29 September 2010
Online Freelance Workers - When to Change your Computers and Equipment
I have been working online for 3 years now, but changed computers in 2008 so I did not notice this then yet.
Do monitor your computers and equipment every so often. They are your tools in the job. It's not a whim but really a necessity to have updated equipment.
I have learned this the hard way. I did not notice my Old Reliable had become a lot less reliable after 2 years. No amount of cleaning and such can put back its old performance. This negligence has cost me a lot of time and exhaustion.
I thought it was me, but one day using another computer, I found that there was a LOT of stuff I was able to do than I have the past few weeks. Also I found I enjoyed work more using a speedy computer than the average one.
So learn from my experience. If you can afford it, splurge every few months on newer, speedier components. If you trust your tools now, at least check after a year you computer's performance vis-a-vis YOUR performance. Then check again after every 6 months.
Time and energy and tip top output are very important to us online workers, more than others, since output is the only thing we have to show clients and employers. So be vigilant, take care of your equipment and have fun in your work!
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Do monitor your computers and equipment every so often. They are your tools in the job. It's not a whim but really a necessity to have updated equipment.
I have learned this the hard way. I did not notice my Old Reliable had become a lot less reliable after 2 years. No amount of cleaning and such can put back its old performance. This negligence has cost me a lot of time and exhaustion.
I thought it was me, but one day using another computer, I found that there was a LOT of stuff I was able to do than I have the past few weeks. Also I found I enjoyed work more using a speedy computer than the average one.
So learn from my experience. If you can afford it, splurge every few months on newer, speedier components. If you trust your tools now, at least check after a year you computer's performance vis-a-vis YOUR performance. Then check again after every 6 months.
Time and energy and tip top output are very important to us online workers, more than others, since output is the only thing we have to show clients and employers. So be vigilant, take care of your equipment and have fun in your work!
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22 September 2010
Thumbs Up for PCGilmore - (At last, a Friendly and Usable PH Website!)
Summary: Excellent PC package online shopping for regular non-techy folks, plus great service at their brick and mortar store. And affordable branded and generic items. I like!
I need new zoom-zoom stuff for work, my Old Reliable has been complaining about old age for sometime now. Through the years, when I needed PC parts prices, I usually go to 2 sites for price references.
But then, I saw PCGilmore online and I love this site: http://www.pcgilmore.com.ph , particularly their Do-It-Yourself section.
I love how friendly and usable it is, particularly for people like me. I can understand some things about how computers work, but not totally. So this friendly page totally worked for me.
You will see below all parts needed to assemble a PC are listed there, then if you click per item, the items will appear in a scroll down- listing the brand, specs and price. Cool.
Then all the other parts for sale are grayed out and cannot be clicked on until you have chosen from each scroll-down. I love this feature because it means it lessens the chance of forgetting to order a computer part you need.
I particularly noticed how I liked this when I asked, "But what if I don't want to buy this part because I have a spare?" Not to worry, you can just click on the first choice -- select one -- then the next computer part will be un-grayed and ready for selection.
Then as you choose, you will find your total bill is automatically computed at the bottom. So if you are on a strict budget, you know when to go back to the item you picked to choose a computer part for a lesser price but will still fit your online zoom-zoom needs.
And yes, it is easy to go back to the first items you already chose and change the specs around, until you get your PC that suits your budget.
Great for semi-knowledgeable, semi-ignorant computer hardware users like me! :-)
Anyway, I didn't finish that order online, so I can't comment on the other features of the site.
However, conversion was not lost. I DID go to their West Avenue office. Because I liked this website feature so much, with clear pricing and specs and package totals, I ignored the other 2 computer stores that I often visit online for pricing (Interestingly, the other one was closed? Shocking.).
The staff at PC Gilmore West Avenue were friendly and helpful, and cheery. I explained that I wanted the prepared package plus minus some parts I wanted changed. No problem. As I waited for my CPU to be given birth to, I observed how knowledgeable the staff are about the prices and the items as they dealt with the other customers. I also scrolled through the prices of their items and I think these are pretty affordable. Plus assembly was quick, I got my CPU immediately and went home happy.
Yes, pcgilmore.com.ph and PC Gilmore West Avenue is a good example of great online experience, merged with excellent real-time service. 2 thumbs up.
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I need new zoom-zoom stuff for work, my Old Reliable has been complaining about old age for sometime now. Through the years, when I needed PC parts prices, I usually go to 2 sites for price references.
But then, I saw PCGilmore online and I love this site: http://www.pcgilmore.com.ph , particularly their Do-It-Yourself section.
I love how friendly and usable it is, particularly for people like me. I can understand some things about how computers work, but not totally. So this friendly page totally worked for me.
You will see below all parts needed to assemble a PC are listed there, then if you click per item, the items will appear in a scroll down- listing the brand, specs and price. Cool.
Then all the other parts for sale are grayed out and cannot be clicked on until you have chosen from each scroll-down. I love this feature because it means it lessens the chance of forgetting to order a computer part you need.
I particularly noticed how I liked this when I asked, "But what if I don't want to buy this part because I have a spare?" Not to worry, you can just click on the first choice -- select one -- then the next computer part will be un-grayed and ready for selection.
Then as you choose, you will find your total bill is automatically computed at the bottom. So if you are on a strict budget, you know when to go back to the item you picked to choose a computer part for a lesser price but will still fit your online zoom-zoom needs.
Great for semi-knowledgeable, semi-ignorant computer hardware users like me! :-)
Anyway, I didn't finish that order online, so I can't comment on the other features of the site.
However, conversion was not lost. I DID go to their West Avenue office. Because I liked this website feature so much, with clear pricing and specs and package totals, I ignored the other 2 computer stores that I often visit online for pricing (Interestingly, the other one was closed? Shocking.).
The staff at PC Gilmore West Avenue were friendly and helpful, and cheery. I explained that I wanted the prepared package plus minus some parts I wanted changed. No problem. As I waited for my CPU to be given birth to, I observed how knowledgeable the staff are about the prices and the items as they dealt with the other customers. I also scrolled through the prices of their items and I think these are pretty affordable. Plus assembly was quick, I got my CPU immediately and went home happy.
Yes, pcgilmore.com.ph and PC Gilmore West Avenue is a good example of great online experience, merged with excellent real-time service. 2 thumbs up.
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20 September 2010
Moving Work Spots
I am still in the middle ages, I trust a desktop computer more even if the laptops today are very capable in speed and reliability.
I have notice the past weeks working at my spot in the house leaves me quite unproductive for my standards, and I blame my spot.
I have a majestic view of the San Mateo mountains from my bedroom window and for the longest time I have resisted the idea to put work stuff in my room. My rule has always been don't merge work with sleeping. And I have the space to work outside the room and why not. But recently, I think I have been so bored with my spot I am yielding to myself. When I get my new PC (I am very tempted to get a quad core baby, another desktop again hehe, instead of a slower lappy) I will set up another work area in my bedroom for that view.
Anyhoo, someone moved my first work area and I am quite glad about it..
I'll see if moving spots will make me more productive....
To be continued....
How about you? Has this happened to you, that when you moved your work area at home, your productivity increased?
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I have notice the past weeks working at my spot in the house leaves me quite unproductive for my standards, and I blame my spot.
I have a majestic view of the San Mateo mountains from my bedroom window and for the longest time I have resisted the idea to put work stuff in my room. My rule has always been don't merge work with sleeping. And I have the space to work outside the room and why not. But recently, I think I have been so bored with my spot I am yielding to myself. When I get my new PC (I am very tempted to get a quad core baby, another desktop again hehe, instead of a slower lappy) I will set up another work area in my bedroom for that view.
Anyhoo, someone moved my first work area and I am quite glad about it..
I'll see if moving spots will make me more productive....
To be continued....
How about you? Has this happened to you, that when you moved your work area at home, your productivity increased?
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19 September 2010
In a Day, No Change of Scenery for Online Freelance Workers
Sometimes, I can't help but go "bwsh" at people who say we are merely at home.
If there is one thing the regular office people can enjoy that we freelancers at home cannot, it's the change in pace or the break from being in the workplace when the clock strikes after 8 hours of work.
We do not have that luxury UNLESS we are strict about it to ourselves
But as I repeatedly say, online freelancers have this natural capacity to work and work and work even without prodding ... It is easy to get lost in work and work 12 hours, 16 hours on a project, especially if there are no children or partners to remind us to live.
However, one of our strengths is being able to tell ourselves what to do and do it. So I guess we can tell ourselves to just stop.
But to repeat my point, regular office workers have the luxury to be told to stop. And the commute home is a break for the brain to change the next situation to face, which is family then rest.
How about you online freelancer? Is it easy for you to stop work for the day?
Are you good with the no change of scenery for most of the day and the weeks?
Regular office people. what's your take on this?
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If there is one thing the regular office people can enjoy that we freelancers at home cannot, it's the change in pace or the break from being in the workplace when the clock strikes after 8 hours of work.
We do not have that luxury UNLESS we are strict about it to ourselves
But as I repeatedly say, online freelancers have this natural capacity to work and work and work even without prodding ... It is easy to get lost in work and work 12 hours, 16 hours on a project, especially if there are no children or partners to remind us to live.
However, one of our strengths is being able to tell ourselves what to do and do it. So I guess we can tell ourselves to just stop.
But to repeat my point, regular office workers have the luxury to be told to stop. And the commute home is a break for the brain to change the next situation to face, which is family then rest.
How about you online freelancer? Is it easy for you to stop work for the day?
Are you good with the no change of scenery for most of the day and the weeks?
Regular office people. what's your take on this?
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17 September 2010
Affordable Mac Laptop!
This mac laptop not only caters to your online power needs, but also keeps the doctor away.
LOLOLOLOLOL
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LOLOLOLOLOL
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15 September 2010
When is Payday for Online Workers?
Some online workers who work for regular stints get paid in the usual 15th/ 30th of the month.
But for others who work per project, and have some amounts set aside already and are not financially dependent on the next paycheck, I realize payday can be any day you want it to be payday.
Cool, huh?
Yep, another one of those perks of working online freelance...
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But for others who work per project, and have some amounts set aside already and are not financially dependent on the next paycheck, I realize payday can be any day you want it to be payday.
Cool, huh?
Yep, another one of those perks of working online freelance...
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08 September 2010
Smile!
Cute web usability venn diagram :
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04 September 2010
Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run on October 17, 2010
It is not uncommon for Online Filipino Workers to have blogs and the perks that come with it. Perks include getting invites to events, the freebies, some other earning methods. I'm not too familiar with these, my main interest to earn with a blog is through Adsense. I have lived under the rock for most of my life so I'm sure I'm not upto much socializing.
One of my bestfriends and also online worker Adreamer though likes going to blog events if the products or advocacy interest her (and if she actually uses the products). She allowed me to tag-along to the Blue Water Day Spa press conference last September 2, 2010. Since I was there anyway might as well blog about it.
Anyhoo, Blue Water Spa announced they are having a fun run this October 17, 2010 (that's a Sunday) at the seaside of SM Mall of Asia. It starts real early, 5AM so be sure you get enough sleep. Interesting though that for this fun run, singlets can be jazzed and snazzed up. Plus at the end of the race, you can choose to get a massage! They also have a whole slew of celebrities endorsing and running that day, so you have some eye candy while you put one foot in front of the other. Yes, Blue Water Spa thinks of everything so that you'll surely be contented and balanced. See more info and register for the Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run.
Blue Water Spa is encouraging people to go for total wellness. Being fit is not just exercising alone, or having a massage alone. It is best to be combine everything in taking care of yourself - good diet, exercise, good health practices. I have to agree with that. Plus add in lots of love joy, and passion for your interests, I'm sure you will live life well.
Since I'm writing about Blue Water Day Spa anyway (Please note: they don't know me and I don't know them.) I'm adding their services here just in case you are thinking of getting a massage or some relaxing body treatment.
Alright, now I'm tempted to drop by... maybe I'll drag Adreamer there and get me some full body scrub...
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One of my bestfriends and also online worker Adreamer though likes going to blog events if the products or advocacy interest her (and if she actually uses the products). She allowed me to tag-along to the Blue Water Day Spa press conference last September 2, 2010. Since I was there anyway might as well blog about it.
Anyhoo, Blue Water Spa announced they are having a fun run this October 17, 2010 (that's a Sunday) at the seaside of SM Mall of Asia. It starts real early, 5AM so be sure you get enough sleep. Interesting though that for this fun run, singlets can be jazzed and snazzed up. Plus at the end of the race, you can choose to get a massage! They also have a whole slew of celebrities endorsing and running that day, so you have some eye candy while you put one foot in front of the other. Yes, Blue Water Spa thinks of everything so that you'll surely be contented and balanced. See more info and register for the Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run.
Blue Water Spa is encouraging people to go for total wellness. Being fit is not just exercising alone, or having a massage alone. It is best to be combine everything in taking care of yourself - good diet, exercise, good health practices. I have to agree with that. Plus add in lots of love joy, and passion for your interests, I'm sure you will live life well.
Since I'm writing about Blue Water Day Spa anyway (Please note: they don't know me and I don't know them.) I'm adding their services here just in case you are thinking of getting a massage or some relaxing body treatment.
- Body Scrub
- Special Touch Treatments
- Head and Feet Treatments
- Facial Treatments
Alright, now I'm tempted to drop by... maybe I'll drag Adreamer there and get me some full body scrub...
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01 September 2010
Maybe it's Time For You to Optimize your Blog for Mobile Surfing
Lots of experts have been saying this since late 2009 and this year and I was turning a deaf ear.
Optimize your blog for mobile surfing since a lot of people surf using their cells phones and portable units. This has been proven by the considerable increase in spending by using mobile units in 2009.
But no, I haven't been listening. I have only noticed it just now because it has become an annoyance for me to surf using a phone and the PSP (PsPs are great for wifi surfing, by the way because of the wide screen and fast loading) and it takes forever for blogs to load.
I checked this blog though and it loads just fine on mobile. My other blogs though are too wide and the text scrunches together in a thin column.
Will have to fix that soon.
I hope you do too so you don't miss out on readers who want to view your blog. Check out how your blog looks in a mobile phone and if it's easy to use there. If you don't have a surfing phone, you can also run a search in Google and look for IPhone simulators. It will have a small screen like a phone's, you can run your blog's URL there and it will show you how your blog looks if viewed from a phone.
Til Next,
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Optimize your blog for mobile surfing since a lot of people surf using their cells phones and portable units. This has been proven by the considerable increase in spending by using mobile units in 2009.
But no, I haven't been listening. I have only noticed it just now because it has become an annoyance for me to surf using a phone and the PSP (PsPs are great for wifi surfing, by the way because of the wide screen and fast loading) and it takes forever for blogs to load.
I checked this blog though and it loads just fine on mobile. My other blogs though are too wide and the text scrunches together in a thin column.
Will have to fix that soon.
I hope you do too so you don't miss out on readers who want to view your blog. Check out how your blog looks in a mobile phone and if it's easy to use there. If you don't have a surfing phone, you can also run a search in Google and look for IPhone simulators. It will have a small screen like a phone's, you can run your blog's URL there and it will show you how your blog looks if viewed from a phone.
Til Next,
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