#mac apps

about a couple weeks ago i finally got a macbook air, which has changed the way i work on schoolwork, personal stuff, etc. i had previously had a dell/windows laptop so this new world of the app store was definitely amazing to me :O here are some of my favorite new apps! (plus they’re all free!)

1. spectacle 

link (not on the app store): https://www.spectacleapp.com/

perfect for multitasking, spectacle allows you to add up to 4 windows on one screen-- unlike the default split screen, which allows for only two screens. it also allows for 3 screen sizes that are entirely customizable by you! 

2. google chrome (does this count?)

link (not on the app store): https://www.google.com/chrome/

this is a personal preference for me since i just like the interface of google more + i use chrome on my phone, so i like the integration/syncing. not to mention i used a windows laptop before and i saved passwords & stuff on my google account. :) not to mention the fact that the account feature allows me to log onto my account from anywhere and access all of my saved bookmarks, passwords, etc! google ftw (did i mention extensions? i’ll do a post on that soon)

3. istudiez pro

link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istudiez-pro-legendary-planner/id402989379?mt=12

this is an amazing online planner that allows you to keep track of all your assignments, exams, grades, and class schedule. i absolutely love the interface and everything about it! it really helps me stay on top of all of my assignments and exams. 

so this is the overview page. there’s a day view & week view that lets you really nicely see you have everything that day & week (obviously, what am i saying).

i also really love the assignments & planner page. the assignments tab just gives you an overview of your scores and when everything is due, while the planner lets you see each class individually and your overall grades.

and this is all free!! so i absolutely love it. a+ for organization and planning.

4. itsycal

link (not on the app store): https://www.mowglii.com/itsycal/

this is just a super cute tab on the menu bar that lets you see the entire calendar at a glance. as a person who loves planning and is very future oriented, this is a must for me. :)

5. ticktick

link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ticktick-things-tasks-to-do/id966085870?mt=12

this has to be my favorite app, hands down! it syncs with my phone and just keeps my to-do list super organized, which makes me so so happy :’) 

not only does it have a super pretty interface, it allows for tags so i can sort my to-dos by class and for future planning. in other words, you can set certain tasks for another day in case you didn’t get it done or the due date changes. you can also set the priority of certain tasks and the check box color changes, alerting you (unpictured). highly recommended!

6. smart countdown timer

link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-countdown-timer/id1410709951?mt=12

a super minimal and simple timer that i use to keep myself on track. i sometimes use it for the pomodoro method as well without the restrictions that some apps have. 

it has a little timer on the menu bar that allows you to check & set the timer whenever you like as well as a smaller window in case you always like to see the timer on your window. super cute!

well, that’s all i have for now! i hope i was able to help your studies a little bit with these awesome apps that i love, cause they have definitely helped me a lot.

Scroll Reverser

Think of it like this: To scroll down on your phone, you swipe your finger up on the screen — so I have my Mac Trackpad set to scroll the same way. However, when I use my USB mouse, I want the screen to scroll following the direction of the roller (as most computer mice(?) do!)

You can’t do it through settings alone, so this app allows you to set the scrolling direction for Trackpad, Mouse, and Tablet with a single click.

f.lux

Being on your computer in the dark isn’t exactly good for you. Blue light in particular is very wakeful! Acting like the Night Shift feature on iPhones, this app adjusts the color of your screen to follow the natural pattern of the sun. It will gradually make your display warmer colors as the sun sets, promoting good sleep and less eye strain. You can enable/disable it straight from your menu bar.

GIPHY Capture

A Screen GIF Recorder

Create GIFs from anything on your screen in seconds. You can even crop and adjust file size, make it play backwards, or add a Boomerang effect! I use it most over YouTube videos or my GBA emulator. Speaking of which…

OpenEmu

Video game Emulator

I’m not sure this is exactly “helpful” but it is fun.

Just download ROMs of your favorite Atari, GBA, NES, and even DS games (my favorite websites are ROMsMania, Emuparadise, and FreeROMs) and get going!

Pro tip: You can connect a Nintendo Wiimote to the emulator  using Bluetooth and use it as a controller! Perfect for hooking up your laptop to a TV for a more authentic feel.

WeDo

An integrated planner for EVERY platform

Organize your Tasks, habits and routines, Bills, Shopping, and Assignments. Great for personal use, but also amazing for family! This is less like a Kanban Board (though if you’re looking for something like that, I’ve got you covered!) and more like the To-Do list on the fridge. The whole family can be connected and assigned to specific tasks. Use subtasks, recurring tasks, and even time estimation to keep everybody on track.

Also available for iPhone, Android, iPad, Apple Watch, and Web Browser.

Macs don’t like clutter, and when storage space nears its maximum limit, things start to collapse dramatically. The problem is that macOS doesn’t always provide sufficient safeguards or smart rollback options to handle this situation, which could turn your device into a paperweight requiring a full disk restore! It might seem simple at first, but reaching maximum storage levels can mean the…

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macOS is known for its strong security, but no system is completely invulnerable. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional handling sensitive data, taking a few extra steps can significantly enhance your Mac’s security. In this post, we’ll walk through the most important macOS security settings you should enable to protect your data, privacy, and overall system integrity.

1. Keep macOS and Apps Updated

Keeping your macOS and apps up to date is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to protect against security vulnerabilities. Apple frequently releases security patches to fix exploits that hackers could use to gain unauthorized access.

How to Enable Automatic Updates:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Click Automatic Updates and enable:

• Download new updates when available

• Install macOS updates

• Install security responses and system files

• Install app updates from the App Store

This ensures that your system stays protected without you having to check manually.

2. Enable the Firewall

A firewall helps block unauthorized incoming connections that could be attempting to exploit your system.

To Enable the macOS Firewall:

1. Go to System Settings > Network.

2. Click Firewall and toggle it On.

3. Click Options and enable Block all incoming connections for an extra layer of protection (unless you need specific inbound connections for apps like AirDrop).

3. Use FileVault for Full-Disk Encryption

FileVault encrypts the data on your Mac’s drive, preventing unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen.

To Turn On FileVault:

1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security.

2. Scroll down and click FileVault.

3. Click Turn On and follow the prompts.

4. Save your recovery key in a safe place—this is crucial if you ever forget your password.

FileVault ensures that even if someone removes your drive, they won’t be able to access your files.

4. Set a Strong Password and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

A strong password is your first defense against unauthorized access. If you use an Apple ID, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security.

To Set a Strong Mac Password:

1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.

2. Select your account and choose Change Password.

3. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters for a strong passphrase.

To Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

1. Go to System Settings > Apple ID.

2. Click Password & Security.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication.

With 2FA, even if someone gets hold of your password, they’ll need a secondary verification code to access your account.

5. Disable Automatic Login

If automatic login is enabled, anyone who turns on your Mac can access your files without entering a password.

To Disable Automatic Login:

1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.

2. Click Login Options.

3. Set Automatic Login to Off.

This ensures that your Mac always requires a password at startup.

6. Manage App Permissions and Privacy Settings

macOS allows you to control what data and hardware (camera, microphone, etc.) apps can access.

To Review and Restrict App Permissions:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.

2. Click each category (e.g., Camera, Microphone, Location Services) to see which apps have access.

3. Disable access for apps that don’t need it.

Limiting permissions prevents apps from collecting unnecessary data about you.

7. Enable Lock Screen Security

To prevent unauthorized access when you step away from your Mac, adjust your lock screen settings.

To Set Lock Screen Timers:

1. Go to System Settings > Lock Screen.

2. Adjust settings to:

• Require password immediately after sleep or screen saver begins.

• Set a short inactivity time before the Mac locks.

This ensures that your Mac locks quickly when unattended.

8. Use a Secure DNS and Enable Private Relay

A secure DNS, such as Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) or Google’s (8.8.8.8), can help protect against phishing and malware. If you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, Private Relay encrypts your browsing data, making it harder for websites to track your activity.

To Change DNS:

1. Go to System Settings > Network.

2. Select your active connection, click Details, then go to DNS.

3. Add 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google).

To Enable Private Relay (for iCloud+ users):

1. Go to System Settings > Apple ID.

2. Click iCloud, then enable Private Relay.

9. Use a Standard (Non-Admin) User Account

Running your Mac from an admin account all the time increases security risks, as malware or accidental commands could make system-wide changes.

To Create a Standard User Account:

1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.

2. Click Add User (+) and select Standard.

3. Use this account for everyday tasks, reserving the admin account for system changes.

10. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi and Use a VPN

Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to attackers. If you must use one, enable Limit IP Tracking in macOS’s network settings or use a reputable VPN.

To Enable Limit IP Tracking:

1. Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi.

2. Select your connected network and toggle Limit IP Tracking on.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, adding an extra layer of security when using unsecured networks.

Final Thoughts

Macs are relatively secure, but no system is immune to threats. By enabling these security settings, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, malware, and data theft.

Do you have any additional security tips that work well for you? Let us know in the comments!