One of the big differences with Macs is that there isn't as much free (as in beer) software as on Windows or UNIX. It's like Windows about five to ten years ago when everything was shareware. I have to admit that it's taking some getting used to. Don't get me wrong; I don't expect everything for free. On Windows, I own several applications, including Microsoft Office, UltraEdit, mIRC, and Agent. However, I also run many free applications, such as Winamp, Opera (which I actually bought long before it was free), and AVG, not to mention Drupal and Gallery on my web site.
Now that I've switched to a Mac, not only do I have to find a bunch of software to replace the programs I used to use every day, I also have to pay for them. Most shareware is fairly inexpensive, but when you get into things like TextMate (39 Euros), it can get expensive. That's why I'm happy I ran across macZOT! With macZOT!, I get introduced to new applications every day and I get a great deal on them.
If you're not familiar with it, macZOT! is for Mac users only (obviously). Every day, they feature a discounted piece of software, sometimes at ridiculous savings. I've just been following their site for a couple of days, but I went ahead and made by first purchase today. I wouldn't normally do something like this, but the deal is too good to pass up.
Today's macZOT! is called a MyzteryZOT! Instead of just offering one discounted application, they're offering 7 mystery applications, which normally retail for a total of 131.85USD, for just 15USD! Seriously, how can you pass up something like that? Even if I don't get anything I want, I figure it's worth it. See, part of macZOT!s purpose is to help application developers make a wad of cash and get a ton of exposure. Working for Opera Software has given me a lot of empathy for those trying to get the word out about superior products. If only Opera weren't free, I'd ask 'em to make a deal with macZOT!
So, if you're a Mac user, check out macZOT! You're bound to find something you want. Already a macZOT! fan? Let 'em know what application you're dying for them to discount by leaving a comment here. As mentioned above, my killer macZOT! would be TextMate, the best text editor I've found on the Mac. What's yours?
