IT Support is not only for when things don’t work.
Precious Seconds
Do you ever think about how much time your computer steals from you? Do you find using it frustrating? You wouldn’t be the first, so here are some simple changes you can make that could drastically improve your experience.
Two screens (or more)
While it might not suit everyone to have multiple screens, an additional screen can save a lot of time swapping between different windows. Useful as a reference, or just showing emails – instead of using the mouse to move things around you merely need to turn your head. Given how many times you move between windows this can save a handful of seconds repeatedly through the day. I set up two screens for an employee of a client, and after a year all employees now have two. Best of all, basic office screens are cheap, low power and easily added to most computers.
Mouse Nous
Many people now use laptops and tablets in preference to desktop variety computers, and while the touchpad and touch screens are serviceable for light use they are widely considered to be inferior to the standard mouse. Originally called a “Bug” it was developed by Douglas Engelbart in 1964. The mouse is an easy, simple, and cheap way of getting precise control over your device. A mouse is overall the fastest method for most people (keyboard shortcuts notwithstanding).
You can’t work faster than your computer
If your computer is a little older, programs won’t run as fast. As time goes by, operating systems get more complex, programs more demanding and eventually your PC slows down and everything takes a lot longer. The technical reasons why aren’t that important, but consider how long you spend waiting while using it, all those frustrating little pauses. A faster computer will be ready when you are, saving hundreds of hours over time.
If you would like any advice on this please get in touch.
Ben Parker – byline and other articles
Photo by Josh Sorenson
