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For those who want a scanning program that adds features over those of native Mac applications, VueScan for Mac does just that--and it performed well in our tests.

VueScan for Mac comes with a free trial version that limits the scanners available for use. The full version costs $39.95 to unlock. The download completed as quickly as expected via a high-speed connection. A user guide was available as a link to the developer's Web site, which was a helpful feature. Support for updates also appeared to be available. The main menu had a dated design, but was functional. … Read more

Frequent chat users may want a way to quickly add photos and emoticons to their writing. Webmemes for Safari for Mac is a basic application that allows images to be added to social networks, but ultimately is not varied enough for long term use and doesn't work quite as intended.

Webmemes for Safari for Mac is available as a free add-on, but despite its name the download would not read with Safari in our tests. Using a different browser did allow the add-on to be installed, which completed without any user interaction required. There were no instructions, but the … Read more

Need a quick and easy way to convert an image or multiple images to another format? Pixillion Free JPEG Converter does this job quickly and without any issues. This software comes with an easy-to-use interface and supports a variety of the most popular image formats.

Pixillion Free JPEG Converter downloads as an exe file. The installation is rather easy. After accepting the user agreement you will be asked to install some additional software and extras, including a toolbar, which you will probably want to avoid. The program comes as an unlicensed trial version with an option to upgrade to a … Read more

Having to rename a bunch of files manually every time can be labor-intensive. With NameChanger for Mac, users can now rename their files quickly and easily in just a snap. While not too complicated for inexperienced users, this app will keep advanced users more than satisfied with the level of customization offered.

To install NameChanger for Mac you just have to drop the app into the Applications folder. Upon startup this application will greet you with a clean, tidy, and easy-to-navigate user interface. While the app has only one, pretty basic function, it is very useful. It replaces the original … Read more

When working in a dark environment, some users may find their screen to be too bright even when the brightness is already on the lowest setting. With Screen Shades for Mac, users will now be able to fine-tune their Mac's brightness even more.

Screen Shades for Mac is very basic freeware. The app is small in size and the installation only took a few seconds to complete. Upon launching the app, a menu will pop up, allowing the user to turn on the effect, which will add a tint and darken the screen of their Mac. Right below the … Read more

Users who perform menu operations multiple times may want to automate them to save time in the future. Shortcuts for Mac, despite its overly complicated menu, has many options for creating hot keys and shortcuts.

Shortcuts for Mac downloaded and installed, easily. Instructions were available with the program in the form of a readme file with the installer--a great addition because the program is very difficult to use. It is also unclear if technical support is available. The user must choose whether to open the regular version or a 32-bit option. This choice could be confusing to a number of … Read more

There are a lot of alternatives on the App Store to the built-in note-taking tool provided by Apple on the iPhone. That doesn't necessarily mean those apps are good alternatives, and in the case of IDoNote2, it is unclear what advantages you are supposed to gain by using this app, instead of Apple's.

The idea behind IDoNote2 is elementary--take notes and view them in a clean white interface. Unfortunately, nearly every aspect of the app performs poorly. From the fuzzy, low-resolution interface to a cluttered and cramped input screen and an organizational system that lacks any sorting options--IDoNote2 … Read more

The iPad has no built-in clock app, which means no alarm clock. So apps like Jettison Alarm Clock offer a more robust experience than using your phone or one of the many free but feature-barren apps for the iPad. With a number of fun quirks and many ways to customize your wake-up experience, Jettison is a great tool.

With twilight in the sky and the stars above, Jettison Alarm Clock is all about the experience. It has numerous customized alarm sounds; volume, tone, and snooze-duration settings; and statistics that you can view after you've used it for some time. … Read more

For a long time, Apple did not allow third-party companies to publish Web browsers on the App Store. While Safari--the built-in browser for iOS devices--is a good browser, it lacks a lot of tools people want, like Flash support. One of the best tools to get it right is Fast Web Browser Free.

Fast Web Browser is exactly what it says, a quick and streamlined Web browser that provides a huge range of features you don't expect to see in any third-party app, let alone a Web browser. From automatic full-screen browsing to intuitive input of URLs, Web previews, … Read more