7 Tips for Spring Cleaning for Your Computer or Laptop and Organizing Your Files
As summer approaches and a new fiscal quarter begins, you may find that your computer is running slowly under the weight of all the work you’ve completed this year so far. While spring cleaning your house may be complete, it may be time to take notice of your computer files which could be keeping your memory on your computer low or causing slow speeds. Whether you are ready to clean up your work or personal computer, or both, here are 7 tips for keeping your machine in top working order.
Check to See What Programs are Apps are Set To Start Up with Your Computer
Many apps and programs default to start running at boot up. This slows your computer down at start up and means that your laptop or computer is working overtime to load up many programs at once including any programs that are essential for your computer to function at a basic level.
To check what programs run at startup, type MSConfig in your Search Programs text box. In the System Configuration console, click the tab labeled Startup. A new window will appear where you can see your installed computer programs that are set to startup with the computer. Check the boxes of the apps you want to keep, uncheck the boxes for the apps that you do not wish to keep. Select apply, close the window and click restart when the reboot pop-up window appears. Upon start up, these changes should take effect.
Remove Unused Programs and Apps
Unused programs and apps can take up a lot of space and RAM on your computer's disk and drive. These programs can contribute to slow running speeds and function and they can also hog memory. Removing any unused programs and apps can free up space and help your computer remain in tiptop shape.
From the start menu, go to Settings and then choose Apps and Features. Next, select the apps that you’d like to remove and click uninstall. Repeat these steps for each additional App that you wish to remove.
Alternatively, you can remove apps from the Control Panel dialog box by clicking on Programs and then Programs & Features and right-clicking to uninstall. If you accidentally delete something that you find you need later on, you’ll always have the option to reinstall the program from the source. In most cases, Windows will protect you from accidentally deleting something that’s integral to your computer’s basic functions.
Clear Caches and Temporary Files
Clearing caches and temporary files can help maximize speed and performance. To delete temporary files, type Disk Cleanup on the search bar. Select the drive you want to clean up and select OK. Under files to delete, select the file type you wish to get rid of. Select OK.
If you need to free up more space, you can delete your system files by selecting Cleanup File System in the Disk Cleanup dialog box. Next, select the file type to get rid of and click OK.
Consider Clearing Downloaded Files
If you work on your computer a lot, chances are you have a bulky Downloads folder. These items may be things that you no longer need to have on your computer. Consider deleting these or moving them to an external harddrive in case you need them for later. Most of these things are items that you’ve located someplace else and can be easily downloaded a second time if needed. Decide if you need all of these files and then either keep, delete, or relocate to an external hard drive.
Use an External Drive
External hard drives are a great place to store files that you don’t need today. Consider purchasing an external hard drive. You can organize your drive using folders labeled with month and year and then relocate files here in case you need them later. The hard drive is fully searchable so you shouldn’t have trouble locating the file you need if you chose to store it here.
Run a Virus Scanner
A great virus scanner can help you free up space, protect your computer from viruses and malware, and help you locate unused apps. Compare your options and choose an antivirus software that is trusted and works with your budget. You can choose when the antivirus software will scan your computer so that it runs when you are away from your desk. A great antivirus can save you from some serious headaches and will help you keep your computer or laptop in great shape.
Make It Part of a Routine
Now that your computer is cleaned up, get in the habit of cleaning up your computer once a month, once a week, or as often as you think it’s called for. Clearing your temporary files, running system diagnostics using your antivirus software, and moving unused files to an external hard drive won’t take so long if you make these things a part of your routine. You can set a reminder in your phone for your next cleanup or you can pick a certain day of the week or month to do these things. You’ll thank yourself later!
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