From 1ec689c78955a4cef8cbfc4cd86e89b53dd6cb91 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sravan Balaji Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 12:18:54 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 1/2] Added descriptions to S/W - Added descriptions for S/W recommendations - Fences - Start10 - Wallpaper Engine --- Web Pages/product_recommendations.html | 32 ++++++++++++++++++++++++-- 1 file changed, 30 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html b/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html index 2b32ae3..9c667ac 100644 --- a/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html +++ b/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html @@ -14,14 +14,42 @@

Software

-

Fences

+

Fences

Platform: Windows

+

+ Fences is a desktop management software that allows you to group your desktop icons into "fences".
+ These fences can be rolled up so they are tucked away neatly into a corner, allowing you to view
+ your desktop wallpaper while still being able to access your shortcuts when you need to.
+ I really like Fences because it keeps my desktop clutter-free and I get to look at my amazing
+ wallpaper (see Wallpaper Engine). I purchased Fences on Steam, but you can also get it directly
+ from Stardock's website. Would definitely recommend getting it if you have a cluttered desktop. +

Start10

Platform: Windows

+

+ I wasn't actually interested in Start10 when I first got it. I got it in a bundle with Fences. The gist of
+ Start10 is that it allows you to customize the way your taskbar looks and the style of start menu
+ you would like. The options are Windows 7, Windows 10, or Modern. Windows 7 has the classic
+ searchbar and list of applications. Windows 10 has the list of programs and start menu "tiles"
+ introduced in Windows 10. Modern style is a bit of a hybrid. It has the application list from
+ Windows 7, but the theme looks more like Windows 10. I personally prefer Windows 10 style because
+ of the "tiles" that easily let you launch your favorite apps. I wouldn't necessarily recommend
+ getting Start10 on its own as I don't see much value in it, but it is a nice addition if you have
+ ever wanted to change the look of your taskbar or start menu. +

-

Wallpaper Engine

+

Wallpaper Engine

Platform: Windows

+

+ Wallpaper Engine is amongst my favorite programs on this list. If you have ever seen live wallpapers on phones
+ and thought "can I get that on my PC?"", this is the program for you. At a regular price of $3.99, I
+ cannot recommend this enough. Fair warning, this will drain your battery and RAM if you plan on running
+ it at its highest settings with animations and other compute heavy settings. I usually run this on my laptop
+ so the wallpaper is static when unplugged, but animated and reactive when plugged in. There are some memory
+ saving options that can pause the program when another program is in full-screen and in-focus to improve
+ battery life and performance. +

Notion

Platform: Web App, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

From 81c63eae419cfdc3e14480792035f0b3ceb5cd4f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sravan Balaji Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2019 19:03:33 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 2/2] Product Recommendation Descriptions - Add descriptions for software recommendations - Hardware descriptions - Updated favorite video games - Add brief description for Spotify playlist --- README.md | 13 ++- Web Pages/product_recommendations.html | 114 ++++++++++++++++++++++--- 2 files changed, 108 insertions(+), 19 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index d121016..f25babb 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -15,20 +15,19 @@ This is the repository for my personal website. This includes all linked files a - [ ] Projects - [ ] Coursework - [ ] Product Recommendations - - [ ] Software + - [x] Software - [x] Link - [x] Platform(s) - - [ ] Description - - [ ] Pros / Cons + - [x] Discussion - [ ] Hardware - [x] Device type - [x] Specs - - [ ] Pros / Cons + - [ ] Discussion - [ ] Favorite Games - - [ ] Ranked List - - [x] Link + - [x] List + - [ ] Ranking - [ ] Genre - - [ ] Pros / Cons + - [ ] Discussion - [ ] Website Documentation - [x] High-level introduction - [ ] In-Depth Guide diff --git a/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html b/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html index 9c667ac..fecba9d 100644 --- a/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html +++ b/Web Pages/product_recommendations.html @@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ from Stardock's website. Would definitely recommend getting it if you have a cluttered desktop.

-

Start10

+

Start10

Platform: Windows

I wasn't actually interested in Start10 when I first got it. I got it in a bundle with Fences. The gist of
@@ -51,54 +51,144 @@ battery life and performance.

-

Notion

+

Notion

Platform: Web App, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

+

+ This is my current favorite productivity app. I use it to keep track of things like homework, personal tasks,
+ gift ideas, shopping lists, personal wish lists, upcoming video games, etc. I previously used Trello and
+ google keep to track tasks and random bits of information, but Notion has been a game changer. While the
+ full experience is locked behind a paywall, you can try it out for free if you have a university (.edu) email.
+ If you haven't already, I would suggest giving it a try. Use this referral link to get some free credit on your
+ account to use if you decide to use any of the paid tier. +

-

Clatter

+

Clatter

Platform: Windows

+

+ Have you ever wondered if there was an app to combine all of your messaging apps into 1? Well, Clatter
+ is the answer. I used to keep multiple tabs and programs open so I could see all of my messaging services
+ at once, but with Clatter, they are all neatly packaged in one application. Any messaging service with a web
+ app can be accessed through Clatter. Give it a try, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I do. +

-

Chocolatey

+

Chocolatey

Platform: Windows

+

+ Chocolatey is Windows's answer to Homebrew. It is essentially a package manager that allows you to easily track
+ and upgrade/install/uninstall programs on Windows. My process when installing apps is to check if there is a
+ Windows app on the Microsoft Store. If not, I check Chocolatey. More times than not, it's available there.
+ You can easily install any programs you need via command prompt and avoid the tedious installation wizard. +

-

Pocket Casts

+

Pocket Casts

Platform: Web App, iOS, Android

+

+ This is my preferred Podcast app. I have it on my Android phone and I use the Windows app on my desktop
+ and laptop. I purchased the web app and android app prior to the new "subscription" model that Pocket Casts
+ has implemented. While I don't agree with this new pay structure, I appreciate that they have implemented a
+ free tier that has the majority of features that most people will need. +

-

YouTube Vanced

+

YouTube Vanced

Platform: Android

+

+ I discovered this on a MEGA PRO TIPS post on r/galaxys10 (tip 29). All relevant information on what apps to
+ download and a fix for a login issue can be found in the reddit post. The gist of the app is that it removes
+ ads from YouTube on your android phone and you can play music while your screen is off for free. +

-

Xodo

+

Xodo

Platform: Web App, iOS, Android, Windows

+

+ This is the best PDF editor/reader I have found that doesn't require a paid subscription (unlike Adobe) for
+ all of its features. You can easily write/edit, fill out forms, and add digital signatures. All for free. +

-

myTube!

+

myTube!

Platform: Windows

+

+ Similar to YouTube Vanced, this app removes ads from YouTube. The main difference
+ here is that myTube! is a Windows app rather than an Android app. +

Hardware

Desktop PC

- A full list of my desktop PC build components can be found on PCPartPicker. + A full list of my desktop PC build components can be found on PCPartPicker.
+ My current build has stayed largely the same from when I first built it, with the exception of the peripherals and monitors.
+ I have upgraded my keyboard, mouse, and speakers over the past couple of years as I found deals.

Laptop

-

Model: HP Specture x360 15"

+

Model: HP Spectre x360 15"

CPU: Intel i7-7500U

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 940MX

RAM: 16 GB

+

+ My main laptop use case is for school. I wanted a touchscreen so I could take digital written notes in class and
+ I needed a good processor and dedicated graphics card for CAD software and for general programming applications.
+ I landed on the HP Specture x360 because it had a great balance of specs, amazing display, touch screen, and very
+ nice typing experience for a reasonable price. I was initially leaning towards a Razer Blade or Microsoft's Surface Book.
+ The former would be great for my use case and for gaming, but it isn't great for taking handwritten digital notes.
+ The latter is similar to the Spectre in regards to specs, but has a favorable display ratio. The main reason I chose
+ against it in the end was the high price relative to the Spectre. I was able to get very comparable specs for a much
+ lower price with the spectre. +

Tablet

Model: Microsoft Surface Go

CPU: Intel Pentium 4415Y

RAM: 4 GB

+

+ The Surface Go is primarily used as a secondary-device and tablet. I use it for media consumption and occasional e-book
+ reading. It is by no means powerful enough to act as my primary device, but I like it as a secondary device that
+ I will occasionally use. +

+ +

Phone

+

Model: Samsung Galaxy S10+

+

+ Got the Galaxy S10+ on sale on Amazon's Prime Day. My previous phone was a Pixel 2XL which I really liked, but I decided
+ to switch to a Galaxy after the Pixel 3 was a bit of a disappointment and the Pixel 4 wouldn't come out until later in the year.
+ Other phones I considered, but ultimately decided against were the OnePlus 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 9. In retrospect,
+ I would have waited to replace my Pixel 2XL until the Galaxy Note 10+ came out and the price dropped down to something reasonable.
+ However, I am happy with my decision as is. +

+ +

Watch

+

Model: Samsung Galaxy Watch

+

+ I previously had a Moto 360 Sport smartwatch, but the performance was extremely disappointing. After looking at other
+ Android wear devices, I didn't feel that another compelling watch on the level of the Apple Watch for iPhones existed.
+ Thus, I decided to switch to the Galaxy watch. My primary impressions of Tizen OS vs Android Wear is the lack of
+ supported apps. I have found that this really isn't that big of a deal as it has great media controls for your phone
+ and the amazing rotating bezel interface. This is by far the superior input method for watches and I feel that
+ all watches should have some variant of this. Overall, the performance is great and I have come to appreciate
+ Samsung's brand of apps for my phone and watch. +

Favorite Video Games

-

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

-

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

+

+ In no particular order, these are some of my favorite video games. + +

    +
  • The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
    • +
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
    • +
  • Dark Souls 1 & 3
    • +
  • Borderlands 2
    • +
  • Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
    • +
  • Minecraft
    • +

Music

Spotify Playlist

+

+ These are my current (approximately 100) favorite songs. +