Software

Visual Studio Code

Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac

Visual Studio Code is currently my favorite editor for most programming applications I work on. I have previously tried Sublime Text, Notepad++, and Vim as my primary text editors, but I was never fully satisfied with their functionality. When I first started using VS Code, I wasn't convinced by it either. It looked like just another text editor with no special features. Over time, Microsoft has done a great job of improving stability, speed, and functionality. The feature that finally made the decision for me was the community support for extensions. If you are a die hard Vim user for example, there's a Vim emulation extension that should ease the transition. I just love the overall aesthetic, auto-completion, and sheer number of features available. It runs on every platform you could conceivably develop on and it looks great! Don't plan on switching editors any time soon! Check out some of my favorite extensions and customization options below. If you are using chocolatey, you can install VS Code with choco install vscode.

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 get the paid tier 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 tiers. If you are using chocolatey, you can install Notion with choco install notion.

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.

Windows Terminal

Platform: Windows

If you have ever felt that the default windows terminal could use a refresh, you are in luck! Microsoft has been working on an updated version of Windows Terminal that provides tabs for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL. It also offers a faster, better looking, windows terminal experience. At the time of writing, Windows Terminal is still in preview, but hopefully the full version will be released to everyone soon. If you are using chocolatey, you can install Windows Terminal with choco install microsoft-windows-terminal.

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. You can easily install any programs you need via command prompt and avoid the tedious installation wizard. Just search chocolatey's list of packages, run terminal as Administrator, and run choco install package_name.

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. On my laptop, I changed the settings 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.

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 search bar 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.

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 newsubscription 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

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

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!

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. You should also check out UWP Companion so you can redirect YouTube links from your web browser to myTube.

Microsoft Edge

Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

I have been using the development build of the new Microsoft Edge since around June 2019 and have generally enjoyed it. It will be very familiar for those coming from Chrome since it is also based on Chromium. The main reason I like it is for its speed and reduced RAM usage. I haven't done any official tests comparing performance, but it subjectively seems more responsive. Additionally, most if not all Chrome extensions can be used on the new Edge, so that should help ease the transition for those who can't live without them. One of Microsoft's main selling points for the new Edge is privacy features. Overall, there are still a few issues I have encountered like links in google searches not opening properly, but I can put up with that for the performance improvement. Finally, you will want to change the default search engine to google unless you plan on using Bing for those Microsoft Rewards points. If you are using chocolatey, you can install Microsoft Edge with choco install microsoft-edge.

Your Phone

Platform: Windows, Android

Your Phone from Microsoft is the answer to my long-term need for a way to interact with my phone from my PC (not you Samsung DeX). At the time of writing, this isn't supported on all android devices, but it works with my Samsung Galaxy S10+. The main feature I use is viewing my phone's notifications on my PC, but they have also implemented Phone Screen which let's you interact with you phone via mouse and keyboard (or touch screen if you have it). If you have a supported PC and phone, you will need to download the Android App and the Windows App. If you have ever wanted a better way to integrate your desktop/laptop and phone experience, this is it.

Remote Fingerprint Unlock

Platform: Windows, Android

I discovered Remote Fingerprint Unlock recently, but in my short time with it, I absolutely love it. When Google announced the Pixelbook back in 2017, needless to say I was very disappointed to hear that the great hardware would be paired with Chrome OS. One feature I wished I had on Windows + Android was the ability to unlock the Pixelbook with an Android Phone. With this app, you can do just that. You'll need the Android App and the Windows Program. If you get the Pro version, you can even use the Wake-on-LAN feature.

Ditto Clipboard Manager

Platform: Windows

I first learned of Ditto from Nick Janetakis's post on Boosting Software Developer Productivity with a Clipboard Manager. I used to struggle with the limitation of only having one item copied in my clipboard at a time, but Ditto provides a light and simple solution. You can copy as many things as you want with ctrl+c as usual. When you want to paste, simply open Ditto and select the item you want to paste! If you are using chocolatey, you can install Ditto with choco install ditto.