Rules for Computing (mine and others)

I was flopping about on the web (ok, I was surfing through the people I follow on Twitter) and came across a great article by Alex Payne on his rules for computing.

He makes some really great points about being particularly lightweight about his computing processes.  While I am not a programmer (something I still debate about changing ad nauseum, then simply remind myself that I can pay for that).

Here are some of Alex’s gems

• Do not use web applications that should be desktop applications.
• Do not use desktop applications that should be web applications.
• Buy as large an external display as you can afford if you’ll be working on the computer for more than three hours at a time.

He’s got a few items that don’t fit me personally, but he’s got a great point about listing this as a process. I’ve recently been getting into “processes and rules” thanks to “Beyond Booked Solid” (click the link here and get it!
I’ve been getting into these processes and breaking down my business processes all at the same time.

I have some slightly simpler rules on software, hardware, and file formats. So far (in my mind) they are as follows (by the way,, still go visit Alex’s page, he’s got some very good and different things there from what I have here.

Hardware:

• Get the best you can afford. When you can no longer run the processes required for your business function/software, a hardware upgrade is necessary. You should be able to support that upgrade with business income. Do not incorporate new technology you can’t pay for, or that you already know how you will use it to improve what you’re doing.
• Stay portable if you can.
• Minimize desktop space (actual not on screen) so that you can stay organized in real space.

Software:

• Testing software and hardware that may help you if fine, you MUST stay current with new tools, putting your head in the sand while working is just plain silly. Technology due to it’s name will always change. If you do not change, you will be left behind.
• This ties to the next one, use the cheapest, most useful software you can find that adheres to industry/commonly used formats.  You can download all the crazy programs in the world you want, but if you have to share the data, make sure you’re using something someone else can use.  If you’re building something,, make sure you can read what people need to send you!

File Formats:

Compatibility!!! Make sure it can be read (whatever you send out). Use the most common file format for each output, you will have to send things to people that can only do email,, just barely (no matter what the age) so make things execute in a manner that people simply can’t screw up what you’re sending them (thank you Adobe for the .pdf format!)

Peripherals:

• Everyone needs a USB steering wheel and pedals with force feedback.
• Or maybe that’s just me.
• Also, a wacom pad is key,, just get the 4″x5″ it’s one of those things that onceyou have it,, you’ll wonder what in the world you were doing before. I promise you.
• Use mozy.com the best 5$ you can spend a month. (I also back up locally on a half terabyte drive,, cause I’m paranoid).
• If you have a laptop, get a laptop bag/padded. You’ll need to take it places and that’s something you need to do to keep it safe (or do you drive like a little old lady and keep it under 20mph when your laptop is in the car?) I didn’t think so.

Have an unexpectedly fun day!

How many balls do you have in the air (and is that an awkward feeling?)

Yes,, I’m sure it would be an awkward feeling (if you’re not laughing at the title,, you’re too stressed by the way).

Relax the hoity toityness (holy crap the spell check didn’t react to that at all).

Just get off your ass and do the 1 big thing first.  That means don’t worry so much about some of those other balls and get the main thing done.

So what is it? What’s the main thing?!

FIND OUT!

The (insert wonderful adjective here) Gary Veynerchuk has brought yet another awesome inspirational video.  This is one of those things that makes me want to kick butt.

For more inspirational goodness, check out Stefan Bucher’s work too! He’s awesome (and it’s all him). His follow your heart video is great (I’d ignore his stance on goregous women,, but that’s just me (I married one)).

Another inspiring thing is to find others to inspire, and return that inspiration right back at you.

To sum up.

• Narrow down your concept.
• Get to it.
• Inspire a friend
• Let them inspire you too.

Serious Play,, remember to do,, not only try

The book Serious Play has been a favorite of mine.

The main thing about it is,, PROTOTYPE.

That’s it,, go make it, play with it, destroy it, break it, and improve your product.

So in the line of doing just that, I’ve finally gone and set up an amazon affiliate setup with amazon.

This will be a new recurring feature here I’m calling Fred’s Bookshelf.  Look for it in the future,, look for a name change, and look for useful design, business, and fun books that I greatly reccomend.

We’ve hit the restart button

So I’ve finally got the upgrade done.  I’m such a chicken, it’s taken me months of fear to upgrade and well, it’s really all about the wordpress automatic upgrade plugin.

1. Install the plugin to your wordpress installation
2. (you know, go to your wordpress ftp site,
3. upload it to the wordpress plugin folder,
4. (make sure it uploads then log out of your ftp),
5. then log in to your wordpress site,
6. find the wordpress plugins,
7. find the wordpress automatic upgrad plugin,
8. activate it,
9. finally, follow the prompts.

It’s actually easy (rather than fear inducing,,  stupid stupid me.

Be on the lookout for more fun new products coming. In the mean time, we do have for purchase the bumper sticker holders (check em out here). We’re also awaiting approval for college licensing, we’re starting with just a few schools, and hopefully branching out big time!

We’re also talking to some up and coming car manufacturers among other companies. Remember, bumper sticker holders are great for putting up a bumper sticker,, and then being able to take it down after an election, without automotive surgery!