Since it is the new year, it is only fitting to announce that January is International Clean Up Your Computer Month. If you're like many out there, you have way too much stuff on your computer.
With all the resolutions out there you may think this is just another one to start but never finish – like the whole lot of them. Keeping your livelihood “cleaned up” should not just be a New Year’s resolution but a habit to be formed and built on.
Your business and WordPress site are important to you right? You have created them and built them up from nothing. What else should be treated as such is your computer. Taking care and keeping your “money making machine” clean is important. If your computer is running really slow, we have some quick tips and suggestions to help.
How to Clean up Your Computer
- Get rid of temp files, cookies, cache, browsing history, etc. Go to start, control panel then Internet Options. Find the browsing history section and delete.
- Do computer updates. Click Start, search for Windows Updates and then click on it.
- One thing I do often is find programs on my computer that I no longer need. Go on and uninstall anything you aren't currently using. This will help speed up your system.
- Do a Disk Defrag. Click on Start, start to type in disk and you will see Disk Defragmenter. You can schedule this to run at a specific day and time or do it manually. A disk defrag helps improve your system's performance by consolidating fragmented files.
- Empty recycle bin
- Do a full scan of your computer. We recommend Malwarebytes and Kaspersky for your anti virus program solutions.
- Lastly we always recommend that you do daily computer backups. Many of us on the WP Security Lock team use Mozy online backups.
Something else that many don't think of is actually cleaning your computer.
- Always turn your computer and its parts off first. This includes any plugs and such if your cleaning in the back area.
- Remember not to spray anything on it directly – especially glass cleaner on the monitor. If you need more of a deep clean than just a quick dust, spray water onto a cloth just to lightly dampen it.
- Be careful when using a vacuum near your computer. Try and clean around the computer with a vacuum if needed and compressed air to blow the dust, dirt and animal dander out of its parts. Do not use a vacuum inside your computer – this will lead to static build up and could potentially sizzle it.
- It is recommended not to eat, drink, or smoke near your computer. This will help limit dirtiness. Plus it ensures less damage in case of a crazy accident. If you need to keep water with you then try to use a sports bottle or container with a lid to help prevent spills.
- Don't forget to clean your mouse. It too gets dirty. Just unplug it/turn it off, wipe the top & bottom with rubbing alcohol. Also remove the tracking ball and clean that with rubbing alcohol.
- If using a lap top for most of your business needs make sure to store it in a case to keep it from dust and dirt.
- Can of compressed air
- Soft cloth
- Zip ties – holds cords in place
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Water
- Screw drivers
- Vacuum – only for around the work area
- Laptop case/carrying bag
Keep in mind the frequency and manner you clean your computer will all depend on the environment in which you store it. If your laptop or desktop is in a clean office setting you may not need to “scrub” up as much as if you were traveling from country to country where dust & dirt may be part of your “work” environment.
Once you get into the habit of caring for your computer you will get used to a routine that works for you. Give your computer the love and care it needs so you don’t have to invest in another any time soon.
It's also Get Organized Month so here are some tips from our friend Lynn Terry. She has a checklist for organizing your digital files. Good stuff!
Do you have any tips to add on how to clean up your computer?
I really liked your insight to go through your computer and find programs that you no longer need. I agree with you that when you do this, it will speed up your computer because there won’t be so much storage that it has to work around. Also, I think that this is a good idea to just generally manage and organize your files on your computer. Doing this will definitely make your browsing easier as well as your computer management!
Thanks Meg! Definitely good to keep your computer cleaned up often.
Download an anti-virus software and do a quick scan of your computer. Malware in all its forms can dramatically decrease your computer’s performance, and a good antivirus program can help you fight the problem. AVG is my personal favorite.
Thanks! I have used Kaspersky antiv virus & Malwarebytes for years and so far so good.
Many people clean out their software but often forget to clean the hardware of the computer as well. Thanks for the suggestions on how to do so!
Hii Angie
This is a nice share. It helps a lot of people to keep their computers, laptops clean. I use McAfee software to clean my laptop’s software. Thanks for sharing general tips to clean the computer clean from outside.
Thanks, yes it’s very important to keep your computer clean. McAfee is good, there are a lot of great virus software options out there.