Software meant to optimize the user experience is more than plentiful on the Internet today. There is almost certainly a program available, for purchase or for free, for even the most obscure user needs. To help parse through some of the less than desirable programs out there, here are three programs that can really streamline user experience.
f.lux – Adaptive Display Controller
Eye strain is a significant problem for most users that find themselves in front of a glaring, bright monitor for several hours of the day. Furthermore, the blue light of the display has been linked to decreased quality and quantity of sleep when a computer has been used close to bedtime. To combat both the drawbacks of prolonged and late-night computer use, users should look into f.lux, software that changes the display’s brightness according to the time of day.
When run in the background, f.lux applies a warm colour filter to the display. The intensity of the filter depends on the time of day – the display uses the default brightness and colour calibration during the morning and afternoon, gradually darkening and applying an orange-red filter as the day goes on. For those watching movies or working on colour-sensitive projects in programs such as Photoshop, f.lux can be temporarily disabled to return the display to the default colour calibrations.
Ninite – Software Installation and Update Manager
After buying a new computer, users must go through the hassle of installing all of their required and preferred programs. Rather than browse several webpages, download multiple installers, and run each .exe file individually, one can simply use Ninite to grab and prepare everything at once.
Ninite is an all-in-one installation utility that manages multiple software programs at once. After selecting the software to install on Ninite’s homepage, users can download a single .exe file that automatically installs the previously chosen software in the background. Before installing a piece of software, Ninite checks to see if your current version is up-to-date to prevent installing multiple versions on a computer. Ninite also forgoes installing any added software included in installations, preventing third-party toolbars from sneaking onto your browsers by accident. To update any of the software installed, users can simply run the .exe file again.
Though Ninite is only available for Windows and Linux computers, a similar program, Get Mac Apps, is available for Mac users.
AutoHotkey – Versatile Scripting Tool
Most laptop users enjoy the ease of use provided by the ‘Function’ (Fn) key. Similar to how the ‘Shift’ or ‘Caps Lock’ keys work, the ‘Fn’ key permits users to perform a variety of advanced actions by pressing it in conjunction with another key. For Windows users, a versatile and powerful tool that can emulate and exceed the usefulness of the ‘Fn’ key is available in the form of AutoHotkey.
With AutoHotkey, a user can map custom scripts to perform complex actions with their keyboard and mouse, as previously described. Laptop users can even map commands to the ‘Fn’ key in addition to the factory defaults. AutoHotkey also offers context-sensitive shortcuts that only work when a certain program is running. Though the syntax and setup is fairly advanced, AutoHotkey offers amazing support through its documentation and forums to get users started.
Here are a few examples of how AutoHotkey can be utilized:
- Rather than switch back and forth from a user’s native keyboard language or memorize all of the inputs for numpad ALT codes, users can map shortcuts for special characters, such as accents. This is extremely useful for users that work in multiple languages, as inputting an é can be shortened from ALT + 130 to a simpler input like ‘Fn’ + ‘E’.
- For laptop users that prefer using a numpad for numerical inputs, users can map a numpad-like setup to their keyboard. This work-around circumvents the use of additional equipment, such as an external USB number pad.
- Alternatively, users that never use the number pad can map each numpad key to quickly open frequently used programs or directories. Being able to open an internet browser window or your documents folder with a single numpad input becomes an invaluable tool over time.
References
[i] [Computer Experience]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/1newwebsite/departmentsubject/computerandinformationsciences/1600x600/computer-and-info-sciences.gif
