Rhonda Tipton’s WebLog

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.
• GFI Backup – Easy to use utility for backup and recovery. (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.