macOS Product Review – MenuMeters

(See my other Mac related posts) – While Apple’s Activity Monitor (Finder ==> Go ==> Utilities ==> Activity Monitor) does a great job of giving performance feedback, it takes time to fire it up. I like something that I can check performance at a glance.

I came across the MenuMeters App in the fall of 2021. I installed it on my Mac (2018 Mac Mini, macOS Big Sur 11.6) in mid-November. I have been running it ever since. One of the things I like about MenuMeters is that it is Free Open Source Software (FOSS).

What is MenuMeters? It is a set of CPU, memory, disk, and network monitoring tools for macOS.

Once installed, MenuMeter displays real-time data in each category within the Menu Bar.

Clicking on each icon will give you a pull-down panel with further information in each category. Going from left to right, the icons for Memory, Network, Disk, and Processor:

The Preference Panels for MenuMeters offers several configuration options to customize the App.

As with many modern programs, MenuMeters will automatically check for updates. MenuMeters is a port of the App developed by Alex Harper at http://ragingmenace.com. To get MenuMeters, visit https://member.ipmu.jp/yuji.tachikawa/MenuMetersElCapitan/. You will find links to download the App and instructions for installing it.

Pro:

• It is FOSS software
• Has run without any problems

Con:

• limited configuration choices

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Visit my macOS Software Directory page and find new software for your Mac. Currently, there are over 930 titles indexed with more than 300 available for FREE   https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/macos-software/ 

Product Review – AppCleaner for Mac

(See my other OS X related articles – I have had AppCleaner installed for a while and have used it a few times. This is a small Drag-and-drop App cleaner for macOS. It not only deletes the App but can also remove most of the files associated with the App. It is one of the software products from Freemacsoft. As the name implies, this is a FREE software product. I have used it a few times and it seems to both find most of the associated files.

As the name implies, this is a FREE software product. I have used it a few times, and it seems to both find most of the associated files.

When you run AppCleaner you get a window that an App can be drug onto and dripped.

In the example above, I dropped Cisco Webex Meetings onto AppCleaner. As you can see above, AppCleaner found the App itself, two associated folders, and a plist file. Use the checkboxes to the left to select which you want to be deleted, then click on the Remove button at the bottom right.

I also have the App Hazel running on my Mac. As soon as I clicked the Remove button, Hazel identified a few more files associated with Cisco Webex Meetings. I can then let Hazel remove these additional files.

I consider this an App to install on all of my Macs. Part of the essential macOS Toolbox.

Pros

1. Software is FREE
2. Finds most of the files associated with an App
3. Very small App 9.6 MB

Cons

1. Hazel had to find a few residual files to be deleted.

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Visit my macOS Software Directory page and find new software for your Mac. Currently, there are over 900 titles indexed with more than 300 available for FREE

macOS App Review: “MacLampsX”

Image from the https://benkurtz.org/maclampsx.html webpage.

I like to try out new Mac Apps that I come across. One that I found today is MacLampsX. This one seemed appropriate for the season.

What does it do? it puts a border of Christmas lights and ornaments around the perimeter of your Mac computer screen. It can also simulate snow on the screen.

This is a ‘just for fun’ App. It doesn’t do anything other than bring some Christmas spirit to your display. The App has been around for a few years. At lease since 2005. It has been updated (version 3.0b3) recently enough to run without problem on macOS Big Sur 11.0.1. A few ‘third-party’ downloads are available with add-on bulb types so that you can customize your display.

if you want to make your desktop more of the Holiday season, this is an App you should try.

Pros

1. Free
2. Works on multiple monitors
3. Can be customized many ways

 

 

Cons

 

1. Does not seem to work on multiple workspaces

 

Further Reading

1. Deck out your Mac desktop for the holidays with MacLampsX
2. Decorate your Mac: MacLampsX

Visit my macOS Software Directory page and find new software for your Mac. Currently, there are over 750 titles indexed with more than 240 available for FREE   https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/macos-software/ 

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See my other macOS posts

 

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Revised and Expanded FREE iOS, tvOS AND macOS Software List for 10/2020

I have been publishing a list of free software for iOS, tvOS and OS X each month for some time. 

macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software. 

The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 710 entries. More than 230 of those entries are available for FREE download.

Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you. 

This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.

October 2020

1. Games – Independent developer Pixamo is today proud to announce the release and immediate availability of Pixel Pro Golf, its entertaining and easy-to-play arcade golf game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Pixel Pro Golf combines realistic physics with pixel-based retro gameplay, creating a zen-like experience that can be played anytime and anywhere. Pixel Pro Golf 1.0.2 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Convenient in-app purchases are available to remove ads, unlock all courses, and unlock all equipment. Pixel Pro Golf 1.0.2
2. Education – The best selling algebra app for iOS, Algebra Touch, has unveiled a brand new logarithms manipulative in collaboration with teacher Bryan Bazilauskas. Logarithms are part of standardized curriculums across the country and are notoriously difficult to grasp. Most students squeak by and enter adulthood without fully understanding what they are. This new math manipulative demonstrates their fundamental relationship to exponents, and will help students even after passing their tests, especially in understanding graphs for world events. Algebra Touch 1.1 is Free (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Education category. There’s two versions of Algebra Touch. One is free to try. The other is made to support Apple’s Schoolwork app, which allows teachers to assign remote activities to students and track their progress. Download from the App Store 
3. Productivity – Nexcopy Inc., a leading provider of copy protection solution, is proud to announce the release and availability of Project Viewer 1.2.1, its copy protection solution for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Nexcopy provides a security solution for those looking to share files on the iPhone and iPad and keep those files copy protected for unwanted distribution. Project Viewer 1.2.1 is a free download and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category. Contact Nexcopy for setting up the mobile copy protection management tools after downloading the Project Viewer application from the Apple App Store. Download from App Store
4. Utilities – Independent developer 359 North Inc. is proud to announce the release and availability of Saving Daylight, its new app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Ever get in trouble for coming home after dark? Saving Daylight can help you avoid that troubling situation. Saving Daylight is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category. Download From the App Store
5. Photo & Video – Creaceed today releases Emulsio version 3.5, a major update to their video stabilization app for iPhone and iPad. Emulsio 3.5 adds a new video encoding pipeline that gives more advanced users full control on generated output video, a ‘Transcode’ extension as well as iOS 14 improvements. Emulsio 3.5 requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 13.0 or later. It can be freely downloaded on the App Store, and is localized in 14 languages. The stabilization can be tried out as well as video editing features. Pro Pack 2 offers support for 4K videos, improved correction of rolling shutter distortion including third-party sensor calibration, and removal of the watermark. It can be purchased within the app for $10.99/11,99 Euro. This update is free for existing users. Download from the App Store
6. Music – Independent developer, Georgios Trigonakis today is proud to announce the release of WidgeTunes 2.0, the new version of the successful Notification Center widget for iPhone. WidgeTunes 2.0 offers support for iOS 14 Home Screen Widgets. Listen easily to your favorite music with just a tap on your iPhone home screen. WidgeTunes 2.1.2 is available as free download worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. The free version is limited to one widget profile, a pro version is available as an In-app purchase for only $1.99 USD (or an equivalent amount in other currencies). Download from the Apple Store
7. Games – Vertex Arts is proud to announce the release of Risky Wars 1.0.13, their exciting new Risk strategy game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Risky Wars 1.0.13 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category. Download from App Store
8. Music – Independent developer Mike Clay announced today the release of PlayTally, a new app that lets users easily see the music they love most. It is his second Apple Music “expansion pack”, following popular smart playlist generator Miximum. Download from the App Store

Revised and Expanded FREE iOS, tvOS AND macOS Software List for 09/2020

I have been publishing a list of free software for iOS, tvOS and OS X each month for some time. 

macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software. 

The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 700 entries. More than 230 of those entries are available for FREE download.

Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you. 

This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.

September 2020

1. Utilities – Ben Software today announced a major update of their iOS app for viewing and managing SecuritySpy CCTV systems. SecuritySpy is a video surveillance solution for macOS that turns any Mac into a CCTV recording station (NVR). With the iOS app, customers can use their iPhone or iPad to view live video and audio, play back captured footage, control Pan/Tilt/Zoom, and control recording, all from over a local network or over the Internet. The SecuritySpy iOS/tvOS app is a free download from Apple’s App Store that offers most of its features for free. To access the Multiplex and Browser features, there is an in-app purchase that costs GBP 4.99 (USD $6.99). This is a one-time payment that covers all devices linked to the same Apple ID account. A counterpart tvOS app is also available, which provides a similar viewing experience for Apple TV. Please note you will need a Mac running SecuritySpy to use this app. SecuritySpy itself can be trialled for 30 days before purchase, with no demo limitations whatsoever. Download from the App Store
2. Education – iThinkdiff today introduces Onedic Dictionary Translator for iPhone and iPad devices. Onedic Dictionary Translator supports over 30 languages including English, Arabic, Bangla, Hindi, Hebrew, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, Filipino, and more. This useful app helps to learn details of a word, a special translator that helps to translate long sentences and phrases, as well as helps to learn common phrases in foreign countries. Additionally, word of the day, phrase of the day, quotes and flashcard helps to learn words, phrases, and wisdom. Onedic Dictionary Translator 0.6 is Free (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Education category. Download from the Aoo Store
3. Music – Independent developer, NOKKEUSI Inc. today is proud to announce the release and immediate availability of Chorus Lesson 1.0, its choral practice app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. The worldwide COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has put an end to group choir practice in many areas of the world. Chorus Lesson allows choral members to practice individually, while still being able to sing along with the other parts of the choir. Chorus Lesson 1.0 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. The app offers a 30-day free trial and can be unlocked following the trial for $3.99 USD (or an equivalent amount in other currencies) Download from App Store

Revised and Expanded FREE iOS, tvOS AND macOS Software List for 08/2020

I have been publishing a list of free software for iOS, tvOS and OS X each month for some time. 

macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software. 

The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 680 entries. More than 230 of those entries are available for FREE download.

Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you. 

This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.

August 2020

1. Graphics & Design – One of the essential needs for businesses, brands, products, and websites is having a catchy logo. Unfortunately, having a logo done by professionals can be quite costly and take some time to complete. The good news is there’s a new solution that can help. Independent app developers, App Power recently celebrated the launch of Logo Maker – Logo Design App, a logo creation app that’s easy to use and produces logos in a flash. Both iOS and Android versions of Logo Maker – Logo Design App are available. The new app has been greeted with enthusiasm from happy users. Logo Maker – Logo Design App 4.1 is Freemium app and available worldwide on the Apple App Store. Download from the App Store
2. Photo & Video – Authentik, Inc. developers have launched a new app, Once Photos 1.2.3 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices, on July 22. To celebrate the launch, Authentik, Inc. is offering a one week free trial of the unlimited package to all users who download the app.  Once Photos 1.2.3 is free and is available worldwide from the App Store in the Photo and Video category. Download From the App Store

Xwavesoft Back to School Sale

Odessa, Ukraine – Xwavesoft today is happy to announce a Back-to-School sale on their entire range of macOS and iOS applications. Starting on August 31, all their applications on Mac and iOS App Stores will be offered at a 60% discount. The range consists of widely known applications, where the most effective productivity techniques are incorporated to help people maximize their time, avoid burnout, and get rid of procrastination.

Acknowledging the worldwide research about Work-Life balance, the Xwavesoft team are excited about the chance to help people manage their time more effectively, and easily align their daily routines in order to achieve better results. These apps increase personal productivity and helps to focus on things that really matter naturally organizing plans, projects, and ideas in a clear way for faster goal achievement.

* Be Focused Pro (Mac) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Be Focused Pro (iOS) – $1.99 (USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
*Focus Matrix (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99(USD)
* Focus Matrix (iOS)- $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Cloud Outliner (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
* Cloud Outliner (iOS) – $2.99(USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
* eXtra Voice Recorder (Mac) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* eXtra Voice Recorder (iOS) – $1.99 (USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
* Chrono Plus (Mac) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Chrono Plus (iOS) – $1.99 (USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
* Daily Habits (iOS) – $2.99 (USD) – now $0.99(USD)
* Christmas Gift List (iOS) – $2.99 (USD) – now $0.99(USD)
* Guest List Organizer (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
* Guest List Organizer (iOS) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Top Contacts (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
* Top Contacts (iOS) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Magic Cutter (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)

The discount in the Mac App Store and iOS App Store is valid from Monday, August 31 through Saturday, September 5.

Macintosh.js Offers 1991 Quadra Emulation

Did you have a Mac back in the 90s? Was it a 1991 Macintosh Quadra 900 running Mac OS 8.1? If so you can take a step back in time with an emulator written by Felix Rieseberg.

The Quadra 900 was based upon the Motorola 68040 processor. It was not a machine for the masses as it cost US$7,200 in 1991. It was the first model to be able to run Mac OS 8 when it was finally released.

 

We have come a long way in computing since then. Now you can download an App implementing a Quadra/Mac OS 8 emulator Macintosh.js. The emulator can be downloaded from Github.

The App is written in Javascript and versions are available for macOS as well as for Windows and Linux.  The emulator includes several apps and games from a 1997 MacWorld demo CD. The games include Oregon Trail and Dungeons & Dragons. Demos of other software are included as well. Mac OS 8 was released in 1997.

According to info on Github “Yes, you can [transfer files to and from the virtual machine]. Click on the “Help” button at the bottom of the running app to see instructions. You can transfer files directly – or mount disk images.” You CANNOT connect for the internet.

In spite of the emulator being written in Javascript (an interpreted language), it is remarkably agile. This step back in Mac history might be something for you to kill a few hours.

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See my other Mac & macOS related posts

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If you are looking for other interesting macOS software, visit my macOS Software Directory page. Currently, there are over 640 titles indexed with more than 220 available for FREE https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/macos-software/ 

Revised and Expanded FREE iOS, tvOS AND macOS Software List for 07/2020

I have been publishing a list of free software for iOS, tvOS and OS X each month for some time. 

macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software. 

The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 630 entries. More than 220 of those entries are available for FREE download.

Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.

This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.

June 2020

1. Lifestyle – Azure Mir is proud to announce the release of SameSame, its connection app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Every person has different thoughts. Because we are born as different beings, it is quite difficult to know and understand each other’s preferences. Some may like dogs, and another may like pineapple on pizza. SameSame is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Lifestyle category. Download From the App Store
2. Social Networking – The first release of iBlogger 3 is available now on the iOS App Store. iBlogger 3 has been completely redesigned to support native screen sizes on iPad for the first time, as well as on iPhone. This is an all-new implementation of iBlogger written from scratch in Apple’s Swift 5 programming language for iOS 13 for dramatically improved performance, stability, and security in the product. iBlogger 3 is a free download available worldwide exclusively through App Store for iPhone and iPad in the Social Networking category. After you download iBlogger, tap the ” ” button to add your first blog. iBlogger’s financial model has been modernized to a free download and a subscription offering via In-App Purchase. Download from the App Store
3. Games – Zwinzler Games is proud to announce the release of Make Ends Meet 1.2, a mobile puzzle game for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices, set in the Roaring Twenties, complete with smooth jazz and sleazy businessmen. Each level involves a fun drawing mechanic, where you draw around the screen to collect enough colors to continue. And not only does the title of the game represent the message, it also represents the mechanic – make sure you make the ends of your drawing meet! Make Ends Meet 1.2 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category in the App Store. Download From the App Store
4. Food & Drink – No sector is as competitive as the restaurant business. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many eateries to pull down their shutters. Y the Wait has introduced a “digital waiter” feature for restaurants for the post COVID world. Y the Wait 1.18 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Food and Drink category. Download from App Store
5. Productivity – Sixbytes, a technology company focused on developing applications to improve sharing of files across multiple devices, has announced the launch of HibiDo update version 1.3.0, a new To-do list & Notes application that helps synchronize across all devices. Developed expressly to help improve your productivity, HibiDo offers a new and unique way to schedule your personal and work activities in the most efficient manner. Apart from scheduling personal activities and projects, one can also collaborate with their team to get tasks completed. HibiDo: To do list & Notes 1.3.1 is free and is available worldwide exclusivel through the App Store in the Productivity category. HibiDo: To do list & Notes 1.3.1
6. Social Networking – California based Lugelo Inc. has launched the Lugelo app for journal or daily diary writers. The social network-based website Lugelo lets their users write and share their daily life with their near and dear ones. Download from App Store

Revised and Expanded FREE iOS, tvOS AND macOS Software List for 05/2020

I have been publishing a list of free software for iOS, tvOS and OS X each month for some time. 

macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software. 

The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 570 entries. More than 200 of those entries are available for FREE download.

Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.

This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.

May 2020

1. Utilities – Smartphones accompany us everywhere in daily life. Often the first item we grab in the morning and the last we put down before bed, today’s smartphones are constantly emitting damaging non-ionizing radiation from 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals. The research is clear, this overexposure hurts.  Overexposure occurs in all facets of daily life as we navigate city centers, fitness centers, hotels, and more. Hundreds of signals from smartphones live in symbiosis with us at any given moment. MGT Alert, a revolutionary new application developed by Futurix Lab, seeks to empower individuals in the digital world, permitting them to monitor their exposure index under recommendations by the European Council’s Resolution 1815 and best practices from the ICNIRP-IEE. Mgt 9.1 is free, and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Utilities category.  Mgt 9.1
2. Business – The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the life of millions of people and businesses globally as countries are going on lockdown, and business operations are challenged. With more people working from home, avoiding going outside and looking for better solutions to improve their working efficiency, finding the right remote work tools has suddenly become very important. Fax from Phone – Easy Fax 1.0.1 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Business category. Convenient in-app purchases are available. Fax from Phone – Easy Fax 1.0.1
3. Photo and Video – Whatever Apps development team is proud to announce the release of Instaz, “swipe only” photo editor for iPhone and iPad devices. The app makes editing images as simple as a swipe of a finger. The app’s built-in artificial intelligence analyzes each photo and automatically performs complex edits. It improves colors, composition and adds popular Instagram effects, such as frames, collages, dust, stickers and many others. Instaz is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photo and Video category. The free version has a limit of saving 1 edit per photo. Unlimited edit saves are available upon subscription purchase. Subscriptions are available as a convenient in-app purchase of $2.99 per month or $22 per year (A yearly subscription saves $14.00 USD). Instaz 1.5.3
4. Shopping – Oyes Labs is proud to announce the release of Shared Basket 2.5, their grocery shopping app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Shared basket currently supports 8 US Grocery stores:

1. Walmart

2. Costco

3. Safeway

4. Target

5. 99 Ranch Market

6. Indian Grocery Stores (All generic Indian grocery stores)

7. Sprouts Farmers Market

8. Whole Foods

Shared Basket 2.5 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Shopping category. Shared Basket 2.5