The Facebook social network is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are in the world. However, keeping track of all of the latest news - contacts' status update, the latest picture posts etc - can be tricky.

While the web site can be configured to send out email notifications of activity in your account, this is often not instant. Another problem with email notifications is that you still need to visit the Facebook web site, and in order to read the notification email, you need to break away from whatever you are doing.

Facebook Notifier enables you to keep abreast of activity via your Mac's menu bar. The application provides easy access news feed and status update area of your account as well as enabling you to compose a new message and update your status.

Facebook Notifier will also display a list of your recent notifications as well as messages you have received. Growl notifications can also be configured so you can see the latest happenings whatever you may be doing.