[posted by Lance]

Does my computer make my life simpler? I find myself wondering this, after spending the bulk of the past two days doing annoying troubleshooting work trying to resolve two serious tech problems. I’m one of those who “can’t live without” my computer, so when it goes awry, it feels like everything is awry. And troubleshooting mysterious computer problems can be anything but simple.

Yet computers remain a fundamental part of modern living—troubleshooting hassles and all. And despite the challenges that a computified life presents to my growing desire for a simplified life, I remain committed to using this tool that has become an essential part of my world. (In fact, I’m using two computers right now!)

Presumably, most of us intend to keep computers as an integral part of our lives…but do they make our lives simpler? If they don’t now, can they be made to? Have you succeeded in merging “computing” and “simplicity”? If you have, please post your example here in the comments! We welcome any tips, pointers, or stories of successful computer simplification.