Brightrev

When I'm working on an article where I really need to focus, I like to cut distractions and maximize my work space.  Writeroom and Dark Room are great full screen text editing apps for OS X and Windows.  The problem is that these applications are better for writing fiction, where you don't usually need bold, italic and links in your text.  Using my TaskBar AutoHide utility and a keyboard shortcut, you can quickly and easily maximize the space used for Office 2007 while minimizing distractions.

When I write an article I often have an FTP client, word processor, simple text editor, screenshot utility, media player, browser, image editor and e-mail client open.  I need all these tools, but they create a complex and distracting work environment when I'm trying to write. 

I use two basic steps to clean up my work environment.  I run my Taskbar Autohide utility in the background so I can toggle my taskbar's auto hide setting with the WIN+A shortcut key.  I also use the keyboard shortcut to minimize the Office 2007 Ribbon: CTRL+F1.  With two quick keyboard shortcuts, I go from the work environment you see above to one with a lot less widgets, buttons and clutter.

This isn't quite the same as Writeroom's full screen environment, but it does make a difference in that you don't have so many other things competing for your attention while you're trying to work.  The same tip works for Excel 2007 and PowerPoint 2007.