Five of the worst tech habits you should leave in 2019
Studies have found that New Year’s resolutions just don’t tend to work. By the second Friday in January (Friday 10th this year!) many people are struggling with their new habits. Less than 25% of people stick to their resolutions until the end of January and only 8% accomplish them.
Don’t let that put you off though. If you’ve already caved and gone back to your bad habits, or you’ve yet to make a commitment this year, we have five tech-related bad habits that you should definitely be leaving in 2019.
One account for multiple users.
We’ve started the list with a resolution that’s easy to keep. Simply, create user accounts for everyone that needs one. This has a whole host of positives. Firstly, for many pieces of software, it’s part of the service agreement and we know companies like Microsoft are clamping down on such behaviour.
By having separate user accounts, you can also track who does what, which is especially useful if something breaks or goes missing, and avoid issues associated with multiple people working on the same document. Most importantly though, you can limit access to documents, features and data, depending on who needs what, creating a degree of privacy for your users and your customers.
Throwing away computer equipment.
This is another easy habit to break! The waste created by old, damaged or unfixable tech isn’t great for our environment, meaning you’ll want to avoid it ending up in landfill. This extends to peripherals like keyboards and mice too.
When our customers have out-dated tech, we recycle it for them. We will wipe all of the data from any device and where possible donate the old computer equipment to a local cause or charity. Where that isn’t possible, we’ll send the kit to be recycled. Technology has plenty of reusable parts that when taken apart can be put to good use. This is much better than it rotting at landfill!
Reusing passwords.
If you’re still re-using passwords for multiple accounts – stop now! This is one of the worst habits there is when it comes to technology. When you have one password for multiple accounts, it only takes one mistake, and someone can have access to everything.
What’s more, it doesn’t have to be your own mistake. Companies have a bad track record of losing customer records so don’t think you’re safe just because your one password is particularly complicated. Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and if you have difficulty remembering them, invest in a good password manager.
Poor posture and a lack of breaks.
This habit is a little bit harder than the others to break, and unfortunately, many of us are guilty of it. However, as many of us rely on time in front of the computer, it’s incredibly important we’re aware of it.
Simply put, slouching in front of a computer for hours a day isn’t good for you! Make sure you’re sat comfortably, with your knees at 90 degrees, your feet flat on the floor and adequate support for your back. Take frequent breaks to take the strain off your eyes, work in a well-lit environment and if it helps request a screen for your monitor that reduces the glare.
Being at the mercy of your emails.
It’s easy to spend a day working at your desk, only to realise come the end, that you haven’t actually achieved anything that you set out to do. Why? Because you’ve spent all day responding to emails.
Close your emails frequently to give yourself time to complete the tasks that you need to complete. Stop letting other people dictate what work you should be doing and prioritise your own workload. Once you you’ve done what you need to, you can open your inbox again. Don’t worry about missing something important either. If somebody needs you urgently they’ll call.
