Random Collection of Software I Like

This post is a little more focused on technology, so if that's not something you're interested in, I'd encourage you to stop here.

There are already many posts out there like this one, but the more time I spend jumping around and taking new things in from the Internet, the more I run across new and better ways to use my computer. This is a collection of lesser-known applications I use pretty often.

Colibri

This is an application launcher similar to Quicksilver on a Mac. The idea is that you can activate Colibri and start typing the name of the application you want to run, and it returns matching results as you type. I like it because I can remove shortcuts and icons from my desktop, and I can keep my hands on the keyboard.

To start using Colibri, you can download it here and install it. Once it is set up, you type CTRL+Enter to bring up the interface and you start typing.


Another nice thing about Colibri is that you can customize it and set preferences by typing "Colibri" into the interface and going through the options. I did a quick search to see if there were themes available for it, and I found a nice one here called Nisus, also shown in the image to the right. To use it, download the zip file, unpack it to the themes folder (usually C:\Program Files\Colibri\Themes), and then set Colibri to use that theme from within the application's settings and preferences interface.

The only gripes I have so far is that I haven't really figured out how to "teach" it new applications. For example, I wanted to use Colibri to launch my chat program, Pidgin. Unfortunately, it didn't find it right away, so I had to put the absolute file-path to the executable within my Program Files folder. Once I do that, it remembers it for a while, but it doesn't last long. It seems like I should be able to teach it short-cuts to different applications, but I haven't figured that out yet.

VirtuaWin

Virtual windows are common on Linux or Mac operating systems. They can be described as a logical way to have 4 windows within one monitor and switch between them. This allows you to organize applications and information into different windows and switch between them. I looked around to see if there was a similar solution for Windows, and I ran into VirtuaWin. After a few minutes to set up navigation short-cuts and other configuration stuff, it seems to work just fine. Unfortunately, you miss out on some of the cool transitions and desktop stuff you would get with the KDE or Gnome desktop managers, it still is a handy tool to have.

SpaceTime

This isn't really that useful, but it's interesting nonetheless. The basic premise is that it takes the concept of a browser and throws it into a "3D" environment. Tabs are contained in windows arranged within a large space in the application. You can navigate to different tabs by "driving" around through the space with the arrow keys.

Miro

I haven't had the chance to check this one out too much, but it seems pretty cool. It lets you find and download free TV from the Internet. Most of the channels I looked at seemed like obscure channels I've never heard of or had any interest in, but I'm sure it could be fun to use if I give it some time.

OpenPandora

This is one of my favorites. If you are familiar with the Pandora Internet radio service at all, then this is pretty handy. It is a small desktop application that manages your radio without you having to open an Internet browser (granted, you still need an Internet connection). If you like Pandora at all, this is worth checking out.

Google Calendar Sync

This is incredibly useful if you use Microsoft Outlook and have a Google Calendar too. Google Calendar is free to use and you don't need a Google mail account to use it. It's nice because you can access it from anywhere, but you may still want to integrate it into your Outlook application. Google Calendar Sync lets you do just that.

Ok that's it for now. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and all of this stuff was found first in other places, but I thought I'd share with those that know me. I'll be sure to put up more if I find them.

Cheers!