As a continuation of my previous entry, here's a list of software tools and utilities that I find to be essential for any Microsoft architect, developer, and consultant:

1.  MSDN Subscription.  Here's where you get access to the latest Microsoft development tools, operating systems, servers, betas, etc.  Each month, you receive DVD updates.  In addition, you can download the latest updates anytime ...

2.  Antivirus and Anti-spyware software.  There's really not much to say here.  Keep your virus definition files updated regularly and use these religiously.  Practice "safe computing" ...

3.  Virtual PC.  I've blogged quite a few "tips and tricks" for using Virtual PC.  It is a valuable tool for testing, demos, and working with beta software.  Learn to use it and love it!

4.  Backup Software.  Don't wait for a disaster to happen before realizing that you don't have a backup of your "stuff"!  Even if you do, you may not realize how long it can take to recover.  Get a "ghosting" backup utility that does a sector-by-sector image of your hard drive and store the backups remotely on an external hard drive.  I purchased a product called R-DriveImage.  It allowed me to image my hard drive, install a new, larger hard drive, boot from a CD, and restore the image from an external hard drive within a matter of an hour! 

5.  Disk partitioning software.  You'll also need disk partitioning software such as Paragon Partition Manager to resize disk images ...

6.  NewSID utility.  This handy freeware utility is essential for working with ghosted images, virtual and otherwise.  It renames all computer and user SIDs on your image which allow you to deply multiple copies of the image on the same subnet without conflict ...

7.  DVD Burning software.  Essential for burning DVD images.  There are several good ones out there; I'm partial to Nero ...

8.  Isobuster.  This utility allows you to extract ISO CD and DVD images onto your hard drive.  This is useful for dealing with large DVD ISO images and Virtual PC ...

9.  RSS reader.  You'll want to keep abreast of key developments that others are blogging about.  I use RSSReader ...

10.  And, finally, blogging software.  Again, you can choose to host your own, outsource it entirely, or outsource the hosting, and deploy your own blogging software.  Mine is based on DasBlog ...

Have I forgotten anything ???