Here is a list of the items in my "essentials" toolkit this year (in no particular order):
- Remote Desktop + Citrix Metaframe + Rogers wireless USB key -- lets me work on the train!!!
- Microsoft Visual Studio + TFS + IIS + SQL Server (yah yah yah)
- TFS Build Manager, TFS Power Tools + SourceServer + BuildAutoIncrement (cause I have to)
- Jetbrains Resharper (yay! three thumbs up!)
- Sparx Enterprise Architect (good value)
- Google Search Bar + Bookmarks
- XML Notepad 2007 (Microsoft, free)
- Storm/WebServiceStudio/SoapBits
- Castle Project (Service Locator) + NHibernate + CodeSmith + Microsoft Enterprise Library
- Sharepoint WSS Team Sites
- Telerik Rad Controls + Silverlight
- Unlocker http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
- .Net Reflector http://www.red-gate.com/products/reflector/index.htm
- Process Explorer (SysInternals/Microsoft) (when you need it, you need it)
- Kapersky Internet Security