The Video and Sound page sets out a brief introduction to some of the sight and sound tools.

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The IT Tools I Choose

I use IT in the same way as a lawyer uses a precedent: as a servant, not a master.

I have no academic interest in discovering what new computing toys have been produced. I am very interested in finding out whether there is anything new and useful to me.

As I travel from one court to another, I think of other ways I might be able to use to do my work.

New information technology always falls into one of three categories;-

• new technology; or

• the same technology used in a different way; or

• the same technology used for a new purpose.

To introduce new technology is to introduce change.

Making information technology changes is an investment. Sometimes money is invested, sometimes time is invested. The returns maybe in time, or in standards, or both. It is necessary to distinguish between good investments and bad investments.

I experiment with, road test, many kinds of software, but ultimately, before I adopt any piece of software or hardware as a permanent companion on the road to Bordertown, I apply some simple tests.

Before I use new technology, before I change, I ask:-

• a) Will it mean that I can do the same work at the same standard, but in less time?; or

• b) Will it mean that I can work of a higher standard within the same time?

If the answer to both questions is "no", then there is no point in changing. There will be no return on the investment.

If the answer is "Yes", to either or both questions, then it is necessary to ask another question:-

• Will the returns justify the investment?

Often the answer is "no".