Tools, Computer
Info
REV: 2021-11-09
Basic
Document Suite: Libreoffice (recommended)
Free, open-source, high-quality, cross-platform alternative to Microsoft Word for producing text documents, spreadsheets, slideshows, basic drawings, and simple databases. Great import/export compatibility for various file formats.
Markdown Editor: Ghostwriter (recommended) (nice: nav menu, html preview)
Password Manager: KeepassXC - Free, open-source, cross-platform, offline, modern GUI with v2.6+. This is an actively developed fork of Keepass. Recommended.
Tip: Save a paper copy of your master password. Save a copy of your encrypted password database to a secure back-up device regularly.
Operating System
Debian, Ubuntu, Windows, Windows 10 Official ISO
Tip: Install no more than 1 OS per drive, if possible.
Hardware
AMD 5950X (CPU), ECC RAM, Noctua NF-A12x25 (Fan), Fractal Design Meshify 2 Solid-Panel (Case), Seasonic Prime Fanless (PSU), Samsung SSD (Disk).
Efficient workstation power-performance with 16-core, 105W TDP. Low-risk zero-maintenance air cooling with leading performance-to-noise/acoustics. Solid panel is durable, never shatters. 9yr+ track record with reliable Samsung SSDs.
Tip: A lot of USB-port tools only work with FAT-formatted USB drives.
Multimedia
Diagram Editor: Draw.io - Free diagramming tool with emphasis on alignment and node-to-node connections. Use online with the browser app, or download the desktop app.
Vector Graphics Editor: Inkscape - Create or edit logos, line art, infographics, and other line-based images.
Raster Graphics Editor: GIMP - Produce, resize, crop, rotate, and retouch your photos and other dot-style image files.
Audio Editor: Audacity - Record your voice or music, manipulate audio clips for your media library, and import-export different filetypes. Great for handling standard audio tasks like other digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Video Editor: Kdenlive - Simple, robust video editor with primary support for Linux. Free and open source. Renders to numerous standard formats, including WebM and MP4 (AAC/HEVC).
Screen Video Capture and Live Streaming Tool: Open Broadcaster Software - Simple on-screen video recording and live streaming program.
3D Animation and Modeling: Blender - Free and open-source with integrated video editor. Supported by the Blender Foundation.
Digital Illustration: Clip Studio Paint - Popular and effective digital drawing program for illustrations and manga. Formerly named Manga Studio. Use with a drawing tablet (ex. Wacom, Huion).
CAD
MCAD: Autodesk Inventor with Product Design and Manufacturing Collection
MCAD Collaborative PDM: GrabCAD Workbench
ECAD: Kicad (strongly recommended)
We use this for most of our schematic-to-PCB ECAD work. This is a good free, open-source, cross-platform EDA suite sponsored by CERN and increasingly supported by the industry.
CAD Alternatives:
- Altium
- Cadence (Allegro/Orcad)
- SIEMENS, Mentor (PADS/Xpedition)
- Autodesk, Eagle
- SIEMENS, Solid Edge
- FreeCAD (not ready for efficient workflows)
Software Dev
Atom - Free, simple, customizable integrated development environment (IDE). Developed by Github.
Silver Searcher - CLI text search tool (ag). Github Repo
Utility
RAM Testing: MEMTEST86
Disk Backup: CLONEZILLA
Compression/Archival: 7ZIP
Torrent Client: QBitTorrent, Transmission
Business
Accounting: GNUCASH
Networking
Modem: TECHNICOLOR, TC4400 (4Gbps, DOCSIS 3.1)
Router: NETGATE, SG-3100 (1Gbps ports, 2.5Gbps throughput)
Wireless Access Point: UBIQUITI, Unifi AC Pro, UAP-AC-PRO (2.4GHz 3x3 450Mbps, 5GHz 3x3 1.3 Gbps, PoE)
Power Bar, Surge Protector: TRIPP LITE, Isobar 6 Ultra
Short Ethernet Cable: STEWART CONNECTOR, CA81-020M-01 (Cat 8.1, 2m, LSZH, RJ45 metal-frame terminations)
Printer: HP, OFFICEJET PRO 9015
SSD Enclosure: STARTECH, M2E1BRU31C (IP67, MIL-STD-810G drop-test, USB 3.1 Gen2 10Gbps)
M.2 enclosures can be assembled into external data-drives for greater capacity, reliability, speed, and modularity than normal USB drives.
USB Drive: SAMSUNG, Bar Plus