Is the day-to-day chore of computer maintenance taking more and more of your time away from why you originally bought a computer? Is the onslaught of spam or viruses and worms making you paranoid about opening your browser or e-mail client? Then take heart; I've got some ideas! They won't stem the tide of spam or viruses, or cut down on your maintenance tasks. But they could help put the "fun" back into your computing experience.
Originally seven of these suggestions appeared in an e-mail post to the MVCUG group mailing list in response to one member's frustration with the time it took to keep up with all the tasks and information necessary for a safe computing experience, and the President's suggestion to have fun and "stop letting the paranoids get to you." The simple suggestions I made went over so well that the President had them posted here to Mountain Views, MVCUG's online magazine. So I thought I'd expand on the idea a bit and write an actual article that would clarify the inspiration and replace the e-mail version.
That said; take some time to do something creative with your computer, even if it's silly (maybe even especially if it's silly!). Or do something completely non-productive. Take a break from backing up, organizing files, re-writing spam filters, sorting through the potentially infected e-mail attachments, updating software, and recording you personal expenses. Here are some ideas.
Refrigerator Art
Whether you have a Windows or Mac OS computer, almost everyone has a simple bit-map editing, or painting program. Under Windows you have Paint. On a consumer Mac (iMac or iBook) you have the painting module in AppleWorks. On either platform you can use Photoshop or it's little sibling, Photoshop Elements. Launch whichever program you have and play around with the painting tools as if you were a kid. Then save, print and hang it on your refrigerator.
Express Yourself
Maybe you don't consider yourself a writer, but everyone can express himself or herself through language. Launch your word processor or text editor and keep a journal on your computer. If you're willing to express yourself to the world, you could even start a blog (web log). Or just write some poetry. It doesn't have to be pretty or publishable. The point is to be expressive!
I Wonder?
Have you ever wondered about something like, "How do I get started in radio control modeling?" or "How long would it take to travel to the nearest galaxy?" Well, use the web to look for the answers. Go to Google (or your favorite search engine) and search for something that you've always wondered about. Perhaps you'll find the answer right away, perhaps not. But the search may turn up other interesting bits of information. Approach this with an open mind and as little attachment to results as possible and just follow the links that interest you in a free-form fashion to see where the information leads you. It's a good day when you can say, "you learn something new everyday."
Free Stuff is Good!
Tired of the same old applications on your computer? Well, there is a ton of software out there for all platforms, some of it free, most of it available for free trial before buying. Then if you decide to keep it, the prices are very reasonable. Go to Download.com and browse the available software. When you find something that sounds interesting, download it and try it out. (Then Jim Emmons would say, "write a review.") Be sure and support the author and pay for that shareware if you decide to keep it.
Share Your Experience
Okay then, write a review of some new piece of hardware or software you recently received. (If that sounds like "work" instead of "fun," then just play with it and then free-associate on your experience. Perhaps a review will come out of it later, perhaps not. Best thing is to not have an attachment to either outcome.)
Snap Your Virtual Shutter
If you have a digital camera, take pictures. Take pictures all the time. Take lots and lots of pictures. All it costs you is the electricity to recharge your batteries and the time it takes. Transfer them to your computer. Once on your computer create slideshows to show your friends and family. (If you're using Mac OS X, iPhoto gives you an easy to use tool for organizing, enhancing, and sharing your photos.)
Enhance Your Skills
Do you have a software application that's new or that you use fairly regularly, but feel you are only scratching the surface of its features or capability? Perhaps you just need a bit of structured direction. Many software applications come with tutorials that may be just that bit of instruction that will help you take greater advantage of the software. Check your manuals, help files, and the publisher's web site. Magazines are another source for popular software tutorials or "tips and hints" columns.
Establish A Global Presence
Everyone can be a publisher of their own creative expressions these days by having a web site of their own. Your ISP probably offers some space on their servers for you to upload your own web pages. You can even register your own domain name for less than $10 these days (of course, hosting costs more). Having your own web presence is a great way to share those photo slideshows with friends and family (you can even password protect pages so that only those people you want to view them can get access). You can post your journal, your poetry, even your refrigerator art. There are many tools available, both software solutions and online solutions from ISPs and other Internet service providers (like Apple's .Mac), which make creating web pages easy. So if you have a desire to share your creations with the world, go for it!
Pretend It's Saturday Morning
Go to LooneyTunes.com and watch some cartoons! Maybe that's not creative, but it's certainly silly and lots of fun!