The Download Dispatch for Mac

Everyone knows that when it comes to image editing Adobe Photoshop is the prime-time player, but not everyone has $700 lying around. Fortunately there are several image editors available with all the features you need, but without the prohibitive price tag. GraphicConverter has been a favorite of ours for a long time, with amazing file-conversion capabilities (true to its name), and also a useful selection of editing tools to make it just right for most digital camera hobbyists. The latest update adds a laundry list of features and fixes.

Also this week we have the first release candidate Mozilla Firefox 3.6. … Read more

We're finally back from our break and it's pretty clear that software developers never stop working because there are tons of new Mac software to check out. For starters, we have Find Any File, the Mac Spotlight alternative that lets you use several different criteria to track down your files. This software is shaping up to be a reader favorite, so check it out to see if you can get to your files better than with other options.

Also this week we have the latest version of OnyX, an optimization and maintenance tool to help you start the … Read more

Every year at CNET, we close down for the winter holidays to recharge for the coming year. In 2009 we saw (and covered) the last Macworld Expo with Apple at the helm, the launch of the iPhone 3GS, and updates to almost all of Apple's hardware and software. Meanwhile, we returned every week in this newsletter with the latest Mac software and news so readers might try some of the very many third-party software offerings available at Download.com.

2010 promises to be another great year, with rumors of the Apple tablet and a (more or less) confirmed new … Read more

True to its name, GraphicConverter's main functionality is converting graphic files--importing from some 200 formats and exporting to about 80 at last count. But it also proves invaluable as a high-speed image editor that lets you quickly browse, resize, sharpen, adjust color, and optimize for the Web, all at a price that makes commercial packages blush. As is often the case with this well-maintained software, the latest version features a laundry list of enhancements making it a must-have update for current users.

Also this week we have My Living Desktop, the desktop enhancement program that displays living scenes as … Read more

do you need to run Windows on your Mac? Check out VirtualBox, a free virtualization software that lets you run Windows or just about any operating system without the need to reboot. Handy wizards help you through the setup process so you can set up multiple environments to suit your needs. Version 3.1 includes a laundry list of interface enhancements and added functionality. If you're already a user of VirtualBox, you should definitely grab this update.

Also this week we have TypeStyler, once the best in its class for stylistic font creations for Web design, sign making, and … Read more

Are you happy with your Web browser? Your Mac comes preloaded with Safari (certainly a great browser in its own right), but it never hurts to check out the competition. Mozilla's Firefox is an excellent choice, as is its lightweight made-for-Mac entry, Camino. If you stay connected with social sites, Flock is another great option. The fact is, with so many great choices on the Mac, choosing your browser becomes more a question of style.

Opera is the unsung hero of the Mac browser category, with tons of unique features like Speed Dial (to get to favorite sites), its … Read more

If you run your own Web site or design your own blog, you need a good FTP client to keep your site updated and running smoothly. Fetch has been around for more than a decade as the go-to FTP client for Mac and is a solid and tested option for all your file transferring needs. This latest version fixes bugs and improves on its stability.

Also this week, we have the latest version of Vuze, one of the best BitTorent clients for Mac, featuring the capability to view full HD video from within the software. Our game this week is … Read more

The Dock in Mac OS X acts as a launcher, program switcher, and much more. But if you want more space and flexibility with your main program and file launcher, you might want to try DragThing. This popular and well-tested shareware GUI-enhancer has become an indispensable addition to OS X for many users. If you want a new way to organize your apps and files, this feature-rich utility is the perfect tool.

Also this week we have the latest version of AppDelete, the uninstall utility that helps you get all the files associated with an unwanted app off of your … Read more

Want to see what's in store next for Firefox on the Mac? If you consider yourself a tech-savvy Mac user, check out the latest 3.6 beta release of Mozilla Firefox. New enhancements, like the capability to change the browser's appearance with a single click, improved JavaScript performance, and numerous other tweaks, were designed to make your overall Web-surfing experience better. Like any beta software, make sure to save your important data before you install and run this program. Warning: there may be bugs.

Not an early adopter? Then check out Xupport, the Swiss Army knife of utilities … Read more