My SysAdmin Essential Apps at Work

SysAdmin Essential Apps

Let’s start with what my work computer looks like. When I get in every morning, the apps explained here are the bare-minimum that I always have running. I mean, always!

Even at the end of my work day, I typically will close down all other applications, save any open files, and make sure that these essential apps are up and running.

I’m always interested to find out what applications other SysAdmins like to keep running, so I figured others might appreciate me sharing mine.

Hang out with me at my work computer here in this video.

My SysAdmin Essential Apps for Windows

• Microsoft Outlook
• Google Chrome
  • Tab 1: KanbanFlow
  • Tab 2: ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
  • Tab 3: Internal Wiki
  • Tab 4: Unitrends (backup appliance)
• Cmder
• Shoretel Communicator
• VMware vSphere
• HipChat
• Active Directory Users and Computers
• Greenshot

Let’s dive a little deeper:

• Outlook: Email and calendar
• Google Chrome: Simple, fast, and clean
  • KanbanFlow: Keep track of my pipeline of work, and others on the team
  • ServiceDesk Plus: Service ticket tracking, asset management, and more
  • Internal Wiki: Internal documentation (everyone should document everything)
  • Unitrends: Our backup solution. Monitor backups, etc
• Cmder: Flexible console emulator. Used with two PowerShell tabs
• Shoretel Communicator: VOIP client software
• VMware vSphere: Manage virtual environment. Remote console into servers
• HipChat: Chat program used by us in the IT dept. Nice for quick conversations
• Active Directory Users and Computers: Manage AD users, groups, and more
• Greenshot: Screenshot application that works very nicely

Question for you

What essential apps do always have running at work? If your computer were to die right now, after installing a new OS, what would be your most important applications that you would install right away?

I always try to keep that in mind when I start thinking about some new applications. Typically, I try to keep it to a minimum.