4 Cool Mac Apps You've Never Heard Of
The Essential Role of Applications in Computing
Applications are fundamentally important components of any operating system. They provide computers with specialized functionalities and significantly improve the user experience.
Currently, a vast array of applications exists, catering to nearly any conceivable task.
Discovering Hidden Mac Utilities
Throughout my extensive experience with computers, I have explored and tested numerous applications, ranging in complexity. These span from comprehensive suites offering a wide range of features to streamlined tools designed for singular purposes.
Below is a collection of small, yet remarkably useful, Mac utilities that may not be widely known.
A Selection of Useful Tools
Many users are unaware of the breadth of helpful software available for macOS. These utilities can often streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
- These applications often address niche needs.
- They are typically lightweight and easy to install.
- Discovering these tools can significantly improve your computing experience.
The following list highlights some particularly valuable options for Mac users seeking to optimize their systems.
These smaller applications can often provide focused solutions to specific problems, complementing larger software packages.
Identifying Processes Preventing Ejection or Deletion
For Mac operating system users, the process of mounting and unmounting drives, as well as deleting files and emptying the Trash, is a routine occurrence. However, these operations don't always proceed without issue. Occasionally, unseen factors can obstruct the completion of these tasks.
A notification window will appear each time a volume is unable to be ejected successfully.
Similarly, a notification is displayed when one or more files cannot be removed from the Trash.
The operating system doesn't consistently provide a clear explanation for these failures. A frequent cause is the presence of open files within the volume or Trash. The What's Keeping Me utility for Mac allows users to perform a search to pinpoint the application that is hindering the desired action.
Once identified, the problematic application can be quit, restarted, or terminated to allow the unmounting or deleting process to continue.
An Automator workflow can also be installed, enabling direct searching from within Finder. To utilize this feature, simply right-click on the file in question and select "Service - WhatsKeepingMe Search".
This provides a convenient method for quickly identifying and resolving the issue.
Volumizer
Volumizer is a Mac utility designed for managing mounted volumes. It functions as a Preference Pane extension, integrating a system-wide menu into the Finder.
This menu provides a comprehensive display of all currently mounted volumes, including hard drives, flash drives, optical discs, network volumes, disk images, and other mountable items.
Quick Volume Management
The application presents a list of each mounted volume. A simple hover over a volume’s name reveals a convenient unmount (eject) option.
This allows for rapid disconnection of drives and other storage media.
Ejecting Multiple Volumes
When a physical drive contains multiple volumes or partitions, selecting Eject on any single volume will result in the immediate unmounting of all volumes on that drive.
Volumizer bypasses the standard Finder eject confirmation dialog, streamlining the process.
Important Considerations
Due to this streamlined approach, users should exercise caution to avoid unintentionally unmounting volumes that are still in use.
It’s important to note that the startup disk cannot be unmounted using this utility.
Hard Drive Space Management with SpaceControl
The everyday digital tasks we perform – such as downloading films, organizing photographs, and installing software packages – can rapidly consume available hard drive space. Individuals who regularly engage in these activities will benefit from a dedicated Mac utility designed for continuous monitoring of disk space utilization.
SpaceControl fulfills this need. This application resides discreetly in your menu bar, and a simple click reveals the amount of free space remaining on your primary startup disk. Furthermore, it displays the combined total of free space across all connected volumes.
The application offers a convenient feature allowing users to configure email notifications. These alerts are triggered when the remaining free space falls below a user-defined threshold.
MiniUsage: A System Performance Overview
Unlike Space Control, which focuses specifically on hard drive space, MiniUsage provides a comprehensive view of your system’s performance metrics. This application delivers a concise menu-bar display of key data points relating to your Mac’s operation.
Displayed information includes CPU usage – representing the proportion of your Mac’s processing capacity currently utilized – as well as incoming and outgoing network data rates.
For MacBook users, MiniUsage also conveniently shows the remaining battery level.
Customization Options
The application allows users to cycle through these various statistics at adjustable intervals. You can configure MiniUsage to update the displayed information every 1 to 5 seconds.
This feature enables quick and continuous monitoring of your system’s vital signs.
Discovering Hidden Mac Utilities
Numerous other small, yet valuable, Mac utilities exist beyond widely known applications. Tools like Pauser and BashFlash exemplify this category.
If you are acquainted with any such hidden gems, consider sharing them with the community by leaving a comment below. Your recommendations can help others discover useful software.
Contributing your knowledge fosters a collaborative environment for Mac users.
