What I use#
Computing Setup#
Main Workstation (HP EliteDesk 800 G4)#
- Running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- GNOME desktop with custom extensions
- CompizConfig for window management
- Upgraded to 32GB RAM
- 256GB NVMe for OS
- 1TB (ex enterprise HDD)
- Intel i7-8700
- Dual monitor setup with refurbished Dell Ultrasharp displays
- Custom mechanical keyboard (Keychron K2, brown switches)
- Logitech MX Master 2S mouse (bought used)
Server (HP EliteDesk 800 G3)#
- Running Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS
- Docker for containerization
- Home media server and file storage
- Local development environment
- Website hosting
- Personal cloud storage
- Network-wide ad blocking
- Home automation hub
- Media server (Jellyfin)
- 16GB RAM
- 2x 2TB HDDs in RAID 1
- Intel i5-7500
Development#
- VS Code with custom configuration
- Git for version control
- Docker for containerization
- Node.js for web development
- Python for scripting and automation
- Vim for quick edits
- Terminal: kitty with zsh
- Firefox Developer Edition
- Kdenlive for video editing
- GIMP for image editing
- Inkscape for vector graphics
- Audacity for audio editing
- OBS Studio for screen recording
- VLC for media playback
- Calibre for ebook management
Productivity#
- Firefox as main browser
- Bitwarden for password management
- Joplin for note-taking
- Nextcloud for file sync
- ProtonMail for email
- Signal for messaging
- Standard Notes for encrypted notes
- KeePassXC as offline password manager
- TimeShift for system backups
- Syncthing for file synchronization
- Barrier for keyboard/mouse sharing
- Etcher for creating boot drives
- GNOME Tweaks for customization
- Stacer for system monitoring
- Deja Dup for backups
Mobile Setup#
Phone#
- Pixel 6a with GrapheneOS
- F-Droid for app downloads
- Aurora Store as Play Store alternative
- NewPipe for YouTube
- OSMAnd+ for offline maps
- Organic Maps as main navigation
- Standard Notes mobile
Tablet#
- Refurbished iPad Air 2
- Primarily for reading and note-taking
- PDF Expert for document management
- Notability for handwritten notes
- Pocket for saved articles
Photography Gear#
- Fujifilm X-T20 (bought used)
- 35mm f/2 prime lens
- 18-55mm kit lens
- Vintage manual lenses with adapters
- Peak Design Everyday Sling (5L)
- Basic tripod for long exposures
Audio Equipment#
- Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones
- KZ ZSN Pro X IEMs
- Basic audio interface for recording
- Blue Yeti microphone (bought used)
- Bookshelf speakers (second-hand)
Accessories#
- Multiple USB drives for backups
- External HDD for offline storage
- Basic toolkit for repairs
- Screen cleaning kit
- Cable management solutions
- USB-C hub for connectivity
- Various adapters and cables
Desk Setup#
- Standing desk (manual adjustment)
- Ergonomic chair (second-hand)
- Monitor arms for desk space
- Basic LED desk lamp
- Anti-fatigue mat
- Cable management system
- Desk pad for mouse/keyboard
Software Philosophy#
- Preference for open-source when possible
- Focus on privacy and security
- Minimal and functional interfaces
- Regular backups and redundancy
- Self-hosted when practical
- Sustainable and long-term use
- Buy used/refurbished when possible