Well after a particularly nasty run-in trying to install/un-install SQL Server 2008 on a PC that was then renamed and turned into a domain controller, I have wiped my PC and reset my local network server. I have everything backed up, of course, it was an intentional wipe after all. I am glad that I can cleanly install the applications on PC without any clutter, that always gives me that spring-time fresh feeling. I have not forgotten about the CSS Packer! Once I have my local IIS setup (it was a bear to configure for development last time), and talking with a SQL server I'll post something useful. Until then, I'll be installing more applications.
There seems to be a pattern to the applications I always reinstall. Because it's so trendy to post lists, here is my must-haves (in rough install order).
Firefox - my browser of choice.
Firefox Addons: Firebug, Download Statusbar, del.icio.us
WinRAR - I have used 7zip, and I prefer to use OSS, but I have grown to love the winrar over the years.
CCleaner - everyone should use this application. It should come pre-installed on windows. (Don't next,next,next your way into Yahoo toolbar if you don't want it.)
Combined Community Codec Pack - Gets everything to play right on media center, and in windows in general. A praiseworthy effort by the video community.
Quicktime Alternative - Quicktime has become a massive piece of bloat, installing all sorts of other applications along with it. No thanks. Sorry apple.
Programmers Notepad - my text editor of choice, I used to use EditPlus for years, but I like the scaled back design of pnotepad. Exactly what I wanted. Thanks Simon Steele!
XnView - I've used this for years now, I'm not really attached to it, anyone have a good recommendation for an open source image viewer without bloat? (media playback wtf?!)
Daemon Tools - Drive image / disc image mounter. Generally awesome. (Do you want me to burn these CTPs and RCs to plasticware?)
Hamachi - VPN software, I'm a new recruit to this, but it's installed on pretty much all of my pcs. I would MUCH rather use an OPEN vpn platform, so people can check for security problems, backdoors, etc. But Hamachi is a well respected and trusted application from a well respected and trusted company, and the price is right.
ImgBurn - Burns disc images, rips disc images. Tends to be the only application to use my optical drives.
SQL Server Current Flavor Edition / Express (sometimes) - The database I do most development on at work, thus I use it at home instead of MySql (which I also do use, but not as often).
Visual Studio Version Right Now - This IDE just keeps getting bigger, and bigger, but instead of turning crappier and crappier it just keeps bringing the hits.
Resharper - is there anyone that even runs VS without it these days? If so, do you enjoy getting paid by the hour?
Snippet Compiler - to run a quick and dirty .net function, or use code to solve a logic/math problem. If you haven't tried it, check it out, it's basically a super slim .net IDE made for running one-off code.
CodeSmith - God spoke upon his prophet, Eric Smith, "Tell them to codegen what they can." And he let them. And it was AWESOME. This application is worth every cent. If you haven't used it, you should try it, if you have ever written an app to generate code (who hasn't?) at some point, check out this implementation of it. It's killer. I'm not sold on the VS integration really, to be honest, but as a codegen platform I have not seen one better.
And, Windows Live Writer, to make these posts. It's quite an amazing application indeed.
I'm not affiliated in any way, other than the use of, any of these applications, their owners, or anything - so I'm not trying to sucker anyone into installing stuff listed here. Likewise, if one of these applications makes your house blow up or causes your dog to violently ignite, please don't blame me.