Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual overhaul known as spring cleaning. For some, it's a welcome refresh on all the spaces and places we call home. For others, the clutter-filled weeks are a dreaded necessity to avert being buried by belongings. Avid spring cleaners leave no room untouched, no drawer or closet safe from the purge and polish.
But how many remember to be as diligent with digital assets? When was the last time you cleaned out old photos on your phone or backed up your computer? As we become increasingly dependent on tech to guide us through our work and play, we develop a glut of data sludge mucking up functionality, speed, and storage space.
Before you begin, turn your device off and disconnect it from the power source. Then, give it a physical cleaning. Use compressed air to clear out keyboards and ports, and a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the dust from delicate screens. If a deeper clean is needed, dampen the cloth with water or screen/display cleaner to carefully clear stubborn marks and smudges. Then, gently wipe down the exterior of the device before powering back on and tackling digital dirt.
Purge Unused Apps:
Storage is a commodity you can't afford to waste. Excess software and apps bog down operating systems and increase the likelihood you'll be targeted by data-mining companies and hackers. Uninstall old programs and delete apps you don't use or need.
- Windows: Start menu, Settings, Apps – click on the app and select uninstall
- macOS: Launchpad – click and hold on the app until all apps start to vibrate, then select the X icon on the app you want to delete
Update any apps or programs you keep, ensuring your system is functioning optimally.
Dump Digital Clutter:
Whether it's hundreds of selfies, junk temp files, or various iterations of your magnum opus, digital clutter is an eventuality in our modern, tech-driven lifestyles. Whether you utilize a third-party program or take a few hours to do it by hand, cleaning out useless data is a great way to optimize your system's performance and clear space for data you actually need. Remember to delete unnecessary downloads and empty your trash, as well!
Clear Your Browser:
Browsers save a lot of digital content you simply don't need, many of us don't even realize it's there.
- Chrome: Preferences/Settings, Privacy & Security – clear browsing data
- Firefox: Preferences, Privacy & Security, Cookies & Site Data and/or History – clear
- Microsoft Edge: Settings, Privacy, Search & Services – clear browsing data
- Safari: History, Clear History
Lastly, check out your browser's extensions and plug-ins to clean out any remaining unused or outdated add-ons.
Once you've decluttered, consider reviewing your system and organizing to streamline operations and eliminate duplicate files/filing systems, utilizing cloud-based options where available to maximize disk space.
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