Adium is an instant messaging client I use to log in to different types of accounts simultaneously. Basically you use it to log into all your messaging services without running twelve freaking programs. I use it for AIM, MSN, Gtalk, and even Facebook chat. One of the best features is that it's customizable. You can customize the contact list, message boxes, emoticons, message styles and just about everything else too. The auto-hide feature lets me hide the contact list and message boxes when I'm not directly using the program. This helps keep the screen clutter-free.
RSS:
Netnewswire is a fast and simple RSS client that makes keeping up with news a breeze. No need to go to each individual website to see new articles when they can all be delivered straight to your computer. You can even sync Netnewswire with your Google Reader account.
Twitter:
Frivolous as it may seem, Twitter does come in handy for finding and sharing information. I use Twitterific so I don't have to log into Twitter online. Twitterific sits in your computer's tool bar and uses Growl notifications to let you know when someone has added a tweet. It keeps my screen clear of extra windows and helps me keep up-to-date.
Entertainment:
I'm not always around when a show I like is on TV. I use Hulu Desktop because it gives me 24/7 access to many of the TV shows I watch right on my computer. I can even use my Apple remote to control the program from across the room when I don't want to run over to hit pause or change the volume. You can subscribe to different shows and have them automatically put in a queue to watch later. I use it to watch Family Guy, The Colbert Report and old seasons of Lost.
I hope these programs help you as much as they have aided me in keeping up to date and entertained.
(I found Twitterific and Hulu Desktop in a Macworld article, I highly recommend the magazine for Mac users)
(I found Twitterific and Hulu Desktop in a Macworld article, I highly recommend the magazine for Mac users)
