Why we are using Chromebooks to power Ariolix

In everything I do I have a tendency to look for a tool to do things better. I experiment a lot with different tools, methods and softwares in order to find the most efficient way to work. The problem is that I realised that I was spending a lot of time configuring, testing, debugging, maintaining these systems. I a sense, all this time spent playing around with my computer was highly inefficient. I was for a long time a Windows user, then a Linux user (Gentoo, Ubuntu, Mint, Lubuntu, …), and now a Chrome OS user. I started using Chromebooks in 2012. Most of the tools we were using for Ariolix were already web based, so why not go completely cloud powered 🙂 Chromebooks are super light machines, inexpensive, fast and robust. You don’t have to play around dozens of settings, you don’t have to install software that you desperately need and to uninstall junkware, malware and other softwares you don’t want. It’s something that seems obvious but you only realize the importance of that when you go back to Windows. For one of our customer, we received a brand new Windows 10 PC, and I offered to my client to configure it before delivering it to him. I was absolutely amazed of the time I had to spend on the machine just to “configure it”. After hours of installing softwares, uninstalling pre-installed ones, installing the Windows Updates, I realized how much more sense a Chromebook makes. I can already hear you telling me that you need so much more than a browser to work. I agree that if you need special softwares to work (Illustrator, Catia, …) there is no other way than to use a machine on which the tool is available, but I maintain that most companies could use only a chromebook. We are doing everything on our chromebooks and chromeboxes : presentations, reports, business plans, financial projections, market studies, accounting, images modifications, business process mapping, pdf annotations and modifications, project management, videoconferencing … So when I hear or read “chromebook is getting ready for work” I’m smiling, if not laughing. Chromebook is more than ready, and now with the announcement of linux apps available and more and more androids apps that you can use on your Chromebook, and wonderful machines to play with what more are you waiting for ?

What to read during this week-end ?

I’m trying to read a lot of articles and books, and I end up with a nice list of articles that I add to my Pocket list to read them later. I have a lot of unread articles on this list, and here are the few ones I suggest for you to read over this week end You Really Don’t Need To Work So Much?—?The New YorkerIt’s a nice article about the efficiency of work. Do we work too much, or in other words, could we attain the same results while working less. Doesn’t really provide answers but make you think a lot about your own situation and lead you to consider your and your coworker’s happiness. The Research Is Clear: Long Hours Backfire for People and for Companies?—?Harvard Business ReviewMore hours doesn’t translate in more output but does translate in health problems. Among other findings and proof in different studies, this article gives a nice overview of the compelling reason to stop being proud of putting 60 hrs work week (and seriously I should take notes). Working Over 40 Hours a Week Makes You Less Productive, Not More?—?LifehackerIt’s a lighter version of the same rationale : if you work 60 hrs a week you’ll hurt yourself in the (not so) long term. Workers in a World of Continuous Partial Employment?—?What’s The Future of Work??—?MediumThat’s a long read. I’ll keep this one for sunday morning while enjoying my coffee 😉 Why It’s Safe for Founders to Be Nice?—?paulgraham.comThe math behind being nice in business. Simply a treat to read 🙂 I have of course much more on my reading list. I know I have few readers myself, but that would be nice to share what is on your reading list, or what you have read recently. If you liked this story, do not hesitate to share it in your network! You can follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, our blog, and you can learn more about our services at ariolix.com