How I Computer in 2024

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the author's personal computer setup and workflow, including their desktop, server, laptop, and phone hardware, as well as the software and tools they use for productivity, development, and security.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Hardware

1. What are the key hardware components of the author's desktop computer?

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7900XT
• RAM: 64GB DDR5-6000
• Storage: 1TB SN850X + 2TB SN850X
• Motherboard: MSI MPG X670E CARBON WIFI
• Cooler: beQuiet Dark Rock Pro 5
• Case: beQuiet Silent Base 600 with 3x beQuiet Silent Wings 4 PWM fans
• Keyboard: DURGOD Taurus K320 TKL with Cherry MX Brown switches
• Mouse: Razer Deathadder V2 Pro
• Monitor: 57" Samsung G95NC Odessey Neo G9
• Camera: Sony ILME-FX3 with FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 lens and Elgato Cam Link 4K
• Speakers: Audioengine A2+
• Microphone: RODE VideoMic GO II

2. What are the key hardware components of the author's server/homelab setup?

• Intel NUC6i7KYK with Intel i7-6770HQ CPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB Samsung 970 Pro NVMe drive
• 4TB Samsung 840 EVO SATA drive connected via USB

3. What are the key hardware components of the author's laptop?

• Lenovo Z13 Gen 1 with AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z, 32GB RAM, and Hi-DPI display

4. What phone does the author use?

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro

[02] Connectivity and Security

1. What tools does the author use for connectivity and security?

• Tailscale for VPN and secure remote access
• Mullvad VPN for internet traffic egress
• NextDNS for DNS-over-HTTPS and ad-blocking
• 1Password for password management
• Yubikeys for multi-factor authentication and SSH/GPG key storage

[03] Productivity Apps

1. What productivity apps and tools does the author use?

• Google Chrome and Firefox for web browsing (work and personal)
• Syncthing for file synchronization
• Obsidian for note-taking, with plugins like Templater, QuickAdd, Omnisearch, and Linter
• Todoist for task management
• Custom Go application for generating meeting agendas

[04] Development

1. What development tools and environments does the author use?

• Alacritty as the terminal emulator
• Visual Studio Code as the primary IDE
• Neovim with a custom configuration for terminal-based editing
• Sublime Merge for Git operations
• Command-line Git as the primary version control tool

[05] OS and Desktop Environment

1. What operating system and desktop environment does the author use?

• NixOS as the primary operating system
• Hyprland as the tiling window manager, with a Catppuccin Macchiato theme

[06] Server and Homelab

1. What services and tools does the author run on their server/homelab setup?

• Caddy as a reverse proxy with Tailscale integration for LetsEncrypt certificates
• Home Assistant for smart home automation
• iCloud Photos downloader for local backups
• Borgbase for server backups
• Syncthing for file synchronization
• Files PHP-based gallery for ad-hoc file access