Writing is often a thankless, solitary task requiring isolation from outside interference. Just when you least expect it, the telephone rings, new email arrives, or an interesting tweet diverts attention from the work at hand. WriteRoom can’t thwart all of life’s interruptions, but it does offer solace from most computer-based distractions with a streamlined writing environment, making it easier to get the words on the (virtual) page.

Whether you develop software, work at the help desk, or are simply assisting a friend or relative, creating a step-by-step tutorial can be a huge help--but corralling all those screenshots and notes can be a chore. Clarify aims to clean up the process, letting you easily create tutorials--complete with screenshots, instructions, and annotation. The software also includes tools to share your documents, although the limited options might present a few problems.

OS X Lion 10.7.2 recently added the ability to drag-and-drop files between desktop spaces, but it’s not particularly intuitive, and downright awkward for users with multiple displays. Thankfully, hardcore Mission Control fans now have a better option called Yoink.

Do you back up your Mac? If a disaster takes out your hardware, will one of those polite guys from an insurance commercial appear, honoring your policy with a snap? Since that’s pure pipe dream, you’ll need to provide proof that you owned that computer—and any other items in your claim. Home Inventory provides the framework for you to catalog everything, even helping you keep track of the value of your items versus the maximum coverage of your policy. The software misses a few important options, but its simple interface and invaluable iPhone helper app make the giant task of inventorying your home manageable.