If you’re a desktop user, you may be used to having everything set on your computer in such a way that everything can be done quickly and efficiently. You’re probably so used to your desktop setup that you don’t even think you can gain the same productivity by working online. We beg to differ.
Now don’t get us wrong. Getting things done online isn’t easy. There are so many distractions that can take your attention away from the task at hand. Before you know it, you’ve spent hours on websites like Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube. But it takes a different type of website to convert that online distraction into online productivity.
The first step to online productivity is to develop key habits that can develop into everyday routine. Yet, adopting new habits is the most difficult step, and it often helps if you have the right tools.
Finding online productivity tools can be tricky, but once you do, the payoff is immense. They will save you precious hours by making your work more efficient. Below is a list of essential resources for finding the best online productivity tools that can help you organize your work and your life.
GoogleApps—When on the subject of online productivity, Google should not be missed. It’s the favourite platform when it comes to online productivity. With a single Google account ID you can gain access to a number of Google apps like Google Calendar and Google Mail, most of which can also be access and synced with mobile phones, the iPhone or Blackberries.
Forget Word: 13 Online Word Processors—From Mashable.com, here’s a list that can help all types of writers to make the transition from the desktop to the Web a whole lot easier. You’ll find a number of document processing tools that can give you great alternatives to getting your work done.
15 Awesome Time Management Tools and Apps—Being productive online is just as important as being productive offline. If you’re having troubles trying to keep all your tasks in order, check out this list from Dumb Little Man that collects some of the best tools to help you with managing your time from wherever you are online.
27 Free Must-have Online Collaboration Tools—Weaning yourself off the desktop is even harder if you don’t have the right tools to stay in touch, face to face with your colleagues. You may think it impossible to effectively meet over projects without that boardroom atmosphere or that desktop network. However, it is. It’s so common that you can now find a dozen lists of web conferencing software online. From Crazeegeekchick.com, you can find a list of 27 free collaboration tools that work online. Give it a try.
The 5 Best Free File Hosting Services To Store Your Files —Of course, how productive could you be if you couldn’t stash your files somewhere on the web to work on later? The answer is, not very. That’s why we added this list. SmashingApps.com has a handy list of 5 places where you can keep your files secure and accessible.
10 Tools to Combine, Mix, Blend Multiple RSS Feeds—Another great list of online productivity tools. This time featuring RSS Feeds, an essential to your everyday routine. If you still haven’t gotten rid of the email inbox newsletter, you’re missing out on a faster, more efficient way of doing it.
Sure you can get them in your inbox, but if you’re not at your usual desktop email client you’ll need an alternative. And this list provides a number of good ones that not only give you the feeds you need, but also give you the versatility of making a mashup out of them.
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Remember the Milk – This list would certainly not be complete without Remember the Milk. As a task manager, it is very efficient and is compatible with different tools such as Blackberry, the iPhone, and the iPod. In addition, it can support various applications like Twitter, Gmail, and Google Calendar. If you need to integrate maps, create task clouds, or share your list with contacts, this tool can help as well.
Hopefully, these tools can help you become more productive on the internet. But more than using tools, it is your commitment to your work that matters. After all, tools are simply aids to human dedication and creativity. It is up to you to take advantage of it.
