Maker of real and digital things.
I recently downloaded a huge PDF and wanted to copy and paste a couple sentences of text from it to email to a friend.
Unfortunately, the author had enabled copy/paste and print restrictions which prevented me from copying the two sentences that I wanted to send.
Too lazy to retype the text, I searched for a fast and easy technical solution.
TL;DR Download the Windows 7 Pomodoro Timer gadget here
EDIT:Â I had the wrong version linked for a while, fixed now.
I have a short attention span; I struggle mightily keeping my attention fixed on the task at hand. I’m not sure if my struggles are a personal failing or a symptom of the always-on digital age but it doesn’t matter, I suppose. I struggle regardless of the cause.
I have a cross-platform to-do list application that I really like (Todoist), and I find dumping all of my tasks into my lists really helps keep me on track. However, I still need help maintaining focus on the single most important task of the moment and bearing down until it is completed.
I’ve read about the Pomodoro Technique — a time management method which breaks down work into 25 minute intervals, separated by short breaks — and I’ve tried a few Pomodoro timers on my phone, websites and as standalone utility apps.
Restarting Windows after a minor software install is a major pain. I have many windows and apps open all day long, so restarting feels like tearing down my virtual office, rebuilding it again and only then getting back to work.
I recently discovered this handy trick to prevent some of these “required” Windows restarts. After installing your application try the following:
Your icons and task bar will return and hopefully, if your installed changes were not too fundamental, you will have avoided that required Windows restart. Just worked for me when I installed Nikon’s NEF codec. It likely will not work for large changes like Windows security updates.
I am a get-your-hands-dirty maker of real and digital things
I love music, technology, woodworking, intermittent fasting and as much politics as I can stomach. I am a student of Django, Xcode, SEO and guitar.
I grew up in St. Johnsbury, VT, and came south to study Economics, Art and Math at Boston College and then Architecture at Harvard University. I live just west of Boston in Wellesley, MA.
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