HAGERSTOWN, Md. — According to the website Statista, over 96 percent of households in the United States has at least one computer. Whether it is a laptop or desktop, nearly every business or home makes use of these electronic devices. The 2026 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack features some tips that will help get the best use out of your computer, whether at home or at work.
Keep your projects organized
Organization is a powerful trait to have whether it is out in the workforce or in our everyday lives. Often when using a computer, users juggle tasks to stay ahead. Here is a tip to help keep projects and time organized.
“Create a desktop for every project – Create a separate desktop for work, another for personal stuff, and even one for entertainment. Switching between them by just pressing the Windows logo key + tab and select the desk top you want.”
Focus sessions to help stay on track
It is easy to get immersed in our digital work that we often lose track of time. According to gitnux.org, “Workers spend about 2.5 minutes switching between tasks before finishing the current one.” This can drag out our days and cost us hours of productivity. Here is suggestion from the Almanack.
“We all get distracted sometimes, especially when we’re tackling big projects. But with Focus sessions in Windows 11, you can break up your work into smaller, manageable chunks and stay on track. It’s simple: set a timer, work for a focused period and then take a break to recharge. To start, open the Clock app by selecting Start, open Clock, select Focus sessions, and you’re good to go.”
Multi-tasking made easy
For many of us, multi-tasking has become a way of life. It is estimated that the average adult switches tasks 28 times per hour based on metrics collected by worldmetrics.org. However, the same study shows that only about 4 percent actually complete all the tasks. This tip from the Almanack may be helpful.
“Master Snap layouts for multitasking – Snap layouts are designed to enhance multitasking capabilities. It makes it easier to view multiple apps simultaneously, boosting your productivity. Simply hover over the maximize button on any window to see the available layouts and choose the one that suits your needs.”
Protect your eyes
The use of computers is a necessity in nearly every job we do. For some roles, this requires hours of staring at bright screens. The Cleveland Clinic website warns of some dangers that come from staring at bright screens for too long.
“Prolonged staring at bright screens can cause digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome). Symptoms include headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity and eye pain”
The 2026 Almanack provides a tip to help protect us from the risks of digital eye strain.
“Enable dark mode for comfort – If you spend a lot of time in front of your screen, consider dark mode. It’s easier on the eyes, especially in low-light environments. To switch it on, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select Dark under the Choose your color section.
First published in 1797, it’s the second oldest almanac in the United States and has been in continuous publication for 230 years and is the only almanac in the United States still published by the founders’ direct descendants. Readers can order their own copies at https://localnews1.org/almanack-order.
