Winter is almost here, which means less time outside and socializing. Like most people, you’ll be spending a lot of time at home stuck with your desktop. But if you have a well-functioning computer, there are many things you can do to be productive or pass your time.
On the other hand, a slow desktop will limit your options. So if you see that your computer is slow, search “computer repair near me” to find solutions. If you’re at a loss about what to do, there are many computer-based hobbies you can try out this coming winter.
1. Poker
If you’re a poker fan, then you’ll be happy to know that online poker is hugely popular, with high-stakes poker games being very commonplace. Players from all over the world participate in these games, and if you’re not the type to play poker with money, there are casual games as well. Since you’ll be playing online, there are a couple of things that you should always keep in mind.
First and foremost, make sure you set a limit for yourself so you don’t spend too much money. Make sure to check the validity of the website or group responsible for hosting the game. Learning to bluff and see through other players’ tells when they’re bluffing is also an important skill to master. As long as you play safe, you’re in for a good time playing online poker.
2. Photo Editing
Whether you’re a business owner or amateur photographer, learning to properly edit photographs is a skill you definitely want to master. Not only that, but you can also take it up as a full-time career, which many people actually do these days. Video editing is also in high demand, so learning that is also a valid option.
There are different photo editing software out there like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Corel, and more that you can learn from scratch. These softwares have a lot of nuances, so learning and mastering them will take time. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can go on to learn more advanced techniques.
3. Blogging
If you enjoy writing, then blogging is something you might be interested in. Over the last two decades, blogging has evolved from a simple hobby of a few people on the internet to a multi-million dollar industry that keeps on growing every day. Even if you aren’t interested in earning money, blogging is an excellent creative outlet that can greatly improve your writing skills.
Creating a blog is not that difficult—all you need is a domain name and a website. Registering a domain name is quite cheap these days, so it won’t cost you much. As for creating the website, if you take the trouble to master the basics of WordPress, your blog will be up in no time. If not, there are some fantastic website builders out there like Wix that don’t require any technical knowledge.
4. Take Surveys
If you’re interested in making a bit of money on the side while cooped up inside your home in the coming winter, then taking online surveys is an excellent way to do so. It’s something you can easily do while relaxing and sipping hot chocolate. Before agreeing to take a survey in exchange for payment, do research to ensure that the company is reputable and legit.
Many shady individuals and marketing execs out there want to twist the numbers in their favor when it comes to surveys. It’s your job to ensure that you’re not unwillingly participating in something unethical.
5. Takes Classes
If you’re up for learning new skills, then taking online classes can be a great way to learn something new while spending time at home. There are many reputable e-learning platforms like Skillshare that offer a wide range of courses on different topics. The prices of these courses are very reasonable, so they won’t set you back much.
Just make sure to check for reviews to make sure you’re not wasting money on a bad course, though these platforms have strict quality control, which ensures the uploaded courses have a minimum standard.
Use Your Down Time Wisely
When it comes to computer hobbies, the ones mentioned above are just a few options that you can pursue to pass your time or to be more productive. A computer offers many ways to learn new things and earn money as well. So go ahead and try out new things, you might just find your next favorite hobby.
