New to Mac computers...

Hi, people.
Even though I've used PCs for a long time, and iPhone, iPad, iPod since they came out, for the first time I got a Mac Book.
I was wondering if people had basic (really basic) ideas of what software I should install, what's worth it, what's not and so forth.
I don't need my Mac for editing videos and more complex stuff, as a matter of fact, since I work on board and spend very long periods of time sailing on a research vessel, with LOADS of free time in my hands, the general idea is to use it for fun.
Of course I'll use it for professional emails, etc, but I've got my workstation on the ship and my required work has to be done there.
So, for someone who just spent way over his head on a MacBook + an iPad 3, I'm looking for the basics really.
Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot
Denis

Welcome to Mac-Forums

There are many apps out there serving many different needs. You might get more useful responses if say what specific task you want to do and we might suggest applications that you might want to try..

Hi, Raz0rEdge

Well, mostly GPS, Navigation, Ocean related, Marine Mammals related, Radio Operations, Ships... that kind of App would be great, since I usually sail some 300 miles of the coast.
Weather forecast, et al.

I know I'll find lots of stuff, I'm just looking for some hints really.
For instance, someone said I should use MacKeeper. Browsing the net I found some really bad comments about it. What do you think?
How about antivirus?

Thanks again

I'm not a sailor and have no experience with those kinds of apps so I'll leave those for others members with similar interests to comment on.

As far as MacKeeper is concerned, DO NOT get near that thing and totally avoid it at all costs.

As far as virus is concerned, you have extra layers of protection on a Mac than you would from say Windows by default, but you still have to be proactive with your own security. Always remember that there are software out there that are trying to get onto your machine and cause all sorts of havoc.

So, remember to be weary anytime you need to give your adminitrator password to install anything. Download software from reputable sites and places (like Mac App Store). Mountain Lion's Gatekeeper functionality (read up on it if you don't know what it is) is another layer of protection.

If you do want to run an antivirus software, check out ClamXav which is free and gets favorable comments by other members here. I, personally, don't run any antivirus software but I do use Little Snitch to keep an eye on what sort of traffic is leaving my machine.

Ashwin, about MacKeeper, I wasn't, after all I've read about it online.
Now do I need Office?
I mean, are there alternatives? I'd rather keep my distance from Microsoft.
And how about softs to view movies on .avi and those other formats, other than mp4?
I hear people talking about VCL, but how about 3GPlayer?

thanks again
Denis

For free you can try Home » LibreOffice or you can try Apple - iWork - Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. For Mac and iOS devices. for very cheap from the Mac App Store..

For watching movies, I alternate between Quicktime and VLC (a very nice player)..

I don't know anything about 3GP files..

Hi,

As far as I am aware VLC does support the 3GP format, but it does not include the software to decode AMR audio.
And if your files have AAC audio then technically, VLC should be able to play your 3GP files. Although I have only use iTunes for AAC files formats.

Installing Perian and Flip4mac will take care of most video formats.

For periodic Mac maintenance, I recommend you get ONYX.