Some basic things to get OSX the way I like it

OSX Configuration Settings

# prevent textmate writing metadata files (._) to network shares
defaults write com.macromates.textmate OakDocumentDisableFSMetaData 1

# Make the dock icons for hidden windows transparent
defaults write com.apple.Dock showhidden -bool YES
killall Dock

# Add a recent applications stack to the dock
defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-others -array-add '{ "tile-data" = { "list-type" = 1; }; "tile-type" = "recents-tile"; }' 
killall Dock

# Force safari to open links that would open in a new window in a new tab instead
defaults write com.apple.Safari TargetedClicksCreateTabs -bool true

# Make mail.app prefer to display the plain text version of a message
defaults write com.apple.mail PreferPlainText -bool TRUE

# Set a minimum text size for html emails
defaults write com.apple.mail MinimumHTMLFontSize 13