Calling all Mac users! Today's your lucky day. For a mere $49.99, you can score a Mac software bundle with a combined value of $367. I know: it sounds to good to be true. But trust me, it's the real deal--and a real deal.
The Spring 2011 MacUpdate Bundle comes with 10 Mac programs, starting with Parallels Desktop 6.0--the mega-popular utility that lets you run Windows (and, if you wish, Linux) on your Mac.

If you were to purchase Parallels by itself, it would cost you $79. When you buy it as part of the bundle, you're not only saving $30, but also getting nine other free programs to boot. (That's just one way to look at it, of course.)

Next up: 1Password, a fantastic password manager that keeps all your important confidential info (credit cards, Social Security numbers, passwords, Web site login IDs, and so on) under one secure roof. It can generate robust passwords for you and auto-fill passwords when you sign into online services. There's even a companion app (not free) for iPhone and iPod.

MacUpdate Desktop automatically keeps your installed programs up to date. Mac DVDRipper 2 lets you copy DVDs to your Mac, while DVDRemaster Pro 7 converts them for viewing on mobile devices (like the iPhone).

The bundle also includes a smattering of system utilities and the smash empire-building game Civilization IV. Plus, make sure to scroll to the bottom of the offer page for two freebies (Monkey Island and QuickPick) you can get without even buying the bundle.

The only catch? The offer expires at midnight (ET) on Thursday, March 31, so you've got only a couple days to snatch up this bundle. (The software licenses don't expire, of course--they're yours to keep forever.)

Although not every program in the bundle will appeal to every user, I think there are more than enough winners here to make this a worthwhile buy for just about any Mac owner. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment!

Self-proclaimed cheapskate Rick Broida has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the Cheapskate blog.