# 208. New Computer

> 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.

- Issue: 208
- Published: 2025/01/13
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<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/ll/208.jpg" width="800" />

<small>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.</small>

> **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

1. 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.
2. Change the desktop background to solid black. I dislike the Mac notch, so "out of sight, out of mind" is my approach.
3. Set the trackpad to "Tap to Click." It feels much better than pressing down.
4. 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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/c5/image.webp" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/zd/cqeyTK.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://cdn.tw93.fun/blog/upic/1736692384.png" width="800" />

## 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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/7f/UYRLt4.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/ib/jGVcGj.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/kd/QdxrI2.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/ib/eB3aeY.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/oc/5RqfqJ.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/ra/KvOlXl.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/bz/DU8BZv.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/yr/7bjVOs.png" width="800" />

### 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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/1a/lmYHyD.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/wc/M76tmN.png" width="800" />

**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.  
<img src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/k/98/vnhwFK.png" width="800" />