Open Source Mac Application Alternatives

Free Programs for your Mac

Do you want programs like Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Photoshop, or Office, but their prices don’t fit into your budget? If so, the programs listed below are all FREE open source alternatives to these programs (and others).

Running WindowsXP, MAC OS X & Linux Ubuntu on a PowerBookPro

Technoslice

This is an early review of the Parallels Desktop for Mac, a virtual machine package (similar to Xen or VMware) that lets you run "guest" operating systems such as Microsoft Windows or Linux on your Intel-based Mac. Unlike older Windows-on-Mac emulation software, such as VirtualPC, the Parallels package runs at nearly full speed. Unlike Apple's own Bootcamp software, Parallels lets you start a guest operating system without rebooting. You can even have more than one virtual machine running at the same time, if you have lots of RAM.

UnknownReference

The PC Boot Process - Windows XP.

Just what it says folks, step by step boot process, to keep fair with Apple's OS X Boot Process.

Roadside America

Guide to Uniquely Odd Tourist Attractions

Everyone has heard of the World's Largest Ball of Twine and the odd assortment of Americana that dots much of the American Highway System. But what about the Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida? Or, say, the Stevedore Man in Everett, Washington. These and many more quirky, but fun sights can be found and mapped over at Roadside America, a site dedicated to American arcana.

Glass Art

Summer means INSECTS!!!

My work is inspired by themes from nature and the collective unconscious. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I spent my time exploring the space beneath logs and rocks or reading science fiction and comic books. Between these pastimes, I developed quite an active imagination.

Mac OS X System Startup

What happens when you switch on that Mac

This page briefly describes the sequence of events that happen when Mac OS X boots.

How To Create Your Own Planet

Planet Tutorial

Using just one texture in Photoshop, I'm going to teach you how to make a planet that looks somewhat realistic although, in the end, whether it looks realistic or not is entirely up to you and the way you play with settings.

Image Panels Floating Over a Ghosted Image

Layers Magazine

“Is there a way to create a transparent look within InDesign using an image in the background with panels floating above it which contain the same image perfectly lined up with the original image beneath?” I always say that I learn as much about various applications from other users questions as I do from actually using the programs myself on a daily basis. This question not only made me think, the answer lead to the following tutorial.

Not Your Father's VW

But it could be.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought it'd come to this. What a great way to travel! Wigwam here we come.

31 Ports!

31 Port USB Hub!

This unique mod combines nine USB hubs for an ultra, uber USB hub ready for global domination. Unfortunately, there aren't specific instructions about how to do the technical wiring, but I'm sure the smarties that read this would be able to figure out how to pull this 31 port USB hub off.

LUCKY TIKI BANDAGES

If only Greg Brady had one of these...!

Treat your minor cuts, scrapes and scratches with the incredible healing power of a Lucky Tiki designer bandage.

And if a cool bandage isn't enough to dry up your tears, how about a FREE TOY!

Includes a small toy to help make even the ouchiest owies feel all better in no time

HANDY BANDS

Rubber Undies

Stretch the limits of your imagination...rubber bands don't have to be boring! Use Handy Bands just like ordinary elastics - on bundles, in your hair, to organize your life. They'll always return to their original cool contours.

iPod Docking station

Marantz Europe

The iPod has become an integral part of people’s lives, gaining iconic status along the way. With its latest product, leading consumer electronics marque Marantz, hopes to integrate this incredible design even further.

If you’re looking for a nice universal iPod dock you might be interested in the new Marantz IS201. The cool thing with this dock is due to the fact that it’s universal which means that you can plug in your iPod to any equipment you might have (well, not literally). It will be available in the end of June.

Along with the dock you get a nice remote, S-Video output, audio output, RS-232c output - and if you plug it into a TV or any other display you can view photos you might have on your iPod.

Elvis Camera

Perfect for that trip to Graceland!

Take pictures that look as though Elvis is right next to you with the Elvis Camera! Picture the King as a surfer serenading you by tropical moonlight— as a handsome G.I. taking you for a stroll in the park. Follow the simple instructions, making certain to center your subject in the frame, then develop as you would any other disposable camera. Your 4" x 6" photos will magically feature 4 each of 6 different Elvis scenes--starring you! 24 exposures; built-in flash.

Google Earth

Now for Mac & Linux!

Despite being mostly a Windows boy myself, I'm really glad to see Google moving some of its apps to other platforms. Today Google announced the availability of Google Earth 4 Beta, which is a free download not just for Windows, but also for Mac OS X (yes, it's a universal binary) and Linux. Aside from going multi-platform, Google Earth 4 sports a new, sleeker interface, support for textured building models with SketchUp integration, and some KML improvements. Head over to the beta site to grab the new release.

Minty Boost!

USB charger for your gadgets

This project details a small & simple, but very powerful USB charger for your mp3 player, camera, cell phone, and just about any other gadget you can plug into a USB port to charge!

Rock Album Cover Tote Bag

with interchangeable panel

Here's a groovin', versatile tote with both style and room to spare. Its velcro-enclosed clear vinyl sides hold two different authentic record jackets. Ours have Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Springsteen, Aerosmith, Joplin, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd or Kiss on one side and a random rock favorite on the second side. When you want a new look, exchange them for covers in your collection. Two amplifier knobs (that still turn) decorate the sides and the two-inch wide shoulder strap is adjustable. Because the album covers are drawn from many sources, we cannot fill specific requests for rock artists.

Nintendo Monopoly

Now you're playing with power!

The most recognizable and unforgettable characters in the video game industry have teamed up to bring you the Nintendo Collector’s Edition of the world’s most popular board game, MONOPOLY. No controllers are necessary this time as you join forces with Mario, Luigi, Link, Zelda, Kirby and others on a quest to defeat your opponents and own it all.

Modern Cabana

Not a shed; a living space.

Everyone needs their space: Space to think, to read, to play, to entertain, to rest, to work, to sleep, to lounge and to live; each space being as unique as its occupant. Before Modern Cabana, options for increasing living space were limited. Adding a room or building a separate unit required permits and costly work with a contractor.

Salad Sunrise

Oil & Vinegar

Bringing oil and vinegar into a single container is an often-attempted tableware design that rarely works smoothly, which makes this clever design pictured above all the more uniquely functional and great to look at. The piece allows for users to measure out exactly how much of each they want while separating the oil from the vinegar without the use of two compartments. The Salad Sunrise oil and vinegar bottle, designed by Arnout Visser, allows the vinegar to sit on top of the oil because of the different molecular structures of each substance. One nozzle is attached to the bottom of the pyrex glass container, and another to the top, each allowing for separate pouring of oil or vinegar.