Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.
I get asked a lot about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I’m being productive when I’m really just procrastinating. Here’s a big list of all of my favorite stuff.
Workstation
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Desktop
A capable custom desktop that handles everything I throw at it — multiple remote sessions, VMs, and a dozen browser tabs of documentation open at once. Reliable, fast, and gets the job done without complaint.
Logitech G435 Headset
Lightweight and wireless, which matters when you're on support calls for hours. Clear audio on both ends and comfortable enough to forget you're wearing it.
Cloud & Development
Visual Studio Code
Lightweight but powerful. Whether I'm editing scripts, writing documentation in Markdown, or poking around a config file, VS Code is always the first thing I open.
GitHub
Where I store scripts, automation tools, and anything worth keeping versioned. Good habits with source control make future-you very grateful.
Windows 11
My primary OS both at home and in the environments I support. Knowing it deeply means fewer surprises when something breaks on a user's machine.
Security & Privacy
1Password
The only way to have strong, unique passwords everywhere without losing your mind. Non-negotiable for anyone who takes security seriously.
Proton
Encrypted email and cloud storage that puts privacy first. I trust it with anything sensitive.
NordVPN
Always on when I'm outside my home network. A simple habit that goes a long way.
Games
Baldur's Gate 3
A deep, story-driven RPG where every choice has consequences. I play co-op with friends online — there's something about collaborating through a chaotic D&D-style adventure together that never gets old.
Age of Mythology: Retold
A definitive reimagining of the classic RTS, Age of Mythology: Retold combines modern 4K visuals and updated mechanics with the legendary god-tier strategy of the original. Players command the forces of Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean pantheons, calling down devastating meteors or summoning mythic titans to crush their foes. Retold introduces significant gameplay overhauls, including reusable God Powers, a brand-new "Wonder Age," and an epic 50-mission campaign following the hero Arkantos. By blending nostalgic storytelling with competitive modern features, it offers a deep, visually stunning experience for both veterans and a new generation of players.
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
A tactical RPG with punishing difficulty — every decision matters. The kind of game that teaches you to think three moves ahead.
Books
Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann
Widely regarded as the "Big Red Book" of backend engineering, this is an essential masterclass in building scalable, reliable, and maintainable systems. It bridges the gap between academic theory and practical architecture, demystifying the trade-offs between storage engines, data models, and distributed systems. It is the definitive guide for any engineer looking to move beyond just "using tools" to truly understanding how they work under the hood.