Just like a cluttered desk can slow you down, a cluttered computer can impact productivity and even put your data at risk. National Clean Out Your Computer Day, celebrated on the second Monday of February, is the perfect reminder to give your computer the attention it deserves.
The bad news is that this is usually a very personal and time-consuming effort to complete. However, regularly cleaning up files and organizing your PC is crucial to a productive work day and to avoid potential setbacks.
Why Decluttering Your Computer Matters
Decluttering Your Computer Boosts Productivity
A cluttered computer can slow down your workflow. Too many files, outdated software or unnecessary programs running in the background can make even the fastest machines crawl. By organizing your digital space, you’ll speed up performance and spend less time searching for what you need. Using any computer regularly will slow down its performance over time, so spend time to organize your files to keep your computer in working condition.
Decluttering Your Computer Enhances Your Security
Unused files, apps and outdated software can create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can readily to exploit. Keeping your computer decluttered reduces risks by eliminating potential weak points in your system. It also helps you stay compliant with data protection standards (e.g. CMMC, FINRA, AICPA, HIPAA) if your business handles sensitive information.
How To Declutter Your Computer
1. Back Up Your Files
- Before making major changes, make a back-up of your files to an external drive or cloud storage. It is important that it does not synchronize to your computer.
- Back-ups are the first part of your security, and it helps if you delete something by accident.
- Make a separate back-up of your critical data (e.b. Quickbooks, Personnel Info, Password List, etc.) There is no such thing as backing up too often!
2. Delete Unnecessary Files
- Start by clearing out old documents, downloads and duplicate files you no longer need. (This also includes old photos, projects, video clips, etc.) Videos often take a large amount of space.
- Don’t forget the trash or recycle bin – empty it to free up valuable space.
- Delete temporary Internet files, cookies and cached data from your web browsers. Run Windows Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files. This not only saves space but can also improve browser speed.
3. Organize Your Files
- While the method for organizing files changes from person to person, the goal is to create a logical folder structure where someone else can find your important company documents.
- Use clear, descriptive file names so you can find what you need quickly. Long file names help you find it when you need it down the road.
4. Uninstall Unused Programs
- Go through your list of installed programs and remove anything you no longer use.
- If you’ve never properly set up your computer, it’s likely there’s applications that came pre-installed. Check for trial software that expired ages ago. If you purchase a computer through us at TechBldrs, we make sure that “bloatware” is removed.
5. Update Your Software
- Outdated programs are security risks. Ensure your operating system, and applications are up-to-date.
- It is recommended that you use Antivirus, Antimalware, DNS filtering and Sandboxing software as a minimum level of protection against potential attacks.
- At a minimum, take time to update everything once per month to stay protected.
6. Scan For Malware
- Since most malware can stay dormant in your systems for months, run a full system scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any threats.
- If you don’t have a reliable antivirus solution, now is the time to get one., or reach out to an IT expert to help.
- Cybercriminals can utilize gaps between when software manufacturers find a problem in their software or hardware and when a fix is applied.
Declutter Your Computer Regularly
Cleaning your computer isn’t a one-and-done task. Schedule regular maintenance – quarterly or monthly – to keep your systems running smoothly and securely. This will make it less overwhelming to complete,as opposed to pushing it off to do once a year.
Ready For A Complete System Cleanup?
Keeping your computer clean is an excellent first step, but is your entire network optimized for productivity and security?
To find out, book a FREE Computer Consultation. Our team of experts will evaluate your system for vulnerabilities, inefficiencies and opportunities to improve performance. From there you can take the correct steps forward. Don’t let clutter and vulnerabilities hold you back – take control of your computer today!