I’ve been a computer geek for some time. I pretty much live and die by the computer and software that runs my scope. I currently have a pair of laptops and a pile of free or inexpensive software.
Everyone needs a planetarium program. I started out with My Stars when I had my Dob, but now that I run a Celestron C11 and Star Master, I use Cartes du Ceil and Sky Tools 4 so I can control my scope and log observations from the same program. With a Dobsoinian mounted scope I needed something that could easily get me real time Alt Az coordinates for an object. And preferably track it in the sky. I found nothing that did this to my satisfaction, so I wrote Astro Helper.
I have several other programs for session planning and to help me decide what to look at next. These include many free programs like NexStar Observers List, RTGUI, and What’s Up.
A few other essential programs are NexRemote to allow multiple programs to communicate with the telescope at the same time and Jupiter 2 to track that pesky red spot and the moons of Jupiter.
For astrophotography, I use NINA, PHD2, and ASTAP. These three provide all I need for image acquisition. I do all my image processing with PixInsight.
In 2025 I am starting the transition form Windows to Linux and I’m getting familiar with KStars & EKOS. They are not impressing me so far, but new is never comfortable at first.
You can find links to each site on my links page.