We rely on technology to perform many of our daily tasks, and later we turn to our personal devices to access entertainment, information and productivity. Yet most users aren’t an expert and is probably not fully aware of all the benefits that technological devices and apps could provide.
The members of the Forbes Technology Council know how to maximize the value of technology tools and know “how everything operates.” Below 20 of them share their most-loved technology tips to help users improve their productivity, extend their device’s capabilities to extend the life of their equipment, and generally enhance their relationship with technology.
1. Consider Both Your Current And Future Needs Before Purchasing Tech Tools
Find out your present and future requirements prior to looking into technologically advanced products. It’s better to invest some or money to locate the device that you could “grow into” instead of replacing an ineffective device later. You can save time and money by a little planning.
2. Leverage Keyboard Shortcuts
Learn keyboard shortcuts! They can dramatically improve your productivity by reducing the amount of time you devote to routine tasks. For instance when you use a PC you can press Ctrl + C to copy, and Ctrl + V for pasting. In addition, regular updates to the software you use can boost the performance of your device, prolong its lifespan and increase security. In addition, regular cleaning and storage that is properly maintained can help prevent physical damage and prolong the lifespan of your device.
3. Keep Up With The Evolution Of AI
Be curious about artificial intelligence and the potential to improve various areas of life. This could be personal finance apps, productivity tools, fitness and health tracking devices. By constantly experimenting with these tools, ordinary users will discover different ways AI can enhance their routines every day and help them live more efficiently.
4. Explore Low-Code And No-Code Platforms
A great tech tip is to investigate and utilize modern low-code or no-code platforms like Microsoft Power Platform. These platforms enable non-technical people to develop apps, streamline workflows, and solve business challenges without vast knowledge of programming.
5. Use A Password Manager
I can’t stress this enough: Make use of an account manager for passwords! Humans can’t create randomness, and you are unable to keep track of randomness. Therefore instead of managing several passwords, you should create a single solid password to safeguard your other passwords generated by machines. The diversity of passwords will reduce the risk of single data leak.
6. Know It’s Never Too Late To Learn To Code
My most-loved technology tip is to never give up on programming. If you commit to an “hour of programming” each day, and then blocking this time in your schedule and you’ll continue to improve your the ability to solve problems and improve your productivity. A consistent practice can help you keep up-to-date with the latest technology and make the most of your tools and devices and ultimately, enhance your interaction with technology.
7. Be Selective When Installing Apps
Install only apps from trusted sources to ensure your device’s clean and secure. Insufficiently used applications and background services could affect the performance of your device and battery longevity. If you own a company’s device it is recommended to install only approved apps. The use of Mobile Device Management Software will help companies to manage apps for mobile devices.
8. Keep Up With Storage Management
Clean up and optimize the storage capacity of your device by uninstalling any apps you don’t use as well as deleting old files, and clearing temporary and cache data. This will improve the performance of your device as well as assist you in avoiding issues related to storage. In addition making sure you regularly backup important information to a safe place can help prevent loss of data because of hardware failure or theft, as well as accidental deletion.
9. Take Advantage Of Cloud Storage
Make use of the advantages cloud storage to your advantage. Not only does it keep your devices clutter-free and clutter-free, but it also makes sure your data is secure and accessible from any location. Always backup your information to a cloud-based service like Google Drive or Dropbox. It’s a straightforward but efficient way to increase your devices capabilities to work from anywhere and collaborate in real-time.
10. Get Familiar With Your Device’s Storage Systems
Refresh your knowledge and find out where your data is kept within your mobile. Based on your device’s configuration, Web downloads, screenshots and attachments to messages can end up in different locations. If you’re not in a rush, you can play around with these local files and editing, opening or sending them out and then deleting them to help build muscles memory for the future.
11. Take A ‘DIY’ Approach To Challenges
My top technology tip is at “do things yourself” instead of always trying to find solutions to what you’re doing regardless of whether you’re creating machines, writing code and downloading or using an app, conducting searches and studies for example, and the list goes on. Technology must become “figured out.” If you’re not tempted to give up but instead attempt to discover how to utilize and troubleshoot technology on your own and you’ll find ways to make things easier and quicker. Discover and implement new ideas.
12. Use An External Drive For Backup
I suggest the use of the external drive, or solid state drive to backup. Cloud-based services are fantastic however having local backups of your essential files can be life-saving. Regular backups will protect your data from loss that could occur because of hardware malfunction as well as accidental deletion. It’s important to remember that physical backups are the most effective method of protecting your data.
13. Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment With New Solutions
My personal favorite is always try new ideas if you think they can aid. For example, I’ve tested about 20 different time management and planning applications before finding one that is able to meet all my requirements. If you don’t try with a tool, you could be having to use a tool for many years which prevents you from achieving the full potential.
14. Take Time To ‘Read The Manual’
In the case of tech devices and products, most people don’t have their time and “read the manual”–or more precisely go through all the functions. If you are able to comprehend how to use your device or application it is possible to uncover useful capabilities, boost productivity, and make use of your technology to the maximum potential. The most effective thing you can do is to spend time studying features. The possibilities could be a surprise to you.
15. Shut Devices Down Regularly
Make sure to shut off and reboot your gadgets often. There are numerous applications that run in background and consume memory, thereby slowing down your device and reducing the life of your battery. It is possible to stop all these processes by shutting your device off. It’s also an incentive to glance at the screen time!
16. Declutter Your Digital Desktop
Declutter, declutter, declutter! Be sure that the digital space you work in is as well-organized as your physical workspace, since it can help enhance your focus and efficiency. Create a hierarchy of folders to delete photos and files that are no longer needed and save any unnecessary files on an external drive. Cleansing your digital space can enhance your interaction with devices and improve your productivity.
17. Keep Up With Updates And Patches
It is essential to keep up-to-date with updates to your software and security patches. These updates typically contain bugs fixes and performance enhancements to ensure your device runs more smoothly. They are also usually addressing security issues which may put the security of your private data at risk. Keeping your device running the most current software will ensure that it is secure and operating properly.
18. Tap Into The Power Of Browser Extensions
Utilize browser extensions to enhance your experience online. Extensions are mini-apps that can add functions to your browser. They help in security, productivity and personalization. From ads blockers to password managers, and time trackers to translation tools A well-balanced set of extensions can enhance your experience on the internet and make your technology life more enjoyable.
19. Don’t Overuse Quick Charging On Your Mobile Devices
Beware of using quick-charge technology on smartphones. This puts stress on your battery, and is a sure method of reducing the lifespan of your device. Don’t be afraid to perform multiple, short charging sessions throughout the day. Modern phones are made to handle this and your batteries will last for longer than when you leave your phone on for the night.
20. Establish Boundaries For Technology Use
Find out what the use of technology is in your life and attempt to use it for this reason only. The phones we have are fantastic however they’ve slowly slipped into our daily activities, blurring distinctions between work and personal time. In the event that your smartphone is business phone, use it only to work. If it’s your personal device remove Slack. Label your device and the purpose you’re using it for, and then adhere to it.
