What Are iMac Applications?
"Application" is a computer-oriented word for any program that runs on the particular operating system. For an iMac, many applications are available for its operating system, currently OS 10.x.x. Applications used to be referred to as just software programs early in the personal computer age, but with business use over time, the term has changed. Applications are distinguishable from the operating system programs, which actually run the computer and perform many functions of which the user may not be aware.
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iMac Apple Applications
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Depending upon the version of iMac, and its version of OS X, many applications are available from Apple. For instance, a new iMac might come with applications pre-loaded. Some of the most popular are Calendar, iPhoto, iTunes, Mail, Safari, Address Book and the iWork suite. The iWork suite now contains applications including a word processor, Pages, a presentation program, Keynote, and a music writing program, GarageBand, to name a few. Apple also preloads iMac utility applications such as Disk Utility.
Third-Party Applications
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The iMac has inspired other software companies to write many applications for it, ranging from games to business. A few popular applications are the Microsoft Office suite for Macs, Adobe Photoshop, anti-virus, utility and anti-spyware programs, from Norton, Allume Systems and games such as Myst and Halo. Thousands of Mac applications are available, for just about any need.
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Widgets
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In addition to large-scale applications, Apple provides a page on its site for downloading hundreds of widgets, the small applications that run from the Dashboard on the iMac, and other Macs. Some come preloaded from Apple, but the page contains downloads for free Widgets, ranging from business applications to games. The widgets are written by independent individuals. Again, the variety of types of widgets available is quite rich, and they are arranged by category.
Freeware, Shareware and Demos
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Sites exist offering applications by third parties containing freeware (for free), shareware (for a voluntary contribution), and demos (free), iMac applications. One of the best of these sites is Version Tracker (see "Resources"). Version Tracker offers freeware, shareware, demos and updated versions of applications, categorized by versions of OS X. It offers hundreds of applications and features a searchable database.
Additional Sources of iMac Applications
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By searching the web, an iMac user can locate other commercial and non-commercial sites offering apllications for sale, freeware and shareware. Additional Mac store sites are available online, such as MacMall, a warehouse type of store selling iMac products. There are also several Mac-oriented magazines, one of which is MacWorld, that contain reviews of software, advertisements from other iMac vendors and articles about perform tasks within OS X and other applications.
More Applications, Using the Windows Desktop
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iMacs can run some Windows software if the user purchases one of the Windows desktop or conversion programs commercially available. Microsoft and other companies sometimes offer individual applications compatible with Macs.
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References
Resources
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