Computer Cleaning for the New Year

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Happy New Year! January is National Clean Up Your Computer Month, the perfect time to declutter your digital space. A clean, well-maintained computer runs faster and improves your overall experience. Here are some tips to keep your computer organized and running smoothly!

Tackle the inbox

Whether you shop online or in stores, you’re asked to provide your email address when you buy, which multiplies the number of mailing lists you’re on. Don’t start the new year deluged by unwanted newsletters and advertising emails. The extra messages in your inbox distract you from the messages that matter. Instead of deleting every new unread message, click on one and unsubscribe. Usually, there’s a link that lets you do this at the bottom of the email.

Organize your files

Take some time to tidy up your files by grouping them into folders like documents, pictures, and videos. A clear folder structure makes it easier to find what you need. Don’t forget to regularly delete files you no longer need to free up space!

Sort through downloads

We also download a lot of stuff in a year. Sometimes, because we’re impatient or don’t realize we’ve already hit download, we get multiple copies of the same file! A full download folder takes up storage space on your computer and can slow your computer down.

Empty trash/recycling bins

tems you put in the trash or recycling bins at home take up space until you take those bins to the curb or the dump, and the same is true of your computer trash or recycling. Empty these bins by selecting “empty trash” on your Mac Finder menu, or “empty recycle bin” after clicking on the bin icon in Windows.

Tidy your desktop

A clutter-free desktop isn’t just easier on the eyes—it helps your computer run better, too. Sort your icons into folders and remove shortcuts you don’t use. A clean desktop makes for a more efficient workspace.

Run disk cleanup & optimize storage

Clear out temporary and system files by running a disk cleanup to free up space and boost your computer’s speed. You can also move large files to an external drive or cloud storage to keep things running smoothly.

Keep your system updated

Make sure your operating system and apps are up to date. Updates often include important security fixes and performance improvements. Enable automatic updates so you don’t have to worry about missing them.

Streamline startup programs

Check what programs are starting up when you start up your computer. Too many startup apps can slow things down. Disable the ones you don’t need for a quicker boot and better performance.

Remove unused programs/apps

If you’re not using a program or app, don’t give it computer space. In Windows open the Start menu, click on Settings, then System, then Apps and Features from the left pane to select what you want to uninstall. Click the uninstall button, and you’ve decluttered your computer that little bit more for the new year.

If you need help with any of these streamlining measures, let us know. Hopedale Technologies can help! Our PC Tune-Up includes a PC Clean (removal of dust inside the computer), malware scan, virus scan, performance tuning and Windows updates. Prices start at $159 for this service. Call us at 508-478-6010 or email us to set up your appointment.

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