A friend of mine is the proud new owner of a MacBook. This friend is a PC user and wants me to give him a crash list of software he should snag for the MacBook. I thought the list would be useful to more than just him, and be relevant to my previous post on switching to a Mac.

These picks are aimed at an advanced user. Advanced means he’s not helpless like a lot of people somehow still are, but he’s no poweruser.

I assume you can use Google to find the latest and most appropriate version of the software, so I only list the app, it’s purpose, and any quick thoughts I have.

Handbrake: Great for backing up/ripping DVDs.

Max: I haven’t tried this yet, but will be using it for backing up/ripping CDs. Alternative is to find the LAME plug in for iTunes.

VLC: Best video app out there. Tons of codecs included.

Vienna: Fairly good and free RSS reader for Mac. One of the few RSS readers that doesn’t make me hate RSS.

Adium: Fantastic IM client. No video, though.

Firefox: If you don’t use, shame.

MailUnread: A plugin for Apple Mail that shows, in your menu bar, when you have new e-mail.

Widgets: Find Apple’s site and go through it and DL all the ones you want.

Menufela: Shareware I actually paid for. Autohides the menubar.

Flip4MacWMV: Play WMV on Macs.

There’s probably more but that’s what I found in a quick search.