The Life Pro Tips / Life Hacks Thread

Own a 1080p (or higher) laptop and read a lot of text-heavy websites? Change your default zoom/font size
Every browser has this option.
 
For major purchases, put the warranty expiration date on your calendar
Set a reminder for one month in advance so you have time to find any problems and have them taken care of. You should always have a mechanic inspect your vehicle at this time so that any necessary repairs can be done under warranty.
 
If your computer is running slow check the power saving settings, you might be running in power saving mode even on desktops.
 
If you buy something with a warranty then scan the receipt. Receipt ink fades and this will help keep them organized and easy to find if they are ever needed.
 
Forgot your protected PDF's password? Send it to yourself in Gmail, click Print, change destination to PDF and save
 
When leaving a voicemail, say your name and return phone number before you start your actual message so that if the person receiving it has to go back to write your information down, they don't have to listen to the whole message before getting to it.
 
Beat the queues at busy petrol stations
This LPT relies slightly on stereotyping but tends to work most of the time for me. Good if you are running late and need petrol.

If you pull up to a busy forecourt, wait in line behind the cheapest car. Chances are they will be wanting less gas than the BMW/Land Rover/Mercedes driver and will move off sooner. The difference between waiting for someone pumping £20 worth of gas and £120 feels huge.
 
If a word processor catches a spelling error, fix it manually so you are less like to repeat the error in the future.
 
If you must make a choice between swerving at speed to avoid an animal and hitting it, the better option (for both you and your passengers) is almost always hitting the animal.

You may have some car damage but you will probably live. And the animals are far more hardy than you can probably imagine.

The trouble with many animal collisions is that the best practice is counter-intuitive as most human fatalities are caused by trying to avoid a collision. Don't try too hard to do that.

DO NOT brake and turn your wheel at the same time.

If the animal is shorter than your hood (eg. raccoon) and you can not safely brake or change lanes, just keep going straight.

If the animal is taller than your hood (eg. moose), and you have room, attempt to smoothly steer towards its rear end and towards the direction the animal came from. It will go forward, so if if you aim at its hind quarters you will miss it. Lift the brake so that the nose of your car is not down and you will decrease the chance that the tall animal comes through your windshield.
 
3 second fix to "video not available for mobile" on YouTube

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Measure the distance between your index and middle finger, your thumb and pinky and learn the distance between them. This makes ballparking distances easier when in need of an estimated measurement. (When a ruler is not at hand)
 
Improve your YouTube viewing experience with just one simple extension
https://github.com/YePpHa/YouTubeCenter/wiki
 
If a website is blocked on your work/school internet, you can use google translate as a proxy.
 
Follow printer friendly link on news sites, for ad and clutter free reading.
 
Take a picture of your membership card bar codes with your smart phone.
So you don't have to carry all those cards around.
 
Cut yourself shaving? Dry the area and dab on some Vaseline. It will create a water (blood) tight seal over the nick which prevents a messy face.
 
When in an argument, act as if you're being recorded.
This will only help you.
 
When washing windows, clean one side with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical strokes. If there are streaks, you'll know which side requires additional cleaning.
 
If you have bad/no cell reception at your home, get your carrier to provide you a femtocell. This is a dongle that hooks up to your internet connection and broadcasts a cellular network. Most carriers will give it to you for free if you call and ask.
 
Most people will already know this one but;

Instead of using ctrl+alt+delete, use ctrl+shift+esc to go straight to the task manager.
 
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