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I'm wondering what a minimal Mac OS installation would look like. What applications would be there from hour 0? Basically "System Preferences", "Finder", and "App Store" would be needed. Anything else? Actually all other applications could be installed via "App Store".

OK, it's nice to have some of the other applications too - like iPhoto, Mail, or Calendar, but do we really need them? Well, we use them, but I also have some pre-installed applications on my MacBook that I've never used.

What do you think, what applications are essential for every user - not especially for you (if you're a developer, a designer, or a rock star) but what applications would no user want to miss?

  • Nate
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Application preference would be down to individual tastes & needs, which is different for everyone. What is it that you want to accomplish ? Only on that basis will people be able to help you with recommendations of Apps that can achieve that task for you – Simon Jan 26 at 17:23

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I might be mistaken here (Someone please correct me if I am) but I'm pretty sure "iLife" used to come as standard in a mac -- it was already built in, whereas now, I don't even have it on any of my macs but I can download it.

Your question (as a whole) is too broad since it really depends on the person and what applications they NEED to use. A Developers "needs" maybe different to a designer or a normal user hence they will install what they need to.

Saying that: I do believe "Apple" do a good job in shipping their macs with little pre-built in software. Some PC experiences ship things like 'Free anti-virus software trials" etc.. which is very annoying.

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Yes, everyone needs other applications but there must be a set of applications everybody (or almost everybody) uses in daily life. – user40442 Jan 26 at 17:08
FWIW, I believe all new Macs currently shipping from Apple come with iLife. – bassplayer7 Jan 26 at 21:18
@bassplayer7 I do believe this has changed, and, it no longer ships with them. But, I might be wrong – Phorce Jan 26 at 22:15
interesting. I just looked at Apple.com. And, my new MBP came with it. – bassplayer7 Jan 27 at 0:24
@bassplayer7 I didn't get iLife.. Interesting.. – Phorce Jan 27 at 0:28