The Frugal Mac

Free, inexpensive and best-value resources for Mac OS X users

Free

Free must-have Mac OS X software
Keep software up to date with AppFresh
Flip4Mac™ WMV plays Windows Media video/audio via QuickTime
A Google maps plugin for Address Book
Get system and email alerts with Growl
VoodooPad Lite is the free version of a desktop wiki (text editor with links)

Free online/offsite backup
(Do this today and never worry about losing information)
25Gb free with MediaMax
5Gb free with Xdrive
2Gb free with Mozy (with free automatic Mac backup software)
(Or opt for unlimited at $50/year with Carbonite and Mozy)

Free tests
Web page visitor tracking with CazyEgg
Internet tools with DNS Stuff
Check Internet connection speeds via Speakeasy

Free services
Basic State sends free email and text message alerts when a Web site is down
Get a free imap/pop email account from Google and AOL
Get a free local voicemail number via PrivatePhone
Get a free fax number via eFax, FaxDigits, j2 (voicemail/fax), and k7
Get free mobile phone messages by email, text message or online via CallWave

Free advice
Apple’s directory of open-source software
FreeSoftware Mac User Group
Free, Open-Source Software for Mac OS X
Macworld’s Mac Gems directory of useful free and inexpensive software
MacFixit free (and paid) Macintosh and iPod troubleshooting solutions
Mac news and views: AppleInsider, Mac360, MacLife, MacMinute,
MacNN, The Mac Observer, Mac Rumors, MacUser, MacWorld, Think Secret

Useful Web sites
Babel Fish language translator
Flight status with FlightArrivals and FlightStats
Comprehensive news with Google News and New York Times
OneLook single search/multiple dictionary reference

Inexpensive

Inexpensive services
Inexpensive domain name registration ($6/year) with 1&1
(includes free private registration which eliminates one source of spam + free 1Gb email account)
Inexpensive Web hosting ($50/year for 400Mb + lots of features) with A Small Orange

Best value

Best-value Mac hardware and software
Refurbished Macs, iPods, and iPhones + clearance sales direct from Apple
Specials and best prices posted by DealMac

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