I recently got a new laptop from my employer, and the first thing I did was installing the same applications I use on a daily basis on my personal setup at home. Setting up a new computer is like having a second apartment for work: I want to add as many personal touches to it as possible to make it feel comfortable. Here are the applications, shortcuts, and utilities that are on my "must have" list...
Because I work in public relations, I have a specific go-to toolbox that I need in order to get things done. It contains the following apps:
1. Skitch: Skitch is my favorite screen capture app because I can get the most accurate shots I need and the app also lets you edit your image. It was recently acquired by Evernote (also another one of my favorite apps). This awesome app is also free.
2. Pinterest Pin it button: I don't necessarily use Pinterest directly for work, but it's always a spot I visit for inspiration, which is why I like to have a Pinterest button readily available on my browser. Anytime I happen to come across something I want to remember, up it goes on one of my boards with a click of the "Pin it" button.
3. Alfred: We've talked about why we love Alfred, so naturally it is also on my "must-download" list on a new computer. It just helps with accessing whatever we need on our computers or on the web quicker than any other tool.
4. Pathsnagger: At work, we are constantly directing others to files on the server and pathsnagger makes a world's difference when it comes to sharing file paths. All you have to do is control-click a document and you can get the file path and send it over to whoever needs it.
5. Dropbox: There are other cloud services out there, but I've been using Dropbox since it came out in 2007 and I haven't ever wanted to switch. It has especially come in handy for the particular instance of switching or getting a new computer. Dropbox always gets a spot on my toolbar no matter what computer I'm using so I can access it at any time.
6. Bit.ly button: Another tool I like to keep in my browser is the bit.ly shortening tool. I not only shorten links for tweets, but many times we it them to shorten links I'm sending out for work to keep my messages as clean as possible.
7. Adium: Lastly, most agencies we've worked with communicate through AIM and our favorite chat tool is Adium. You can use it to chat on practically any chat service including Gchat, MSN messenger and Facebook chat, all with one app.
What is your profession and which apps are in your toolbox?
(Images: 1. Etsy/liveandkern, 2. Screenshot/juliennelin, 3. Screenshot/juliennelin)
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I always get a new browser, like Firefox. I can't stand IE. Then I make sure my gmail notifier and weather apps are installed. Skype is another app I can't live without. I use it for work and personal communications. The Pin It button is the best. I didn't know there was a bit.ly button though - must install now!
I use Evernote incessantly, across all platforms: any computer, iPhone, iPad. But it's not just in the cloud, it's also backed up to wherever you actually download the app to, so you can open it up even when out of range. It's wonderful and they're constantly improving it.
http://www.evernote.com/
Chrome, TweetDeck, Pinterest Button, Springpad Button
I also didn't know there was a bit.ly button. Installing now!
Great list! All those but also hyperdock and totalfinder :)
I would post some Windows counterparts of the tools mentioned, since it's all OSX up there.
1. Screen capturing tool: The Windows' own Snipping Tool with Paint may suffice, but if you like the ability to capture Aero Glass, try Window Clippings. Free.
2. There is nothing quite as streamlined as Alfred, but you can simply use the Start Menu search for most tasks, and add a few Start Menu Search Federation / Connectors to expand its functionality.
3. Microsoft OneNote: The organization is better than Evernote, imo, if you're into collecting pieces of notes and consolidating them into bigger ones over time, while Evernote is better at individual small pieces of notes. With SkyDrive, it's now also on the cloud instead of only desktop. Free for iOS, Windows Phone 7 and web. $80 for Windows.
4. Windows Live Sync: Like Dropbox, but better, as it not only syncs your files to the cloud storage within its storage limit, but I can also sync my 120GB music collection across my computers, Macs and PCs included. Free.
5. Trillian: Like Adium, Trillian is a mult-network chat client, but it is superior in its ability of syncing of messages and contacts across the cloud, with support of Macs, PCs, iOS, Android and more. It also supports Skype voice chat so one less app to install. Free.
6. Google Chrome: Synchronized with Google Account, my bookmarks, autofill and passwords are immediately available on my new computers. Free.
7. Microsoft Security Essentials: Reliable anti-virus and anti-malware protection from the guys who made your OS. No nagging prompts and ugly dialogs like other antivirus software. Free.
Correction:
It was "Windows Live Mesh" now, not "Live Sync".
Xmarks is the first thing I install into my browser. I've lost my bookmarks too many times to count, and Xmarks is now my saving grace. Couldn't live without it.
Alfred has a horrible privacy policy. Make sure to read it before you download.
Xmarks. It holds all my stuff!