After a cold, cold winter, I am overjoyed that spring has sprung. With it comes the notorious “spring cleaning”. Many overlook the digital aspect of spring cleaning and that tends to be detrimental. If you're anything like me, your inbox is filling up and there's practically no space left for icons on your desktop.
Your technology is begging for a good spring cleaning. Start with these tips:
1. Re-work and re-locate files. If you have files all over the place on your computer, delete the ones that no longer serve you and re-work the ones that do. Create new folders for various subjects to store files that you need frequent access to. Re-locate all other files to a cloud or external hard drive. If your company does not offer cloud or external hard drive storage, Google Drive is free to use � both allow you to access your documents from anywhere, 24/7. Backing up your data is always a good idea, spring cleaning or not.
2. Organize your inbox. Microsoft Outlook offers filters to help you organize incoming emails. By default, the Junk E-mail Filter is set to low. If you wish to increase this protection, you can certainly do so. Microsoft Outlook also offers the option of filtering emails based on sender. For example, if you are the CEO of your company, you can filter emails from management into one folder and emails from other staff into another.
This video offers a visual on setting up email filters and actions in Outlook 2013.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VW8eebLWP4]
3. Get rid of junk email. You know all those email newsletters you subscribe to but never get the chance to read? Unsubscribe from the ones you have not read in the past three months. Then, be sure to clean out your trash and spam folders (after you've doubled checked that they don't contain any important emails.)
4. Clean up your browsers. DigitalTrends.com recommends deleting cache and download history from your browsers. Here's how to delete the cache in three popular browsers:
5. Uninstall the ineffective. If you've installed any toolbars or software on your computer that are not benefiting you in any way, shape, or form � uninstall them. And don't forget about all of those apps you may have installed on your smartphone or tablet. It's time for them to go!
6. Give your devices a physical cleaning. According to ABC News, keyboards are dirtier than toilet seats (cringe) and LiveScience.com confirms cellphones are too. Clean your technology devices with antibacterial wipes…frequently.
If there's anything I missed, head over to our Facebook page and let me know. Happy digital spring cleaning!