Tools
This page is to list the different tools that I use on a daily basis as well as others that I have used and recommend.
Other Developer Tool Lists
- Scott Hanselman’s Ultimate Developer and Power Users Tool List
- Windows Developer Tools Day – Jean-Paul Boodhoo’s tools list
- Sam Gentile’s Inessential List of Tools
File & System Tools
- Windows SysInternals – Advanced system utilities and technical information
- Console – A Windows console window enhancement. Features include: multiple tabs, text editor-like text selection, etc.
- TaskArrange – A simple utility that lets you rearrange the buttons of the Windows taskbar.
- SlickRun – A free floating command line utility for Windows.
- Launchy – A free windows utility that basically take the place of the icons on the desktop as well as the start menu.
- SyncBack – Great utility for automated backups.
- Oops!Backup – An easy to use backup tool with a crisp, clean and intuitive interface ($37 after a 30 day trial). (my review)
- Executor – Free, multi-purpose application launcher.
- Query Express – A simple Query Analyzer look-alike, but being small and free it can be run where the SQL Server client tools are not installed or licensed.
Remote Control Tools
- UltraVNC – a powerful, easy to use and free software that allows you to remote control another system
- LogMeIn – allows you to access your pc from anywhere (like GoToMyPC). They have pay versions as well as a free version
- FileZilla – Good FTP client from Mozilla. Works well for Secure FTP sites.
Editors and Viewers
- NotePad++ – A free source code editor (and Notepad replacement)
- XML NotePad – Simple intuitive user interface for browsing and editing XML documents
- NotePad2 – Another free NotePad replacement
- E TextEditor – Editor with powerful editing features & a few unique abilities ($35 after 30 day trial)
- Foxit Reader 2.0 for Windows – Light-weight PDF viewer
Monitor and Capture Tools
- FastStone Capture – A powerful, flexible and intuitive screen-capture utility
- PrintKey – Free screen capture utility
- UltraMon – Utility for dual monitors (30 day trial, then $39 – well worth it)
Browser & Web-Based Tools
- Official Del.icio.us Tools – Tools to ease the use of the Del.icio.us social bookmarking service
- FireFTP – A free, secure, cross-platform FTP client for Mozilla Firefox
- PingMe – A free, web-based reminder tool
- Evernote – Awesome note-taking software that allows you to sync notes from any pc/laptop/mobile device to the web.
- Search .NET – Great .NET search engine
- C# Search .NET – Great search engine for all things C#
- Jott – A tool that allows you to capture thoughts, create to-dos and set reminders with a simple phone call. Since I drive 80 miles a day, this is very helpful. You’d be surprised at how many things come to mind while driving. There are pay versions, but I still use the free plan.
Blogging Tools
- Windows Live Writer – Desktop application that makes it easier to compose compelling blog posts
- Paste from Visual Studio – WLW Plugin that allows easy transfer of source code from Visual Studio to elegant HTML
- Paste from Console – WLW Plugin that allows easy transfer of text from a console window to HTML.
- Twhirl – A great desktop client for social networks such as Twitter, FriendFeed and Seesmic.
- TweetDeck – A desktop client for Twitter that allows the user to split their main feed (All Tweets) into topic or group specific columns allowing a broader overview of tweets.
- Bitter – A good, low-memory Twitter client.
Other Tools
- Texter – Text substitution app
- SyncMyCal – Syncs Outlook 2003/2007 calendars with Google Calendars (Free limited trial – Upgrade $25)
- Beyond Compare – an advanced file and folder comparison utility for Windows
- Stickies – Computerized version of post-it notes.
- Podder – A great WPF podcast aggregator written by Josh Smith.
