How to Optimize Internet Time

You look up at the clock and suddenly two to four hours have disappeared while you were on the Internet. No doubt it is easy to lose track of time while you are online, however, here are some ways I find helpful that can optimize your time online and get you onto the business of your day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• notebook
• Computer
• Clock
• Timer

1. Collect a pen and notebook. Use the notebook to list at least five tasks or websites you would like to discover on the Internet. This is a way to stay organized and not waste time trying to recall sites online or read email or instant messages.

2. Keep your email closed until you are done with work or chore type tasks. Use email and chat as a reward for completing your tasks.

3. Start your computer up while you are getting ready in the morning. Do not sit in front of it waiting to start. Clean out any items in the startup menu for faster booting. Or, use a macbook or macintosh desktop. They start much quicker and tend to crash less.

4. Try a higher speed connection if you are able to spend the money. Explore deals with cable and DSL lines through your local phone company. Bundles will often save money and increase your Internet speed.

5. Create a special folder with favorites for specific topics and tasks.

6. Set a timer on your cell phone or just on the stovetop to limit your time online. Time tends to go by quickly and what seems like a few minutes can add up to a few hours.

7. Minimize distractions while you are on the computer. It is good to go online when children are in school or sleeping. Or, if you must work online while family is home, close the door and instruct your family not to disturb you for a specific amount of time.

8. Complete phone calls while you are online, especially if you will be on hold a long time. Use the speaker phone feature on your land line or cell phone to free your hands to type. This will definitely help you optimize your time on the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• Get up and stretch or look away from the computer screen.

[alltrails]

on 11/5/2009 Excellent article on how to optimize your time online. I do always start the computer when I'm getting ready for work in the morning, and I'm getting pretty good at typing and watching tv at the same time. Thanks for the tips!!

[juliemcmurchie]

on 10/29/2009 Great tips for optimizing time online.

[juliemcmurchie]

on 10/29/2009 Great tips for optimizing time online.

[juliemcmurchie]

on 10/29/2009 Great tips for optimizing time online.

[wesellforu]

on 10/29/2009 These tips will really make a difference in the quality of time I spend on the computer. thanks for sharing how to optimize time online. I will use this information! 5* and recommend!