How my laptop completely breaking down in the software links to myself creating a new project of 1 trying to maintain a good RAM%, keep my PC as minim

[TimBourne]

Dear GTD,

I was drafting in email literally,
I had the idea - that I could submit a new post thread , which I haven't for a while done.

trying to link it to users such as F D stundte or @achieve even.

The specific topic - would be about my PC laptop I mainly use - a "G9 hp model" breaking down from maybe about 6 days ago now - to a degree where actually it was completely un useable - I at my home ,
was maybe struggling to do things literally without my laptop for say 4 days.

but basically - I ended up contacting the 'most local popular ' computer shop man,
And it seems like - he has/had been able to get the speed of my laptop basically normal within a day.

He wrote this description of the issues I was having on my laptop:

quote of invoice:
"
Windows HP Laptop unresponsive. Unable to go into safe mode without
Bitlocker key. After restarting several times am able to turn off
Bitlocker key and try again. Customer has free Malwarebytes and no
Malware was found. No Taskbar system tray. Now able to go into Safemode
without Bitlocker and still an issue. Customer has switched off the
Touchpad thinking it maybe the issue.
Only one restore point from the previous day but has been an issue for
several days.
Restarted after leaving on for an hour. Now taskbar appears normally
with date and time appearing. Customer’s mouse clicks are not working
properly. This may be the root cause as system has been forced off many
times in an attempt to remedy by the customer. Swapped over mouse to a
known working one. Mouse clicks are normal so the customers Amazon Mouse
is faulty. Touchpad is working normally.
Created another restore point after allowing more space reserved for
future restore points.
Disable Evernote in the start-up items of Task Manager. It looks like
it's been uninstalled but has left orphaned files and registry items.
Install Office 2010 Prof. May be used instead of WPS. Word has a config
issue but still opens after the process is complete. If still an issue
come back and I will reinstall Office"

After he was talking about 'bitlocker' - he was trying to explain what it was to me? (and going through the process).

He was also able to install the word application writer Microsoft 2010 - on to my G9 model, got it working , I took of WPS writer when I took it from his shop, told him that I don't like it because of the advertisements.


'so - in a nutshell I would probably say that the appointments which I had with this man John was probably worth it
But at the same time in my last appointment I had with him - he was mainly sharing , focusing on topic of the RAM % of my PC being to high, that I need to uninstall types of applications (because I built up lots over time - in order to make RAM space.

'He even sent a second email afterwards - offering for the price of 30£ to "clear up the RAM" himself in an appointment.

But I replied that - I feel like it would be better if I just go through the process myself.

And that was the purpose of making this thread here -
So that I am able later - to update in post replies below - the exact details of how much RAM% I had , the degree I was able to improve it, which types of applications I uninstalled .

'I had a voice say - that it could be best for myself - if I try to keep my PC style minimalist style (e.g. try to use as many apps programs - which I feel I is the minimal amount I need to get by with (is what I wrote to john in e-mail ) , - is also a quote which David Allen wrote "use X as little as you need"

And for example : I have apps such as Asana , To doist installed , Microsoft To Do which John said he wouldn't use

24-07 (like a log format I could continue below?
I just uninstalled the Asana program which - I really in recent times don't regularly use at all say last time used it maybe 3 or 2 months ago - just small amount of time checking long term ideas - it has the website https://app.asana.com/1/1207750577305701/home which I can reference in future - if ever desire to use asana again? but even then - Im not sure i should?

I just again
https://app.todoist.com/app/today saw to do ist has online version - so I don't need to use the app,
The website version which I can reference in future - if ever desire to use - but even then I am not sure?



screen shot - shows a digital interface which looks cluttered or backlogged -right - with 54 tasks ,


P.S.

It was persons @fooddude who wrote to use recently - shared us a system idea - of just using 1 main apple notes (as a list manager entirely) and nothing else I presume - i would think fooddude is probably a person who keeps his laptop device in a 'clean organized' condition, maybe has tips to share?

2 "this post also holistically relates to @gtdstudente I feel.

If I were to do something get to the End point or end game or 'stage' per say of having a completely minimalist styled laptop storage organization system

"where the main thing is basically -having too much data stored and programs
Then - I would feel it would also have an ability to transform my life - because obviously it slows me down (having too spend alternating checking/using selecting diffent(different) programs/interfaces etc - you understand.

But obviously in my situation - a hinderance or big problem i feel is linked to OCD/fear - being that if I have do something uninstall applications - I may just loose list ideas I made myself in the past?
-a reference quote came to my head by Leo B whilst I was writing something -
example with tidying your room - he may say you may hear "Just bin destroy " as the first option
and Leo B -says the first option is best.

"So that's what myself Tim may actually change to (allowing myself to do- in order to organize my PC as quickly as possible- you understand?

and try to help enforce the ideology of Buddhism which Leo babuota shares .

Title of this post could be got (cut off because of characters):

How my laptop completely breaking down in the software links to myself creating a new project of 1 trying to maintain a good RAM%, keep my PC as minimalist as possible , 2 (also A T I - force myself to stick to a digital filling system which John didn't say I needed to do but showed he did do himself

 

[fooddude]

It was persons @fooddude who wrote to use recently - shared us a system idea - of just using 1 main apple notes (as a list manager entirely) and nothing else I presume - i would think fooddude is probably a person who keeps his laptop device in a 'clean organized' condition, maybe has tips to share?

GTD is done by context. We don't do daily to dos. I do use the calendar. But the calendar is for truly day/date specific items. That is why you have 54 items that are causing you great distress. And I have 12 notes. Projects, Someday/maybe, 6 Context, and 4 Agendas notes. Not just one main note. Tips?
As for my laptop I don't keep anything on it.
I just use google drive for files (Long term storage)
Duck Duck go as a browser
Gmail for email
See my desk top below:

 

[TimBourne]

GTD is done by context. We don't do daily to dos. I do use the calendar. But the calendar is for truly day/date specific items.

you use a calendar

That is why you have 54 items that are causing you great distress.

right 54 items in todoist - but "-also I haven't really been using it in 2months I wrote above, right

And I have 12 notes.

12 apple notes?

Projects, Someday/maybe, 6 Context, and 4 Agendas notes.

in i cloud apple your writing,

Not just one main note. Tips?
As for my laptop I don't keep anything on it.

oh right?
Im not sure I have herd a method like that before,
But once before - did the ABC filing system (on laptop) but haven't been keeping to it,

I just use google drive for files (Long term storage)

you only use 1 drive storage?

Duck Duck go as a browser
Gmail for email

I herd in the background while reading this - it could be better - that I try to prove to you doing a 'ABC' filing system is better then cloud - that's also what I think John the computer man uses, not cloud,

See my desk top below:
View attachment 2354

thanks for getting back here?

'the only over thing over in my head is literally:

well

"2it must be the most effective thing - to organize all type of operating PCs etc

but is it also better for myself to use paper in - right now? for myself?

 

[Tom_Hagen]

I use Windows on my work laptop and may have been experiencing a similar symptom for a while now. What can I recommend? Run Powershell as Administrator (right-click on Powershell and select "Run as Administrator"). In Powershell, enter: Get-Process "*explorer*" | Stop-Process.
For me, this restarts the graphical shell and restores the taskbar.

 

[TimBourne]

I use Windows on my work laptop and may have been experiencing a similar symptom for a while now. What can I recommend? Run Powershell as Administrator

IDK anything about power shell, I don't think John used that on windows 11 here - but was saying about bitlocker like I wrote above, you don't know anything about that?

(right-click on Powershell and select "Run as Administrator"). In Powershell, enter: Get-Process "*explorer*" | Stop-Process.
For me, this restarts the graphical shell and restores the taskbar.

 

[fooddude]

you use a calendar

Of course. A must for GTD. I use Apple calendar.

in i cloud apple your writing,

Yes 12 notes for GTD. I listed those before.

oh right?
Im not sure I have herd a method like that before,
But once before - did the ABC filing system (on laptop) but haven't been keeping to it,

search is robust don’t waste my time with a lot of filing in Google drive. I don’t really keep a lot of stuff either.

right 54 items in todoist - but "-also I haven't really been using it in 2months I wrote above, right

Then delete them. They will always be on your mind as unfinished loops if you don’t.

 

[TimBourne]

Of course. A must for GTD. I use Apple calendar.
View attachment 2355
I use

I use google calendar which looks worse then your picture

Yes 12 notes for GTD. I listed those before.

12 notes? - but said to me before it could be as simple as projects and next actions

search is robust don’t waste my time with a lot of filing in Google drive. I don’t really keep a lot of stuff either.

Oh right -
there are 2 reasons - why a drive could be better?
*- but isn't a ABC filing system suppose to make search robust also

Then delete them. They will always be on your mind as unfinished loops if you don’t.

I just exited off the website
and - after I deleted the app of my pc

...,

S

 

[fooddude]

12 notes? - but said to me before it could be as simple as projects and next actions

Yes it can. But I think you will want to do context notes for next actions. I have six contexts. Four agendas. Projects and someday/maybe. Equals 12. I know I’ve screen shot them several times on the forum.

Oh right -
there are 2 reasons - why a drive could be better?
*- but isn't a ABC filing system suppose to make search robust also

Not for me. I usually just go to the search bar. Again I don’t keep a lot of stuff. And my drive is for long term storage. My laptop documents folder is nearly empty.

I use google calendar which looks worse then your picture

I try to keep it really clean. I only put date specific items on it. GTD best practice. Send a screenshot.

 

[TimBourne]

L

Yes it can. But I think you will want to do context notes for next actions. I have six contexts. Four agendas. Projects and someday/maybe. Equals 12. I know I’ve screen shot them several times on the forum.

right - so it wouldn't hurt i copy you with 6 contexts?

Not for me. I usually just go to the search bar. Again I don’t keep a lot of stuff. And my drive is for long term storage. My laptop documents folder is nearly empty.

may laptop is not nearly empty at all?

I try to keep it really clean. I only put date specific items on it. GTD best practice. Send a screenshot.

- you do that according to a schedule unlike myself?

herd

 

[fooddude]

I try to keep it really clean. I only put date specific items on it. GTD best practice. Send a screenshot.

- you do that according to a schedule unlike myself?
---------------------------------------------------------
This is about my calendar. I put date specific things on my calendar sometimes when they show up and sometimes when I do my weekly review.

Yes it can. But I think you will want to do context notes for next actions. I have six contexts. Four agendas. Projects and someday/maybe. Equals 12. I know I’ve screen shot them several times on the forum.

right - so it wouldn't hurt i copy you with 6 contexts?
-----------------------------------------------------------
You need to do what works for you.
But Mine are:
@computer
@errands
@grocery store
@home
@phone
@waiting for

 

[achieve]

trying to link it to users such as F D stundte or @achieve even.

Hey Tim,

I was pleasantly surprised to see you mention me in your post! It’s a wonderful feeling how this forum connects us from so far away and lets our thoughts resonate. Thank you for including me in your journey.

I've read through your post and the conversation, and I can deeply relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by a system that's supposed to help but ends up causing friction. I wanted to share some of my own thoughts and experiences, hoping they might offer you a useful perspective.

1. On Choosing Your Tools (The "GoPro Problem")

It's completely normal to have many apps installed on your computer (as long as your hardware can handle it!). In fact, I'd say it's necessary to try several to find what truly fits you. However, for your core GTD system, I strongly recommend limiting yourself to no more than two primary tools (e.g., one for tasks, one for your calendar).

Why? Because if you have to stop and think, "Which app should this task go into?" or "Where did I put that action item?" – the system itself becomes the source of friction. The goal is to make capturing and reviewing effortless. (For example, I have a simple button widget on my android phone that instantly opens a dialog to add something to my inbox – zero friction.)

Every app is built on its founders' philosophy. Some archive completed tasks, others delete them. Some allow infinite subtasks, others only two levels. There's no single "best" one, only the one that matches your way of thinking.

This reminds me of the "GoPro problem": people see thrilling ads, buy the camera for extreme sports, but then it just sits at home collecting dust because it doesn't fit their actual life. The technology is not the purpose; what you do with it is. The same goes for productivity apps. The goal isn't to have a minimalist desktop; the goal is to have a system that, when you ask "What's next?", gives you a clear and complete answer.

2. Why I Chose a Note-Taking App Over a Task Manager

I use a note-taking app (Obsidian) for my system. The reason is flexibility. A note-taking app is like a blank canvas. You can create your own structure, and it can evolve with you over time. A paper notebook is the ultimate flexible tool for the same reason—you can draw, connect ideas, and be non-linear.

My journey started with a paper-based Bullet Journal. After a year, I realized that even with an index, finding specific keywords that I hadn't indexed was impossible. A digital note-taking app's universal search capability solved that. That's why I fully transitioned to digital. You might find a task manager like Todoist is better for you, or maybe paper is your true medium. The only way to know is to try them and see which one feels less like a chore.

3. On OCD and The Fear of Deleting Old Ideas

I completely understand the fear of losing past ideas if you delete an app or a task. I've felt this too. Here’s a thought that helped me: the raw, trivial data isn't the real treasure. The real value comes from distilling it.

At the end of every week or month, I ask myself: What problems did I face? How did I solve them? What did I achieve? What did I learn? This process of reflection turns raw data into wisdom and allows you to live with intentionality.

I have a neighbor who has tracked every penny they've spent for decades, yet never managed to save much money. Why? They recorded everything but lacked the intentionality to use that information to guide their financial decisions.

So, my advice is this: extract the valuable lessons from your old notes and tasks. Once you have the wisdom, you can safely archive or delete the raw data and never look back. This is what allows you to truly move on.

4. A Quick Note on the Computer Repair

The computer technician's job is to fix your canvas; what you paint on it is up to you. I was a bit puzzled by the description of the BitLocker issue. Usually, without the key, the data is locked permanently, and the only option is to format the drive, which erases everything. If the shop owner managed to recover your data, that's some impressive work! Just a friendly tip: BitLocker can be risky if you're not tech-savvy, as a forgotten password can mean total data loss. I'm glad your data seems to be safe!

6. What Does "What Works for You" Really Mean?

It means two things:

1. Using the system doesn't feel like a burden.
2. When you encounter a problem with the system, you feel empowered to tweak and adjust it, rather than feeling trapped by it.

Over time, through these small adjustments, the system becomes a true extension of your own mind.

I hope these thoughts are helpful, Tim. Keep experimenting, and be kind to yourself in the process. You're on the right path.

All the best,
@achieve

 

[TimBourne]

- you do that according to a schedule unlike myself?
---------------------------------------------------------
This is about my calendar. I put date specific things on my calendar sometimes when they show up and sometimes when I do my weekly review.

right - so it wouldn't hurt i copy you with 6 contexts?
-----------------------------------------------------------
You need to do what works for you.
But Mine are:
@computer
@errands
@grocery store
@home
@phone
@waiting for

saw
L

 

[chrisstribbs]

Can you add more RAM to your laptop ?
Also, Windows and applications often are shocking at how much RAM they use. Google Chrome is a terror , along with teams.

I restart my device at lunchtime and shut down overnight.

I would ensure that you :

1) Close things like applications and tabs when you are done with them.
2) As someone said, restarting windows Explorer helps too.
3) Ensure you restart the device daily.

Chris