Archive for August, 2008

Microsoft One Note #2 – The Setup

If you missed my previous post on this most awesome piece of software guaranteed to make every pastor’s life easier then just know that you need it.  Download the free 60 day trial here.

One of the great things about One Note is the in-built tutorial.  I’ll be using it to show you how it’s set up.  Here is the basic layout:

The column down the left hand side is your Notebooks.  You can have as many of these as you like.  I’ve got different notebooks for Church, Home, Sermons and College.  The icon 2nd from the bottom is your Unfiled Notes section for note pages you need to create in a hurry.  You can drag them elsewhere later.

The tabs up the top are your Sections in your current notebook.  Again the number of these is up to you but it’s best to start small.  For example in my Church notebook I have Meeting Notes, Meeting Agendas, Projects, Planning, Leadership, Misc and Blogs.

Down the right hand side are your Pages.  You can create as many note pages in each section as you want.

Above your working area you have the standard Microsoft drop down menus and toolbars. There’s no ribbon device like Word, Excel and Powerpoint possibly because it would take up too much useful note taking space.  At the top near the Help menu is a handy Full Screen button too.

You also never have to save your work as One Note saves automatically which is cool.  For a STACK more cool features I’ll post again soon.  So… who’s keen so far?

2008
08/20
CATEGORY
Productivity
Software
TAGS

3 comments

Don’t Get ‘Lost’

Getting ‘lost’ is what I call what happens when you sit down at your computer to do something specific (e.g. write an email, find out the weather for tomorrow, do stats or something) and you get distracted for a time because of all the other ‘cool’ things at your fingertips.

I get ‘lost’ regularly.  But I’ve worked out a few ways to stop it… or at least reduce it as much as possible.

1. Use a browser that wont distract you.  I use Firefox with igoogle as my homepage and Flock with the same (plus the standard ‘My World’ links).  If I’m not working or having a lunch break I’ll use Flock because I’m much more likely to be distracted with all the links and cool features!  Normally I use Firefox because it’s my ‘working’ browser.  HOWEVER!!!  igoogle can be a massive distraction especially if you have RSS feeds on there.  So before the page comes up hit STOP and type in what you’re really after.

2. Have your emails checking when you hit Send/Receive, not every 2 minutes.  I used to have it on 2 minutes… now I think I’ve stretched it to 10 as my minimum.  I change it back and forth between 10 minutes and only when I hit S/R depending on my level of distraction.

3. Change how Outlook notifies you of emails.  Read this for peace and quiet and less distraction!

4. Decide what you are going to do before you start something.  Also having a time frame on that job is important too… how long should this take me?  If you get ‘lost’ the 5 minute job might take 30 minutes… and that’s a big waste of time and a massive reduction in effectiveness and productivity.

What do you do to keep from getting ‘lost’?

2008
08/19
CATEGORY
Productivity
TAGS


2 comments

Microsoft One Note #1 – First Impressions

Recently I did up a list of programs that I think are essential for pastors to have. That was before I found One Note. I now think One Note would top my list. Put it this way… If I was starting out in ministry I would want someone to tell me that One Note was around. It’s that good.

One Note is a note taking, information collecting and organising program. It’s the electronic equivalent of a paper notebook and is set up with sections and pages for ease of use.

One Note has quickly become my go to program for just about anything I find that I want to keep. It’s designed to be the place you go to organise all the pieces of information you find from pretty much anywhere. It’s also fully collaborative and ridiculously easy to use.

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that One Note could totally revolutionise the way I do ministry. Already I’m finding it a brilliant resource and I’ve been using it for less than 2 weeks. Pastors have lots of plates spinning at any given time, ideas flowing all the time, several projects running at once plus planning, meetings, sermons and leadership stuff to devote their time to. What could be better than a program custom made to help you organise all that info so that it’s at your fingertips at any time?

One Note, I’m happy to say, is that program.

Before we go any further, if you’re even mildly interested you should read this: What’s New in Microsoft One Note 2007

Or if you want a quick top 10 for why One Note could make your life easier click here: One Note Top 10 Benefits

Microsoft have also provided One Note for a free 60 day trial here.

Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be reviewing One Note a little more in depth. I’ll look at how One Note is set up, some very cool features and will talk about how I use One Note.

I love it… So go and download the trial and test it out! You wont be disappointed. It’s very customisable and helps you start well with it’s built in tutorial. Let me know how you go!

2008
08/04
CATEGORY
Software
TAGS










10 comments