Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it’s safe to say that computers have become a big part of our work and personal lives. However, many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to mastering their computers. Backing up files, configuring email clients, or even setting up a website can all seem like daunting tasks. Fortunately, there are tools available that can make using computers easier and more productive. In this article, we will be discussing two such tools – ActiveWords and Files, Folders, and Tags.

ActiveWords is a tool that turns every word you type into a potential command. This means that you can use it to look up information, launch programs, or even set up a series of actions that can be triggered with a single word. For example, if you type the word “weather” and hit the designated ActiveWords key, up pops a site where you can look up the weather. Similarly, if you type “Word” and hit the ActiveWords key, Microsoft Word opens. You can also create a script that automates your entire backup, defragmentation, and disk cleanup routine. Type a word you designate (such as “maintenance”) and hit the designated key, and the whole routine runs.

ActiveWords also brings you system-wide AutoCorrect functions. This means no more correcting double caps at the beginning of words, or misspelling anything. You can also create your own text substitution strings, so that you can insert your entire name, title, address, and contact info with a single word or phrase. There are over two dozen sets of pre-programmed actions and text substitutions included with ActiveWords, including plugins for popular programs and services like Outlook, Palm Desktop, and SalesForce, as well as specialized text substitution/AutoCorrect dictionaries for legal writing. You can also add your own.

One of the biggest advantages of ActiveWords is its versatility. You can use it for a variety of tasks, from looking up information to running complex scripts. It’s also easy to use, even for those who are not very tech-savvy. One drawback of ActiveWords is that it’s only available for Windows, which could be a disadvantage for users who prefer other operating systems.

Files, Folders, and Tags is a tool that allows you to add tags to any file or folder on your desktop. This means that you can browse your computer’s files the same way you browse your bookmarks at del.icio.us. Tagging is a far more powerful way to organize your data for several reasons. First, you can add more than one tag to a file or folder. For example, you may have a file that is both a financial record and essential for a project. With Files, Folders, and Tags, you can tag it with both categories, which means that it will come up when you browse files by either tag. Second, you can add tags “on the fly.” If a new project comes up later that might need the same file, just add the tag instead of worrying about copying it or moving it or having to find it every time it’s needed. Third, you can give more natural names to files and folders. For example, if your workplace has a project naming convention that creates folders with names like “Proj00084284SK1AAB-Cl142,” you can tag it “Gutter cleaning” and don’t worry about the gobbledygook.

Files, Folders, and Tags includes several tools to make working with tags easier, including a tray-based search tool, the ability to generate tag clouds, and an auto-scanner to help automate file tagging. With very little effort, you can be tagging and getting more done today! One drawback of Files, Folders, and Tags is that it’s only available for Windows, just like ActiveWords, which makes it less accessible to users of other operating systems.

In conclusion, ActiveWords and Files, Folders, and Tags are two powerful tools that can make your work and personal life easier and more productive. These tools are particularly useful for those who are not very tech-savvy but want to become more adept at using their computers. With ActiveWords, you can easily automate complex routines and insert text substitutions with a single word or phrase. With Files, Folders, and Tags, you can organize your files more effectively and find what you need quickly and easily. While both tools are only available for Windows, they are both versatile and easy to use, making them a valuable addition to any computer user’s toolkit.