My Top 10 Apps
1. Google Chrome/Firefox Portable
My top app is a web browser, what a surprise…I use Google Chrome on my desktop at home and portable firefox on my usb stick and take that to wherever I go.
2. Google Apps
I’m a big fan of Google and of course I use their Apps. My Gmail is setup to send a copy of emails I receive to my Ymail account just so in case. I have many rss subscriptions and I read them using Google Reader. I’m a college student and I keep my homework and test dates on GCalendar. I also have it setup to send me email updates everyday so I don’t forget. I also keep copies of my school homework in Google Docs.
3. KeePass
I use keepass to manage all my passwords. You can encrypt your password database and keep it secure with a key file. There is a handy portable version of KeePass also.
4. VLC
VLC Player can play almost anything you throw at it. It let’s you do more things than just play music and video files, you can stream stuff with this awesome little app too. I use the portable app version on my usb stick too.
5. Dropbox
Dropbox lets you synchronize files where ever you are. I use it to sync my personal documents and some public documents to anyone I want using the public folder. In case I forget to store a file on my usb I just go to the web interface and get it from there. I also use it to sync my KeePass Database.
6. Digsby/Pidgin Portable
How am I supposed to chat with family and friends if I don’t have an IM Client? All my friends and family are scattered all over different IM protocols (yahoo im, gtalk, hotmail) and Digsby is what I use on my desktop and Portable Pidgin anywhere else to bring those together. I like Digsby because you can also check new emails and update your social media accounts right the client. Same goes for Pidgin and it is portable and lighter.
7. NotePad++/FileZilla
When I need to update my website and code things, this is the app that I use. I like it because it’s light weight, it has themes, and there’s also a portable version. As you can see I like my apps to have a portable version :D. Then I use FileZilla to transfer to and from the web server or my xbox which brings me to my next app.
8. XBMC
Originally for the xbox, this is an amazing media center application. I use it on my xbox that is connected to my home network, and stream movies, music, and pictures from my home server or desktop. It lets you get a weather forecast too. Since it’s an xbox I can still play my xbox games and on it. It can also stream videos from Apple Trailer, YouTube, and many other video websites using scripts and plug-ins. It’s very customizable and this app can also be used with Windows, Mac, Linux, Apple TV, and a CD or USB drive. The only downside is that the xbox can’t handle HD content very well because of its old hardware.
9. iTunes/Zune
I use these apps basically to sync my iPod and Zune with my music and podcasts. Combine iTunes with Last.FM scrobbler and I can see the top artists, and songs I’m listening to, not to mention listening to them for free on the Last.FM website or my xbox.
10. Taskbar Shuffle/Ultramon/RealVNC
Taskbar Shuffle lets you move around the minimized window buttons at the task bar. Ultramon can handle multiple monitor setups with ease. I use RealVNC to remote control computers across my network.
There are many other programs I use but these are my personal favorites. I recommend these to anyone.
