Chapter 12. Evolution: Keeping Organized

It is sometimes hard for me to fathom as I look at the piles of papers, books, cables, devices, and toys scattered across my desk, that computers have helped in getting us more organized. No, it's true. Work with me here.

Once upon a time, I used to make appointments, scribble down the information, and hope that I could find it again later. Maybe it wasn't an appointment, but a dinner date or somebody's birthday. Either way, if I got lucky and managed to find my paper planner (or scrap of paper) in time, I might just make it to where I was supposed to be. My friends will tell you that I was always twenty minutes late. These days, I'm only five minutes late. The reason? My personal digital assistant. Currently, it is a Palm Zire 72 but I have had others. There's nothing like an alarm going off to remind you that yes, you do have something planned.

I keep my PDA backed up and synced to my notebook computer, on which I do my writing. My notebook also has a copy of the calendar with all its appointments on it in a great little piece of software called GNOME Pilot. Now, if I happen to leave my PDA in another part of the house, there is a second piece of software ready to warn me when I'm supposed to return a phone call. My life is far from being perfectly organized, but trust me; it has improved dramatically. In time, I'm aiming for being only two minutes late.

Ready? Great. Let's synchronize those watches.