Tech Tips

Everyday Micro-Efficiency Tips

Small, built-in tricks that save time and effort in routine computer work but are often overlooked.

Extract Text from Any Screen (Hidden OCR)

In Microsoft PowerToys:

Enable Text Extractor.

Shortcut:
Win + Shift + T

Draw a box over text (even inside images or PDFs).
It copies the text instantly.

Use cases:
• Locked PDFs
• Images from WhatsApp
• Scanned circular snippets

No retyping.

Maintain a Micro Decision Log

Create a simple file: Decision_Log_2026.txt

When making judgment calls, mention:

• Date
• Issue
• Decision taken
• Reason

Example:
22-02-2026 – Chose conservative interpretation due to litigation risk.

Why this matters:
• Memory fades
• Clients forget
• Staff changes
• Scrutiny happens years later

Documentation is protection.

Build a Response Framework Bank

Identify 5 emails you rewrite repeatedly:

• • “Please share documents”
  • “Clarification required”
  • “Payment reminder”
  • “Notice acknowledgement”
  • “Timeline follow-up”

Create structured master drafts in:

* Microsoft Outlook
or
* Gmail

Use placeholders:
[Client Name]
[Assessment Year]

Stop drafting from scratch.

Thinking once saves thinking 100 times.

Hidden Gmail Alias (No Setup Required)

If you use Gmail, add a +tag to your email.

If your email is:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Use:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

No activation. No limit.
All mails still come to your main inbox.

Why this helps:

• Track who shared your email
• Auto-filter by alias
• Organise registrations easily

Note:

• Some websites block “+”
• This tracks sources — it doesn’t hide your base email

Control the inflow. Don’t just manage the inbox.

Email overload affecting focus?

Create *rules / filters:*
• Auto-label newsletters
• Skip inbox for CC-only mails
• Flag mails with “Action Required”

Check inbox at fixed intervals, not continuously.
Inbox is a task queue, not a to-do list.

Slow laptop during large PDFs & Excel work?

Run:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup apps

Disable (if not required daily):
• Adobe Updater
• Teams auto-start
• Zoom auto-start
• Cloud sync tools (temporarily)

Reduces boot time and frees RAM instantly.

System frozen or app not responding?

Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Task Manager opens instantly.

Type emojis using your keyboard.

Windows:
Press: Windows + .

Mac:
Press: Cmd + Ctrl + Space

Need to type special symbols without searching Google?

Press: Windows + .

Go to:
• Symbols
• Kaomoji
• Emojis

Useful for:
• Emails
• Notes
• Excel comments
• Messages