Go Paperless

So far so good, still using iCal and checkoff and taking a few notes on my computer. I already pay all my bills online except my rent. I think the next step is to, on some weekend (probably not the upcoming since I will be very busy) try scanning my textbook reading for a week into the computer and see 1) how long it takes, 2) how much storage space it takes, and 3) do I actually read it?

I started using iCal and downloaded a neat program called CheckOff which sits in my File Menu and holds to-do items. Been useful already. So far so good.

This is a complicated one. Some aspects that will indicate success:

1) I’ll be using iCal regularly and effectively, including shared calendars perhaps?
2) I’ll be consistently using some computer program for effectively managing my to-do list
3) I’ll be taking notes on the PDFs I read for class themselves
4) All my class notes will be taken on the computer
5) All my bills will be paid online
6) I’ll have my contacts organized in some computer contact manager
7) I’ll scan my textbooks into my computer so I don’t have to lug them around :)
8) I’ll be keeping my journal on computer
9) I’ll be free-writing on the computer regularly
10) I’ll have a collection of fiction books on my computer that I enjoy reading :)
11) I’ll have a good backup system!!!

A rather fanciful list perhaps, but we’ll see where it takes me.

I suppose I’ll know I’ve been successful when my computer is all I take with me when I leave the house, and has been for 30 days ;p

As Google try to “organise the world’s information” I am trying to organise mine. I’m so tired of the paper tiger taking over my study that I’ve invested in a great little scanner fujitsu scan snap s300 small enough to fit in laptop bag and does duplex scans. So the plan is to have every paper possible in digital format PDF and backup on google docs or my timecapsule so I can access it where ever I am. I won’t file anything just name it sensibly and use search.

Some of my student loans are currently through the Department of Education. There’s a program called Checkmate II for automatic payments with a reduced interest rate for some loans. I thought that I could sign up for this online but that just isn’t an option. Earlier this month I spoke to a customer support representative who mailed me an application for the Checkmate II program. I received a letter today which indicated that the application was enclosed but there was no application in the envelope. It just seems a bit odd that more paper and postage has been wasted to get rid of one monthly statement failing to get rid of one monthly statement.

The automatic document feeder is acting up again. I just had the darned thing repaired. It doesn’t like scanning documents with a perforated payment coupon. It’ll scan the first part of the document then tear at the perforation and then error out with a paper jam.

I’m starting to turn paper clutter into electronic clutter. My regular monthly computer backups are getting close to spanning more than 1 DVD. I really need to figure out some sort of document management solution.

I had an issue with my Canon D480 multifunction copier. The automatic document feeder was doing an automatic paper jam trick. Since the copier was still under warranty I was able to get it serviced without any out of pocket costs.

I’ve already converted my banking, credit cards, and wireless service to electronic statements. I still need to switch over my student loans and retirement accounts.

I want to scan in all my receipts and statements, then look online for all the manuals i have and find them in PDF or scan them. Once something like the Kindle comes to a 8.5×11 or something i will totally be on the ball of having no filling cabinet.