Mac – OS X application manager

finkhomebrewmac-appstoremacportspackage-management

Unix-sytled, "package managers" like Fink, Homebrew, and MacPorts do a good job of managing 'headless' libraries. I would like something similar to manage OS X applications with a GUI.

I am hoping to find an easier way to add/remove applications and restore my system in the event of loss or theft or if I purchase a new computer.

Requirements:

  • find and install applications
  • keep track of which applications I've installed
  • uninstall applications and preferences
  • manage licenses

Candidates:

  • AppFresh for Mac – best candidate; not free
  • homebrew-cask – good candidate; limited application support
  • Apple's App Store – easily find and install applications; doesn't remove applications; not all applications are in the App Store
  • AppCleaner – removes applications and preferences, but does not install applications
  • osx.iusethis.com – tracks application (which will replace my spreadsheet); does not manage applications

Are there others?

Best Answer

Bodega can install, check for updates, and uninstall. It also has ability to search for new applications based on your search terms and/or category. It's pretty good, but it is not all-inclusive.

Macupdate Desktop is shareware that is similar to Bodega, but has no feature to uninstall applications as far as I know.