in reply to A quiet place to code...

Music.

I have a collection of music that I hang on to for such purposes. I prefer instrumental music, so that there are no human voices to distract. Since I am a drummer as well, I try to find instrumental music without a prominent backbeat - otherwise I'll start tapping on the desk and performing other feats of air-drumming.

In your case, those 'new-age' compositions of naturual sounds might be a winner. Anything that will block out the distracting sound waves without being blocking itself should do the trick.

Good luck with your quest for quietness - a clear mind is the most important tool a programmer can have.

Jeff

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RE: RE: A quiet place to code...
by cei (Monk) on Oct 18, 2000 at 00:48 UTC
    For me sometimes the rhythm helps drive the code. Enigma's 3rd album and Blue Man Group's "Audio" are both excellent coding background music for me.
RE: RE: A quiet place to code...
by el-moe (Scribe) on Oct 18, 2000 at 10:36 UTC
    I think music is a great idea! I actually got some headphones and have been listening to some great stuff I've been stumbling upon here and there on the Web. I like it ok but sometimes I find myself turning it up so loud to drown out the other people that I'm now fighting with the songs for thinking room.

    Ahhhh... the quest for peace continues...

    Thanks.