Uses

This page has everything I use, both hardware and software-wise, to be a productive person. If you decide to make your own uses page on your site, consider adding it to uses.tech created by Wes Bos.

My primary work operating system is macOS, so most tools and software listed here are specific to that. I also want to make note of my “dotfiles” macOS bootstrapping scripts available here https://github.com/brandonb927/dotfiles that are very opinionated, but a great starting point for others.

Code Editor #

Desktop Apps #

Development #

  • Docker - development tool for running code inside a “virtual machine”
  • iTerm2 - a terminal that is 100x better than the default Terminal.app
  • Ngrok - when you need to expose an application to the internet from your local network

Security #

Productivity #

  • Raycast — Spotlight search, but 10x better
  • F.lux - reduces the strain of your screen on your eyes at night, backed by science!
  • Plex Media Player - I have a Plex server at home and I use plex on all my TVs and devices
  • Spotify - I have a HUGE Spotify library and I need to rock out sometimes
  • Steam - I have a rather large Steam library and sometimes I like to play my games
  • Sync.com - 🇨🇦 Canadian and trustworthy, a solid Dropbox alternative with end-to-end encryption
  • Rogue Amoeba software:
  • Parsec — Low-latency remote desktop control
  • Bartender - hides apps in your menubar and allows for a hotkey to show them
  • stats - a menubar app to show stats about your system
  • Kap - a beautiful minimalist screen recorder
  • Stay - I’ve never been happy with macOS window management when plugging in a display, this tool allows you to store window locations on a per-display configuration basis, and even a per-app basis
  • Hyperduck — Send links from iOS to your Mac

macOS Maintenance #

  • AppCleaner - sometimes you just gotta delete every trace of an app that is installed
  • DaisyDisk - when you want to visualize your disk space, this is the app you want to use

Office/Desk Setup #

I have an APC 11-outlet 2880 joules surge protector mounted on the underside of the desk which is then attached to an APC 600VA UPS battery backup and surge protector on the floor.

In my 12U network rack I have (in order from top to bottom):

Throughout my office and the house I have a few IoT devices: some TP-Link HS105 wifi outlets, a few Sonoff DIY smart switches, and two Echo speakers which are basically used for two things: turning the smart switches on and off, and setting cooking timers.

Photography #

The Milky Way taken July 18th 2020

The Milky Way taken July 18th 2020

The comet NEOWISE taken July 17th 2020

The comet NEOWISE taken July 17th 2020

I also have some of my shots from Flickr over on my photos page if you’re curious!

Amateur Radio #

See my dedicated page on amateur radio.