Does Using Multiple Computers Speed Writing Productivity? How?

Lyn Lomasi
Are you looking for a way to speed up your writing productivity? Think you've tried everything in the book on working faster? Perhaps you've even considered the possibility of networking household devices together for this purpose. Does using multiple computers speed writing productivity? Perhaps my experience with this method will help you decide if it will work for you.

Why Should I Set up Multiple Computers?

Setting up two or more computers may help speed up productivity for some article writers. You might delegate all internet activities to one and all the writing to another. This can help save the time it takes to switch back and forth from web pages to writing documents. It may seem like a small amount of time. But if you write articles for a living, that time really adds up. Even if you are not doing any web research at the moment, you could still make use of multiple computers. Splitting writing documents between two or more computers might be easier than flipping back and forth between documents on just one computer.

How to Set Up Two or More Computers for Article Writing

When setting up multiple computers to increase article writing speed, there are several factors to consider. First, be sure the computers are in very close proximity to each other. The computers also need to be angled in a way that makes it easy to transition from one to the other. For instance, if one computer is facing toward you and one is facing the complete opposite direction, you will need to move your chair or computer every time. If you will need to move across the room to switch computers, this will not be convenient either. It may even waste time instead of saving it. You can even network the computers that share the same operating system to save you from transferring files by disk. If they do not share an operating system, a USB flash drive is a very fast option for sharing files back and forth.

Tips for Using Multiple Computers

  • Use a large work table or desk area. L-shaped workstations are especially useful, if you use a rolling chair.

  • Network for the fastest file sharing option. Use a USB flash drive for the next best.

  • Delegate a different task or project to each computer.

Does Using Two or More Computers Really Save Time?

Results may depend on the person. Some may get stressed at the thought of multiple computers. Others, like myself may naturally fall right into it. Signs that it may work for you include the ability to quickly navigate one computer between documents and websites, being a multitasker, and having the ability to work in changing situations. Signs it may not work for you include having little knowledge of operations on just one computer, getting stressed easily, and not being able to perform in varying situations or under pressure. Like anything else, it will only save time for the person who feels comfortable doing things this way.

Recommended Related Articles:

Tips for Writing Multiple Articles at Once by Lyn Lomasi

How to Balance Time for Writing, Networking, and More at AC by Lyn Lomasi

Stay on Task With Writing and Write More Each Day by Lisa Mason

Lyn is an AC Community Guide and loves helping fellow writers. If you need help, please feel free to ask her questions via the comment section, Welcome Wagon forum, or private messaging.

Published by Lyn Lomasi - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Lyn's the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Contact her with community issues & ideas. She's been contributing since 2007 and previously acted as a Community Guide. Read her tips for success...   View profile

24 Comments

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  • Kay Balbi 1/22/2011

    I do a lot of reading/writing with my laptop wherever I go. Then when it is time for researching or coordinating, I use my desktop with my laptop and things fly.

  • Tony Payne 8/23/2010

    Good ideas. You could also use 1 computer with 2 monitors, and put different windows on different screens. You could also with 2 computers that were not close to each other use VNC, which allows you to access one computer from the other, to display the desktop and to work as if you were actually on that computer. VNC is free too.

  • Julia Bodeeb 8/1/2010

    Interesting idea, I've only seen stock invesing workers do that

  • Michele Starkey 7/14/2010

    Good tip, Lyn. Cheers :)

  • Cheri Majors, M.S. 7/13/2010

    Great tips Lyn! Now where did I put my other laptop?

  • Victoria Erin 7/10/2010

    I have seen people who work in business and finance that use this technique. Iwant to do it but I can only afford to have one computer at the moment. Maybe someday, I can really have an office with two o three computers. Filled wth books and newspapers and any other reading materials that my little ol' heart desires. Great tips and thank for the article.

  • Tricia Sabol 7/10/2010

    Interesting concept -- thanks for sharing!

  • C. Jeanne Heida 7/9/2010

    Great how-to :)

  • Linda M. McCloud 7/9/2010

    Interesting. This would help on those days that my internet connection is slow.

  • Linda Louise Johnson 7/8/2010

    Not sure I can figure the network file sharing out -- but I have done research on the laptop and keyboarding on the desktop.

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