Mac Book Pro

The Mac Book Pro is an elegant machine both in design and in function. I have used many machines over the years and only this Mac so my Mac experience is new. None the less it has been a good experience that started of a little rough.

I had the machine for two days and was ready to through it out of the window, it seemed like nothing wanted to work right . I was more frustrated with my new overpriced computer than I could believe. Then on the third day I realized the machine wanted to be run easy and things were not so complicated. From that realization on it has been like my right arm.

Everything you do on a Mac is lighting fast and easy. I can’t think of one thing a PC really does better.

My machine came with the Tiger operating system on it. When Leopard came out I upgraded and have been running that ever since. My only regret is with the local server and Leopards quirks with MySql and Php. If you are running dynamic sites on your machine leopard for now is something to avoid.

Other than the quirk with Sql Leopard is a triumph for the designer where spaces, stacks, and time machine keep things in focus.

The I Life suite has some very cool features that will produce some very nice presentations for you and keep your photos in order. I Work is a capable system for compiling letters, presentations, and spread sheets. Both of these programs are seamlessly tied to each other for harmonious production work.

Buy Mac

My Resource List

Resources are valuable tools for everybody. My resource list is very extensive and could be as confusing as helpful. For nearly a decade now I have been moving forward on the Internet learning and collecting tools. The ones I list here are those I work with regularly and trust. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

If I were to have a complete list here it would be extremely long. Last year I filled 350 GB of memory just with the work I was doing, pictures, sites, etc.

As you probably have already discovered I believe in providing value always and the resources I give to you here are of great value. These are the very tools I use on a daily basis and I wouldn't trade them.

Apple Computers

mac.jpgThe main tool I use is a Mac Book Pro. After using PC's for years this is like having a Ferrari compared to a Volkswagon. My Mac is a workhorse when it comes to creativity, the amount of programs you can have running simultaneously is amazing, and have a virtual machine running Windows at the same time. Can't say enough good about this machine

VMWare Fusion

mac.jpgThe first program I purchased for building a virtual machine was Parallels and I had nothing but issues with it. I found VM Ware online and decided to give it a try. The software was easy to set up and runs flawlessly on my machine. I find it necessary to have two virtual machine ready on my Mac Book. VMWare has many great features to make windows work great on a Mac.

Sea Monkey

seamonkeyThe Sea Monkey Browser is far more than a browser it is a web development platform. Complete with all of the essential parts of the Firefox, Thunderbird, a nice html editor, and a DOM inspector make Sea Monkey a valuable an incredible tool for web work of any kind. Imagine moving seamlessly between all of the elements I have outlined. Download this tool today.

Dreamweaver

dreamweaver.jpgDreamweaver is a top quality tool no matter which version you are lucky enough to have. Every release just keeps getting better and the new CS4 does not disappoint. If you can't afford CS4 you will surely be able to find an older version for less. There are many web design tools out there but Dreamweaver stands above the rest especially when coupled with any of the other adobe products

Fireworks

fireworks.jpgFireworks is an excellent product. It enables us to bring to life many stunning visual effects for the web. The new CS4 version of Fireworks has some great improvements over the already more than capable Fireworks CS3 version. This tool is essential for use with Dreamweaver working without Fireworks limits your graphic editing capabilities.

Office

office.jpgMicrosoft Office is a great collection of tools. I own the Mac student version 2004 and am probably most happy with Word. The other tools in the package I hardly ever use but Word stand head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. It has great auto correction for both grammar as well spelling. If you use it's output for the web it is advisable to run it through a text editor first.

Vicomsoft Ftp Client

Vicomsoft Ftp.jpgVicomsoft Ftp Client's integration with BB-Edit and its consistent accurate operation make the Vicomsoft tops in my book. You won't have partial uploads to your server anymore with this client. It is fast efficient and works seamlessly with the BB-Edit software.

BBEdit

BBEdit.jpgBBEdit is a great editor for all web design purposes with a large array of functions. It works together perfectly with Dreamweaver and Vicomsofts Ftp Client making it a great addition to a web building platform. BBEdit has great functionality with its drawer system allowing many pages to be opened at the same time for a smooth work flow.

Open Office

Open Office.jpgThe Open Office platform is amazing to say the least and for an overall office tool it is very hard to beat. It has many extensions that will expand it's already large capability and a user interface that is simple and customizable. I usually write my blog posts in it because it will upload directly to Wordpress or Blogger.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks.jpgQuickBooks software is the accounting software I use for all of my businesses. It is a very complete and functional system that is heavily integrated into most financial institutions. That means your records are just a download away and reconciling has never been easier. You can track time,run extensive reports, and stay up to the second with your business.

 

Resource Disclaimer

 

These Resources are what I use to help my business be a success and are here to give you some idea of what products to invest in. Please read the following with regards to these products.

  • I have no affiliation with these manufacturers whatsoever.
  • I receive no compensation for having their links on my site.
  • I am not responsible if your results with these products if unfavorable.

That being said I hope your information technology experience is a good one. Remember you get what you pay for in almost everything so buy good products if you need to count on them.

William Muncrief