What I Use 2009

I get questions about my own setup from time to time. So I figured why not put together a list of the technology I use on a daily basis.

So without further ado, the list:

Computer(s)

MacBook Pro

While I really love Windows 7, more than OSX, I use my MacBook Pro as my primary system. I have it loaded with OSX 10.6.2 Snow Leopard as well as lots and lots of freeware.  The build quality is second to none, as is the keyboard. Very nice system.

ASUS F3Sv

My ASUS predates my Mac but is also a great system. I’ve upgraded to Windows 7 and it really rocks. I use it primarily when I have client who sends over Windows specific files, as well as to do some hardcore gaming (Left 4 Dead 2 anyone?).

iPhone 3G

While I have no need for the update to the 3GS I might take the plunge after the next revision. Hopefully it comes in the next 6 months. The iPhone is hands down the best PDA/iPod/Camera/Tool created thus far. It’s easy to use, fast and convenient. 3G is patchy at best, but turn it off and the phone become ultra reliable.

Microsoft Notebook Mouse 5000

I love this little Bluetooth mouse. Why Logitech doesn’t have better Bluetooth mice is beyond me, but my other mouse on the PC is the Logitech Anywhere MX. If my Mac had more than 2 USB ports I would switch to that one, as it is an excellent mouse.

Ubuntu Home Server

I no longer have a stand alone home server. Instead I’ve piggy backed an Ubuntu server in a virtual machine (VirtualBox) on our extra low power desktop. It’s in the guest room, so it doesn’t get used often, but is out of the way is someone would like to use the computer. Has all the usual stuff on it. LAMPP, SSH and Samba make the server the nervous system of our home network.

Wii

The Wii has quickly become a first class citizen in our household. While once used just for fun, now with Homebrew we can play old games, stream videos, play DVDs and browse the network for photos.

Software and such

I use Windows 7 and OSX for all of my computers. If you aren’t on 7 – go and get it right now.

Browser: Firefox – as a web developer it has all of the add-ons I need. I use Google Chrome a lot too, and for people who are not web developers I would recommend it before Firefox.

Messenger: Pidgin/Adium – both are free open source projects for connecting to all IM platforms (AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Google) all in one application.

Development: I use Netbeans as my primary IDE as well as Firefox for debugging

Email and Productivity: I use Google Apps for all of it. Email, Docs, Spreadsheets – all good.

Security: On the Mac I use ClamXAV and on the PC I use AVG 9 Free