Revamping Your Workflow: Optimizing Your Computer Layout and Keyboard

Computer usage is an integral part of modern-day work. As such, optimizing your computer for productivity can help streamline your workflow, increase efficiency and reduce stress. A simple and often overlooked way to achieve this is through optimizing the computer layout and keyboard. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of a well-optimized keyboard and computer layout. Additionally, we’ll provide some actionable tips and strategies that can be used to follow a more efficient workflow.

Understanding the Basics of Computer Layouts and Keyboards

Before diving into ways to optimize your computer keyboard and layout, it’s essential to understand the different types of layouts and their benefits. The QWERTY keyboard layout is the most commonly used keyboard in the world, and most people are familiar with it. Other types of keyboard layouts include AZERTY, DVORAK, and COLEMAK.

Each of these layouts has its benefits. For instance, the DVORAK layout is said to be more efficient than the QWERTY keyboard layout because it allows the user to type faster. Similarly, the AZERTY layout is designed for French-speaking countries and provides easy access to accented characters.

When it comes to computer layout, there are two types: single monitor and multiple monitors. A single monitor layout consists of one monitor, while a multiple monitor layout involves using two or more monitors. Opting for a multiple monitor layout can benefit productivity as it provides more screen space to work on, reducing the need to switch between windows continually.

Optimizing Your Keyboard for Productivity

One way to revamp your workflow is by customizing your computer keyboard. Here are some actionable tips that can be used to optimize your keyboard:

Switch to a Different Keyboard Layout

If you’re looking to improve typing speed and productivity, consider switching to a different keyboard layout. The DVORAK layout is reported to increase typing speed by up to 20%. For instance, typing ‘hello’ requires the use of only the home row in the DVORAK layout, while the QWERTY layout requires the use of multiple fingers.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are simple keystrokes that can be used to expedite repetitive tasks. For example, using CTRL + C to copy and CTRL + V to paste. Learning keyboard shortcuts can save time which can be used to complete more important tasks.

Customize the Function of Keys

Customizing the function of keys on your keyboard can improve productivity. For instance, mapping the F1 key to a specific function used regularly can simplify a process that may take multiple clicks.

Optimizing Your Computer Layout for Productivity

Apart from optimizing your keyboard for productivity, your computer layout can also provide an edge to your workflow. Here are some ways you can optimize your computer layout:

Customize Your Taskbar

The taskbar is the menu bar located at the bottom of the screen on Windows-powered computers. Customizing the taskbar can help reduce screen clutter and improve accessibility. You can remove unnecessary icons, pin your most used applications to the taskbar, and rearrange the icons to suit your workflow.

Create Desktop Shortcuts

Creating desktop shortcuts can help you access frequently used files, folders and programs quickly. By placing frequently used items directly on your desktop, you save time that would otherwise be spent searching for items in folders.

Use Multiple Monitors

Using multiple monitors can help improve workflow efficiency by increasing screen space. Rather than having to switch between multiple windows, you can work on multiple screens at once, reducing the time required to complete a task.

Conclusion

Optimizing your computer layout and keyboard may seem like a small change, but it can have a significant impact on your workflow. By adopting simple strategies such as switching to a more efficient keyboard layout, using keyboard shortcuts, customizing the function of keys and customizing your taskbar, you can increase productivity and work more efficiently. It’s time to revamp your workflow by optimizing your computer layout and keyboard – your productivity will thank you.

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