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- Step 1, Open Start. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.Step 2, Type in disk cleanup. This will search your computer for the Disk Cleanup program, which is a utility that finds and deletes unnecessary files on your computer.Step 3, Click Disk Cleanup. It's a flash drive-shaped icon at the top of the Start menu. Disk Cleanup will open in a separate window. If you have other windows open, you'll need to click the flashing Disk Cleanup icon at the bottom of the.
- Throw a handful of wet paper towels inside and run for three to five minutes. The steam from the towels will soften the grime. Once the towels cool down, use them to wipe off the mess everyone.
June 13, 2019
If you don’t use your desktop much, but programs keep dropping shortcuts on it, here’s a quick solution: Hide everything to get a perfectly clean desktop. To toggle desktop icons on or off, right-click your desktop and select View Show Desktop Icons. Your desktop will appear empty. Aug 27, 2018 Consider using folders to keep your desktop organized. To create a folder, right-click the desktop, select New Folder, and give the folder a name. Drag and drop items from your desktop into the folder. You can double-click a folder on your desktop to open it, so it takes a few more clicks to open your files—but they’re still easy to find.
Clean computing is the practice of maintaining a clean machine, including hardware and software.
The average computer is 5-1/2 years old, according to one estimate. That’s plenty of time for dust buildup inside and outside your device.
Depending on environmental factors — including whether you have a furry pet — it might be a good idea to schedule cleanups yearly or monthly.
Why clean your computer?
Cleaning your computer’s hardware and software is important for a lot of reasons.
Clean hardware can help your computer run more smoothly and extend your computer’s lifespan, which can save time and money. Regular cleaning protects your investment and your data. When you wipe off the screen and empty crumbs from your keyboard, you’re helping your equipment perform better and you reduce the risk it will break down.
Dust and other unwanted dirt can build up and suffocate your PC’s hardware. By regularly cleaning dust out of the fan vents and case, you can help protect the system from overheating and causing permanent damage to the internal parts of your computer and the information you store on it.
How often does it need to be done? If you don’t want to hurt your PC’s performance and lifespan with the added stress and heat, give it a good cleaning at least every six month to a year.
While the average user’s computer lasts several years, true cleaning of hardware and software could extend your PC’s useful life by a few more years.
Clean software helps protect your data. Antivirus software and regular program updates help ensure viruses, malware, and cybercriminals stay out of your system.
When you back up your files, delete unused programs, and perform maintenance tasks like defragmenting the hard drive, you help to ensure your computer can save your files without accidentally corrupting them.
You probably like a tidy home. It’s a good idea to keep your computer tidy, too. For instance, using an external hard drive or cloud-based storage can declutter your computer while helping to keep valuable data safe and secure.
How to clean your computer, Step 1: Hardware
To keep your computer’s hardware in good shape, there are key tasks you should add to your list of chores — after turning off and unplugging your computer.
Wipe down your computer
Dust off the outside of your computer with a soft, dry cloth at least once a week. Remove any fingerprints on the screen. If you want to use a cleaning fluid, visit a computer store to find one that’s specifically designed for your monitor type.
Regular household cleaners may damage a monitor screen, wearing away coatings.
Instead, gently wipe your screen with a soft cloth. A microfiber cloth is great for this purpose.
Instead, gently wipe your screen with a soft cloth. A microfiber cloth is great for this purpose.
You can dampen your cloth with distilled or filtered water to wipe away tougher smudges. Plain water usually works, too, but filtered or distilled water will help you avoid streaks.
Creative edge software ic3d suite 4 0 3 download free. If heavier cleaning is needed, moisten a cloth with a 50-50 mix of distilled water and distilled white vinegar and gently rub your screen clean.
To clean the front and back of your laptop case, use a clean sponge that’s been dipped in mild dish soap and water and wrung out. Rub gently.
Make sure your computer is dry before turning it back on.
Clean Your keyboard
Pick up your keyboard, turn it over, and gently pat it on the back to dislodge crumbs, stray hairs, and other tiny bits of dirt. If you’re having trouble removing sticky dirt, try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or the cleaning mixtures mentioned above.
Gently wiping around the keys can help keep the keys from sticking or failing. If your keyboard is acting up, you may need to open it in order to “deep clean.” Check your computer or keyboard manual for instructions on how to open and clean this component safely.
Blow dust buildup out of computer vents, fans and accessories
Every three to six months, consider using a screwdriver to open your computer’s exterior case. With a can of compressed air (available at any computer store), clean the dust buildup out of the fan and the case. Put the case back together and use cotton swabs to pick up any lingering dirt on the fan vents or other small crevices on the outside of the case.
For laptops, check the manual for instructions on cleaning or safe case opening.
You also can use a few short bursts of this compressed air to dust out your keyboard and mouse.
Run check disk tool
To help detect hard drive issues before they lead to other problems, Microsoft Windows provides a Check Disk tool. The tool will scan for and repair issues such as file system errors or bad sectors. If you haven’t done this scan before, run a full scan, which enables automatic repairs. The process may take a few hours.
Declutter Keep Your Desktop Clean Wallpaper
Check surge protector
Power surges can put harmful stress on your computer, and in some cases damage the power supply and other components. Did you know surge protectors can lose their protection after undergoing just one power surge? Even if they still appear “on,” they may not be providing the protection you need. So it’s a good idea to check them from time to time, especially after a notable power surge.
Keep PC ventilated
Maintaining proper air flow inside and outside of your PC is important. Make sure you have at least three inches of space on either side of your PC that’s free of obstructions such as other computers, papers, or walls. Also make sure your room is large enough or well-ventilated enough to facilitate good air flow.
Another thing to watch is your CPU fan and fan blades. If your processor keeps overheating and forcing your PC to shut down, you may need to upgrade your CPU fan.
How to clean your computer, Step 2: Software
It’s time to attend to the programs that create and store your important information. Here’s how to keep your computer’s “mind” as clean as its “body” to possibly extend its longer lifespan.
Back up your hard drives
Backing up your data — especially important data — is a must. A laptop or tablet can be replaced, but the information inside it may be irreplaceable.
In general, there are two options for backing up data: You can make a copy in a physical location, such as on an external hard drive or thumb drive, or you can make a copy that is stored on the “cloud,” or online, in a secure location.
Whichever you choose, commit to backing up your computer at least once a week or more often if you’re working on a project or want to preserve recently stored images.
Get antivirus software to protect from malware
Antivirus software helps prevent viruses and malware from infiltrating your device and messing with your data or stealing information which could lead to identity theft. Paid and free versions of antivirus software are available, and most programs can be set to work automatically in the background.
Update your software and programs
Make sure to update your software, especially high-use programs such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Chrome, and Windows. Outdated software can be vulnerable to malware, because most updates are created to keep software safe from threats. Downloading and installing the latest versions of your programs might not only protect your PC, but can keep it working quickly.
Declutter your software programs
While you do updates, check to make sure you’re using the programs on your system, and consider deleting any programs and files you no longer use. Decluttering helps ensure that your computer doesn’t get bogged down with unnecessary data. It also limits the number of programs malware might “hijack” to gain access to the system.
Clean your Windows registry
If you’re using Windows, there’s another step you may want to consider: cleaning your registry. Keep in mind that this may not make your device operate more efficiently. Your PC boot may work faster or maybe not.
Your Windows registry is a huge repository that holds details on everything you do on your PC. Making sure it’s clean is worth considering. But proceed with caution. If you make an error while cleaning your registry, you’ll need to reinstall your operating system. Be sure to back up your registry to be safe.
How to clean your computer, computer cleanup tools
Several computer cleanup tools can help you on the software side of the process.
Apple and Mac cleanup tools
Apple computers have their own unique set of computer cleanup tools. Here are three examples to consider.
CleanMyMac X Tool
This is an all-in-one optimization tool that serves as a Mac cleaner, a performance monitor, and a malware remover.
Disk Cleanup Pro Tool
This Mac tool can quickly remove the junk from your device without the risk of deleting the important stuff.
MacKeeper Tool
MacKeeper is another suite of cleanup tools to help your computer run smoothly and efficiently. It cleans out junk and duplicate files along with unnecessary apps, widgets and other extensions to free up space.
PC and Windows cleanup tools
Windows PCs have their own computer cleanup tools. Here are some of the options to consider:
Windows Disk Cleanup Tool
Windows has a disk cleanup tool that will free up space on your hard drive by deleting old files and other things you don’t need. To launch it, click on the Windows key, type in Disk Cleanup, and press enter.
Windows Disk Defragmenter Tool
Computers can slow down if the file system is fragmented. To address this, Windows has a disk defragmenter tool that is built into the system and can run automatically.
Other app cleanup tools
If your Apple or Windows cleanup tools aren’t addressing your issues, there are several other app cleanup tools that will require you to install additional software, such as MyCleanPC.
It’s smart to do your research to see what type of cleaning suits your individual computer needs. Whatsize 6 6 3.
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Clutter can make a space look and feel disorganized, confusing, and stressful.
Clutter can also make it difficult to keep your home clean and it tends to snowball as piles of paperwork and other ongoing projects are moved from room to room to make space for, well, more clutter. Reducing clutter is a way for your home and life to feel cleaner, better organized, and more manageable.
Desktop clutter is one of the most common causes of chaos in the home.
Many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce or eliminate household clutter. The solution to the problem depends on the source of the clutter. Clutter is usually created when things are scattered around without a place to go. A home remodel is the perfect opportunity to integrate custom space-saving organizational solutions.
An organized home office often requires plenty of shelving and a foolproof filing system.
Clutter is also created by the stuff we use to decorate our homes. Knickknacks and personal trinkets used to be a way to integrate personal style into a home’s decor, but current interior design trends have moved some of our most precious stuff into the realm of kitsch.
A third source of clutter comes from the items we love but never use. Many of these items are toys or gadgets that lost their appeal over time, while others are memorabilia and family heirlooms that can be very difficult to let go of.
A home remodel can be an opportunity to create clean, uncluttered rooms by saying goodbye to items along with the spaces they used to occupy. Removing clutter has become a main goal of many home remodeling projects, and there are a number of ways that you can integrate organization and clutter cutting right into your home’s new design.
Take a look at our list of ideas for preventing and reducing clutter in the home. Some tips can be used in your current space, while others can be integrated into a remodel or become the focus of a home improvement project. If you have any clutter-busting success stories of your own, don’t forget to share them in the comments section at the bottom.
Determine the clutter’s point of origin.
Where is your clutter coming from? What are the sources of clutter in your life? Here are a few common clutter causing items that may be plaguing your home:
- Bills and paperwork
- Piles of dirty or clean laundry
- Children’s artwork
- Coats, mittens, and hats
- Lists and reminder notes
- Old music and photographs
- Tools and related hardware
- Appliances and their parts
- Electronic devices and chargers
- Miscellaneous household items
- Knickknacks and other decorative items
Identifying the source of the problem will help you formulate a solution. If your problem is piles of paperwork, your solution may be a filing system. If your problem is knotted mazes of charging devices and cords, you may need a device charging console.
Say goodbye to unused items and things you “might” use.
You might use the ice cream maker that never came out of the box or the rock tumbler you bought and used once after a trip to the beach. But if you haven’t even thought of them in several years, you probably won’t use them again. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven’t used in over a year, especially if you forgot you even had it.
Declutter Keep Your Desktop Clean & Organised 2 2017
Create a place for essentials.
Everyone needs a place to set their keys, wallet, and phone when they walk in the door. Whether it’s a front entry table, cubby holes, or shelving next to the door, a place for essentials will keep you prepared to leave the home each time you need to.
Out with the old and in with the new.
Each time you bring home a new item, get rid of a similar older one. For example, if you buy a new broom or mop, get rid of the old one instead of throwing it in the garage. Cycling through items reduces clutter created by items you no longer use.
Unsubscribe from mail lists.
Junk mail and catalogs don’t just clutter up our homes, they also use up resources and create unnecessary waste. Retail websites have the same items as the catalogs and more, making catalogs obsolete. For the next six months, vow to call and remove yourself from the mailing list each time you receive a piece of mail you don’t need or want.
Add a mudroom.
More than half the items we take with us each time we leave the home don’t need to come past the front door. Shoes, coats, hats, sports gear, purses, shopping bags, and much more all need a place to live, but it doesn’t have to be your living room floor. Coat closets don’t hold much and have become a thing of the past. A mudroom stops the mess and contains it before it enters the home.
Buy items with multiple functions.
A blender that doubles as a food processor takes up less space than two separate appliances, for example. You don’t need to go out and replace every gadget in your home to create room, but the next time you need an updated item, see if you can make a single purchase that allows you to get rid of two older items instead of one.
Keep lists in a notebook or phone.
Lists help us stay organized, but not when your lists keep piling up until they resemble clutter. The beauty of modern devices is that they contain everything we need in one place. If you like making paper lists, try keeping them all in one notebook. For a family-sized solution, try adding a white or blackboard to your kitchen.
Create built-in storage solutions.
Many remodels and new construction projects are integrating smart storage that’s build right into the wall, much like the cabinets you would normally find in a kitchen. Multiple compartments with doors to hide the contents keep homes looking clean and uncluttered.
Don’t buy things you’ll only use once.
Many items commonly purchased by homeowners can be rented or borrowed if they are only needed temporarily. Items used for household projects take up a lot of room in garages and sheds and aren’t utilized very frequently. If your DIY home project is a one-time shot, consider using your neighbor’s equipment or the local rental shop instead of buying.
Practice quality over quantity when it comes to birthdays and holidays.
And this goes for any occasion where you’ll be receiving gifts. Try providing family members and friends with a list of items you really need, using a registry, or asking people to pool their money toward one big gift. Leaving people to their own devices when it comes to gift giving can often lead to owning a lot of unneeded items that become clutter.
Limit personal artifacts.
We all have memorabilia in our lives that reminds us of good times gone by, but the older you get the more the collection grows and it can begin to become a burden. Create a designated place for personal treasures and try to limit them to one box, tote, or trunk of a reasonable size for your home.
Scan old photos and paperwork.
Boxes of old photographs, important paperwork, and other archives from your life can be scanned, stored digitally, and backed up on an external hard drive. Old photos may actually get more views in a digital album and they can easily be shared with others who may not get to see them otherwise. The same can be done with old awards, certificates, and children’s artwork.
Get rid of old movies and music.
If you have an instant movie streaming account, you can probably watch any movie you also happen to own on DVD or VHS. An iPod or similar device allows you to digitize your entire music collection. Selling off or donating your movies, music, and the machines it takes to play them can cut clutter like no other.
Integrate recessed storage.
Traditional cabinets can make a space feel cramped or look cluttered. Recessed cabinets are set back into the wall to give spaces a more open feeling.
Organize the garage like another room in the home.
Perhaps your home is only organized because you’re using your garage as a dump. The same storage solutions you use inside your home can be integrated into the garage as well: cabinets, shelving, cubbies, totes, and hooks will leave your garage with room to spare. Organizing your garage will help tame the clutter in both the garage and the inside of your home, and you may even be able to park the car in there next winter as a side benefit.
Use vertical storage and design solutions.
Especially if you have a small living space, you will need to create storage the goes up instead of out. Vertical storage takes up less floor space and can help make a home feel less cluttered to boot.
Say goodbye to dust collectors.
Certain items collect more dust than others. Multiple smaller items on display in the home can be tedious to keep clean and are easily damaged. They also create a cluttered or busy look in a room. Cloudmounter: cloud encryption 3 5. If you can’t bear to part with these treasures, consider purchasing a display case to help contain and preserve them.
Get rid of swag.
T-shirts, water bottles, and other swag that we bring home from events we participate in really adds up over the years. Before you know it you might have a whole dresser dedicated to t-shirts or an entire kitchen shelf just for free plastic water bottles. Keep a few favorites, donate the rest, and start refusing items at events so you don’t bring them home in the first place.
Hold a yard sale.
If you have a lot of stuff to get rid of it can really pay to have a yard sale. You can make a few bucks to help pay for your home’s new look and it may actually be easier than hauling multiple carloads to your favorite used-goods donation center.
Pump up your closets and cabinets.
Most closets and cabinets come with basic shelving inside, but you can customize the insides of these spaces to further organize your life and create a compartment for everything. Custom shelving helps keep the insides and outsides of your closets clutter free.
Reduce visual clutter.
Using too many items to decorate a room can create visual clutter. Current interior design trends lean toward a minimalist approach to decorating that’s perfect for cutting clutter. Keep only your favorite items and say goodbye to the rest, or start over completely and only add a few decorative pieces to each room or space.
Purchase smart furniture.
Furniture helps with reducing clutter when it gives you a place to hold or organize your stuff. A trunk that doubles as a coffee table, a bench with a seat that opens to reveal storage, and a bed with built-in drawers underneath are all examples. A desk with lots of drawers and compartments may be better than a simple work table. As mentioned before, always try to make purchases that will serve double duty in your home.
Practice regular purging.
Whether it’s spring and fall cleaning, a monthly trip to the donation center, or an annual yard sale, make sure you get rid of things regularly. Preventing build-up is a key component of fighting clutter.
Keep an ongoing donation box.
If you don’t want to hold an annual yard sale and you don’t like throwing items in good condition into the trash, try keeping a donation box in your garage at all times where family members can drop off things they want to get rid of.
Most families have room for this solution and don’t find it too inconvenient to drop the contents at a donation center each time the box is full. Having a means to dispose of unwanted items encourages people to practice regular purging.