Week 9:Clear- Browsing The Web At Work!

My generation is probably the last generation to know what it feels like to not have the internet. I was introduced to the internet at an early age of 12, but I do still remember times when we didn't get online to communicate with everyone and had to call them on the telephone instead. But that time has come and gone for most. Now are the days of emails and online chats. When are bored instead of trying to find something to do, you can just simply get online and the hours will fly by!

This is what we call "browsing the web." Rather you are looking through Youtube for funny videos or searching Facebook for all of your friends updates, you are "browsing." Most people have access to a computer and work which will cut into your productive work time. In 2003, its estimated that 77 million people use a computer at work and I can only imagine that number growing within the years! I often sit at my desk and find myself on Ebay looking through stuff i want to purchase instead of getting my work done. So how do you avoid these times of personal internet usage on the job?

Here are 14 simple tips from Zen Habits that may help:

• Use a fast, minimal browser.
• Use tabs not windows.
• Learn keyboard shortcuts.
• Set up keyword bookmarks and speed dial.
• Set up keyword searches.
• Set up keyword bookmark lets.
• Fast online bookmarking.
• Block Flash.
• Distraction-free reading and videos
• Turn off most extensions
• Don’t have a million tabs open
• Clear most of your toolbars.
• Organizing your passwords
• Tuning out the Internet.

This information can be found on their webiste at Zen Habits. I am going to start putting these into practice at work right away!
Make sure you know your company's internet usage policy so when you do use the internet, you will not have any risk of affecting your job performance. Some companies monitor their employees internet usage so if you do browse while on the job, make sure it is an appropriate site. Make a list of sites that you believe are appropriate to look at in your down time such as new sites. If your boss walks by and you have some free time, I am sure your local news site would be handled differently than Facebook. If you are in doubt, leave the personal web browsing for home!