Sometimes it becomes really important to avoid distractions when using computers. Things like animations can be disruptive for your work and concentration. These are some things one can try to make the computer or other devices less intrusive.
- Disable JavaScript in the settings of your web browser. Some sites will become useless without JavaScript, but many of those sites were useless even with JavaScript on. In the cases where you really need to use a site that depends on JavaScript, activate JavaScript temporarily, or use a different browser with JavaScript enabled. (Yes, I realise the irony in the fact that this blog uses JavaScript.)
- Disable Flash. This is a good idea for security reasons as well.
- Mute sound.
- Disable all notifications you can think of.
- Go into private mode. This makes it less of a worry that sites leave permanent traces on your computer.
- Avoid all news sites, or at least access them only once a day.
- If you use social forums, mute people who
- Are of completely opposite political opinions.
- Promote your own political opinions with stupid fervour.
- Set the screen to black and white. (“Accessibility” section and then "Grayscale" on Apple devices.) Note: If your reason to make the computer less intrusive is that you are depressed, it may not be a good idea to set the screen to black and white. Depending on what kind of depression you have, colours could cheer you up.
