Best Slideshow Software

I read in another forum a suggestion to use either Keynote or Sounslides for slideshows. I have struggled through many different software applications for slideshows, including Photo to Movie, SWF n Slide pro, to name a couple, but have yet to find one that simply does what some PC programs do - drag and drop capability, a wide variety of transition effects, random transitions, ability to customize the transition timing for any given slide(s), multiple audio tracks, and ability to also work with swf files. I have also tried iPhoto and iMovie, but they did not do the trick either. iMovie in particular seems to take forever as it renders the project after each change, and also seems to constantly alter the transition timings. Keynote looks like it might fit the bill, but from the Apple site it is hard to tell which of these features may be present, and of course having no demo capability doesn't help. I am a little scared since '08 version seems to have tons of problems if the forum discussions are a true indication of the product.
I am doing the work on an iMac running 10.3.9, but can move it to my MacBook pro running 10.5.
If anyone has had good experience with slideshows using Keynote (or Soundslides) please let me know. Also, what would be the best way to finalize a project done with either package for others to view it in - I would think iDVD would be best but I would like to hear from anyone who has put together successful slideshows.

Similar Messages

What is the best slideshow software that also supports video clips AND lets you fade music files?

I am looking to make a slideshow but want to include some video clips too. Also I'd like to be able to fade the music in and out at the beginning and end of the songs. I don't want anything too complicated. I've looked at the demo of Fotomagico but I cannot control the music fading in and out only the overall volume. I also looked at Photo to Movie but the demo does not show how to include video clips. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Michelle. I guess you could do what you are asking with Photoshop CC with its video timeline.
Create a Slideshow in Photoshop | Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS6 | Adobe TV

Slideshow software-which best to use?

I will admit I posted this first on Final Cut Express as I wasn't sure where to post my question. But, as I found other posts, many similar, but much older, posts (ie software options probably much different now) were posted on iDVD's forum... And, since that is where videos are generally sent for DVD encoding regardless of source software, I figured I should post here as well.
Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!
I want a software application that will create stunning slideshows (I intend to offer my services for slideshows and want to have a better than basic set of options). I have Aperture, iMovie (of course), Keynote and iPhoto (of course) that can all do slideshows. I have always used iMovie. And, it provides great product. But, I'd like to add a bit more to it. I think animation is the correct term... I want to be able to have multiple photos on a page, each doing different things maybe (some of the themes on iDVD do this in the menu... having photos flow across the screen) or having photos stack on top of each other (Aperture has a theme that does this-- but then the whole project is that unless you piecemeal a slideshow into mini sections and then maybe add to iMovie, if that is even possible or even desirable if things won't look consistent). I also like the ability to have a few photos on a screen shot and then zoom in on each photo individually and back out etc.-- zooming in or out with a twist is great too (meaning as you zoom in or out, the photo rotates).
Everywhere I have looked online, I seem to not be alone in finding software that can provide a bit more. This is generally what I have found:
Final Cut Pro can probably do whatever I'd like (maybe plugins would be desired to get smoother/easier results), but it will probably be overqualified and pricy for my purposes ($300 + plugins).
Final Cut Express is no longer sold by Apple, but copies are available from other outlets. I have heard mixed reviews on quality and have even heard that it still is not geared toward slideshows so it is not necessarily a smooth process. (and is still around $180), but plugins are available to add.
ProShow is a Windows based program that everone rants about. But, it is a Windows platform-- which, I've read you can get Parallels software to load PC software onto the Mac. Not really desirable for me. There is a reason I abandoned the PC and I don't want to bring those troubles with me to my Mac.
There is a web-based version that lets you build slideshows online. As far as I can tell, you can try it out... but, eventually you'd need to pay a yearly fee and not all features are available there (but there might be ways of adding features by paying for add-ons to your subscription-- haven't ventured there yet). $30/year or $150/year
I have a PC yet. As it is quite a few years old, I don't know how sluggish it would be with such a program. The program runs $70 or $250 depending on which level of software you get. There are additional sets of themes for $20 a disk so that you can expand your program. Portions of some of those themed disks are only applicable to the $250 program.NOTE: I had to use my PC recently as I had a program that would allow multiple camera angles on a single file to create a wedding video for my nephew. Wishing iMovie would allow multiple camera files running side by side so you can choose which camera angle to view at different parts of the video time.
There are a couple Mac-based programs I have downloaded free demos of: One of them is: Pulpmotion.
It seems to be the closest to what I want, but the themes seem a little cartoonish (the company has a Kidsmotion program which looks like a great option to let your kids get creative, but I don't see the adult Pulpmotion version to be that much more sophisticated in the themes.) I am looking for elegant... with some fun themes. There are a lot of themes, so maybe I just need to search for my favorites. But, my gut says you would not want to do a wedding slideshow with this program, but would be great for a fun slideshow for kids or just a review of a year, or maybe a high school graduation growing up video.
It comes in two versions- Pulpmotion and Pulpmotion Advanced. $50, $130
The second Mac-based program is Fantashow by Wondershare. It appears to be a new program out there (version 1). It is decent, but the music selection doesn't line up with photos. You just drop the music lineup below all the photos. And, as such, you have a hard time seeing where the you are in the timeline. It has great potential as you can choose themes to use on batches of photos (ie have photos be pulled from a sphere for those five photos... and then build up six photos on top of each other, etc.) all in the same slideshow. And it is only $50.
I have heard a lot of buzz on Fotomagico. It has only a five-day trial period. So, I have held off downloading until I know I have five days to devoting to testing it. Rather frustrating as the two competitors above have 30 days I believe. Just for that, I feel like boycotting it. But, if I find it has what I need, what am I to do? The examples they show online don't seem that spectacular other than the person who put the slideshow together did a great job .... but no appearance of animation or any unusual transitions, etc(ie, iMovie could probably produce the same result). So, I am leary of even putting a lot of hope in that program. It has a home version and a pro version. $29 or $140
In regards to the programs I already own:
iMovie does an excellent job... and I could continue using this program and produce wonderful results, but I'd like to expand my options in regards to themes and capabilities to add a bit more artistic approach to it (without having to spend hours using multiple programs to make it happen).
Keynote, I have not tinkered a lot on... but, some of the features in regards to animation and some other effects seem quite nice. But not sure how I could make it turn into a glamorous slideshow. And, I'd have to figure out how to set the duration of each slide. And, not sure if I can set more than one song to it... unless I export the slideshow sans music and add music in iMovie... but, then I'd need to monkey with length of time.. and I don't want to have to work back and forth in Keynote just to line up music and video. I really want a software that I can stay in for the duration and then send to where I need to for encoding, if possible (I already do enough of the multi-application workflows, I don't want my slideshows to be that way too.)
iPhoto-- haven't tried. But, assume it isn't going to be any more customizable than Aperture (which I will describe below).
Aperture seems to be a decent option... but, it is canned slideshow software. There are ways to tweak things but it seems to be a workaround (ie, if you want less photos on a page, you can add text and it will split it up into two slides, etc.) but you can't seem to determine when it does switch animations (ie. finishing one set of photo stacks and beginning a new one in the scrapbook theme)
So, I have, what I thin to be, a bunch of information above. But, I haven't been able to find anything that has knocked my socks off. So, I thought I'd ask you guys if you have experienced the pleasure of using any of the above softwares or, perhaps, different ones that will meet my needs (and hopefully not cost too much) [too much for me would mean over $150, although, I'd prefer something under $80--but, if I am going to be discontent at $80-$150, I’d prefer to spend the little extra on a $180-$200 program] You may know more about a software that I have that I was unaware of or could point me to a better direction.
Please provide any input you have. I have obviously spent some time looking for something!
also... if you could identify the programs that do or do not "blur" (I think that is the term---- it is where when encoded, it does something to the files so that as the kens burns effect goes, it reduces the pixelation)
I basically want a good balance between presets (that are still classy) and the ability to tailor/adjust the presets as I see fit.

I admit that I have not had time to read your entire post, but this is how I suggest making slideshows:
There are many ways to produce slide shows using iPhoto, iMovie or iDVD and some limit the number of photos you can use (iDVD has a 99 chapter (slide) limitation).
If what you want is what I want, namely to be able to use high resolution photos (even 300 dpi tiff files), to pan and zoom individual photos, use a variety of transitions, to add and edit music or commentary, place text exactly where you want it, and to end up with a DVD that looks good on both your Mac and a TV - in other words end up with and end result that does not look like an old fashioned slide show from a projector - you may be interested in how I do it. You don't have to do it my way, but the following may be food for thought!
Firstly you need proper software to assemble the photos, decide on the duration of each, the transitions you want to use, and how to pan and zoom individual photos where required, and add proper titles. For this I use Photo to Movie. You can read about what it can do on their website:
http://www.lqgraphics.com/software/phototomovie.php
(Other users here use the alternative FotoMagico: http://www.boinx.com/fotomagico/homevspro/ which you may prefer - I have no experience with it.)
Neither of these are freeware, but are worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of slide shows. Read about them in detail, then decide which one you feel is best suited to your needs.
Once you have timed and arranged and manipulated the photos to your liking in Photo to Movie, it exports the file to iMovie as a DV stream. You can add music in Photo to Movie, but I prefer doing this in iMovie where it is easier to edit. You can now further edit the slide show in iMovie just as you would a movie, including adding other video clips, then send it to iDVD 7, or Toast, for burning.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how professional the results can be!
To simply create a slide show in iDVD 7 onwards from images in iPhoto or stored in other places on your hard disk or a connected server, look here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1089

IPhoto/iDVD Slideshow Software Options?

I have been unhappy with the resultant quality of slideshows that I have created in iPhoto and exported ('shared') with iDVD. The iPhoto quality is outstanding but I find significant quality degradation in iDVD in terms of clarity and smoothness of Ken Burns effect motion. This poor quality carries-over to the iDVD burned DVD-R.
Does anyone have recommendations for alternate slideshow software options that produce clear, crisp and smooth motion slideshow DVDs?
Message was edited by: MikeyM

Have you asked over in the iDVD forum also? Any DVD authoring program will not be as sharp as what you see in iPhoto or on your computer because all media is reduced to 720 x 540 pixels. The same goes for videos. Smaller videos are scaled up and that's where you can lose image quality.
The two links below are to Apple KB documents on preparing stills and videos for iDVD.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iDVD/7.0/en/6732.html
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iDVD/7.0/en/6675.html
Photo to Movie has received good reports in this forum. When using the KB effect you need to use the largest image available. Not so much with just still photos. As far as videos with motion you did use the Professional Quality setting, right?
In finishing up the iDVD project are you saving it as a disk image first? Then you can check the encoding by playing it with DVD Player before burning. Burn to disc with Disk Utility at the slowest speed available to assure the best burn quality. Always use top quality media: Verbatium, Maxell or Taiyo Yuden DVD-R are the most recommended in these forums.
OT

Best presentation software

Ok yes I use Keynote for a number os years now. Good software, but now I need something that I can lay down multi audio tracks over multi slide. In keynote I can add a background soundtrack or insert audio for one slide.
What is the best mac presentation/slideshow software out there?

Klaus' method of producing high quality slide show movies/DVDs:
There are many ways to produce slide shows using iPhoto, iMovie or iDVD, but they all have one thing in common: they reduce the quality of the photos to that of a movie still frame and sometimes limit the number of photos you can use.
If what you want is what I want, namely to be able to use high resolution photos (even 300 dpi tiff files), to pan and zoom individual photos, use a variety of transitions, to add and edit music or commentary, and to end up with a DVD that looks good on both your Mac and a TV - in other words end up with and end result that does not look like an old fashioned slide show from a projector - you may be interested in how I do it. You don't have to do it my way, but the following may be food for thought!
Firstly you need proper software to assemble the photos, decide on the duration of each, the transitions you want to use, and how to pan and zoom individual photos where required, and add proper titles. For this I use Photo to Movie. You can read about what it can do on their website:
http://www.lqgraphics.com/software/phototomovie.php
(Other users here use the alternative FotoMagico: http://www.boinx.com/fotomagico/homevspro/ which you may prefer - I have no experience with it.)
Neither of these are freeware, but are worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of slide shows. Read about them in detail, then decide which one you feel is best suited to your needs.
Once you have timed and arranged and manipulated the photos to your liking in Photo to Movie, it exports the file to iMovie 6 as a DV stream. You can add music in Photo to Movie, but I prefer doing this in iMovie where it is easier to edit. You can now further edit the slide show in iMovie just as you would a movie, then send it to iDVD 7, or Toast, for burning.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how professional the results can be!

What is best antivirus software for Mac Mini? Recently the Trovi virus was on my computer and I want to make sure it is completely gone.

What is the best antivirus software for Mac Mini? I had thought Mac's were safer from viruses but recently I think the Trovi virus infected my computer, I have taken steps to remove but want to make sure computer is clean.

To learn how to defend yourself from the threat of adware read How to install adware.
There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iCloud, iTunes, or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver movies or other copyrighted content "for free".
The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

WHAT IS THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR OSX YOSEMITE?

WHAT IS THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR OSX YOSEMITE?

Here are some more thoughts to consider.
There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iCloud, iTunes, or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

What is the best account software for ox lion

Please let me know what is the best accounting software for ox lion

Money is very popular, but it's a personal bank account and financial manager app, not business accounting software. There's very few of those to pick from for the Mac that are worth buying.
QuickBooks for Mac 2013
MYOB AccountEdge
Two versions of this one. Check the Pro and Basic features to see which one would suit your needs.
MoneyWorks Gold for Mac
They also have MoneyWorks Express for about half the cost of the Gold version. Depends on how many features you need.

Looking for best apple software for image extraction i.e. select an image from one photo and place it on another photo

looking for best apple software for image extraction i.e. select an image from one photo and place it on another phot

Cannot guarantee it's the best, but it certainly is the least expensive:
http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

Best Autorun software for making digital portfolio?

Best Autorun software for making digital portfolio?

'Best' is a subjective judgement depending on your needs. For brochures you have, for example, InDesign and Apple's Pages.
Good place to look for software:
http://www.macupdate.com/
And for free alternatives to some popular software packages:
http://alternativeto.net/
(If you see an ad there for something called MacKeeper, ignore it and on no account install it - it is malware.)

What are the best editing softwares to create sequence shots and slow down video?, What are the best editing softwares to create sequence shots and slow down video?

What are the best editing softwares to create sequence shots and slow down video?, What are the best editing softwares to create sequence shots and slow down video?

Do you want free or do you want the best, your original post said best, now you are saying free. This is a contraction, there is no such thing as best free. There is such a thing as free and such a thing as best.
Also is your focus video or photos?????

Best Ripping software for Apple TV

What is the best ripping software for Apple TV. I had Handbrake that I've used to rip DVDs to put into iTunes. Right now I don't have ATV but I will be getting it soon. Should this do the trick? or is there a better program that has better results?

I've used the AppleTV setting to rip/convert a bunch of movies, and they look pretty great. The default setting is 2500 for Apple TV in Handbrake. If you watch a lot of foreign movies like I do, remember to check the audio & sub-title sections, to make sure they're set correctly, or you'll have a lot of movies that have the director giving his commentary! (I learned that the hard way, and had to re-convert about 15 movies!)

What is the best antivirus software for a Macbook Pro...I recently received a message from Google that someone made an attempt to hack into my mail account so I needed to change my PW and verify myself as the user. The message suggested that I run a scan

What is the best antivirus software for a Macbook Pro...I recently received a message from Google that someone made an attempt to hack into my mail account and I needed to change my PW and verify myself as the user. The message suggested that I run a virus scan to check for sny malware or other types of viruses. I do not have any software for this and up until now have not had a problem....any help is appreciated. I would like a simple but effective solution!

It's worth noting that if your Gmail has been hacked, it would likely have nothing to do with your MacBook. Hacking web based email is fairly common and it doesn't require any access to your machine whatsoever. In the same way that you can simply go to the Gmail webpage through any browser, any hacker can use the same method. It doesn't mean your machine has been compromised in any way (and it has likely not been). I have never received an email from Google of this nature. I have received notifications when someone has attempted to create an account with my name in which they basically say that there is no action required if you're the rightful owner.

Best security software for mountain lion

What is the best security software for mountain lion

1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets (see below.)
It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been another layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't actually been tested by Apple (unless it comes from the Mac App Store), but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe.
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could find some other way to evade Apple's controls.
For more information about Gatekeeper, see this Apple Support article.
4. Beyond XProtect and Gatekeeper, there’s no benefit, in most cases, from any other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. All known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source. How do you know whether a source is trustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
5. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was never a good idea, and Java's developers have had a lot of trouble implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style "virus" affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful. Fortunately, Java on the Web is mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers. In Safari, this is done by unchecking the box marked Enable Java in the Security tab of the preferences dialog.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a specific task, enable Java only when needed for the task and disable it immediately when done. Close all other browser windows and tabs, and don't visit any other sites while Java is active. Never enable Java on a public web page that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, password-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be practically as safe from malware as you can be.
6. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
7. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
8. The greatest harm done by anti-virus software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging threats, but they get a false sense of security from it, and then they may behave in ways that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.

What is the best free software to create an advert on?

I am looking to create a couple of adverts both poster and video, i was wondering what is the best free software to make these on?

For laying out the poster ad
Free, open source apps.
GImp (free, open source Photoshop replacement)
http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
PIxelmator (cheap near Photoshop-like replacement)
http://www.pixelmator.com/
Free Vector drawing app.
Inkscape
http://www.inkscape.org/en/download/mac-os/
Drawberry
http://raphaelbost.free.fr/DrawBerry.html
Free Page Layout app, if needed.
If this is already on your Mac.
Apple Pages app.
OR Free, open source
Scribus OS X
http://www.scribus.net/canvas/Scribus
There aren't very many free video editors for Mac OS X.
If this is already on your Mac,
iMovie
KDenlive
http://kdenlive.org/downloading-and-installing-kdenlive
LIghtworks OS X
http://www.lwks.com/
A few caveats about Lightworks video editor.
OS X version is free to download and use as a public beta testing.
This is a very comprehensive video editor, but for free use, you have to register as a public beta tester and every week you use this you have to re-register the app and answer a survey of questions about the software.
If you do not comply with the beta testing rules and procedures, and the developer believes you are not actively invovled with the beta testing to help develope and improve this app, the developer has the right to discontinue your free use of the software and you will no longer be able to use or activate the software.
I really wanted to try this software for free, but didn't want to have to be tied to the beta testing rules, constant developement surveys, questions and weekly re-registering as a beta tester for the use of this software.

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