How to keep your computer super organized and problem free

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

It’s Spring Cleaning time. Time to make sure your computer is running its best.

My computer has been a bit sluggish lately, so I guess it’s time to do a bit of housecleaning. (i.e., computer cleaning.)laptop_cleaningjpg

I hate cleaning of all kinds.

Housework is boring as is optimizing my computer. But, like dirty dishes, dirty unused files/programs make a mess.

As a writer, I love finding new programs. Too bad many of these programs don’t work as I expected. As a result, unused programs can clog up my system.

So, what to do?

  • Backup! Whether you use an external drive or an online service, backup your computer. I do this before I delete anything.
  • Go to Programs & Features, find outdated/unused programs and uninstall.
  • Update programs. Stop hitting update later when prompted to update programs you do use. Especially, the antivirus program.
  • Organize documents and files. Just like my closet, this area gets cluttered with things that don’t fit. Time to throw out outdated and unused files.
  • Defrag! This action will free up lots of space enabling your computer to work faster and more efficient.
  • I understand this will take most of your afternoon. However, better to do a little housekeeping than lose that 55,000 word novel in progress.
Below is a detailed article checklist to help you get started.

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Tell me, when was the last time you cleaned up your computer?

Do you have a set schedule for computer housekeeping?

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! CLICK TO WRITE ME OR CONTACT ME ON TWITTER @JEANCOGDELL, FACEBOOK AT JEAN.COGDELLAND AMAZON.COM, STOP BY AND SAY HEY! THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND I’M WAITING.
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13 WAYS YOU’RE SCREWING UP YOUR COMPUTER 

22 thoughts on “How to keep your computer super organized and problem free”

  2. I schedule the maintenance of my PC and delete programs the minute I decide I don’t want to use them. I can’t afford to back up my files (squeaky tight budget) so I use three different free online clouds for all things important. One thing I have been looking for without success is a password manager. Your link to 13 Ways You’re Screwing Up Your Computer at About.Com was extremely helpful. Thank you.

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    1. If you use MS Office, you can set word, etc to automatically update. Other programs you can click or right click on the help button to find the version you are using. When in doubt… Google. That’s what I do.

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  7. Helpful post! I have used Macs for quite awhile now. I “try” to organize files, folders, clearly labeled, when I first create them- so they are “hopefully” easy to find. I also have learned that if my machine is not performing as well, that it is time for a new one with more storage, memory, power. I do have a question- do you all prefer a laptop, tablet, or desktop?

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  9. Pingback: How to keep your computer super organized and problem free | Kim's Author Support Blog

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