Simplify Your Desktop

Posted on October 27, 2009 by admin

(Don’t Forget! Today is Minimalism day over at LifeExcursion so check it out after you implement Simplify Your Desktop. For curiosity’s sake, the article over at LE is Minimalist Running)

Start Over with a New Desktop

Reducing the clutter from the places you tend to use the most is obviously a great way to get a jump start to a minimalist lifestyle. Well, get that jump start from where you are sitting right now.

I used to have about 50 icons on my computers desktop. I never knew where I saved anything despite the goal being just that. I always tried to limit the number of icons, but I always found a new icon I had to implement. Well, it may have taken longer than I had hoped, but I eventually organized the clutter that was my desktop.

The following are a few tips for simplifying your desktop:

  • Ask ypourself if you honestly use the icons on your desktop in a day to day basis. I don’t and I go through and eliminate and reorganize quite frequently. You should consider the same.
  • Make 2 columns and only allow up to 4 items in each. In my case, I have one column set up for internet/networking and it consists of Mozilla Firefox / Mozilla Thunderbird / Mozilla Sunbird / Tweetdeck. The second column is made of my entertainment sources and it consists of iTunes / BitTorrent / Limewire / Windows Media Player
  • Get a simplistic background. I have a mainly white and gray brackground that I love. It doesn’t distract which is key to staying on task.
  • Use a Mac. I don’t have one, but everyone I know seems to and they say it simplifies their life a ton. I would like to one day get one in addition to my PC to really test it out. I have used Mac’s before and disagree with the simplicity. So, ask a Mac FanBoy and see if it may benefit you.

These are some extremely basic tips as you probably can tell. Your desktop is definitely not the first place to start becoming a minimalist in my eyes, but starting anywhere will help implement minimalism in other aspects you aren’t as focused on.

The minimalist life usually consist on basics so envelop the idea of simplicity in all aspects of your life.

David Damron
The Minimalist Path

Click here to get a copy of PROJECT M-31: Simply Your Life in 31 Days

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  • You should definitely try http://www.elementaryos.org
  • These are some extremely basic tips as you probably can tell.
  • MinimalWall - Your Desktop, simplified.
    MinimalWall features truly minimal desktop wallpapers with Basic Colors, Mindful Words and Minimal Graphics, for your simplified, disctraction-free computer experience.
  • I use a mac and i have just 2 folders on my desktop.
    one with things i save in one day off the internet
    one with my whole hdd ("my computer" on windows)

    in the taskbar, every mac has programs (aka desktop icons) and i have about 5 and that's about it.

    makes everything much better. i also recomend a Mac.
  • Mneiae
    It is possible to be minimalist with a PC, but I prefer my Mac. I have both because some things aren't supported by my Mac. I've got MagicMenu and a 13" MacBook, so when I'm not doing anything, I only have my background picture up. In my dock, which is also affected by MagicMenu, I have Finder, Opera, and Trash. That's it. I made the switch at the end of August and I couldn't be happier. Leo Babauta has a very minimal Mac setup. If you want to see some examples of the simplicity of Mac, just go to http://minimalmac.com/
  • admin
    Great Comments from everyone...I really appreciate your feedback...

    @pedro Thanks for the Fences link. I am definitely thinking of using that. The demo at the site sold it

    @Jonathan I am going to test out google chrome. Thanks for the sugg!

    Thanks again to everyone for their love and comments...

    David Damron
    The Minimalist Path
  • Oh my goodness! You are spot on here and somewhat of a mind reader.

    My desktops - both of them - need to be clean and clear or my brain goes into overwhelm mode very quickly. The computer desktop should be limited to only what you need every day. I know I feel better, and work better, when my docs and stuff are in folders, neatly tucked away behind the scenes. I know where to go to grab them so they don't need to be in my face every minute.

    I do have one picture, on the computer monitor desktop and two on my physical desk's top, but they make me smile.

    Thanks for the fun post. I really enjoyed reading it especially because I just went through this little desktop decluttering task myself. Thanks again!
    .-= Frugal Folks´s last blog ..How To Spot Counterfeit Money – Tight-Fisted Thursday =-.
  • Hi,

    For my desktop, I use this "productivity desktop": http://bit.ly/Fv8MD

    Love to read your blog, it is really interesting. Keep going!
  • Far be it from me to attack any Mac fan (I have one myself), but I don't think buying a Mac will simplify your life.

    It's really the way that you work, that will simplify your life.

    If being simple & minimalist means to not have icons or a task bar, then I've done it on my PC.

    I've modified my PC to have a bar at the bottom to show up and disappear at will (like on a Mac), and my background is free and clear of icons with just a double click.

    Honestly, I use a PC and a Mac.

    Both are good for their respective tasks

    My Mac is meant for light surfing, video watching, music and other basic tasks.

    My PC is for heavy duty things like Photoshopping heavily, Microsoft Office (yes it's available on the Mac, but the shortcuts get me all screwed up) and anything to do with IT stuff on the client site.

    The Mac can't handle that, because my clients don't support Mac.

    With that being said, both have their pros and cons, but if push came to shove, I'd keep my PC for its usability.
  • Dave, Dave, Dave. Taking minimalism to the wallpaper is plain ol' ridiculous.

    Check out Interfacelift It has beautiful wallpapers.

    Check it.
    .-= bretthimself´s last blog ..Revamping Reality, Part 3: Restructuring Goals =-.
  • My minimalist desktop includes not using the desktop. I've moved almost every thing I do on my computer into my google chrome browser, setting it up with keyboard shortcuts and icon bookmarks. Just about everything I do on a computer can be done from that one screen, simplifying everything.
    .-= Jonathan Frei´s last blog ..Remember Memory =-.
  • Hello David.
    Can I give a suggestion?
    Try this software: http://www.stardock.com/produc...
    It gives a new soul to your minimalist desktop ;)
    .-= Pedro Santos´s last blog ..Novo hardware Apple =-.
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