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How to compute without a mouse
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Efficient ComputingStep 1: Use Linux. It is the only major current OS not dependant on a graphical user interface [ GUI ]. GUIs are almost unmanageable without a mouse, and by their very nature are designed to be "easier to use" at the expense of efficiency. Ok, Mac OS X has a terminal, and is built on a BSD backbone, so maybe it can be useful too, but when I started really using computers, it wasn't out yet. And anyway, Linux is nearly infinitely customizable, and depending on how hardcore you are or want to be, you can have it behave exactly however you want. Further details will be forthcoming.Step 2: Use Text-based Programs. What is computing without applications anyway? There are tasks for which computers are necessary, and the good thing about linux is that there are usually many different applications that can handle them. An appropriate selection of utilities can make all the difference. Further details will be forthcoming. Step 2a: Use Firefox. One program in particular that makes life immensely easier is Firefox. Obviously web browsing is a major component of computer use, so an appropriate browser is key. Surely you've heard of Firefox before, and if you don't use it, you should. [ Click the link on the left to get it now. ] Details on my setup is on my Firefox page. Step 3: Profit. BackgroundI'm an engineer. As such I try to tweak available tools to best suit my needs. I spend a considerable portion of my time on a computer, and so this is a prime target for optimization. Now, I'm not a computer scientist, and I'm certainly not an IT technician, so playing with computers isn't exactly second nature to me. Nonetheless, I enjoy tinkering of any sort, and so this has led me over many years to evolve a rather non-standard computing environment.What with me not being a leet haxxor, I don't have much in the way of intrinsic computer abilities. I therefore glean most of my knowledge from friends who are haxxors, various sources on the internet, and trial and error. These are all rather time consuming affairs with a marginal chance of success, and so these pages emerged as a way of keeping all the relevant information together for easy reference. My main drive is improving efficiency, all other considerations are secondary. I'm a big fan of reducing effort. In particular, I hate using the mouse. Lifting your hand from the keyboard, sliding it over to the mouse, bringing it back when you're done... not to mention the constant visual feedback necessary while using it... it's so much work. If everything could be done keeping your fingers on the keyboard, life would be so much easier. |
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