Missing Features

The Best Software (Tools)

This blog spends much time pointing out the flaws in bad technology. To be fair your correspondent felt good software should be highlighted. Here it goes.

The following software is great because each tool shares (for the most part) four characteristics:

1. Strong focus on well thought work flow;
2. Strict, predictable adherence to intention;
3. Smart decisions by smart software designers; and,
4. Big productivity boost when used.

The list:

• FogBugz, project management and bug tracking
• Subversion, or SVN, the best version control system ever
• OddMuse, a great wiki
• CoPilot, the best only remote management tool
• Debian, proving that apt-get can single-handedly improve the dismal usability of Linux
• Basecamp, project management and the best learning management tool around
• SQL Compare, clean interface and incredibly helpful MSSQL server tool
• Miniaim, a great lo-fi AIM client
• Enso Launcher, a tool to quickly access your computer without a mouse
• Writeroom, a distraction free text-editor for Mac OSX

Don’t forget to see the shame list.

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