208. New Computer 中
The cover photo shows a Starlight MacBook Air 13.6-inch I bought over the weekend with national subsidies. Its feel, color, and weight are perfect—much better for home use than that Pro 16-inch that weighs several pounds. I’ll share my “must-install” software in this issue.
Record the down-to-earth trending technologies seen every week, and publish them here after screening. If you find it good, you can follow this weekly to get update notifications.
Initialization Settings
- Remove unused apps from the Dock to keep it clean, set it to auto-hide, and use configurations to make it open faster. Place it at the bottom.
- Change the desktop background to solid black. I dislike the Mac notch, so “out of sight, out of mind” is my approach.
- Set the trackpad to “Tap to Click.” It feels much better than pressing down.
- Set up many custom shortcuts. Most operations are triggered via shortcuts to form muscle memory.
Essential Software
Install Stash first for network connectivity
https://stash.wiki/
The first priority is a smooth network. After years of experimenting, I use Stash on my phone, computer, and Apple TV. It syncs easily, looks good, and is reasonably priced. it’s my go-to “set and forget” tool.
WeChat Input Method for typing
https://z.weixin.qq.com/
I used the native input method for about a year with mixed results. Six months ago, I switched to WeChat Input. It syncs perfectly between iPhone and Mac and is much cleaner than Sogou. Highly recommended if you want a change.
Browser: Staying with Arc
https://arc.net/
I used Edge for its vertical tabs last year, but after sticking with Arc for a while, it became second nature despite the initial complexity. I love hiding the sidebar with a shortcut—very elegant interaction once you master it.
Useful Software
MiaoYan: A great markdown note-taking app for engineers
https://miaoyan.app/
A native Swift Markdown app for Mac that I developed myself. I love its performance and minimalist aesthetics.
Raycast: One-click summon and many shortcuts
https://www.raycast.com/
I love this software, but it requires simple configuration of shortcuts and plugins. I’ve introduced it before—it’s worth exploring.
Shottr: Feature-rich screenshot tool
https://shottr.cc/
A screenshot tool is a daily essential. Shottr is lightweight and supports scrolling screenshots, window screenshots, and more.
Ice: Hide your menu bar icons
https://icemenubar.app/
For those with OCD, hiding unused menu bar icons is a must. This app is frequently updated and excellent.
Input Source Pro: Automatic input method switching
https://inputsource.pro/zh-CN
Automatically switches input methods with timely prompts, ensuring smooth typing. Efficiency seekers shouldn’t have to manual switch input methods every time.
uPic: Native image upload tool
https://github.com/gee1k/uPic
For developers, uploading images to a CDN is a frequent task. I use this with a custom FaaS function—exceptionally useful.
Follow: A great RSS reader
https://follow.is/
As someone who doesn’t use TikTok or news apps, I rely on RSS for information. Follow frequently surprises with its updates and has become my default reader.
Command X: Bringing back “Cut” for files
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/command-x/id6448461551?mt=12
I cannot accept Mac’s complex file cutting shortcut—this app brings back Command + X.
Paid Tools
Bob: Exceptional translation and OCR tool
https://bobtranslate.com/
Another essential. I mostly use it for OCR on images and quick text translation—very lightweight and powerful.
App Cleaner & Uninstaller
https://app-cleaner.com/
A genuine license is only about 40 RMB per year on Taobao. It uninstalls apps cleanly and is very minimalist.
Top Calendar: Menu bar calendar
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/top-calendar/id1544980542?mt=12
The most aesthetically pleasing menu bar calendar for checking the time and upcoming schedule.
