How do I use Internet – Antti Haverinen

I must confess very often I do hate computers and Internet.

As a Web Communications Specialist the alarm bells could be ringing. Luckily, the promise of a simplified online life has changed my life.

Relationship

Occasionally, I get confused and frustrated with Internet.

The complexity and badly built-up Web Services cause harms and raise dissatisfaction.

I can’t hide saying — that’s enough, goodbye Internet.

However, the projects must be finished on time. The sites must be maintained. The contacts with friends must be strengthen.

Recently I came across the idea of minimalism. If we could find simpler and more enjoyable ways to deal with Internet, we got more creative and productive too. Less could be more.

Why could´t we enjoy Internet and get the best part of it? Internet could bring some real benefits in our lives.

The promise of a simplified online life is here.

Time

One could consider me as a heavy-user of the Internet or an e-holic. As a professional I spend 8 hours a day on the Internet. It is too much, I think.

Provided that I stare at the computer a lot I’ve set up a time limit 1-2 hour day for the private purposes.

Tools & gadgets

I’ve been a Mac user since 2007. I don’t have any need for making any changing changing to the current situation. New iMac and its wireless solutions (the keyboard and the Magic Mouse) are impressive. From the professional perspective, using a Mac has dramatically boosted my productivity.

However, Mac represents a tool that helps me achieving desired results. It is a tool, nothing more.

I am also a happy  iPod Touch -user. Currently I have Nokia’s smartphone E61 but no access to the mobile web. Using it here in Belgium is so expensive hobby compared to Finland.

Perhaps, I am not a typical geek because I try to limit all gadgets in minimum. We don’t even have a television at home.

Applications

A huge fan for the ideology of the Open Source. It simply has already affected on positively in the world. Everyone should have the same opportunities.

Therefore it doesn´t come as a surprise, why I promote Firefox-browser with add-ons (Web Developer Toolbar, Firebug, Leechblock, FireFTP). I check my emails and sort through  my RSS-feeds with Thunderbird.

For watching movies a VLC is used. Other softwares for Mac like Cyberduck and MacVim are being utilizzed on daily basis.

I you had a Mac, I would like to recommend Adobe’s packages (Fireworks, Illustrator, Photoshop) and iPages. Marvellous apps.

Websites

It is worth mentioning I could not live without the BBC World Service and its wonderful podcasts, the Finnish Broadcasting Company and its mobile service, Smashing Magazine and BoagWorld.

When it comes to the social media I spend 15-30 minutes for checking what is happening in Facebook and Twitter in a day.

What I wish to learn?

The Web is constantly evolving. I am trying to stay tuned. Lots of issues must be learned.

Since I’ve personally faced the harmful symptoms of info-overloads and spent too much time online I’ve found myself figuring out the ideas how to improve the usage of computers and Internet.

That’s why this smartwaysweb.com exists.