Spring cleaning season is upon us, and your home and office aren’t the only areas that need a bit of maintenance. Your electronics, including your computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices, could use a little TLC. A simple cleaning routine can help correct issues that cause lagging and reliability concerns before they start.
It begins with storage. Throughout the year, your devices have collected temporary files, duplicate downloads, unused apps, and other digital clutter. This consumes storage and bogs down system operations, especially on devices with limited space. Take a few minutes to go through your Downloads folder, clear browser caches, and uninstall the apps you don’t use anymore. If you haven’t in a while, consider emptying the recycling bin. Remove large media files and large images from your phone.
Next, it’s time for software updates. Operating systems and apps release updates and bug fixes often. Security patches and other improvements help boost performance and keep your systems running smoothly. Start with your OS, then review your most-used applications, such as your antivirus programs, productivity tools, and browsers. Make sure automatic updates are enabled.
Don’t let security go by the wayside this spring either. Run an antivirus scan to catch anything that could have slipped through. Even if there’s nothing obvious going on, some background threats can affect performance and even compromise your personal and business data. Check that your security software is up to date before scanning.
If you’re looking for something low effort and high impact, take an hour or two to organize your files. By creating a logical folder structure for documents, photos, personal, and business files, you’ll improve your efficiency, which can go a long way toward freeing up time to keep your devices in top shape.
Hardware checks are another area that deserves your attention. Inspect your vents for dust, debris, and buildup, all of which can cause overheating. Clean your keyboards and screens and check charging ports for obstructions. Make sure all of your charging cables are in good condition.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, back up your data. Use an external drive or cloud service to store important files. If a device is lost or damaged, you won’t lose access to important digital paperwork.
Feeling overwhelmed with spring cleaning your technology? ITC can help. Our experts can help you create a plan to keep all of your systems working in top shape, so they are there when you need them most.
