dotfiles / new computer setup

this is my general suite of tools and settings to quickly get a new machine in a comfortable working state

• download & install:

  • brave browser
    • set as default browser
    • duckduckgo as default search
  • iterm2
  • oh my zsh
  • sublime text
    • i like this as a lightweight scratchpad for taking notes
  • vs code
  • rectangle app
    • give access in accessibility settings
    • launch on login
  • powerline fonts
    • Don't need to install all of them, just the Meslo .ttf files
  • Fira Code for IDE use if desired
  • nvm
    • nvm ls-remote to see available versions
    • nvm install 22 to install node 22
  • docker

• generate new ssh key & add to github profile

• update iterm2 settings:

  • Profiles > Colors > Solarized Dark
  • Profile > Text
    • Blinking vertical bar
    • Use built-in Powerline glyphs
    • Font: Meslo LG L for Powerline, size 14

• update VS Code

  • add extensions: Prettier, eslint, Python, Svelte, Docker, etc.
  • in command prompt, Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH
  • in settings.json:

  {
      "workbench.colorTheme": "Solarized Dark",
      "telemetry.feedback.enabled": false,
      "telemetry.telemetryLevel": "off",
      "files.autoSave": "onFocusChange",
      "workbench.editor.wrapTabs": true,
      "workbench.commandPalette.experimental.enableNaturalLanguageSearch": false,
      "workbench.enableExperiments": false,
      "editor.fontFamily": "Fira Code",
      "editor.fontLigatures": true
  }

• copy this repo's .zprofile and .zshrc to your home directory:

  • cp .zprofile ~/.zprofile
  • cp .zshrc ~/.zshrc

• run source ~/.zshrc

happy coding!