Really new to Mac but already loving:-
iWorks08
Truecrypt 6 - (FREE!) Encrypt you entire HDD, if it gets knicked, or the HDD has to go away for warranty replacement no-one is getting any of your info.
Evernote - (FREE!) Remember stuff, notes etc. Screen clip from Website, email to your personal Evernote email or Just drag it in there. Takes a bit of playing with but excellent once mastered. I frequently take a photo of a book, business card, price on my phone & email to my evernote. Once in evernote it's even text searchable within the photo.
Skype - (FREE! for Skype to Skype calls) The video calls are just excellent, most of my family seem to have Skype (PC & Mac users) and I'm really impressed with the quality of the calls. I had a better webcan on my PC, but the internal iMac one is just fine too.
SuperDuper - (FREE for "Full Backup Only" restricted function operation) Backup software my Dad can operate. Enuff said. I actually just ordered a Time Capsule so I reckon this'll not get used much after that.
1Password - Password archival/generator. Allows you to give REALLY complex passwords on websites and just remember a local password to access them.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client 2 - Just updated (July 08) and is excellent for logging on to work without the need for a PC at home. This is the only version I've used, I understand earlier ones weren't quite so good.
Messenger for Mac 7.01 - (Updated June 08)This works just great, I will replace it with a more generic messenger aggregator once I find one that suits. For now I use Skype, MSN & iChat with the most people on MSN due to work contacts.
Macheist
I also bought 2 copies of this year's MacHeist II bundle (1 for my Dad & 1 for me). How I wish I could still buy the previous bundles. I haven't fully explored it all but included in my bundle & associated bonus software was several bits of software I love:-
Text Expander - Simple replace text program but so powerful. I use this every single day without thinking about it. I'm even using it to insert the links in this thread as I have the "quote with description" structure set as UURL shortcode, same for quotes, addresses, contact info, stanadrd letters I frequently type & more.
BitClamp - Simple drag & drop file encryption, easy enough for my Dad to use. Now I can email to & from securely. I'll set up GnuPrivacyGuard once I get a little more proficient but this is great for now.
Wiretap Pro - Tagline "Record Anything" and they're not wrong, Skype calls (with permission of course), if the Mac plays it you can record it. My daughter wanted some live songs off of one of her concert DVDs on her iPod, did it not problem.
Sound Studio 3 - An Audacity-like sound editor, I used this to fade in/out on the songs I put on my daughters iPod.
Overflow - Add additional, perhaps lesser used, dock items sorted by genre, or any other strategy you chhose. I have, Music, Video, Internet, Photo & Utility panes that have massively cleaned up my dock.
Wallet - Securely keep sensitive information on your Mac Locked away safely.
Without Macheist I'm sure I'd have never discovered these, or the masses of other apps included for my $49. Awaken, ChaChing, Devonthink Personal, Coversutra, iClip, WriteRoom, XSlimmer & 3 Games and a few minor apps.
I'd strongly recommend registering at
Macheist to be notified when the next bundle appears.
For most other things I've been using the bundled software, iWeb, iPhoto, Garage Band etc.
I've a lot of things I haven't discovered the best solutions for yet, but that's for another day.
Mark.