Spring cleaning isn’t just for cleaning out the closet, washing the windows and de-cluttering the basement. In the world of business, spring cleaning should include a thorough cleaning of your computer systems as well. Old programs, unused applications and data that is no longer needed should have it’s own spring cleaning – and the start of the New Year is as good a time as any to start off fresh and orderly. Here are a few suggestions on “spring cleaning” your technology for the New Year!
- Uninstall Old Programs – Uninstall unused PC programs by going to the Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs. On a Mac, open LaunchPad and drag and drop the app icon into Trash. You can also delete files you no longer need.
- Defragging – “Defragging” is another way to help your computer operate faster with more stability. Run the program to give your hard drive a tune-up. It might take awhile but you should notice a marked improvement (tip: start the process before you leave your home or go to bed).
- Run and Update Security Programs – Update and run spyware and antivirus software to be sure that you have safeguarded your data and systems.
- Empty the Trash – Empty out those files that you haven’t looked at in months.
- Clean the Keyboard – That overused dumping ground of crumbs and dust could use a quick clean out as well! Use compressed air and a lint free cloth to wipe the outside and clean off those sticky keys.
- Do Manual Look – Look through your programs, data and files. What can you get rid of or at least move to a more permanent storage location (preferably one that is securely backed up).
- De-Junk your Desktop – Put it in folders or create a folder for ‘Working on’. Don’t know how to create a desktop folder? Right click on the desktop and select ‘New>folder’.
Categorised in: IT Consulting Services