Spring Clean Your Devices

As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, we are saying "goodbye" to winter and "hello" to spring. For many, the end of winter means it's time for Spring Cleaning. People usually clean out their house, donate unused clothes and items, and put away winter clothes. Others deep clean their car, but there is something else that probably needs some spring cleaning; your connected devices. Here is how to "clean" up your phone, computer, or tablet:

Make more space

Odds are, if you aren't in the habit of clearing out your e-mail, your inbox is full of unread and unsolicited messages. Clean up your mailbox by deleting unread mail and unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists. Try searching for a specific sender and selecting "delete all" to quickly remove junk mail. Deleting text message threads can also free up valuable storage. If you download and upload large files, make sure your Internet package supports your current bandwidth needs.

Tighten up security

A great habit of getting into for enhancing the security of your devices and online accounts is to change your passwords frequently. Update your system password as well as your online account passwords routinely. Some experts recommend changing your passwords at least every three months. This practice will reduce the amount of time a hacker remains inside a compromised account, which is especially important for accounts with access to credit cards or personal information. Also, check your security preferences and make sure your anti-virus and anti-malware software is running. If you are a business, look into managed services for your IT needs.

Close unused accounts

Delete unneeded software and apps. Unused applications take up precious space on your device and can slow down your operating system. Go to your device settings to view insights into which apps are taking up the most space. Update the apps you want to keep so that they run the latest versions.

Organize files

Clean up your desktop. A messy desktop not only looks unsightly but functions poorly. Organize your files into folders so that you can find things easily.

Clean the physical device

After you've cleaned your internal system, it's time for physical cleansing. Devices carry germs and can get nasty if they aren't cared for. Dusk and debris can clog up your device and cause damage over time. First, turn off your phone or computer. Take off any case and clean separately. Use a can of compressed air to blow dirt off your computer keyboard and ports. Next, wipe down your device with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. If you choose to sanitize your device, be careful to use a slightly damp cloth and not get it wet. Research your device's cleaning instructions to prevent damage.

Now that you've cleaned your devices internally and externally, they can perform at top speed and are ready for another season of use!