Skip to main content

How To Become Bit Literate

All in one computer graphic

It is no secret that we live in a busy and online world. With social media, texting, and emailing, it is very easy to get overwhelmed with all the information coming through. How do we stay on top of everything? There are many ways we measure the digital age we are living in. It is our ability to get information, communicate, play and learn. But one thing is for sure, we like to interact with bits, especially in the digital space. Bits are everywhere we look, from the small blips of a digital app to the large bytes of a game, they are the building blocks of this new world.

I read a book titled Bit Literacy: Productivity in the Age of Information and E-mail Overload (2007) by Mark Hurst. The book was loaded with great insights as to how to best manage your computer and the software that you use for work, home, and play.

I was thinking about what subject would be helpful to listeners of my tech blog, and readers of my tech newsletter, that would help them manage their digital lives. I’ll admit I have had to go back and relearn some of the lessons from Bit Literacy because I have fallen away from the ones that are great time savers. A bit in your computer is basically an electrical impulse without weight. Yet, it has the power to weigh you down when you can’t get up from your computer.

Three quick takeaways from the book, to get started with, are managing your email, finding an easy digital to-do list app that you’ll use, and learning software shortcuts.

Time has a way of getting away while online if you don’t control the applications you use by becoming proficient with them. Finding a way to optimize the software that comes with your computer or laptop is a great way to save time and frustration. Preinstalled applications that come with your PC, Mac or Chromebook are optimized for that operating system. Unless you need a third-party app to do a task then it is best to master the ones preinstalled and then the ones that you need to be added.

Computer Information Overload is a real issue that many people face today. My goal is to write and broadcast a series of guides to eliminate some of the effects of computer information overload and help you optimize and manage your particular computer and software.

Computer Screen Graphic

I will also provide video training and live broadcasts covering this topic in depth. I have been using a personal computer at home and work for over three decades. I’m proficient in the application suites offered by Microsoft, Google, and Apple, but by no means know it all. I’m always learning and want to share some of what I know while I’m still kicking it on this side of the sod.

My plan is to start with the current operating systems in use today, the office suite applications native to each one and some productivity tools available to manage your email inbox and to-dos. I currently have a website platform for publishing written and spoken material. I’m working on finalizing my video delivery platforms.

You can signup for my current tech newsletter and listen to my podcasts at https://gregdoig.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Apple Vision Pro Glasses: The AR Glasses That Will Change the Way We Live and Work

Apple Vision Pro Glasses: A New Era of Augmented Reality Vision Pro Glasses Photo from Apple.com Apple has just announced its new Vision Pro glasses, and they are poised to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. Apple's Vision Pro glasses feature several innovative technologies that make them the most advanced AR glasses on the market. One of the most impressive features of the Vision Pro glasses is their ability to overlay digital information in the real world. This means that users can see information about their surroundings, such as directions, weather forecasts, or even translations, without looking away from their surroundings. This could be incredibly useful for various tasks, such as navigation, shopping, or learning a new language. Another impressive feature of the Vision Pro glasses is their ability to track user movement. This means that users can interact with digital information naturally, such as by pointing at it or waving their hands. This could mak...

The AI Revolution: Who's Leading the Charge in 2025

Photographer: Igor Omilaev | Source: Unsplash Hey there, tech enthusiasts! As someone who's been tracking the AI landscape closely, I wanted to share some exciting developments happening in the world of artificial intelligence this year. 2025 has already seen some game-changing partnerships and product launches that are reshaping our perspective on technology. Let's break it down in simple terms! The Big Tech Players: What They're Up To Google's Bold Moves Google isn't holding back! They've rolled out Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Flash, which are now top performers in learning and coding benchmarks. What I find most exciting is Gemini Live, which lets you interact with AI in real-world situations through multiple formats (text, images, voice). They've also launched an AI-powered TV and enhanced their search with a new AI Mode. Remember Project Starline? It has evolved into Google Beam, offering incredibly realistic 3D video calls. Nvidia: Powering th...

Understanding Digital Literacy: Essential Skills for Navigating Today's Technology-Driven World

Photographer: Firmbee.com | Source: Unsplash Why Digital Literacy Matters (And How It Can Change Your Life) Hey there, tech enthusiasts! 👋 Ever wonder what people mean when they throw around the term "digital literacy"? It's not just about knowing how to use your smartphone or post the perfect selfie (though those skills definitely count!). Digital literacy is about confidently navigating our tech-filled world—finding information, figuring out what's legit, creating cool content, and connecting with others online. It's basically your superpower in the digital age! What's Actually In The Digital Literacy Toolkit? Being digitally literate isn't just a one-trick pony. It's more like having a Swiss Army knife of skills: Information Detective Skills: Can you Google like a pro and figure out which sources are actually trustworthy? That's information literacy at work! - Digital Social Skills: From Slack to Zoom to that group chat that never stop...