My computer helps me every day. It helps me get in touch with friends, finish my school work, and run clubs and groups. But, more importantly, my computer teaches me a lot about what person I should be and some things I should do.
Here is a short list of the many lessons I have taken from my laptop.
1. Recharging is important.
If you're like me, your laptop is almost constantly reminding you to plug it in. While I only occasionally listen to that warning on behalf of my computer, I could use some recharging myself.
I think I speak for all of us when I say that we could all use some recharging. So, whether it's taking a shower, listening to music, drawing, or something else completely, remember to recharge as often as your computer does.
2. Second chances are enough.
I can't tell you how many times I have put something into the recycling bin on my computer and had to go back to get it. But after you empty the trash, it's gone, for all intents and purposes.
We all need a chance to recognize our mistakes, but once we make the same mistake twice, it shouldn't be taken out of the garbage again. So many people make the mistake of giving people too many second chances; our computers know better, though.
3. Keep your files organized.
There is no place that is better suited for my files than right smack on my desktop. I fill it until it's full and then, and only then, do I put things into folders.
I'm trying to change my ways but, despite my inevitable failure to change, I can still encourage all of you to learn from my mistakes. Your computer's life is easier when things are where they are supposed to be, and yours can be, too.
4. Stay updated.
I think we can all agree that nothing is worse when changes are made to a familiar interface. Yet, I feel like my computer updates at least twice a day. Meanwhile, I actively avoid the news whenever possible.
So, this may be hugely hypocritical of me to suggest, but stay up to date on the world around you. Maybe not just in regard to news, but also recent books, scientific publications, or whatever your interests may be.
As important as it is to be knowledgeable, keeping up to date on what is being done with knowledge can change the way you see the world, and not in a bad way.
5. Shut down at the end of the day.
Keeping your computer running constantly may be convenient for use whenever you need it, but it can be bad for your computer. Sound familiar?
It may feel good to be there for other people all the time, but you need to shut people out at times and focus on yourself. But if you're not comfortable with that, then I suggest you find someone you're comfortable around to help you shut all other things out, if even just for a few minutes.
6. Don’t do too many tasks at once.
I've met people who have never had less than twenty tabs open at one time. I've also met people that are never doing less than twenty things at once.
Running too many tasks at once can put additional wear on your computer and slow it down. It can do the same to you. So, run that task manager and unload yourself a little every once in a while.
7. Bookmark important things.
Bookmarks help you return to the things you like or what's important to you. Your computer keeps everything just a click or touch away. But sometimes life isn't that easy, and we lose touch with the things we want most in life due to distractions or forgetfulness.
Take some time to revisit things and, more importantly, people that were important to you in the past or haven't seen in a while.
We drown ourselves in technology and forget to submerge ourselves with people. The thing that we forget is that technology was, and is, made by people. There are things that we don't think about, like "sleep" mode, that betray the fact that these pieces of technology are just extensions of ourselves that have the same needs, and they can teach the same lessons as the world around us.
