My Computer Setup Routine
As geeks, we are often getting new computers and need to customize them before we feel at home. For me, at least, I find that there are things that I always have to change before I feel as though it’s actually my computer. I’m guessing you guys are similar and thought I might be fun to compare notes. I should note that I will include aspects that are specific to the given operating system.
Remove crapware
On most Windows computers, the manufacturer loads it with a whole bunch of trials and other commercial software in order to keep their partners happy. This is to the huge detriment of performance. As such, I always spend the first hour or so (after plugging it in) doing nothing more than removing terrible suites of software. Now that I am a Mac user, I consider that the environment ought to be clean from the outset.
Install Firefox and Firebug
This is a must for me regardless of the operating system I’m on. I think Firefox is, by far, the greatest web browser on the planet and I need it! Also, because I am a web designer, I need the Firebug addon for peeking at HTML and CSS. It is a must for me.
Save website passwords
I go to some of my favorite sites and save passwords in my key chain. This makes it far easier when the time comes that I need to use them.
Install a text editor
The web designer in me can’t be away from a decent code editor for very long. My favorite options on OS X are Coda and TextMate. On Windows, the only decent one I have found is called Notepad++ but, I feel that it pales on comparison to Coda.
Certainly feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Your Responses
Chime In and Give Your Thoughts
Comment Posting Guidance
For the benefit of every non-spambot visiting, following a recent site restructuring I have some rules with regard to etiquette for comment posters. As well as making a better experience for all, they help to distinguish real people for automatic evil machine spam. Due to this, any comment that fails to follow any one of them will be considered spam and removed as soon as possible.
With thanks, Tom
- Coherent English must be used.
- This form has multiple fields for a reason. Only enter a real name or nickname in the first box i.e. "Boats For Sale" wouldn't make it. Similarly, the "Website" input is a pre-determined place to post one link so there is no need to have them in the body area. This is a common technique used by spammers and marketers and, as such is not allowed.
- Your comment must be directly related to the post to which it is a response. The idea of a post commenting system is to further the conversation that began in the given article. For instance "great post" is not a comment. My contact form can be used for suggestions or general communications.
- Responses to other comments must be civilised.
- No sexual reference or content is allowed.
- Duplicate comments are a no-no.
Comment Posting Guidance
For the benefit of every non-spambot visiting, following a recent site restructuring I have some rules with regard to etiquette for comment posters. As well as making a better experience for all, they help to distinguish real people for automatic evil machine spam. Due to this, any comment that fails to follow any one of them will be considered spam and removed as soon as possible.
With thanks, Tom
- Coherent English must be used.
- This form has multiple fields for a reason. Only enter a real name or nickname in the first box i.e. "Boats For Sale" wouldn't make it. Similarly, the "Website" input is a pre-determined place to post one link so there is no need to have them in the body area. This is a common technique used by spammers and marketers and, as such is not allowed.
- Your comment must be directly related to the post to which it is a response. The idea of a post commenting system is to further the conversation that began in the given article. For instance "great post" is not a comment. My contact form can be used for suggestions or general communications.
- Responses to other comments must be civilised.
- No sexual reference or content is allowed.
- Duplicate comments are a no-no.
Hey Tom, try out InType text editor for windows, it's the best I've found. :) www.intype.info
Browsers - Firefox and Chrome Virtual CD - MagicDisc or Daemon Tools Developer tools - for me Visual Studio.NET and NetBeans, SQL Server Developer, SourceGear, XmlPad Password Agent for managing passwords VPN for work Text Editor - EditPlus, setup syntax files, font and tabbing preferences Setup the old windows style task bar on the right side of monitor 1, add Toolbar to a menu of categorized shortcuts (RDP/Games/Develop/Network/Application) Admin tools, Chrome, Firefox, Admin prompt, vpn, visual studio, editplus, query Games
I use Ubuntu, since i discovered the ease, of how *they* can get your passwords and mess with your ftp-accounts and so on... The funny thing is: before on windoze, i had to do like 20-30 different installs with several cracks and stuff(i aint got much money to spend)... In Ubuntu, i start the Package manager once, and install ALL the software i want in one step. I have several Pcs, netbooks etc. I switched to linux on all devices. Thanx for your great tips - i will stay tuned..!
Very insightful post. I am going to link to it in my new blog.