To continue my software ramblings from the other day, here’s the rest of the list.

One of the problem areas on OS X is graphics tools. So far I’ve been unable to find a good piece of software for my needs: To create quick website mockups and minor adjustments to my digital pictures. PhotoShop is of course the package to use for everything, but it’s not an option on my budget. I’m currently using GIMP, but I really dislike the interface - I’d like to have only one window I have to interact with, please. Also, it’s using Windowsish shortcut keys, which is a bad thing since I’m finally getting used to the OS X layout. If you have any suggestions for a budget graphics package for OS X that works, I’m happy to hear you out.

Finding a good text editor was a real PITA. I need something that handles both text (for writing my entries before I post them) and code (for, you guessed it, coding). I first tried the free TexWrangler 2 and it seemed like a good alternative until I realized it was messing up the encoding of the code I wrote when I was implementing the CAPTCHA. I switched to TextMate and haven’t had a text-related worry ever since. It’s a bit expensive, but it works.

Another area where I’m struggling is audio. I’ve been searching high and for a good alternative to iTunes, but it’s nowhere to be found. I’m prepared to award you if you have a suggestion that I actually start using! iPod synchronization, global hotkeys, CD ripping, streaming and a better interface are features I’m looking for.

For Instant Messaging I’ve been a long time Miranda user. It’s to bad it’s not a cross-platform client, or I would’ve used it. As a respectable alternative, I’ve found Adium. The first version I tried was a mess, but now I’m up to pace and using the beta builds and they contain most of the features I missed from the latest stable release.

That was another entry that was of little to no interest to most of you, I guess. Still I wrote it and you, for some reason, read it. Now go out and play.