by Gina Trapani I receive hundreds of email messages a day, but only a couple dozen actually make it into my inbox. Thanks to the automated power of full-strength email filters, just the messages that are important enough to deal with catch my attention when I'm busy. It's not that I don't read every message I receive eventually, it's that I want to do it on my own terms and in my own time. Low-pr

Windows/Mac/Linux: Open-source time management tool Rachota tracks human work at the computer. Rachota creates tasks and times them. The 'relax' feature pauses the timer. After time data's built up, Rachota generates reports which display how efficiently time is spent. Rachota is only 217 KB big, which means you can run it off a small USB drive or floppy disk. Also, it's written in Java, which mea

If you're a Debbie Downer, take heart - you can change with these tips from entrepreneurial blogger Dave Cheong. Here are just a few of my favorites: Show genuine interest. I believe this is by far the most effective way of encouraging others. Let them know you care. Express genuine interest by asking questions. Get them talking. I find the act of talking and thinking can fire up the engines (roar

InformationWeek's Fred Langa details how you can do a total rebuild of Windows XP without losing any data and without having to reinstall software - basically giving you a fresh, nondestructive installation of XP. I've been asked by readers on more than one occasion if this sort of thing is possible (specifically re-installing Windows but keeping installed software in tact), but I'd never seen it

Why are the feds suing Apple? Look at your iPhone's restrictions.

by Gina Trapani In order to find the answer you're looking for, you have to ask the right question. No, I didn't just pull that out of a fortune cookie. Asking good questions is an essential skill that takes mindfulness, strategy and practice. The bottom line is: few people will help a person who doesn't help herself. Back story: Last week while Adam was on vacation I processed all the Lifehacker.

Charles Schwab ranks among the most reliable checking accounts, and rightly so. It comes with the most benefits and is the account I personally use. The benefits include: Free foreign transactionsUnlimited ATM reimbursements worldwideAn APY (that’s Annual Percentage Rate)No minimum balance or monthly maintenance feesIf you regularly travel to different countries or need a checking account with the

by Gina Trapani Keeping track of how you spend your work day isn't easy, but it has many benefits. Last week's article, Map your time, covered how to create your ideal schedule, and then compare it to reality. But how do you keep track of everything you do in one day? You can use a desk diary or paper log, but if you don't want to stop and write every time you switch tasks, I've got a simple scrip

Reader Ryan asks: How do you remember short term events? For instance, your girlfriend says "don't forget to call so-and-so on your way to work" as you are walking out the door. Of course you have several other things on your mind, so by the time you get in the car, turn on the radio, and head off to work you've completely forgotten to call 'ol so-and-so. Does putting a rubberband around the wrist