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This tip will create a log file that will update the time
and date each time you open it. Open Notepad to create the
log file. Usually this is found by clicking "Start",
going up to "Programs", then on up to "Accessories".
An easier way to start Notepad (or just about any other program) is to
click on "Start", go up to "Run" and
click. You will get a dialog box with a text entry field. Type in "notepad"
(without the quotes) and then click OK or hit the [Enter]
key. This will launch Notepad.
Once you have Notepad open type in ".LOG" (again, without the
quotes). Be sure to have the period first and make sure you use capital
letters. Lower case letters will not work. Save your document to
the desktop so you can find it easily. You can name it anything, I will
make some suggestions in a minute.
Notepad will automatically add the time and date when you open the text
document. You can also update the time and date by pressing the [F5]
key. When you are done editing the text document you should save and close
it. This will save the time and date of the latest entry.
"Steve," you might ask, "Whatever would I need
this for?!" Well, there are many uses for creating a log file
like this. For instance, you might want to keep a phone call record of
conversations with a client or friend. Each time you call them (or they
call you) you can open the log file and type in the context of your
conversation. The time and date will update on your file each time, even
if it is over several days or weeks. I would suggest naming the file, in
this case, with your caller's name or identification number.
Another very important use for this type of log sheet (one I wish
everyone would use) is for documenting software installations
on your computer. Create a log sheet and save with the name "software_install.txt"
or something similar. Each time you install new software or upgrade an
existing program you can open the file and type in what you installed and
any problems you had installing it, if any. You can even copy and paste
error messages into the file. Even if the installation went smoothly, the
program may interfere with other programs that are already installed.
Should a program give you problems, you will have a log file of what you
installed on your computer and when it was installed. And you will have
the date and time of all installations since you started the log. This
will help a great deal in troubleshooting…your support technician
will love you for it!
I'm sure you can find lots of events that could be documented with the
log file. Phone calls, exercise, blood pressure readings, blood sugar
counts (I'm a diabetic, which is why I included that one) are some ideas.
You could document your reading assignments if you are taking classes. If
fact, just about anything you do that you would like to keep a simple
record for can be documented with one of these simple log files. The files
are small so they won't take up much room on your computer. Try this
one out and have fun with it!
Steve
Copyright 2003, Steve Maurer Publications
Fayetteville, Arkansas |
