I have a love-hate relationship with all the tech devices
that surround us these days. I love that they make a lot of writing-related tasks much easier, I hate how sometimes it’s
obvious they're smarter than I am and have managed to make me their slave.
One time I hate them is when something goes wrong and I have to try to find an instruction manual (remember when these used to come with the thing you bought?). Often you can find them on the web, but if the device is older it can be a challenge.
That’s why I love this advice from the newsletter of Steve Robbins, the Get-It-Done Guy:
- Create a folder on your computer that you call “Tech Devices” or “Equipment” or another name you’ll remember.
- When you buy a new electronic device (I think these days this includes toasters), create a sub-folder, the title of which is the name of the device and the date you bought it.
- Go to the web site of the manufacturer and download any manuals, warranties, etc.
- Jot down the serial number on your receipt and scan it and put the scan in the folder.
- You’ll still want to keep the physical receipt so also create a physical file with the same name.
I know this sounds like a lot of work and maybe you won’t want to do it for a very cheap appliance. But when the equipment in question is a computer or printer or anything else expensive and important for your work, it’s definitely a good idea.
You can find lots of tips for managing your life better at Steve Robbins’ website: http://getitdone.quickanddirtytips.com
(There are also many useful methods for getting more done in my aptly-named book, "Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done." It's published by Pearson and you can get it from Amazon or your other favorite book seller.)
