For QA workstations preparation (Windows-based PCs) our IT department uses typical batch deployment tools. I'm not at all interested in the details of such process, but IT guys ask me:
What typical set of software you need for everyday manual testing tasks? We could include these in our deployment so that you guys could save more time for testing, not for environment prep & tuning.
Sure thing we do test various range of projects, from web applications to standalone solutions, and each application requires its own set of tools for manual testing, e.g.:
- Browsers
- Virtualization utilities
- DB clients
- Screens capturing tools
- FTP clients
- XML editors
- etc.
However, and that's for sure - there's a list of tools every QA MUST have installed on its PC, regardless of project types under testing. My area of experience is mostly standalone / complex web apps, that's why my vision on the task is a bit subjective.
So, your suggestions of what are tools / software an average QA specialist can't live without will be highly appreciated. 2 assumptions:
- Manual testing is a point of interest.
- Let's limit the list to not more than 15 (better 10) items.
Thanks in advance!