Software

You have a Mac already, and you've got some software related questions. This section's aim is to answer most of the more frequent questions that I get.

Q: Wait, I thought there was no software for Macs!!
A: As of last year, there were over 10,000 applications available for the Macintosh platform.

Q. What are those CDs/DVDs that came with my Mac? (they say "install" on them)
A: Those are system restore discs and software install discs. KEEP THEM IN A SAFE PLACE: in the event that your Mac develops any problems, these discs may be neccessary to repair your machine. They can also be used to reformat your machine in the event of a software problem, operating system problem, or something else of that nature.

One should be advised that swapping them with friends is pointless since MacBook discs will not work on a MacPro and vice versa. This is because difference Mac systems require slightly different bits of software, and also to cut down on piracy.

Q. What kind of software comes with my Mac?
A: It depends on what Mac you have, though most Macs come with simliar bundles.

- MacBooks Pro: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/
- MacBook: http://www.apple.com/macbook/
- iMac: http://www.apple.com/imac/
- MacPro: http://www.apple.com/macpro/

Q.Where can I get software for my Mac?
A: Online, you can use the Apple Store Online, at www.apple.com/store. Most items feature free shipping.

In Nagoya city, Mac software is available at a number of stores. A limited selection is offerred at SofMap, Bic Camera, and GoodWill. A larger selection is available at the Apple Store Sakae and MacMart/CompMart in Meieki. (Check the main page for links to their web sites.) Please keep in mind that this is JAPANESE software. It will run on your Mac, but everything will be in Japanese, including the documentation. If it is Apple software (iLife, iWork, etc.) the language it's in will depend on the language set for your account. For example if your account is set to display Japanese menus, the software will display in Japanese. If the account is set to English, then English. The same goes for the other languages that Apple supports.

This is NOT the case for AppleWorks or Microsoft Office. You will need to purchase region-specific versions.

Q. Where can I download software for free? (Shareware, freeware, etc.)
A: There are a number of sites on the internet that feature Macintosh software. Two of the biggest are:

- Apple's Mac OS X site: http://www.apple.com/macos/ Follow the 'Software' link - Apple's site features shareware, freeware and trial downloads of commercials programs for OS X only.
- VersionTracker: http://www.versiontracker.com Is a huuuuge database of software for Mac OS Classic, Mac OS X, Windows and Palm. It features shareware, freeware and trial versions of commercial software.