A lot of the programs are pre-installed so there aren't too many to download that would be essential. I would suggest downloading another web browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox instead of using Safari.

Another few programs you could download are Pages, Numbers, and Keynote which all can be found on the App store.

Honestly this is one of the best features of buying a Mac is that most of the software comes with the computer and you don't have to buy it separately. There really aren't any necessary programs but there are a few out there that make it better and depending on what you plan to use the machine for it depends on what apps you need.

I personally prefer Safari over the other browsers but it really depends on your taste but if you choose against it then just go with Chrome as Firefox for the Mac really isn't that good at all and for me it is comparable to Internet Explore to the PC.

If your MacBook Pro didn't come with the iLife Package (iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand) that is a really good option to get and now that it is on the Mac App Store you can just get iPhoto but iPhoto is definitely a good option especially if you have a iPhone or a camera that you use often.

As far as Word Processors, I would personally chose Microsoft Office 2011 over Pages and Keynote. The only disadvantage with this is Microsoft Office isn't available on the App Store so you still have to buy a CD copy or get a product key online. Microsoft Office to me is just a lot cleaner and easier to use and it works with a lot more programs and is more commonplace worldwide.

Have you ever though about using Bootcamp? I personally use it on my MacBook Pro with Windows 7 and it is absolutely amazing especially with Parallels. It comes with your Mac but you need to buy the Windows OEM.

If you have any other questions about Mac and their products please PM me as I have almost all Mac computers and I love to talk about them and help people with them.

One software ive used and highly recommend is "CleanMyMac2" it will clean your mac out and keep it running smoothly and also deletes all hidden files that softwares will add when u uninstall them.

Sell the mac, build a PC. OS and Software is to expensive for a home user and license keys should only be sold to business's.

eels wrote Sell the mac, build a PC. OS and Software is to expensive for a home user and license keys should only be sold to business's.