Software to hardware tool chain.

Yes, I am new to Reprap.

Given this world is ever changing, please share your thoughts on the current software tool chain to print.
My driver board is Ramps 1.4, My printer is Prusa Mendel V2.

Do you use a SD card?

Thanks for your thoughts...

Richard

My tool chain currently,

Slic3r for converting .stl files to .gcode
(Sfact/Skeinforge give more control but takes more time to master. Still I'm thinking of getting back into it.)

Pronterface/Printrun for controlling the printer.

SD cards are nice but not necessary.

If I'm running a new part or testing, I run it from the computer.

If I'm happy with the print and want more of the same, I move the Gcode to an SD card and print from there and use the computer to do stuff on another printer.