Mainly for python scripting, but works decently for most editing I do.
syntax on " syntax highlighting
set tabstop=4 " PEP-8 uses 4 spaces per indentation level
set shiftwidth=4 " shifting (PEP-8)
set expandtab " spaces instead of tabs (PEP-8, and just bettter in general)
filetype on " file type detection
filetype indent on " special indentation rules for file type
filetype plugin on " auto-completion rules for file type
set hls " highlight search terms (:noh to turn off temporarily)
set ignorecase " ignore case for searches (:set noignorecase to turn off)
set incsearch " search as you type
colorscheme darkblue " slightly nicer colour scheme
set scrolloff=15 " keep 15 lines of context on both sides of cursor when scrolling