Apple Macintosh got a lift from a software maker.

Ashton-Tate, whose dBase programs are the largest-selling database management software, said its new package, dBase Mac, will be available in the fourth quarter. Many software companies have shunned the Mac computer, which is not compatible with the popular IBM PC models. This is the first program for the Macintosh from Torrance-based Ashton-Tate, the third-largest personal computer software developer.