To keep your computer running smoothly and to protect it from viruses and malware it is important to clean it regularly. In this blog post I offer some simple ideas to clean your computer. The post focuses on Windows computers but the ideas can be adapted across computers, browsers, software and platforms.
Note:
Before cleaning your computer it is important to back up your data. See the blog post on this website titled ‘A Short Guide to Backing Up‘ for help with this.
Step one: clear internet browsing data
When browsing the internet your internet browser collects pieces of information. This information is known as a cache and when a cache builds up it slows down your computer.
It is possible to clear your cache and how you do this depends on the web browser you use. Type ‘how do I clear browsing data on my computer’ into a search engine to learn how to clear yours.
Note:
If you choose to delete cookies when you clear your cache your sign in details will need to be re-entered into any websites where they had been saved. For more information about cookies see the blog post on this website titled ‘All About Cookies.’
Step two: get rid of unnecessary files
Windows computers have two tools built into them to help you find and remove unnecessary files.
Disk cleanup
With Disk cleanup you can optimise the performance of your computer by removing unnecessary files that are taking up space on your hard drive. This can help improve the overall speed and responsiveness of your computer, as well as free up storage for new files and applications.
Storage Sense
Storage Sense can automatically free up drive space for you by getting rid of items that you don’t need such as temporary files and items in your recycle bin.
Step three: check for viruses and malware
If your computer is running slowly, locking up, or crashing, it could be infected with malware (malicious software). Windows has a built in antivirus/antimalware protection called Windows Defender that protects Windows computers from threats such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Alternatively you may have installed your own software. Whatever antivirus software you use it is advisable to run it daily and it will happily run in the background while you undertake other tasks.
Step four: remove programs you do not use
There is no point having apps or programs you do not use taking up space on your computer. Check your apps and programs regularly and if you don’t use them uninstall them.
Step five: clear your recycle bin
The recycle bin is a default folder found in computers running the Windows operating system. It acts as temporary storage for files and folders that have been deleted from the computer and the contents should be deleted regularly. The recycle bin provides a safety net should you delete any files accidentally but once files are deleted from the recycle bin they are gone forever.
Step six: clear your downloads folder
The Windows downloads folder is a location on your computer where downloaded content is saved for example documents and images you download from websites. Unwanted downloads should be deleted regularly with any downloads you need being saved to a permanent appropriate folder in your file structure.
Step seven: emails
Email software needs to be maintained too. The more emails you receive, the more your email storage space is taken up and the more storage space you use the harder it is to find the information you need.
It should also be noted that most email accounts have an email storage limit and if you rarely delete emails this can have consequences, for example you may find you are unable to send new messages or that people who try to contact you are unable to and instead receive a message telling them your mailbox is full. To stop this occurring check your deleted items, sent items and junk mail folders regularly. For information on how to manage emails efficiently see the blog post ‘Managing emails‘ on this website.
Step eight: mobile phones
Don’t forget mobile phones need tlc too. Apps should be reviewed regularly and any that you don’t use should be uninstalled. Check your camera roll regularly also deleting any photos you don’t want. You can install antivirus software on your phone too.
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