Computers aren't just there to play games with and make your work life easier; they can be used in all sorts of ways at home to improve your life. So instead of buying self-help tapes and attending lessons that enable you to master your own inner energies, simply switch on your PC and let Windows Vista do the work for you.
9. Wake up gently
Your Windows Vista PC can rouse you from your slumber with music from your MP3 collection, instead of the clattering bells of conventional alarm clocks. The software responsible, Alarm Clock Pro, does more than just wake-up calls, too – it can schedule and launch just about anything your computer can do. Download a 15-day trial from Koingo Software.
10. Do 43 new things
More tired than inspired? Visit 43 Things and come up with 43 new goals to reignite your enthusiasm. It’s part social network, part support group and part self-improvement site, where people can share their goals and tips on how to achieve them.
11. Shared calendars
Can’t remember whether it’s your turn to walk the dog? Is your partner’s squash night Tuesday or Wednesday? Get everyone to sign up for Windows Live Hotmail and you can share calendars.
12. Switch cards
Avoid paying interest by taking advantage of the 0 per cent balance transfers companies offer you to start a new account. Uswitch has comparison tools to help you find the best deal.
13. Meal planning
Streamline your food shopping and stop dinner time head scratching with BigOven, a daily meal planner web site that offers over 160,000 recipe ideas and automatically generates food shopping lists. Try it by downloading a free 30-day trial from Big Oven or buy it for $29.95 (£15).
14. Stop smoking
You’ll live longer and smell better if you quit cigarettes. Get support with QuitMeter Counter 1.0.7, which costs $9.95 (£5) from QuitMeter Counter, or try the free online version. It tells you how long you’ve been fag-free and calculates how much money you’ve saved.
15. Online munchies
Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose’s partner Ocado all offer online grocery shopping services that enable you to save shopping lists, order online and delivery slots; making more time for more pleasant pursuits.
16. Swap jobs
LETS Link UK is a scheme where you can swap jobs with people in your local area and save money by exchanging skills instead of cash. Find the closest branch to you at LetsLinkUK.
See tomorrows guide to see how to make your work life better.
Nick Clayton contributes to Windows Vista: The Official Magazine and is a freelance journalist.
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