A good programmer should not only possess the right skills and knowledge, but they should also have the right tools of the trade. As a programmer, you will be spending hours coding and developing, which is why your workstation has to be as conducive as possible. This means that investing in devices and other equipment that would support and enhance your productivity is very critical. Your PC setup is the most essential part of your job, and assembling the perfect one that will suit your needs is very important as ready-made PC setups tend to be filled with bloatware and may have limitations that will stifle your work performance.
Are you looking forward to building your dream PC setup, but do not know where to start? Check out our guide below!
Your Processor
Before purchasing any CPU, you have to determine your computing needs and preferences. Is 8 GB of RAM enough for you, or is it necessary to upgrade to 16 GB of RAM? How much storage do you need? If you are a student starting on a programming course, you may refer to your course material to find the minimum specification requirements needed throughout the entire course duration.
Your Display
Next in line in your PC setup checklist is your monitor. Typically, developers recommend having multiple monitors for multi-tasking purposes. Dual monitors seem to be the standard ones among IT professionals nowadays as they provide ease of comfort and boost one’s productivity. However, multiple monitors are futile if you do not focus on the quality of each monitor’s specifications. If you want really good visuals for your setup, then you have to look into monitors with high resolution. Your monitors’ screen size and refresh rates should also be taken into consideration.
Your Computer Desk
Having dual monitors in a limited space would be counterproductive, so apart from that, it is also necessary for you to look for a computer desk that will extend your workspace. The tech-savvy team at http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/best-gaming-computer-desk-multiple-monitors/ highlights the importance of choosing the right size you need to fit all your monitors and equipment. Moreover, you should also take into consideration functional features that may be essential for your productivity. Other points to consider are the material, dimensions, and warranty coverage of the desk.
Your Keyboard
Your profession requires you to code for long hours, so you would want to invest in a keyboard that provides optimum comfort, ease, productivity, and speed. Look for keyboards with adjustable heights and tilts as this type reduces strains on your wrist and improves your speed. Keyboard switches, on the other hand, vary in level of sensitivity, noise, and comfort, so it still depends on your personal preference. Make sure that your keyboard has the decent built quality and layout that you are familiar and comfortable with. If you hate clutter, then get a wireless keyboard, but if you find constantly charging it to be a hassle, then a standard wired keyboard is recommended.
Your Mouse
Want to improve your coding efficiency and minimize tension or strain on your hand? Look for a mouse that is specially designed for your programming needs. When it comes to sensitivity, the right one should facilitate multiple, customizable DPI settings to help you accomplish different tasks smoothly. You should also look into the performance of the scroll wheel. Make sure it is easy to use and can help you move your cursor easily. If you want to boost your productivity and speed, then it is also worth looking into extra buttons. Lastly, if you hate running out of batteries, then go for a wired mouse instead of a wireless one.
Your Operating System
The best operating system for you depends on your preference, comfort, and project requirements. Ask yourself: which one is more conducive for my programming and application development needs? If you want something simple and if you are more familiar and comfortable using Windows, then proceed with that OS. On the other hand, Linux remains the most popular OS among developers due to its customizability and versatility. Plus, it is totally free. But here is the catch: Linux may require you to have a bit of advanced technical experience. If you want a more user-friendly interface, then you can opt for MacOS. However, Apple’s hardware tends to be more expensive than other operating systems in the market.
Overall, the perfect PC setup for you depends on your needs, budget, and preference. If you want to work more efficiently and be more productive, then you have to invest in the right tools and equipment. Make sure to weigh in the pros and cons of each item in respect of your programming needs before you narrow down your choices.
About Nick
Nick is a Software Engineer. He has interest in gadgets and technical stuffs. If you are facing any problem with your Windows, feel free to ask him.