A Rush of Research to the Head

Over the past two weeks I have invested heavily in research:

First of all, I upgraded my primary work station to quadcore with 4GB RAM and set up a local network in my office, which boosts my processing power as well as Internet connection.

I have managed to outline and complete the following projects:

1. Installing Ubuntu/Windows in a parallel installation
   Installing Windows XP to run inside Ubuntu
   
   
2. Preconfiguring 54 macros for Windows, Firefox, Word, Outlook and Excel to run on G-keys on Logitech G11 (gaming keyboard) in order to speed up standard work processes. It takes only a couple of hours to record/program.
   
   
3. Preconfiguring Excel to automatically do all my accounting with one entry per post. It took me about 18 hours to produce a failsafe matrix.
   
   
4. Setting up and running Google Webmaster Tools on 3 sites and starting up Google Analytics on 2 sites. It takes about no time.
   
   
5. Setting Up Firefox with Mozilla Addons for instant SEO analysis, among other useful features. It takes whatever time it takes to find the right addons.
   
   
6. Setting up CoolIris as slideshow on the frontpage of my pro websites. It takes less than 1/2 hour.
   
   
7. Establishing ergonomic work conditions when comes to noise, lighting and work position
   

My purchases and the direction of my research was determined by the theory that I could make my work life easier, smarter and more entertaining, as well as increase my output per work hour.

I figured I would be able to work 20 percent longer per day with proper lighting and ergonomics, and cut about 30 percent on standard tasks by applying macros with the G11 Logitech keyboard.

Did it speed up my work?

All in all I believe I have reached my goal of cutting 30 percent of my average work load. Check out the various reviews of products in invididual blog posts to see how and why.

Essentially, it is the product of a combination of macros and a gaming keyboard, the partial automatization of my accounting, the improved PC speed and stability of all process (including download rate) and the improved design capabalities for low resolution tasks like websites and HTML newsletters.

Nothing here about macros or Excel programming, even if I'd like to produce a free guide to the 100 percent customizable, semi-automatical accounting system. But that will require a separate series of blog entries (coming up).

Next Research Goals:

My next immediate research goals are:

• PicLens / WordPress
• Mahara (Open Source Social Software)

If you would like to communicate, cooperate or exchange notes, you should direct your research towards compatible areas.