customize every minuet detail of your instant messaging experience and still have your address book integrated with the contact list. However, where Adium doesn’t man up is with the video chat department. Psh, who’d want to use that anyway – only incriminating things will probably take place. Adium also has an excellent community of followers for support and anally tweaking your instant messaging experience.

Solution 3 is the, “Wooooaaaa intense and rough is cool – but sometimes I like it simple.”
- Then another viable option available is Proteus. Proteus takes the KISS attitude (rather than the boo-ya* in the back approach) to make for a pleasant user experience.

The Final Step: Pop me baby, pop me good and give a gggrrrooowwwllll.
- With whatever direction you you take your IM experience, I’d recommending installing a free add-on called Growl. Growl will set itself up inside your system preferences and allow a small modern transparent pop up window to be displayed whenever a new message is received (nothing like the ugliness of aol’s junk). Clicking on the popup window will bring that application to the foreground. This is handy if your like me and have disabled all those noisy bells and whistles that chime every time someone signs on, off, status changes or a new message is received. Growl provides an easy and classy way for you to get notifications without all the whooha quacks.

And tht concludes my thoughts on the instant messaging expereince. Let me know your thoughts and/or the outcome of your decision! And it’s okay if your content with the standard ichat, many are. If you happen to use one of the instant message solutions above, make sure to toss the developers a donation when you have some extra money- they greatly appreciate the show of support.

Quick n’ Dirty:
Chax – Band aid for iChat.
Adium – Customization galore.
Proteus – KISS.
Growl – Classy notifier.
Not a cool solution – aol’s instant messenger. Just run from the aol app, run.

*I resisted all temptation in linking to the boo-ya video. However, if you ask… I’ll send it.