The perfect open source tool for recording and editing podcasts and music Even if you have the ready cash for an audio editor, you might choose to stick with open source alternative Audacity.
Free, open source, cross-platform audio software. Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. Developed by a group of volunteers as open source. Download Audacity For Windows, macOS and Linux. GIMP is an open source powerhouse that is available for free of cost for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. Its interface is similar to that of Photoshop so there is no steep learning curve.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 16, 17, and 18: OS X Server, Apple's Open Directory, and Profile Manager OS X may support Active Directory, but Apple's native directory is an LDAP-based solution called. A phrase I hear quite a bit these days is, 'What a great time to be a Mac admin!' I think there are a lot of factors contributing to that feeling, but the one of the biggest is the explosion of tools developed by the incredible open source community managing macOS. I know we already have a generic Mac management software thread going, but I wanted to start another one dedicated to free, cheap and/or open source solutions. I think almost everyone would agree that Jamf Pro (formerly Casper Suite) is the way to go if you can afford it, but of course that isn’t always an option.
Deploying and supporting Macs presents distinct challenges, particularly in organizations where Macs are in the minority or are being introduced for the first time. As with many aspects of IT, having the right tool for the job is the key to managing a new or existing population of Apple desktops and notebooks.
The good news is that there are many tried and true solutions for handling common Mac deployment and management tasks. The better news is that many of the best are available for free, whether from Apple, as open source projects, or as free/donationware creations of other Mac administrators and IT professionals.
[ See InfoWorld's slideshow tour of Mac OS X Lion's top 20 features. | Learn why IT won't like Mac OS X Lion Server. | Keep up with key Apple technologies with the Technology: Apple newsletter. ]
Here you will find the top 22 tools -- most of them free -- for managing the Macs in your IT environment. As you'd expect, the list focuses on the core areas of systems administration: deployment, client management, and directory integration. If I missed a favorite free Mac tool, please highlight it in the comments below.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 1 and 2: Disk Utility and Apple Software Restore
If you have more than a couple of Macs to deal with, you'll need an easy way to configure them. For monolithic imaging, the process by which you create a snapshot of one workstation and copy it to others, nothing beats Apple's Disk Utility and Apple Software Restore, both of which are included free with every Mac OS X install.
Disk Utility comes as both a GUI tool and the diskutil command-line option. It is equipped with plenty of local disk management functions, including partitioning, formatting, integrity checking, and repair. It also offers the ability to clone volumes and create disk images using the .dmg format, which makes it perfect for capturing a configured volume for monolithic imaging.
Apple Software Restore, which is available only from the command line as asr, allows you to locally or remotely deploy disk images to one or more clients. It can be used to image a Mac from a disk image on a local drive, a network share, or a multicast stream (the best option for mass deployments). When used for multicast streaming, one Mac hosts the stream via asr commands for others to join. As you might expect, any client imaged using asr must be booted from a source other than the destination volume, such as an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a bootable network volume.
While Disk Utility and ASR provide the backbone for Mac deployment, either individually using an external drive/unicast network connection or a multicast stream, there are several tools to speed up, automate, and improve your workflow for capturing a source image, preparing it for use with ASR, and initiating deployment. Be sure to check out SuperDuper and Carbon Copy Cloner for image capture and basic single-Mac deployment, and Blast Image Config for setting up ASR sessions.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 3 and 4: NetInstall and NetRestore
Building off of Apple's free image-based offerings are two features of the company's Mac OS X Server: NetInstall and NetRestore.
Network booting has been a staple since OS X Server debuted, and Apple has built off the NetBoot concept with NetInstall and NetRestore, both of which allow servers to host boot volumes, thereby enabling clients to boot directly from the network based on your deployment options.
NetInstall is designed for booting into the OS X installer utility and allows admins to configure options for a traditional OS X install. (It is not monolithic imaging per se, though that is possible.) It also performs pre- and post-install tasks such as disk partitioning, directory binding, and application installation.
NetRestore is designed around ASR and provides a broader range of options for monolithic imaging. It can be configured to automatically deploy specific images or to allow clients to select from available images. As with NetInstall, many deployment-related tasks can be included in the NetRestore process.
Both NetInstall and NetRestore come with the current release of Lion Server and require no client or usage license beyond the cost of Lion Server (a $49 add-on to the $29 Lion).
Essential Mac tool No. 5: DeployStudio
Heterogeneous organizations looking to standardize on a single deployment tool should check out DeployStudio, a freeware monolithic imaging solution for Mac and Windows clients.
DeployStudio offers local disk deployment, network deployment, and multicasting. It comes equipped with solid image management and client selection tools, integrates with Apple's NetBoot, and provides excellent deployment monitoring, all of which make it a great deployment workflow management solution. The biggest drawback -- if you can consider it a drawback -- is that it relies on OS X Server to create a complete network-based solution, including both boot and deployment.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 6 and 7: StarDeploy and Munki
Apple's package (.pkg) and metapackage (.mpkg) files are the primary software installation mechanisms in OS X. While these are typically installed by a user, OS X supports package deployment without user intervention -- for example, by adding packages to a NetInstall workflow.
Organizations looking to deploy packages over a network should check out donationware StarDeploy and open source Munki. These network-based solutions, along with the commercial Apple Remote Desktop, allow admins to deploy packages in the background; they're excellent updating tools as well.
Because packages are simply a series of files along with instructions for their ultimate location in a Mac's file system, you can easily configure non-application packages for deploying configuration files and documents. Coupled with StarDeploy or Munki, this method makes it easy to add, remove, or update almost any item over the network, including browser bookmarks, security certificates, and default system or application settings.
(Note: Adobe doesn't use Apple's package format, but Munki does support remote install of Adobe applications.)
Essential Mac tools Nos. 8, 9, and 10: PackageMaker, InstallEase, and Iceberg
If you're going to deploy non-application packages, you'll need a tool to create them. Apple's PackageMaker is a great tool for this, and it is included with the company's Xcode developer suite, which is free and available via the Mac App Store.
Intended for use by developers to create install packages, PackageMaker provides admins with an easy way to build packages to push out to clients on their network. As noted above, these packages can be almost anything you want to deploy to a range of client devices, including documents.
Two free alternatives are openly available, but not quite as developer-friendly: the open source Iceberg and the free InstallEase, which was developed as a companion to the Absolute Manage client management suite.
Essential Mac tool No. 11: Property List Editor
Admins looking to edit system and applications preferences will want to turn to Property List Editor, a GUI tool for editing the XML .plist preference files. A similar free tool, Plist Editor, is available for modifying these files from Windows machines. You may, however, find modifying preferences from within an app and copying the resulting .plist files an easier process than using these tools.
Essential Mac tool No. 12: File Distributor
File Distributor is a slightly different form of deployment tool. It allows admins to replace files at various locations within a file system. You can even make use of wild cards to specify multiple locations. This is particularly helpful if you are using network home directories and need to deploy documents or configuration files across multiple user accounts.
Essential Mac tool No. 13: FileWave
Another deployment tool worth investigating is the commercial FileWave. This Mac/Windows tool can be used to dynamically manage application installations across your network. FileWave's approach has advantages for license compliance and reclamation, as well as flexibly deploying and redeploying applications as needed.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 14 and 15: Apple's Active Directory Client and Directory Utility
Creating a functional, secure environment requires more than just rolling out computers and software. Global accounts stored in a secure directory service, single sign-on, the ability to secure network and local resources, and the ability to preconfigure and manage the user experience on any workstation is critical. The undisputed leader in directory services, even in Mac environments, is Microsoft's Active Directory. Thankfully, many worthwhile tools for integrating with Active Directory are available, beginning with Apple's Active Directory client and Directory Utility.
OS X's built-in Active Directory client allows you to join an Active Directory domain, and it supports secure access to resources and single sign-on via Kerberos. Moreover, it doesn't require downgrading security levels, and it allows account synchronization for off-network access.
The client can be accessed using the Users and Groups pane of OS X Lion's System Preferences app (called the Accounts pane in older OS X releases). Detailed configuration, including account and home directory sync, preferred domain controllers, and so forth, can be performed using the included Directory Utility.
It's worth noting, however, that Apple's AD client has limitations. For example, it doesn't support client management of any kind beyond basic password policies. It also doesn't support DFS browsing. There are some issues specific to various releases, including Lion.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 16, 17, and 18: OS X Server, Apple's Open Directory, and Profile Manager
OS X may support Active Directory, but Apple's native directory is an LDAP-based solution called Open Directory.
Open Directory domains, hosted by OS X Server, afford centralized accounts all the advantages that Active Directory delivers for Windows, including secure Kerberos single sign-on and client management. This system, referred to as Managed Preferences (or abbreviated MCX), is entirely LDAP-based and allows for user/group/computer-based client management that rivals the capabilities of Group Policies in Active Directory for Mac clients.
In a dual-directory setup, Mac clients can be joined to both Open Directory and Active Directory, allowing for secure access to AD accounts and resources but with complete Open Directory client management applied.
In Lion Server, Apple introduced a new Profile Manager feature that supports iOS device management and Mac client management without the need for a directory service. This alternative offers the core security client management features with a simplified setup, though it is device/client-specific rather than more granular at the user or group level.
Essential Mac tools Nos. 19 and 20: Microsoft Active Directory Schema Analyzer and Apple Workgroup Manager
If adding a second directory isn't an option (it can often be a challenge), the fact that Apple's MCX architecture is completely LDAP-based offers an alternative: extend the Active Directory schema to support the Apple-specific attributes.
Microsoft's Active Directory Schema Analyzer is a great tool for generating the needed LDIF files. Once the schema is extended, Apple's free Workgroup Manager tool (part of OS X Server's administration utilities) can be installed on a Mac and pointed to an Active Directory domain, where it can manage some basic user account details and configure the full range of Apple's Managed Preferences.
Essential Mac tools No. 21: Third-party Active Directory Suites (free and commercial)
Apple's solutions are good for Active Directory integration, but they aren't perfect. In some cases, Apple's AD client may have issues with a specific Active Directory environment, while in others, some features just don't have full parity or may not even be available (DFS is a great example). For these situations, there are worthwhile third-party options, some of which are available for free.
For more basic needs, you may want to consider Centrify Express and PowerBroker Identity Services Open Edition for broader authentication and basic access capabilities at no or limited cost.
If you want to integrate client management capabilities without the complexity of using either a dual-directory setup or schema extensions, Centrify's Direct Control and PowerBroker Identity Services Enterprise Edition are worth considering, along with Thursby's ADMit Mac. ADMit may be particularly appealing for small Mac populations because it is a solely client-side solution that includes DFS support.
Essential Mac tool No. 22: Apple Remote Desktop
If you’ve been wondering lately as to how to change the hard coded MAC address of your network adapter, you will be happy to know that with the help of some software you can now change (mask/spoof) the MAC addresses of your network adapters for free! We have identified some of the MAC address changer tools that help you mask or spoof the hard codes of certain network adapters effortlessly.
What is MAC Address?
Spirit Jailbreak Tool For Mac And Windows
Unlike we think, IP address is not the only factor that helps connect computers in a network, but MAC address is also equally significant. So, whether you are connected using a wireless network or through a wired one, a network card is needed for your computer to be connected to others and vice a verse. The network is assigned a specific address or attribute that are usually allotted by the manufacturers and this called Media Access Control or MAC address. However, you can change them manually later with the MAC spoofing process.
In order to find the MAC address of your network adapter, you need to go to the command line, press the keys (Win + R), type in “cmd” in the “Run” box and hit “Enter”. You are then required to key in the command “getmac /v /fo list” and hit “Enter” again. You will then be able to see the MAC address for each of your NIC adapters.
Significance of MAC Address Changer Tools
While we already know that the MAC address changer tools help you to change the unique addresses of your network adapters, it primarily helps protect your network from needless connections. You simply need to approve the MAC addresses you want to link to the network or the internet and that’s it.
While you can certainly change the MAC address of the network adapter manually through the control panel, there are quite a few software that helps you to take care of it easily, without any mess and for free! So, if you are looking to change the MAC address for verification, privacy, limited data usage, etc. you can surely make use of any of the below listed best free MAC address changer tools for your purpose.
Technitium MAC Address Changer
One of the top contenders in the list of the MAC address changer tools is Technitium MAC Address Changer that lets you spoof or change the MAC address of your network adapter in no time. The user interface is simple and easy to use while it displays the status, speed, network connections, MAC address, and the status if the MAC has been changed. If you wish to view the properties like IP Address or information you simply need to click on the Network Connections tab separately. It will show details like Connection, Device, Hardware ID, Config ID, TCP/IP4, TCP/IP6, Original MAC Address, and Active MAC Address.
It offers abundant information related to each network adapter along with the facility to edit settings to a large extent. Each NIC is hard coded with a MAC address which is then utilized by the by windows drivers to gain entry to the LAN. Using this freeware you can assign a new MAC address to the network adapter overwriting the native MAC address.
Some its notable features are:
- Quickly move between network configurations with the help of advanced network configurations automated with IPv6;
- Let’s you configure any NIC completely;
- Offers you options for command line with complete availability of software functionality;
- Allows you to download latest manufacturer data from IEEE.org via the update network card vendor’s list functionality.
You need to toggle to the lower panel of the graphic user interface to change the MAC address. Hit the option “Random MAC address” to show the MAC address randomly or hit the “change now” option to spoof MAC address. Undo changes by clicking on the option that says “Restore Original” or import/export MAC presets with this free tool.
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8 & 7 for both 32-bit and 64-bit
Download: https://technitium.com/tmac/
SMAC MAC Address Changer
Available in five different types, SMAC is a compelling MAC address changer that’s extremely easy to operate irrespective of whether the vendor allows the address to be changed or not. The free version is the most basic one called Evaluation Edition which offers some of the essential functionalities. However, it misses a few enhanced features that are available in the paid versions. It can also view IP config in addition to spoofing MAC address.
Some of its additional features include,
- Deletion of IP address spoofing,
- Randomly generating new MAC address based on a selected vendor,
- Automatic enabling of MAC address just after changing it,
- Pre-loading of MAC address lists and pick the new one from the list,
- Easy to use user interface and easy to understand guide,
- Confirm changes in MAC address by clicking on the IPConfig option to display the NIC info,
- Lookup and display of MAC address.
Compatibility: Windows 7, VISTA, 2008, 2003, XP, 2000
Download: http://www.klcconsulting.net/smac/
Win 7 MAC Address Changer
If you are on Windows, Win 7 MAC address changer is your best bet. It is a straightforward application for Windows that can help you change the MAC address of wireless or wired NIC. It’s extremely user-friendly software and allows you to change MAC address in a few simple steps.
- Select the network interface adapter you want to make the change on (except virtual and loopback NIC);
- Choose your operating system from Windows Vista, 7 and 8. This software features are limited and hence, cannot be used on Windows 10;
- Manually enter or create a MAC address by clicking on the “Randomize” option, and hit on the “Change” button for the new MAC address to take effect.
The changing of MAC address helps protect your identity in a network, troubleshoot network issues, helps solve issues related to software and hardware items or just for some fun. You can see both the MAC addresses on the interface including the new one. If you want to undo the changes, simply click “Reset to Default” to get back the default MAC address. To export the log info in text format, click on “View Log”.
Some its additional features are:
- Simple and clean interface that displays what’s most important;
- Generation of MAC address instantly with Random MAC address generator;
- Works with both 32 and 64b bit windows versions;
- Allows you to reset the MAC address by just clicking once on the “Reset Default” option;
- Lets you view Quick System info via the included beta module;
- Extremely compact with just 98KB size;
- Supports nearly all wireless and wired NIC from all manufacturers;
- Compatible with new Windows 8 version;
- Allows you to reset default settings of all applications;
- Helps user keep a tab on all actions or undo any required actions with the help of the log file.
Compatibility: Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8
Download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Network-Tools/Misc-Networking-Tools/Win7-MAC-Changer.shtml
NoVirusThanks MAC Address Changer
NoVirusThanks MAC address changer is a user-friendly program that lets you identify the active NICs and then helps you change their MAC address effortlessly. As you can view the list of all available adapters, you can even choose to activate the virtual network cards. It also displays the current MAC address, vendor details, Address type, Network Connection type and status.
It comes with a simple interface where you simply select the network adapter, click on the button “Change MAC”, input the new address and click “Change”. You can either enter the address manually or simply generate an address automatically. You can also undo the changes by hitting the “Restore MAC” button to restore it to the original MAC address. What we love about the software is that it does not contain any unnecessary information and simply displays what’s required.
In situations, where you cannot change the MAC address you need to adjust the new MAC address as some of the network cards acknowledge only unique ranges. A must have for all security professionals toolkit; NoVirusThanks MAC address changer is compact yet useful.
Some of the features of this freeware:
- Displays information for all the available network cards;
- Compatible with nearly all NICs;
- Comes in a very small size;
- Helps change MAC address smoothly and in no time;
- Helps create MAC address with just one click;
- Helps undo the change in MAC address;
- Works with all MS Windows versions;
- No MS .NET framework required
Compatibility: from Windows XP to Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Network-Tweak/NoVirusThanks-MAC-Address-Changer.shtml
Spoof-Me-Now
If you are looking for a straightforward application that can help you change or spoof the MAC address easily, Spoof-Me-Now can be just the one for you. It is a portable software hence you do not even need to install it. You can just drop the program files in any section of the hard disk and simply hit the executable button to run.
Not just that, you can also save the software program to a USB flash drive or any other portable storage unit. You can then execute it on any PC with least endeavor and no past installers. The best part is that the Start menu does not get refreshed with the fresh entries, and hence there are no remnants left behind after the deletion of the program.
It offers an interface that’s easy to use and has a clean structure with a single window where you can access all the options available. You simply need to choose a network card, find the MAC address and site the new one you want to convert it into. In just a one click of a button you can spoof the MAC address. Go to the “Spoof To” options and you will see the MAC address that has been automatically generated. If you want to change it manually, you need to choose the “Spoof” to modify the MAC address. You can take a look at the all the changes made in the log window. Expect the MAC address changing feature there are not many choices.
Compatibility: All Windows versions
Download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/PORTABLE-SOFTWARE/Network/Portable-Spoof-Me-Now.shtml
Smart MAC Address Changer
Smart MAC Address Changer or Smart DNS Changer is a resourceful network utility for changing your DNS server and PC proxy settings along with the ability to change MAC address. The software gets installed quickly and easily with no interrupting adware. The tool was swift enough to start working in a matter of seconds.
It comes with a tabbed interface and opens up the “DNS Changer” displaying different common DNS servers such as Google, Norton ConnectSafe, Comodo, Norton, etc. in addition to the default “Automatic” choice. You can then change the MAC address in just a few clicks. You can even enter DNS addresses manually in the boxes provided and click on the buttons to open the window for the Windows Network Connections and the Network Diagnostics app.
It offers a “kid shield” feature that lets children use filtered DNS and browse the web normally while keeping them away from any adult sites. Using this option you can select separate DNS servers for individual users on your computer and the tab will be automatically activated whenever your children log in.
Click on the third tab that says “MAC address changer”. To enable the blocked internet connection due to the MAC address, you can select the required network card here and input new one here manually. You can also use the “Proxy Changer” option by clicking on the relevant tab, choose the web page link (no proxy list available), identify something relevant, copy and paste the same into the Proxy box of the tool.
Now, to change the MAC address, click on the “MAC address changer” tab find the current MAC address, and click on the “New MAC address” tab. Now select the “generate random MAC address” option to auto-populate the new address or just manually enter one. Click on “Apply MAC Address” and bingo, your MAC address is changed!
This is basically a DNS changer software that also helps with MAC address change.
Compatibility: Windows 10, Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8, Windows Server, Windows Vista (32 bit), Windows Vista (64 bit), Windows XP
Download: http://www.downloadcrew.com/article/32320-smart_dns_changer
MadMAC
A lightweight MAC address spoof software for Windows, MadMAC comes with a compact and a moderate graphical user interface. In order to spoof the MAC address you simply need to choose the network card interface, input the MAC address manually and then eventually save the settings to bring the change to the MAC address. Except for the MAC address changer, there are no other choices available on this software.
In order to configure the address, launch the EXE where you want to be run from. Select the interface that you want to change. In case you do not want to randomize the MAC address, you can enter the prefix manually. Now check the box that says “change default MAC address on this interface” or check the box that says “Check if this is a WiFi NIC (or some problematic wired ones) under Vista/7/8 (2nd nibble randomly set to 2, 6, A or E)”. Hit the “Save/Apply” button to save the MAC address settings and apply.
You can even go to “Run On Startup” if you want to and can switch it on in case you want to auto-populate the MAC address each time you boot. Renaming the computer with every boot is pretty easy as well. Simply change the name “Sample dic.txt” to “dic.txt” or you can assign you own name to the computer list text file.
Compatibility: Windows Vista, Windows 7 & Windows 8
Download: http://madmacs.en.uptodown.com/
Itool For Mac
Change MAC Address
Change MAC Address is a tool that locates the unique MAC address assigned to the network adapter chip by the vendor. Using this tool you can even find those addresses that are hidden for privacy or change them especially when they are used for internet access authentication.
You can now spoof the MAC address conveniently in just a few clicks. While the MAC addresses changing procedure you can even choose a different vendor or even create an entirely new MAC address. Some of its key features are:
- It displays the MAC address of your network card interface;
- Display the network adapter vendor;
- Helps change the MAC address replacing other address;
- Lets you generate an entirely new MAC address;
- Setting up a MAC address of another vendor;
- Setting up a MAC address without modifying the vendor;
- Enabling the new MAC address automatically after the modification in just a few mouse clicks.
Compatibility: Windows 7/2008/2008R2/8/2012/8.1/2012R2/10
Download: http://lizardsystems.com/downloads/
Change MAC Address Manually
If you are someone who rather prefers changing the MAC address manually, you simply need to follow a few simple steps.
- Open Control Panel, go to the Network Internet option and then reach the Network Sharing Center;
- Click on the “Change Adapter Settings” and then hit the “Configure” button;
- Toggle to the “Advance” tab and hit the button that says “Locally Administered Address”;
- Click on the radio button that says “Value” changing it from “Not Present”;
- Finish by adding a 6 pair MAC address without any space.
Save the changes you made to the spoofed MAC address.
Change MAC address on OS X
Firstly, locate your MAC address on your OS X by holding down the “Option” key and hit the “Wi-Fi” button in the menu bar. The codes mentioned at the “Address” section with the colons is your MAC address for your OS X. but, in cases where your address has been modified, you can run the command as “ifconfig en0 | grep ether” to test the address that your computer is using to communicate.
Open Source Communication Tool For Mac And Pc
Now, whenever you want to change the MAC address of your OS X network adapter you can fix it with the command “sudo ifconfig en0 ether aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff”. The MAC address will be then set for en0. If there’s an Ethernet port, you can then set it for en1. On the other hand, if you want security you can rather randomize the MAC address. the command will go as “openssl rand -hex 6 | sed ‘s/(..)/1:/g; s/.$//’ | xargs sudo ifconfig en0 ether”. This will help populate and set up a fresh MAC address for en0 each time you carry it out, however, they are restored on reboot and hence, are not permanent.