19 ways Windows Vista can make you smarter

If the last crop of exam results are anything to go by, the younger generation are getting smarter each year. Whilst this is good for the state of the world once this upcoming crop of whizz kids inherits it, those who are a little older might feel left behind in this intellectual revolution.

To bring a little balance back into the world, you can turn to your computer and Windows Vista to help you sharpen up your memory and improve your IQ. Here’s nineteen ways how to do it.

1. Be a speed reader
There are lots of ways to speed up your reading capabilities. Free site Spreeder uses a technique called ‘chunking’ to display the content of a document to you one or more words at a time. Paste in some text, press play and away it goes. You can change the reading speed and number of words displayed using a settings menu.

2. Altered states
Some scientists believe that you can artificially induce brain states by playing sounds that resonate within a specific frequency through headphones. Enter I-Doser – software that claims to enhance or change brain states as effectively as certain prescription (and some non-prescription) drugs. Just in case you’re sceptical, the application is bundled with two free doses to get you started. The first, Content, will give you a feeling of wellbeing, while Alcohol is for that two-cans-of-lager-in-the-middle-of-the afternoon effect. And if you enjoy these, a mind-expanding selection of additional doses can be bought online.

3. Declutter your disk
Work better, smarter and faster with an uncluttered PC.

a. Getting started. Go to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools. Open Disk Cleanup, choosing My Files Only or Files from all users on this computer. Pick the drive you want to clean and click OK.

b. Read the report. The drive is analysed and a report generated telling you how much space you can save. In the Disk Cleanup dialogue that comes next, you’ll see a list of files you can safely delete.

c. Clean sweep. Click OK to start Disk Cleanup. The application compresses your files then deletes those you selected (note: deleting your Hibernation file disables hibernation). Click the More Options tab.

d. Program purge. Click Cleanup in the Programs and Features section to open the Uninstall or change program section of the Control Panel and rid your PC of programs you don’t want.

4. Write yourself smarter
The simple act of writing helps to keep your brain in tip-top shape, whether you’re keeping an online journal at Windows Live Spaces or staying in touch with friends by email. To make the most of your writing, keep a thesaurus close to hand. Microsoft Word has one built in, accessible from the Tools menu. You’ll find a free online option at thesaurus – handy for looking up word alternatives at a moment’s notice. The Free Dictionary provides a similar service, with a Word of the Day mailing list available to increase your vocabulary even further.

5. Contribute to Wikipedia
Researching a subject area in sufficient depth is a guaranteed way to expand your grey matter. Why not add your knowledge to Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia anyone can contribute to? You can even sign up to edit other people’s contributions. The four-step tutorial Introduction will get you started.

6. Listen to Mozart
According to a study conducted at the University of California in 1993, listening to Mozart can improve your ability to perform complex tasks. Launch Windows Media Player, go to Media Guide and choose Radio Tuner. A search for ‘Mozart’ produces a list of free classical radio stations that you can listen to while you work or play.

7. Block out distractions
Unwanted noise makes it hard to concentrate. ChatterBlocker replaces the distracting hubbub around you with gentle sounds from nature and tinkling ambient music. It comes with a dozen presets ready to go, but you can mix and make your own chatterblocking soundtracks, too.

8. Watch a movie
You don’t need a scholarly study to tell you that taking a break and doing something you enjoy will help you to relax. So, using Windows Media Center (or Windows Media Player) to watch an escapist DVD or a spot of last night’s telly will help you clear your mind for an hour or so, making you ready once again to tackle that tax return, essay or report.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 at 11:33 am and is filed under Windows Vista. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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