Found myself setting up a new laptop recently and found it difficult to think of all the useful programs I'd be reached for down the road. Thought it would be nice to start a list... Here's what I've come up with so far.
Honorable mentions for mac:
Edit: this looks like it got moved to the general forum, which is pretty cool, though I think that it will make it harder to filter down to what "useful software" might be for a specific usecase. For context, everything I posted above was software that I would desire on a computer focused on lighting. If the software you are adding below isn't immediately obvious as to what field it would be useful for please include that in your response.
Some non-lighting software that I'll preemptively add to the list to get out of the way.
- sACNView - Debugging tool for Streaming ACN
- Artnetominator - Debugging tool for artnet
- Wireshark - General Network data analyzer/logger
- OSC Data monitor (Looking for a better option here..) - OSC Monitor/debugger
- Various console offline software
- Vectorworks - Drafting Software.
- draw.ioFlow chart software/generator
- Lightwright - Until someone finally gets around to making something better...
- Office
- Net3 Concert - Configuration for ETC gateways/nodes/dimmer racks
- Pathscape - Configuration for pathport nodes/switches/etc
- Dimstat - Configuration of sensor+ dimmer racks
- IP Switcher - Small utility to switch between different ip configurations for public vs private networks/venues
- putty suite - ssh, telnet, and sftp clients for communication with switches/headless machines
- ultravnc - Most flexible windows vnc client i've found.
Honorable mentions for mac:
- iTerm - terminal replacement
- homebrew (for telnet among other things... cmon apple).. basically a package manager for OSX
- virtualbox/vmware for windows.
Edit: this looks like it got moved to the general forum, which is pretty cool, though I think that it will make it harder to filter down to what "useful software" might be for a specific usecase. For context, everything I posted above was software that I would desire on a computer focused on lighting. If the software you are adding below isn't immediately obvious as to what field it would be useful for please include that in your response.
Some non-lighting software that I'll preemptively add to the list to get out of the way.
- Autocad - drafting software. Autocad and vectorworks are in a competition to see who can make a less appealing piece of software.
- sketchup - Quick drafting/modeling software.
- qlab/scs/similar - Sound/video playback
- Adobe Suite/Finalcut/etc - Video/Image editing
- Logic/similar - Audio Editing
- Isadora/Watchout/Resolume/VDMX/similar - Video/media playback
- Max - The swiss army knife that no one needs, but everyone loves to use...
- VLC - The swiss army knife that everyone wants, and everyone needs.
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