Main workstation

My main workstation is a 2021 M1 Macbook Pro, deliberately running macOS Sonoma 14.7. I use an external trackpad and keyboard (Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad). I’ve grown accustomed to using gestures on the trackpad, it also helps me ergonomically.

Alternative workstation

My secondary workstation is a 2021 desktop computer which runs Windows 11. Mainly used to test websites and projects in a Windows-settings. I’m quite uncomfortable working in this environment, it is uninspiring to me.

Servers

Umbrel

My companys Umbrel-server is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4. It basically just runs the latest available version of bitcoin-core, so that we can access the Bitcoin network through our own node, and run technical experiments.

Webmin

Webmin is a web-based system administration tool, which helps me host multiple websites, and is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4. It runs Raspian Buster.

Synology DiskStation DS723+

A NAS, mainly used to store backups of the above services and computers. Also used to run local services and experiments.

VR and other tools

Oculus Quest (yes, Oculus)

The first VR-headset I ever used. And holy smokes it was a fantastic experience.

Now it rests on a shelf, since one of the controllers broke…

Pico 4

Pancake-lenses, I use this mainly for development and use in PCVR. Light on the head, and everything is pretty readable.

Software

General (all environments)

Visual Studio Code

”Use a Single Editor Well” is a quote from The pragmatic programmer, and it rings very true in my ears. Visual Studio Code is very accessible to me, and runs almost everywhere. Kinda free and open source.

Git

The best and most pleasant FOSS version control system I’ve used.

Signal

Hard to beat end-to-end chat software run by a foundation. FOSS. Doesn’t support federation nor can you run your own server, but it is accessible and very easy for people to use.

Claude

I would love to run a local LLM when they become as competent as their API-counterparts, but Claude has been (and is) an incredible tool for me. I do not like OpenAI, their latest Ghibli-thing is in my opinion, unethical. And it’s not the first example of ”unethicalness” from that company.

Transmission

BitTorrent-client, free and open source.

BlueWallet

BlueWallet is a free and open source Bitcoin-wallet. They’ve really nailed the UI with this one.

1Password

I’ve been pondering moving away from 1Password, but I don’t really have a reason to. The user experience is splendid, and they’re continuously improving their software along as the platforms evolves.

VLC (VideoLAN)

VLC is simply the best and most useful video player. FOSS.

Tailscale

This allows me to stay on ”my network” when I’m away from my home. Also allow me to utilize Mullvad VPN as an exit point if I’d like to when on the run, or on a untrusted wifi-network.

Barrier

Barrier allows me to share my keyboard and trackpad from my Macbook with my Windows-machine. FOSS.

macOS

Ulysses

After going through Apple Notes, DayOne and Writer, I’ve settled on Ulysses. It strikes a good balance between portability (actual, readable files), usability (markdown) and support (paid app, supports sync and good use of backup), takes feature-requests.

LogTen

This is a flight log application, which I am using as a backup for logging my flight hours (my primary tool is a paper book). Paid service but only for professional pilots (specific features).

Pixelmator Pro

I very rarely use this, and I have mostly used it to create posters for different projects and hobbies.

Apple

• Photos
  
  • As an iPhone user, Photos is hard to beat, it is incredibly convenient. I used to use Aperture, and haven’t really recovered since it was canceled by Apple.
• Message
• FaceTime
• Calendar
• Mail
• Numbers
• Pages
• Music (used to be a Spotify-subscriber)

GrandPerspective

GrandPerspective is FOSS, and helps me keep track of what takes up disk space on my computer. It is awesome.

Cyberduck

Cyberduck is a SFTP/FTP/Others-client for moving files between locations. FOSS. Great stuff.

Sequel Ace

Sequel Ace is a MariaSQL/MySQL database management client. FOSS. Must-have if you regularly work with SQL-databases.

Homebrew

Homebrew is a FOSS Package manager, which makes it easy to fetch and install and update open source applications.

Reeder

Reeder is a classy RSS-reader.

Windows 11

Power Tools

It enables ”Spotlight”-like search and lot’s of other stuff for power users. It almost makes Windows pleasant. Almost.

This sums up my computer use.

I love working on computers, but not all of them are created equal.

The same goes for applications, programming languages, websites and other interfaces that I regularly use.

The concept of interfaces of course span physical items as well. I’ve recently started playing tennis, and the interface between me and the ball is my tennis racquet. The one I used first was terrible: the ball was hard to control, it was difficult for me to dial in the proper use of power. After my tennis coach watched me play, he recommended that I try another racquet. The difference was huge! This racquet felt like an extension of my arm. It was very intuitive to use, and fitted my way of playing. It felt good. It almost seemed as if the racquet understood what I wanted to do.

That is a good interface.

Another interface that I’ve grown very accustomed to is macOS. I’ve used Windows and Ubuntu Linux extensively before (and continues to use it today) but macOS is my favorite. It feels intuitive. It inspires me. And it doesn’t get in my way.

The interfaces I like the most are the ones that isn’t causing me trouble. The ones that feels intuitive and matches my expectations. The ones that elevates my working experience and is fun to use.
That’s a good interface.

That’s it. “Peace of mind” is the most important quality I want from my computing experience.

I want to feel safe knowing that my computing devices will keep my data intact and that it will still work tomorrow.

Sounds easy to achieve, but it is so damn hard.