YouthPastor2000

PC Corkboard is a Timesaver
By Tammy Treit

Screen shots Stress Monitor

Ever wish your screensaver was something useful? How often have you tacked sticky notes all over the side of your computer and thought isn't this what I have a computer for? Corkboard Screen Saver is a utility that acts like a screensaver and bulletin board all in one. It runs resident in your system tray and comes on like a screensaver at whatever time interval you choose or by simply clicking on its icon. You can put pictures up and "sticky" notes, as well as to do lists, clocks, and decorations. The clocks have alarm features so you can be reminded of staff meeting every week before you're late or set it to remind you of birthdays or anniversaries a day or two ahead of time. All the objects are scaleable and several download packs of extra objects are available.

It's a well written program and because it can be set to load when windows does, so it's always running and not taking up space on the taskbar. Best of all, it's totally free. All you have to do is register after you download, which takes all of about 2 minutes. After that you can download lots of extra toys for it and begin to organize your real desktop.

I love it and no longer have a desk all cluttered with bits of paper. When someone calls, I type the note up and leave it on the corkboard so I'm sure to see it before shutting the computer down for the day.

There are a couple of quirky things that could be better. For instance if you rescale the "to-do" lists, you have to manually change the font to fit the new sized lines. Also, when writing a to-do list you have to manually click with the mouse to the next item... no tab feature to move from item to item.

Overall this program is great! I have recommended it to several people and most are using it on a regular basis now. It has helped me keep up on things better than my planner.

Editor's Note: My favorite feature has been the "Stress Monitor" which allows you to establish parameters for taking short typing breaks. Taking regular breaks from typing is one of the best known ways of fending off stress-related injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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Tammy has just graduated Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY in Dec '99.

Other Resources:

• Corkboard Screensaver
• John Bell's Christian Art Gallery - Great inspirational backgrounds

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