I'd rather be photographing and don't particularly like working on the computer, but it can't be avoided these days. So I at least prefer to put the computer to use and find ways to automate where possible. Not only does that keep me from having to do boring tasks, but it also makes things faster, more accurate and less error-prone!

Over the years I have come across a number of helpful software utilities that aid me in that approach and make working on the PC easier.

As opportunity allows, I will update this curated and tried and proven list of recommended, intelligent software.

Renaming files - to avoid duplicate file names

It's important to create unique file names to avoid overwriting files - which can easily happen when you have duplicate file names straight out of the camera (such as "IMG_0965.jpg"). Duplicate file names can also be the source of great confusion and have the potential to create a whole mess - but can easily be avoided.

• www.skyjuicesoftware.com/software/QuickFileRename
  Quick File Rename has served me well for a few years now to develop a highly automated workflow when it comes to ingesting hundreds of files from various cameras at the end of a long shooting day.
  It also can be incorporated into a batch file when run from the command line, and can take EXIF metadata into account when renaming, to ensure truly unique file names fully automatically, even when using multiple cameras of the same model.