Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#1

Post by newswasboring » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:26 AM UTC

I've spent my last few hours working with Jira-Align. I am beginning to hate computers at this point. To up lift my mood I'd like to use something which sparks joy. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#2

Post by austin-cheney » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:47 AM UTC

Open Media Vault, Photo Prism, VLC, WinAmp, Flashpoint, eXoDOS

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#3

Post by klez » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:55 AM UTC

Nothing comes to my mind that is not a game, sorry.

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#4

Post by hkt » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:56 AM UTC

Cozy (audio books for Linux)

youtube-tui (allows local management of YouTube saves and playlists, written in the frankly lovely ratatui framework)

Iotas (nextcloud enabled notes software)

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#5

Post by hkt » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:57 AM UTC

austin-cheney wrote: post #2

Open Media Vault, Photo Prism, VLC, WinAmp, Flashpoint, eXoDOS

A lover of the old school. I'll never forget how much winamp kicks the llamas ass.

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#6

Post by torunar » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:58 AM UTC

austin-cheney wrote: post #2

Open Media Vault, Photo Prism, VLC, WinAmp, Flashpoint, eXoDOS

+1 for WinAmp (version 2.9 specifically). Runs without issues on every single Windows OS I've been using through my life (98, XP, 7, 8, 10), supports obscure file formats through plugins, has everything that's needed for music player and no blot whatsoever.

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#7

Post by lelanthran » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:58 AM UTC

My default setup for writing C[1] literally puts me into a good mood when I start it up.

Full-screen uxterm, with vim with 3 splits, LHS for a terminal. Multiple tabs when necessary, proper syntax highlighting (I use a monochrome/shades of grey color scheme), with Guake mapped to ctrl-~ and 9 workspaces arranged in a 3x3 grid.

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#8

Post by blowski » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:59 AM UTC

I really enjoy writing code, especially when learning something new, or feeling mastery over what I already know. JetBrains IDEs help with that a lot and I genuinely love it.

Claude or ChatGPT let me bash out my frustrations.

But, honestly, when I feel like that it's often best to get away from the computer entirely. Go for a walk, read a book, spend time with friends, do some old fashioned craft - whatever floats your boat.

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#9

Post by anjork » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:59 AM UTC

vim

Re: Ask HN: What software sparks joy when using?

#10

Post by sourcecodeplz » Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 9:59 AM UTC

Sublime text, Windows, Steam, VLC, OBS, Winamp, Chrome, 7-zip, Snipping Tool