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Computers Are Not Designed for Productivity

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Re: Computers Are Not Designed for Productivity

#71

Post by dllthomas »

GuiA wrote: post #5

I have a Linux laptop on which I run a tiling window manager (in my case, Xmonad), and nothing else. No system tray, no quick launch bar, nothing. (if you're not familiar with tiling window managers, they're window managers in which windows are arranged automatically to a) fully occupy the screen and b) never overlap. They're extremely customizable, but typically you'll have a vertical half of your screen with a main…

Enjoying Haskell, I've been tempted to switch to XMonad. I tried once, spent about an hour trying to configure it how I thought I'd want it, realized I was recreating my experience on ratpoison, and shelved it until I found something I wanted that was a pain to create in ratpoison. I expect that will happen eventually, but it hasn't yet.

Re: Computers Are Not Designed for Productivity

#72

Post by dllthomas »

threatofrain wrote: post #61
im2w1l wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Reading your comment I couldn't help but notice the juxtaposition of >I don't think the problem is OS design. >a few actions away is a Stargate to another world. Maybe we should design the OS so that "the stargate" is a whole lot of actions away.

I don't think the user would take kindly to obstructions to their browsing / app experience... "Why does it take an extra unnecessary step to launch an app!? You're telling me this is for my own psychological good?!" I suppose this goes to classical arguments about the role of government in banning drugs or mandating seat belts. The state doesn't think you are responsible enough, so they create an external structure…

Who said anything about mandating?

I know I periodically drop

    0.0.0.0 news.ycombinator.com
    0.0.0.0 reddit.com
in my /etc/hosts file.

I also added a "don't let me switch from this window until I ask to be able to switch from this window" setting in my WM.

It doesn't have to be imposed externally to be helpful.

Re: Computers Are Not Designed for Productivity

#73

Post by dllthomas »

switch007 wrote: post #2

I think the title is slightly hyperbolic. A linux distro gives you almost unlimited possibilities to be productive. Most of the issues can be solved with: - A tiling window manager such as xmonad. - Using virtual desktops/separate windows in addition to tabs - Discipline. Hell, have a "work" user and a "fun" user and completely switch profiles. The tools are available. It takes some minor out-of-the-box thinking and…

In ratpoison, I have found the following useful for my work flow (terminal window per context with screen inside) - it probably wouldn't be for everyone:

    alias lock definekey top C-f readkey locked
    alias unlock definekey top C-f readkey root
    bind grave lock
    newkmap locked
    definekey locked f meta
    definekey locked a time
    definekey locked grave unlock
    definekey locked backslash readkey music
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