Spring Cleaning Your Tech – 6 Easy Tips!

I don’t know about you, but when I think “Spring Cleaning”, I’m thinking about dust bunnies! If you’re thinking about Spring Cleaning your tech, here are some tips for you.

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Spring Cleaning Your Tech – aka Computer Maintenance:

FIRST – GENERAL MAINTENANCE:

Always allow Operating System updates. Many times there are security upgrades in them.

Turn off your computer at least once a week. This allows the machine to fully close out any programs that may be running in the background. Those background programs can sometimes slow your machine down. This helps make your computer more efficient.

SECOND – PASSWORDS:

There have been several significant data breaches recently, the latest one in France exposed information from over 1 million accounts.

The hackers have lists of birthdays, SS numbers, addresses, and associated passwords!

Change the password on ALL of your FINANCIAL accounts now, and set a reminder to change them every month! This includes checking, savings, and investment accounts. Don’t forget about any app or website where you’ve saved credit card information, like eBay, PayPal, Amazon, etc. Don’t use any passwords you’ve used before and create a different password for each account.

Check out our tips for easily setting up new passwords.

While you’re at it, please change the password on ALL your Social Media accounts. This is especially true if you have a business account. We’re getting a lot of requests about hacked Facebook or Instagram accounts. I haven’t heard any success stories here. Once your Facebook account is out of your control, there really isn’t a way to get it back.

THIRD – 2FA:

While you are changing your passwords, set up two-factor-authorization (2FA) at the same time. This means that only you will be able to access your accounts once you’ve provided your password AND confirmed through another channel that you are you. (For example a text to your cellphone where you need to enter a six-digit code on the website after entering your password, to gain access.)

FOURTH – BACKUPS:

Back up your computer regularly, especially if you have precious data on it. I use Dropbox, which backs up everything automatically. Also, the Dropbox app is on my phone so I can access files from anywhere. The “Starred” folder is where I keep my frequently used files. These come up first, so I don’t have to search for them. I keep insurance documents and other essential papers and frequently accessed Word and Excel files in that folder.

FIFTH – ANTI-VIRUS:

Take a minute every month to scan for viruses. Many of our customers use ESET, which Chris has recommended for years. It’s easy to do. Just open the ESET/NOD32 app and click on “Scan Your Computer”. It will run in the background while you continue working. When it’s done, it will let you know if it has found anything suspicious. If it does find potential viruses or other malware, give Chris a call to see what your next step should be.

SIXTH – PHOTOS:

Organize the photos on your computer to make them easier to find. At least once a year I create a new folder for that year. If I’m feeling especially productive, I’ll create sub-folders for each month and additional sub-sub-folders for significant events. For example I have a folder for 2025, a sub-folder for July with sub-sub-folders for Picnics, Sailing, and Vacation.

Purchase several thumb drives and make a copy of the photo albums you have stored on your computer. (I like this one with dual USB-C and USB-A for convenience.)  Keep one and give the rest as gifts to your kids, parents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc.

Conclusion: 

Today is a great day to run your virus scanner, change passwords, and back up your data!