Writing Tip: Adjust Your Computer’s Lighting
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!I’ll admit it. I’m a computer addict ever since I purchased my HP laptop. Frankly, I don’t know how I lived without a laptop. I’ll be on my computer, long into the evening. It’s not usually work, but rather marketing or surfing. Night is when I catch up on my blog reading.
I was happy to cross f.lux from Stereopsis. This freeware software program adjusts the lighting of your computer to the time of day. During the evening hours, your computer takes on a lovely, rose tone that is easy on the eyes and equally easy on the brain.
Computer work at night is a no-no, as you may have heard elsewhere. Like video games, it can be overstimulating. Night, just before bed is no time for an anxious mind. I find the tinted screen soothing.
The computer lighting adjusts by adding your location. The software follows the sunrise/sunset patterns of your area, making the necessary adjustments. Usually my insomnia is limited to my husband’s snoring, but I must admit that since using this program, I’m sleeping better.
So, if you’re like me, almost physically attached to your laptop, give f.lux a try. Your eyes will thank you.
Tech Tip: Keeping Your Computer Running Smooth
Today’s tech tip is about the dreaded issue today’s writers fear most–computer problems. What makes them more maddening is if your computer is acting odd. There’s not a clear set of symptoms. And you swear you did nothing different, that all was well yesterday.
Chances are strong that is precisely true. How could you have guessed that you would need to repair the registry? Registry issues always strike fear. Knowledge base articles that discuss how to clean the registry usually are accompanied by strong warnings. These are probably rightly so, but who has time or the money to have a computer pro come out to fix your Windows registry?
Users are advised to seek out reputable software before attempting registry repairs yourself. It is true. Mistakes could lead to a very bad day. Before beginning, always back up important files. I’ve also found it helpful to keep a list of installed programs with license keys. That way, if the unfortunate re-imaging or re-formatting is the only course of action, at least you have a starting point.
Finally, don’t berate yourself for issues. Things happen. A file gets corrupt. A program doesn’t shut down properly. Fix what is wrong and get back to writing.
Tech Tip — Protect Against Power Surges
Sometimes you learn things the hard way. I know: I did. Now that summer is nearly upon us, I think it’s a good time to remember some basics about protecting your computer. Always, always, always, use a surge protector.
We had an incident that brought this home to us a couple summers ago. We had been out boating. The weather took a sudden, nasty turn as it can do during the summer. By the time we made it to the dock, it was raining so hard that we could barely see the house. We were scrambling to put on the cover. As it rained, we decided to stay in the covered boat. It wasn’t a bad idea on hindsight. It was actually fun, huddling under the cover, enjoying a glass of wine.
Then, there came a sudden flash and booming thunder. Just as it flashed, I saw a spark near my left elbow. I had been in a back seat, resting it next to the metal frame of the bimini. It didn’t hurt, but it sure shocked me. (No pun intended.) Now, we thought for sure that a tree in our yard had taken the hit. The rain let up, so we ran to the house. Sure enough, the computer that I had left on was now off as was the router. It didn’t take long to figure out that both were victims of the lightning. Needless to say, I now have it set up with a surge protector.
So, repeating my advice to you, protect your computer. Use a surge protector.
Tech Tip Tuesday — Cleaning Your Computer
I have just one cat in my home. She’s not even long haired. That one cat though, sheds a lot. She also happens to have her needy moments, which means she’s there at the computer with me. That’s okay; she’s good company.
Computers take a beating even if you don’t have a pet in the house. Regardless of your pet situation, regular maintenance of the inside of your computer is a must. To keep your computer running in tip-top shape, you need a can of compressed air and a hand vacuum. Ill discuss how to clean your desktop computer.
First, turn off your computer and unplug all devices connected to it. If static electricity is an issue where you’re at, static guard bracelets that ground you and prevent shocks are available at your office supply store or computer store. In any case, discharge your static electricity by touching something metal before opening up your computer. You will probably find it helpful to work on a table. Depending on the state of your computer, there could be a lot of dust flying, so choose your workplace with care.
Second, take off the cover of your computer. Most newer models make this very easy, with tabs or screws that easily come off. If in doubt, google your computer for its user manual. When you remove the cover, be very careful. Edges on the inside can be very sharp. I’m not sure why that aspect of design is ignored with some manufacturers. Now the fun begins.
Third, not it’s time to clean. You can do a quick sweep with your hand vacuum. You don’t want to touch anything inside. Hair and dust are all that you’re after. Go around the outside of the machine as well, taking extra care around vented openings. Don’t forget unused ports. These can often be dust magnets themselves. Now it’s time for the compressed air.
Most cans of air come with a straw attachment for getting in the nooks and crannies of computers. You want to direct the spray out of the computer and not force debris inside of it. Check the fan and make sure it spins properly. Continue until things seem clean inside. Before putting the cover back on, give it a good wipe. Dust will often coat the inside of it. Once your cover is in place, wipe the outside too, making sure vents are clear and clean. After that, connect your peripherals and you’re back in business.
Regular maintenance will keep your computer running well and extend its life. Based on what you find when you open your computer, you’ll have an idea how often to clean it. If hair was caked over everything, plan on every two-three months. If it was fairly clean, once a year should be fine. Your computer is your best friend. Show it a little love every now and then.
Photo by dougwoods
Portable Office For Writers
Perhaps you’re visiting the relatives–without your computer. Or maybe you’re traveling. Won’t it be nice to have your own desk with its dictionary and thesaurus nearby, everything as you want it? That’s when a portable office can be a lifesaver for writers.
I work on a desktop. When we’re traveling, I’ll use my husband’s laptop. Without the programs that I usually use or the bookmarks in my browser, I’m lost. To keep my work with me, I set up my portable office. It works like this. I use a 8 gb USB drive on my desktop. Applications that I need most are loaded onto the USB drive. Using a platform like PortableApps, I have a mini operating system on the drive.
The platform comes in alone, with a light version, and the complete standard version. Since I wanted to select only the applications that I would use, I downloaded the platform only version.
Many applications have portable versions, so you don’t always have to do without your favorites. If not, many application forums post tweaks to make it work. Here are the applications in my portable office.
Q10
This simple application is built for writers. Some of its writer friendly features include a timer alarm for timed writing sessions, target count to help you reach your writing goals, and spell check. It even has typing sound effects to give you that Hemingway kind of feel. Free.
FireFox
Yes, Virginia, there is a portable version of FireFox. No more be without your bookmarks and customized desktop. Since I have my version of FireFox tricked out for what I want it to do, a portable version is a godsend.
Thunderbird
Just as my bookmarks are vital, so is my email client. My important emails are at my finger tips as is my contact list. With the Lightning extension, I also have my calendar with me.
PNotes
Some days I need a reminder or I’d never remember to pick up cat food. PNotes is a simple program that puts sticky notes on your computer screen for those tasks you can’t forget–and it doesn’t fall off your computer screen.
It’s not the end of the world if you can’t be at your own desk. With a portable USB drive and the right applications, you can write anywhere.
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