Spring Clean Your Computer

Thanks to AI:

• Create a file storage system: Create a system for storing your email accounts and other files
• Clean your keyboard: Use a duster to remove particles from your keyboard. A University of Arizona study found that keyboards are dirtier than toilet seats. 
• Update your software: Software updates can improve your device’s functionality, increase speed, and provide security patches. 
• Delete unused apps: Remove apps you don’t use anymore to free up space on your hard drive. 
• Backup your files: Back up your files to avoid losing important information if your computer crashes. 
• Delete unused software: Remove unnecessary programs that may be slowing down your system. 
• Clear your browsers: Clear your browser’s cache and history to protect your personal information. 
• Manage passwords: Store your passwords in a safe place, or print them out in case you lose access to your computer. 
• Perform a disk cleanup: Use a disk cleanup tool to safely remove unnecessary files from your hard drive. 
• Secure your router: Change your router’s password to keep it secure. 
• Clean out your email inbox: Unsubscribe from newsletters and email alerts you no longer read. 
• Throwing away old computers and tech—dispose of them properly. When it comes time to say goodbye to an old friend, whether that’s a computer, laptop, phone, or tablet, do so in a way that’s friendly to the environment and your security.

Your old computer may contain loads of precious personal and financial info on it. The same goes for your tablets and phones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers some straightforward advice in their article about protecting your data before you get rid of your computer. You don’t want those old tax returns ending up in the trash unprotected.

When it comes time for disposal, you have a few options:

• Look into the e-waste disposal options in your community: There are services that will dispose of and recycle old technology while doing it in a secure manner.
• Some mobile carriers have turn-in programs that will not only dispose of your tech properly, but they’ll give you a financial incentive too—such as money towards a new device.
• Lastly, consider the option of reusing the device (think Linux). There are opportunities to pass it along to a family member or even donate old devices too. Your old tech may be a game-changer for someone else. Again, just be sure to protect that old data!

Spring Clean Your Computer

To “spring clean” your digital devices, you should thoroughly declutter by deleting unused apps, old files, and unnecessary downloads, review your subscriptions to cancel any you no longer use, clear browser cache and history, update software, and generally organize your digital space to improve efficiency and privacy. 

• Delete unused apps and files: Go through your phone, computer, and tablet, removing any apps or files you haven’t used in a while. 
• Clear browser cache and history: Regularly clear your web browser cache and browsing history to protect your privacy. 
• Review subscriptions: Check your online subscriptions and cancel any services you no longer use. 
• Organize your folders: Create a logical folder structure to easily find important documents and media. 
• Backup important data: Before deleting anything, ensure you have a recent backup of your critical files. 
• Update software: Check for and install any available updates on your operating system and applications. 
• Review privacy settings: Check privacy settings on your accounts and adjust them to limit data sharing. 
• Manage passwords: Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your various login credentials. 
• Clean up your inbox: Delete old emails, unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists, and organize your inbox. 
• Check for malware: Run a virus scan to detect and remove any potential malware.