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sf.me > Blog > Tools I Use

Tools I Use

Posted on: 31 July 2023

Reading time: 4 min

Category: Technology

Table Of Contents

Introduction

This post consists of all the hardware, software and other tools I use on a daily basis for all of my work. I am for tools that are lightweight, minimal and work fast on all types of devices.

Hardware

Computer

I have a custom-built computer that I bought in 2021. This was during the chip shortage but I needed a PC and could not wait as it was impacting my work. These are the specs:

These are my peripherals:

Laptop

When I am on the go, I cannot sacrifice any of my work. This is why I use the HP ENVY x360 laptop. I was going to buy a ThinkPad but I am using this since it was a gift.

Specs:

Phone

I use the Nothing Phone (1). It is a spectacular phone from a great new brand that keeps getting better with each update they release. It looks extremely cool with the glyph lights, which I find to be useful in some cases.

Along with my phone, I use the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z

Software

Basic

Operating System (Linux Distribution):

I use Arch Linux. I love its lightweight and do-it-yourself nature. It gives me more control over what is installed on my PC.

Window Manager:

I use DWM. It is lightweight and you build it by modifying the source code which makes your build personal. It was made by Suckless. By default, Suckless software is basic and it seems condescending to use the software. However, you make it your own by patching it with the patches on their website. Please check out other suckless utilities here. You can find my build here.

Terminal Emulator:

I use st. It is another piece of Suckless software. You can find my build here.

Shell:

I use zsh due to its speed and features like autocomplete and plugins.

Text Editor:

I use Neovim for my text editing and will never switch to another program. It is fast, versatile, extensible and extremely lightweight. Most importantly, it works extremely well for my usecase.

Web Browser:

I use Librewolf with two profiles. For more information, view my post on my browser setup.

Password Manager:

I use KeePass with Syncthing. KeePass is incredibly secure. Read this post for more information.

Notes:

I use VimWiki also with Syncthing. I use the Markor app on my phone to view the notes. Read this post for more information.

Utilities

File Manager:

I have Thunar installed but I do not use it most of the time. I use the terminal for most of my file management.

Media Player:

I use MPV, the best media player on the planet. It is fast, free software and infinitely extensible.

RSS Reader:

I use Newsboat since it reduces the need for me to go to all of my websites separately.

PDF Viewer:

Zathura all the way. I am never switching to anything else. It is just so fast and simple.

Image Viewer:

nsxiv is what I use. It is just like Zathura; fast and efficient.

Production

Recording and Streaming:

I use FFmpeg to record and encode my screen recordings. I use Kdenlive to edit my videos. In case of streaming, I use OBS Studio to stream.

Writing:

I write in plaintext formats as much as possible. When writing posts or other formatted notes, I use Markdown (.md) and I use LaTeX for documents.

Image Editing:

This is perhaps the only non-free software I use. I use Adobe Photoshop

Conclusion

These are all of the tools I use. They may change in the future, but there is a low chance of that happening since I have gotten used to all of these amazing tools.

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