Think about the wasted time flipping through windows, resizing them, minimizing just to maximize again a few seconds later. You should consider doubling your workspace by adding a second computer monitor. Many computers (like the recent Macintosh G4's) come with a second monitor port already built in. if you don't have one, talk to your local computer retail store about adding a second card. Then buy the biggest screen you can afford. The LCD screens are better because they take up less desk space, don't interfere with the Electric guitars pickups and look sharp. If cost is prohibitive, think about looking for a used 21 inch CRT monitor. These babies weigh a ton, but they'll give you the most bang for your buck.

The biggest problem with MIDI is that it was invented in the 1980's - long before easy graphical interfaces, back in the days when akeyboard player also needed a computer programming degree. Sometimes getting your computer and your MIDI keyboard to communicate via MIDI can be a challenge. Do yourself a favor and check out some of the new MIDI controllers that are coming out. Most of the good ones don't even need a MIDI soundcard, but hook up to your computer directly through the built in USB port. I'm very fond of the controllers by a company called "Evolution" out of England. Edirol also have some great ones in the PCR series with sliders. And there's always the ever-economical M-Audio. Starting at under $200 (CAD) you can get velocity sensitive keys and assignable controllers - great for working with programs like Propellerhead's Reason or Native Instruments' Kontakt, or Ableton Live - even in real time.

If your home studio is anything like mine, space can sometimes get a little tight. Event clearing off a 12-inch space for your mouse to move around on can be a challenge. Try picking up a two-button trackball. For under $50 you'll be zipping around your screen, without zipping things off your desk. This might be particularly helpful for the Macintosh users out there. I love their computers but I want to tell Steve Jobs, "Let go of the one button mouse! Get with the times!" I find the second button to be extremely helpful in Cubase for switching between tools.

If there are one or two current projects you are working on, why not copy a shortcut (Windows) or an alias (Macintosh) of the project file to your desktop? For the number of times you will open this project in a given week it will save you time and hassle. It might even save the question, "Now where did I put that file...?"

My wife will be so proud of me for putting in this tip. I know musicians need their creative spaces and so on. But a disorganized studio is no help to anyone. It will give your clients a sense that you are not professional and it will waste your time in the process. The first key to organization: making a space for everything. Do you have a place to hang your mic cords? Do you store your mics and stands when they are not in use? Keep your CDR's handy? Think about what you access most and from where. A client will not feel good about paying you $$ an hour because you are checking all your pants pockets for that 1/4 inch RCA adapter. I keep my XMen lunch box hanging in my control room filled with those little adaptors that tend to get lost. Cords can really become a mess if you don't keep them wrapped up. I would suggest picking up a few of those Velcro cord wrappers. I also have some cool chrome hooks and just hang all my cords right on my wall, organized by kind. This leads me to my second key to organizing: Frequent trips to IKEA; enough said. So harness those creative juices into an organized workspace - better for you and your clients.

Even if you implemented all of these ideas, it would cost you less than a thousand bucks and save you from laying down your hard earned cash on a costly computer purchase - at least for a couple more months. Perhaps you have some speedy tips of your own. I'd love to hear them. I'll post the best five (with credits!) in a future article. Long live the revolution!