As a writer, I spend an inordinate amount of time on my laptop. Unfortunately, I’m also easily distracted, and my laptop has plenty to distract me. I decided that I needed a computer built specifically to boost my productivity; this is how it went.
Repurposing an Old Laptop as a Productivity Machine
For my writing and productivity computer, I chose an old Toshiba Satellite Pro of uncertain provenance. After replacing theCMOS battery, it booted into Windows 10—but only after about 20 minutes. This would not do. A slow and clunky OS is not conducive to productivity.I opted toinstall a basic Ubuntu distro, and an hour or so later, the laptop was up and running.While it wasn’t a rocket machine, it was fast enough for the purpose.
After installing it, I checked the apps and decided Firefox had to go. I would need internet access, but it would need to be alightweight and no-frills browser.
I used thesudo apt remove firefoxcommand to remove Firefox. However, although it appeared to do as I asked, Firefox was still on the system. It was only when I ran the commandsudo snap remove firefoxdid Firefox fully uninstall.
Finally, I ensured there were no unnecessary start-up apps, and that was it. My not-quite-a-rocket-ship but fast enough computer was ready for the next stage of its resurrection.
What Should the Productivity Machine Include?
Keeping focused on the task at hand is something I’ve always struggled with. I can be working away quite happily and suddenly—oh, look, a shiny thing! And that can be me for a good long while.
However, much as I would like to, stripping this down to a glorified word processor isn’t either practical or useful. Compromises will need to be made. Writing is a vocation that involves lots of note-taking and research, which requires apps. Of course, some form of word processor will also be required.
So, for the next stage of the project, I need to select and install a basic set of tools that allow me to work with the least possible distraction.
Lightweight and Basic Browser
I considered not installing a browser, as the internet can be a major distraction. However, it wasn’t feasible. Having no internet would mean jumping to a different machine every time I need to check a fact, which would be at odds with the point of the exercise.
To compromise, I opted to install a browser called Min. Min, a lightweight and fast browser designed to browse the internet with few distractions.
Among its features are:
I tried two or three other options before deciding that Min was the right one for the project.Bravecame close but wasn’t as quick as Min. I also triedFalkonandMidori, but neither ran particularly well on my machine. Min ticked all the boxes.
One lesson I learned was that I should have left Firefox installed until I had a replacement up and running. Although I could easily get a browser from theApp Center, Min is only available as a download from theofficial Min browser website, meaning I had to install another browser first to download it. Hindsight can be a wonderful thing.
Word Processing Software
For the writing app, I opted forFocusWriter. The clue is in the name. FocusWriter, a basic lightweight word processor, has enough features to allow you to write without unnecessary distractions.
Among FocusWriter’s useful features are:
I think the best thing I can say about this is that there isn’t much more to say. It delivers on its promises. It’s a lightweight, basic writing tool that keeps you focused.
Note-Taking Software
Anote-taking appis another must-have for my productivity machine. For this purpose, I considered a few options before opting forZim Desktop Wiki. This is a tool I’ve used before and its features just seemed to fit with the way I work. It’s also a greatdistraction-free note-taking app.
Not only can I use it to effectively draft whole articles (I don’t, but the option is there), but it’s also great for structuring long-form projects and storing references.
Among the features I like about Zim Desktop Wiki are:
I did briefly consider using this as my word processor and dropping FocusWriter, but I still found the plain interface of the latter better for keeping my attention from wandering.
Other Considerations
Before I could call the experiment a success, there were a couple of other points that I’d need to address. The first was how to easilyswap files between Linux and Windows. There are plenty of ways to do this. However, ultimately, I decided to keep the installation as lean as possible and simply logged into my Dropbox account. Job done.
Finally,I installedPomodoroto keep me focused even when not writing. This simple tool isbased on the Pomodoro technique. It keeps you focused by breaking your work into 25-minute sessions with a five-minute break after each one and a longer fifteen-minute break every four sessions. A simple yet effective tool that allows you to customize your session lengths and breaks to suit.
Did the Experiment Work?
The short answer is—yes, the experiment worked. It only took a few hours to set the machine up and—at the end of the day—I had a machine that allowed me to work with a minimum of distraction.
Do I use it every day? No, there are occasions when having access to all the tools and resources available on my everyday computer is essential. But I do use it two or three times a week, and it certainly improves my productivity when I do.
Ultimately, it’s the technological equivalent of a quiet room—a place to go when focus and a distraction-free environment are required.
