Clutter and Productivity: Your Computer Desktop
Posted on April 7, 2011 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Clutter,Productivity
I am taking two weeks off from blogging. Enjoy this article from the archive!This article was originally published on 31 May 2007.
What is on your computer desktop? Do you use everything on a daily basis? If not, you might want to consider moving some of the items.
Some people have so many shortcuts on their desktops that they cannot see the wallpaper. When you have that much visual clutter, it’s just like having piles of things around your workspace. It’s distracting, and it’s hard to find what you need.
(Macintosh users, I apologize for the Windows-centric slant here. I’m not anti-Mac, but my experience with them ended back in ’93).
Disclaimer: while the instructions presented here are accurate, I will not be held responsible or liable for the misuse of the instructions. Always backup your computer before performing any changes.
Start Menu
One of the first things you can do to make things easier to find is to rearrange your start menu. To do this, drag and drop items into folders. Most every program installs itself at the root level, and cleaning them up can make it easier to find things.
I like to classify my programs. For instance, my Programs contain Accessories, Administrative Tools, Games, Internet, Palm, Programming, Publishing and Microsoft Office. All my applications are stored under these folders.
Quick Launch
Next to your start menu is the Quick Launch tool bar. If you don’t see it, right mouse click your task bar, choose properties, and check Show Quick Launch. You can put your most used applications here by dragging them from your desktop or program menu onto the tool bar.
If you really want to clear off your desktop quickly, right mouse click on the desktop, choose Arrange Icons By and uncheck Show Desktop Items. Next, right click on your task bar and from the Toolbars choose Desktop. Now everything that is on your desktop is accessible via menu, but the icons are hidden from view.
I used this for a while, but I found that cleaning off my desktop and showing the icons was better for me. I always forgot to empty the trash when the icons weren’t showing.
More…
Window can be a very flexible and customizable environment. Use what makes you feel most comfortable!
Photo by pinkiwinkitinki
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Comments (4)
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I went into another extreme mindset. From having too many items on the desktop, I had too few and failed to properly utilize desktop as a working surface, because of my love for minimalism.
Grouping is a good tip. For example internet related stuff are on the top right corner, while my work programs are in the bottom left.
It is easy to overdo it in the first onset of minimalism. Congratulations on getting it to work for you! One thing I like to minimize desktop clutter are launchers like Object Dock. They help group things so they are accessible, but not clutter.