Welcome to Technology For Writers: Tips, Tools, and Tricks to Produce and Promote Your Words. If you write and struggle with technology of any kind, this is the information you need to smooth your journey.

Why This How-To Book Is Better

The steps you need to perform all functions are at the beginning of each section explaining those functions.
These steps are listed as simply as possible. That means the best course of action for every technical issue discussed will be given before all the boring details.
Yes, boring. I'm in the technology business and readily admit most of the time boredom or frustration overwhelms far too many nice people just looking for a way to work faster and easier.

In A Hurry, Quick Explanation, In Depth, and Best Choice

Each subject matter discussion will have three sections: In a Hurry, Quick Explanation, and In Depth. Some sections will also include Best Choice.

In A Hurry

In A Hurry will come first, provide the least amount of explanation necessary, and present the information in a “just the fact, ma'am” manner: Step 1, Step 2, Step 3 etc. Few options, all action.

Quick Explanation

The Quick Explanation section following will be almost as short as the action item list of the In A Hurry section. However, some action items require at least a little bit of background or a decision. That's all you'll find in the Quick Explanation section. When you hesitate to perform one of the In A Hurry steps, read the Quick Explanation item with the same number for reassurance.

In Depth

The In Depth section will explain the hows and whys for a deeper understanding of the technology. When you're not in a hurry, feel free to learn more about the technology so you can resolve new problems you may encounter. Unfortunately, I can't describe every issue you will encounter exactly and provide instructions to make the technology behave.

Best Choice

All the Best Choice suggestions, noted by three question marks (? ? ?), come at the beginning of sections outlining options. These suggestions tell you the choice most people should make in most cases. You need to see options, but you also need to know which choice makes the most sense.
I think you'll agree that when you're not in a hurry and pissed at your technology, knowing why you need to make certain choices helps remember what to do. But there is a time and place for everything, so I will make you a deal.

Getting the Most Value in the Least Time

When you're in a rush to beat some bit of technology into submission so you can get back to work, look at the table of contents of the chapter. Pick the section that best describes the issue you have at the moment.
It may be the second or third heading in that chapter, because subjects often need some overview before actually applying a tip, tool, or trick. Skim, identify the problem, then follow the steps to fix the problem and get back to writing.

This Chapter: Passwords the Easy Way

Passwords are a pain, and we'll fix that pain soon. This chapter will explain how to create a personal password template you can use on virtually every website, database, computer, tablet, smartphone, and electronic system access where you use a keyboard to type your username and password.
Warning: computer programmers are perverse bastards (both male and female) who sometimes change the security rules everyone to complicate your computing life for no apparent reason. Well, their managers are usually to blame for bizarre rules, but no matter who gets the blame, no one “magic password” template works every time. But I'll cover the exceptions so you'll be prepared.

James Gaskin

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