Virtually Priceless Thoughts

I recently set up another user account on my macbook. I thought it was an easy way to establish encryption for all the digital files associated with my research in order to inform Ethics that everything was indeed password protected and encrypted. Using FileVault for the home directory of this account ensures that everything in there has some level of encryption.

The side benefit is that I do not have access to my email, calendar, task list, etc. I have tailored the environment for only the applications I need to do my analysis and so I can focus deeply. I have thought I have been quite good keeping focus and being productive and on task when i have work to do. This does take my focus to the next level. I didn’t realize quite how often my eyes look down at the little badges on my dock (when they are not at zero). Now, when I am focusing on my analysis work, there is nothing there to distract me in the dock, not even the mail icon (or accounts set up).

With fast user switching, it is easy enough to make a change and come back to the rest of my world, but it is just hard enough that I am not doing it unconsciously.

I wouldn’t recommend setting up separate accounts for every project, but for something as substantial as this research, it is proving to be a good choice.