Software you can’t do without?
In writing this post I was thinking about those tools that aren’t necessarily for database programming but at the same time I wouldn’t want to be without. It then got me to thinking about what software surpassed my expectations in what ways.
Whilst I’m a fan of open source technology, frequently it has left me cold. Or there have been times when I’ve installed some software that I really wish I hadn’t and wandered how I could have been so lax as to risk my data and operating system on an untested application. But then there are occasions also when I’m pleasantly surprised. An open source application that does something better / faster / easier than its proprietary counter parts, or an application that I’ve purchased that does everything it says on the tin without paying through the roof.
Here is a list of applications and websites that I use in my everyday life/work and couldn’t manage without:-
Techie
WinSQL- This is just a generic SQL client which I find really useful as I can query any database that I have an adapter for. Given the number of different sources in most DW applications I’ve worked on, it’s handy for one tool to be able to query sybase, netezza, ibm etc
WinSCP - A great sFTP Client. No annoying adverts, handles encryption and has a command line utility as well. I have put this into production environments and it handles the job perfectly.
7-Zip - Open source compression tool. For me this is the best of them. Handles most compression formats and has command line utility and its free.
GnuPG - Encryption. There is a user interface for it, integration with Outlook, and naturally a command line utility. A necessity for most people these days.
EditPad - A text editor that does what it says on the tin. I’ve also used textpad in the past, and whilst it’s good, I prefer the useability of EditPad.
Media
Alive Video Converter - I tried a few of these before I found one that really did the job. It isn’t free but it is good value for money. Converting from wmv mp4 mov avi is unfortunately made necessary as we have so many video formats.
Windows Movie Maker - It’s not often that I pat microsoft on the back, however on this occasion, they came up with a movie making tool that is easy to use, fairly good for an amateur director and free with windows. Not bad at all.
Websites
Google Analytics - This website has everything a web publisher needs. Gives more information than you can handle and lots of pictures too.
Boatlaunch.co.uk - as a person who has a boat in the UK, this website is a great example of what the internet can be used for. To provide accessible and immediate information, and allowing users to share their specific knowledge of their area.
This is just a few to get started, but I’d be interested to hear what software or websites you can’t do without. Be it something you use for a hobby or an application that you use at work as a tool to get your main job done.
Frank