Organize More

I’ve been spending a lot of time, of late, learning about technology.  I’m not a techie by training, but I am a communicator and in this virtual world we now inhabit, one needs to be able to communicate effectively by using technology… and so (to end this long exhausting sentence), I’ve been reading about technology.

I’m very interested in technology that is simple.  Technology should make it easier and quicker to accomplish one’s tasks, freeing up time for greater purposes.

Unfortunately, most new technology is not simple.  It is overly complicated and cluttered.  It takes more time to install and learn how to use it than it saves.  Many new programs do only one thing… requiring you to look for many programs to accomplish your many complicated tasks and address your many complicated needs.  The answer to complication is simplicity.  Most new technologies are not simple. 

It is all very frustrating.

I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of desktops filled with icons.  I can’t stand cluttered computers, and I don’t want a lot of choices to make each time I sit at my desk.  I hate having a list of programs on my computer and not having a clue as to what they do or why I need them.  For some reason, my patience with the "crap” that goes along with trying to find new and better ways to do things is really really short today.

So, what’s to be done about the anxiety caused by the very programs that are supposed to make your lives easier?  I’ve decided that something needs to be done.  I’m about to share my latest technology decision with you… are you ready?

I’m going to uninstall every program that I don’t currently have a use for.  I’m going to take the shortcut icons off of my screen.  I’m going to run all of my various email ventures through Google Apps.  I’m folding my site and blog into one provider.  I’m going to stop worrying about sorting my files and just use Google Desktop.  I’m taking pictures off of my screen.  I’ve also decided to stop paying for things that can be found for free online.  Sometimes free is better.  Google is free.  Open Office is free.  Evernote is free.

Truthfully, I didn’t come to this decision all at once or without a little prodding.  I read minimalist blogs.  I aspire to be a minimalist (I really do, even though it looks like I’m addicted to handbags, shoes, yarn and lipstick). 

I like trying new things out.  I try out a lot of techie gadgets and programs.  I’m usually disappointed.  I’m not going to put so much time and energy into trying things out any more.  I’m also (for the record) not really interested in expanding my wardrobe or makeup collection… though, I can’t make any promises about yarn and fiber.  I am, after all, a knitter.

I don’t know that I will ever be a minimalist… but I know that I can try to minimize my consumption.  I don’t think I’ll ever be a vegan… but I can try to eat less meat (better for me and for the planet).  I don’t know that some new techie gadget won’t temp me… but I know that, if I try it and don’t fall madly in love with it, I will delete it.

Play along with me.  Find three useless things taking up precious memory on your computer or your pda and delete them.  Tomorrow, let’s do the same.  Leave a comment to let me know what you deleted.  Ummm, I feel better already!