Inspired by other lists like this: https://github.com/wesbos/awesome-uses
Device / Operating System
- Main PC: Lenovo Ideapad 3 (ChromeOS netbook with Debian subsystem)
- Gaming PC: Steam Deck (Arch Linux desktop)
- Work desktop: HP Omen Laptop (Windows 11 with Ubuntu subsystem)
- Home server: HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Ubuntu Server for NAS, file backup, media streaming, and web servers
- Phone: Moto G Play 2024 (Android 13, Termux linux subsystem for SSH and basic GNU utilities)
Other hardware
Mechanical keyboards1
- Keycool K84 bluetooth with brown switches (discontinued)
- DREVO Gramr 84-key backlit with blue switches
Camera
- Insta360 Go 3S video camera with neck mount or clamp mount, also used as a webcam.
Editor / Terminal
- tmux terminal multiplexer
- Vim with nerdtree plugin for development, config files, and general writing
- Visual Studio Code for some projects, transitioning to vim for most uses
- Iosevka monospace font
Applications & Utilities
- Obsidian for general notes and studying
- KeePass password manager, synced over home network using SyncThing
- Mozilla Firefox web browser2
- VLC Media Player for video
- foobar2000 music library for Windows
- Git source control with GitExtensions on Windows and SourceGit on Linux
Windows tools
- Everything Windows file system search
- Wox Windows application launcher, integrates with Everything
- AutoHotkey for Windows macros
Backup & Sync
- Syncthing for LAN file sync and backup. Syncs my Android camera roll, password databases, notes, scripts, configs/save files, and project files.
- Bvckup 2 for Windows backup to home samba server
- rsync with bash scripts and cron for linux backup to NAS via sshfs
Image & Video Editing
- GIMP image editor
- Inkscape SVG editor
- Avidemux basic video processing
- Audacity basic audio processing
Services & Subscriptions
- Domain names: Namecheap
- Email: Namecheap catch-all forwarded to Gmail, (previously MXroute for domain email hosting)
- Virtual address: AnyTime Mailbox 3
- Mobile data: Mint Mobile unlimited on main phone and Things Mobile pay-per-use for emergency backup phone data and vehicle GPS tracking
- VPN: Private Internet Access
- Web hosting: Netlify for free static hosting
- Amazon Prime
Travel Gear
- Backpack: Witzman travel backpack
- Water bottles: generic [single-layer stainless steel](https://www.amazon.com/YOPAY-Uninsulated-Stainless-Cyclists-Resistant/dp/B08GKH9HM7 bottles in various sizes, for minimal micro-plastic consumption
- Generator: PowerSmart 1500w emergency generator
Motorcycling
- Helmet: 1Storm HKY861 DOT helmet
- Ear protection: generic foam earplugs
- Eye protection: generic clear UV glasses
- Gloves: generic mechanic gloves, Oakley 3-finger winter mitt
- Jacket: generic faux-leather jacket
- Delivery bags: Packir 20” rigid insulated bag, 6-drink insulated bag
Rain Gear
- Pants: Grundens Neptune polyurethane bib
- Jacket: 100% nylon fishing shirt or hardshell jacket
- Boots: generic tall rain/snow boots
Music Software & Instruments
- Piano: M-Audio Keystation 88 MIDI piano
- Vibraphone: Yamaha 3-octave Vibraphone, medium Dragonfly mallets / generic yarns
- Guitar: 2009 Epiphone Les Paul Standard guitar, steel roundwound, light top heavy bottom
- Bass: 2009 Fender Precision Standard bass, steel roundwound, medium
- DAW: Reaper audio workstation with some basic VSTs
Footnotes
-
I much prefer the “tenkeyless” format with no number pad. Keeps the mouse hand closer to home. I’ve also toyed with a programmable number pad on the left but didn’t find it worth the real estate compared to software macros. ↩
-
Followed by Chr∗me when my banks, utilities, and government websites don’t work. ↩
-
It’s kind of like a more advanced PO box. ↩