How To Make Computer Technology Work For Your Family, Not Against It

Are you a slave to your computer? Do you check your email within moments of walking thru the front door? And, do you spend hours in chat rooms or surfing the Net? If you’re like most of us, you’re consumed by the almighty computer and fascinating world the Internet has opened up to us.

In my last blog, I discussed the impact cell phones (and phones in general) have on our daily lives. Now let’s look at computers and other home-based conveniences like microwaves, VCR’s, and micro cassette players. Sure these things aren’t new but unlike some the latest electronic gadgets – they are tried and true. When used effectively they can do wonders for saving time instead of consuming it.

The household computer has been a real plus for many families. Some even have two or three computers to satisfy the needs of all. And what a benefit a computer can be. It keeps track of everything from our finances to our Christmas card list. We can print family newsletters and birthday party invitations. It can keep our children and ourselves for that matter, entertained for hours – playing games or surfing the Net. And, you can’t discount the convenience when it comes to school projects. No more time consuming trips to the local library for research purposes.

But one of the ailments of the computer age is our addiction to being online. There is no denying the Internet is a great tool for research and staying connected with just about anybody on the planet and it can save us loads of time. But for many, it has become a time wasting habit. For others, it can be anything from a disturbing dependency to a compulsive disorder.

Addictive Internet use includes excessive emailing, Web surfing, online games, and time spent in chat rooms. On one side of the coin, we have a valuable tool when used wisely and on the other, we have time waster and a possible self-destructive activity.

As with your cell phone, it’s a wise idea to give out your email address selectively. The more people who have your email address, the greater the chances of unnecessary and unwanted emails. Don’t waste valuable time each day dealing with unsolicited email of no value. Sure those forwarded jokes and poems can bring chuckle or a smile to your face but at some point, we need to find a way to draw the line.

Either, get in the habit of deleting without reading, asking frequent offenders to please refrain from forwarding’ or change your email address altogether and be very, very selective with whom you share it with. Remember, if they don’t have your number – they can’t reach you.

The email time trap doesn’t end there. If you’re like me, you check for incoming emails several times a day. I found out the hard way, that my frequent in box’ checking was wasting value time and was cutting into an otherwise productive work day.

If you can, check you email messages only twice a day once if possible. Just because the in-flow of email is steady, doesn’t mean you have to constantly respond. (Unless of course, it’s part of the your job.) But if you can, let your contacts know when you check your email and how quickly they can expect a response. By doing so, you don’t allow other people’s hurriedness to run you life.

Further, learn what email options are available to you for filtering mail. Most email programs allow you to automatically trash messages you don’t want.

And, be considerate with your outgoing mail. Before you hit send, think about whether your message really needs to go out. Consider what unnecessary work it might create for you and the person you are sending it to.

Having said all this, electronic mail is a wonderful invention when used wisely. But when we allow it to get out of hand, it quickly complicates our lives and robs time from other more important things.

Following are a few other electronic conveniences you may want to give some thought to.

Electronic Banking

Banking online or using your telephone to pay bills and move money between accounts is a real timesaver.

Microwave Ovens

To busy mothers, microwaves are worth their weight in gold, even if all you do is thaw out the food you forgot to take out of the freezer in the morning. It’s also a great timesaver when it comes to reheating leftovers or making a single meal or a quick substitute for picky eater.

VCR’s

When you don’t have the time, inclination or want to spend the money on going to the movies, turn to your VCR. Use it to its utmost advantage by taping your favourite TV show and viewing it at your convenience. The best part about taping shows is you can watch them when you want and maximize your viewing time by fast forwarding through the commercials.

Books On Cassette (or CD)

Make the most of your travel time or doing your household chores by enjoying a book on tape or CD. It’s the perfect way to keep up with favourite titles.

Tape Recorders

For the working parent, dictating notes or ideas when you’re away from your desk is made easy with micro cassette recorder. It allows you to instantaneously record a thought wherever you happen to be. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, tape machines are also ideal for grocery and to do lists and for recording recipes and interview segments from television or radio talk shows. Unless you take shorthand, chances are good you won’t be able to write down all the information before it’s over.