PC Productivity Loss

**johnbears** · 08-13-2008 08:06 AM

Do you guys feel being in front of the computer too long actually lowers your productivity because you spent so much time doing other things (email, forums, etc) but concentrating on the real issues?

Do you think it would be better to use the computer only absolutely when you need to?

**mattnelson** · 08-13-2008 02:52 PM

in my web design class, half the period is gone by the time i check my emails and the news

**flnazrael** · 08-13-2008 03:05 PM

I've wondered the same thing.

Unfortunately, in the web design/SEO/development business, it's hard not to stay planted in front of one.

However, I've actually found that, especially in development projects, I can develop specs and ideas with much more clarity and speed when sitting down at a table and using a notepad.

**chrispalko** · 08-13-2008 03:26 PM

In my case, no. I use my laptop for emails, all my business folders, files, and information is on there. Using outlook, I keep my to-do list on there as well as my schedule. Also, all of my email accounts point to my one inbox.

If I happen to write something down, I put in on my laptop as soon as I can.

On forums, I subscribe to threads I post on and have personal settings to where I get emails when someone responds. This way, I can read the post right from my inbox and I don't have to actually visit the forum, log in, find the thread, etc.

All my contacts stay in outlook with one click emailing and such. I have my business folders completely separate from my personal music, pics, etc. folders.

I have access to all my online banking information from my computer. I have yet to link it to my personal accounting software, but when that happens, even more time will be saved.

I feel that using my laptop has increased my productivity 10-fold.

In my eyes, it's not the computer that makes you waste time surfing the net...

**andrewrichardgale** · 08-13-2008 03:38 PM

yes i definitely do!

**forchunet** · 08-13-2008 06:34 PM

Wow Chris! You seem like a very organized person. May I ask what kind of laptop are you running? I want to start implementing some of your techniques and maybe I too can become more productive.

**1entrepreneur** · 08-14-2008 06:48 AM

My personal experience is that when I am working on the computer at home, my productivity is never optimum, even for short periods of 20 minutes.

Way too much distraction with the internet and other computer related stuff.

**pcdoctor** · 08-14-2008 10:50 PM

After a long period of time, it may start to lower productivity. I tend to take more breaks or do stuff that isn't on task.

**flnazrael** · 08-14-2008 10:52 PM

On a vaguely related note, I spent $50 on an organizer a couple of months ago. I can't even find it.

**pcdoctor** · 08-14-2008 10:56 PM

Oh no sorry to hear that. It is very important when your in business to keep organized. That way, you won't lose stuff and won't get stressed out trying to find what you are looking for.

**pboychuk** · 08-14-2008 11:05 PM

Hmm, I am currently surfing the net, working on the computer, watching TV and eating dinner. i am never productive, i basically am productive when i need to be.