One of the best ways to be more productive, if it be driving
your car, or using your computer, is to KNOW HOW to do it!
So consider taking a class or buying a book. Have the
new Windows XP operating system? Buy a book to learn
how to use the new tools and short-cuts. Have a new
camera? Read the ENTIRE owners manual.
Moving your mouse around may seem like fun, but it is sometimes
faster the use the keyboard! Learn the keyboard short-cuts.
For instance, one of my favorites is ‘Windows key’
+ E to open Explorer. Here is a HUGE list of them:
http://www.bilbo.com/shortcut.html
Do you use your computer for many hours a day? Then
make sure you are sitting in the best position and that your
keyboard is at the best height and that your monitor is not
straining your eyes! These sites will help: http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/;
http://www.healthycomputing.com/; http://www.klis.com/computers+health/;
http://www.comput-ergonomics.com/
Make it easy to find the programs you use most often.
Put them on your desktop! Do this:
1. Find the program. Start »
All Programs » etc until you have highlighted the program
you use often.
2. Now Right-Mouse-Click on it.
3. Now choose ‘Send To’
and ‘Desktop (create Shortcut)’
That’s it. Now you have a short-cut on your desktop
to double click on to launch the program, instead of wading
thru the Start » All programs » etc process.
Unless you have lots of time, don’t waste it looking
for and downloading things like Wallpaper to make your computer
screen look prettier; or screen savers; or other ‘cute’
computer software toys.
Don’t spend all day checking your mail. Check
in once in the morning and again in the mid-afternoon (unless
you’re expecting a really important email).
Install Anti-Spam software. This will keep your Outlook
inbox easier to manage. I use MailWasher Pro from http://www.firetrust.com/
. There are others as well.
Install Anti-Pop-up software. This will make your internet
surfing easier and faster. I use the POPUP Ad Filter
from http://www.meaya.com/
If you use Outlook look at Help for ‘Rules’.
This powerful addition to Outlook really can help you manage
your email
Ok, try a few of these ‘Productivity Aides’ and
see if it doesn’t make you more productive in 2005
