This month, let's focus on the workhorse in your home office: your computer. A computer can get pretty messy--both inside and out. Why not spend a day or two cleaning it up? Your machine will not only look better, it will run more smoothly and provide a more organized work environment. (For major repairs, remember to always consult a professional.)
A spic-and-span environment
One way to keep your entire computer in peak condition is by periodically cleaning the area around it. Just by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces, you'll keep dust to a minimum inside your computer and also promote proper ventilation.
clean keyboard
Take a look at your keyboard. If it's light in color, then there's probably a little grime on the keys themselves. With your computer turned off and the keyboard unplugged, moisten each key with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then scrub gently with a dry swab.
The region beneath the keys is dark, dusty, and probably filled with stuff you'd rather not think about. The best way to get all this debris out is by turning your keyboard upside down to help dislodge the dust and other foreign objects. Firmly tap the bottom of the keyboard (while it's still upside down) to dislodge any remaining particles.
mouse maneuvers
Your mouse will let you know when it needs cleaning by skipping, sticking, and even refusing to move. With the computer turned off and the mouse unplugged, turn the mouse upside down and twist the ring (that holds the ball in place) counterclockwise until it loosens. Turn the mouse right-side up into your hand, catching the ball and ring.
Clean the three rollers inside the mouse with pressurized air. Any gunk that doesn't come loose can be scraped off carefully with a pair of tweezers or a utility knife. (Be careful not to scratch the inner workings of the mouse.) Wipe any dust or fluff off the mouse ball with a damp cloth. Dry the mouse ball thoroughly before putting it back into the mouse. Then replace the ring and twist it clockwise to secure.
a clean monitor--worth looking into
Your monitor's case (the part that isn't screen or cord) can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. Never use any kind of furniture polish on the case, as the fumes can be combustible. Clean the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust buildup. Fingerprints can be removed with a spritz of monitor cleaning spray on a soft cloth.
organization will set you free!
Organize your computer files by creating category folders. For example, in your Web browser, if you have a list of bookmarks that makes your head spin, it's time to put them in order. (If you need some assistance with creating bookmarks and folders, turn to your browser's Help button.)
Start by deleting anything that is completely unfamiliar. Next, open bookmarks that are familiar and make sure they still go to the correct website or Web page. If they're "dead," trash them. Next, create folders for each category of bookmark (business, news, travel, shopping, humor, etc.), so you'll be able to find what you're looking for with fewer headaches.
remove unnecessary files
Removing unnecessary files will save disk space and keep your system running smoothly. In addition to programs and files you simply don't need anymore, be on the lookout for temporary files and other space-grabbing stragglers that take up disk space and aren't necessary to the proper functioning of your system. For example, the files--often ending in "zip"--that are left behind after downloading and installing compressed files.
Once you've found a file you don't need, just right-click on the file and move it to the Recycle Bin. Since putting files in the Recycle Bin doesn't actually "delete" those files--it just gets them out of sight--you should periodically purge the files in your Recycle Bin. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin, then click OK; those unwanted files are gone.
Another way to free up disk space is to copy files you don't use very much to removable media such as rewritable CDs. You can create CDs of graphics, documents, and other files that you want to store for future use, and then use the template provided at the end of this article to create labels for your backups.
update software to enhance and protect
Keeping your software up-to-date is one of the easiest ways to keep your computer running smoothly. Visit your software manufacturer's website to see if new updates are available. These updates are free for most Web browser applications. Most updates contain installation instructions, so read all documentation carefully. Remember to check for new versions periodically. It is especially important to keep your anti-virus program updated to inoculate your computer against disabling bugs.
shortcuts that actually shorten
You've probably been using shortcuts since you first unpacked your computer. Shortcuts are not actual programs, documents, or folders; they are merely links to their parent files, and help to speed up your work and organize your desktop. You can tell a shortcut from other icons by the little arrow in one corner. You'll want to review your shortcuts periodically, deleting and adding as necessary.
Creating a new shortcut to a program, document, or folder is as easy as right-clicking on the icon, then choosing New Shortcut from the pop-up menu. A new icon will appear next to the original. Drag this new icon to a convenient location, and treat it as if it were the original.
set it and forget it (well, for a little while, anyway)
The settings for your computer can make the difference between a pleasurable experience and a miserable struggle to see what's on the screen. While there are several settings that can be adjusted to your needs, we'll focus on two that many people overlook: Display and Power Management.
display settings
To get to the Display settings:
Start > Settings > Control Panels > Display
The Display control panel has several tabs with changeable settings. The Settings tab allows you to alter the Screen Area (the size of items onscreen) and Colors (the number of colors displayed).
Most of the time, you will want the Screen Area set to the largest pair of numbers possible (such as 1024 x 624), because this will give you the largest area possible in which to place documents, windows, and icons. If the icons and text become too small to read comfortably, try a smaller pair of numbers (like 832 x 624), which will make items on the screen bigger. Setting the Colors to True Color or High Color will make everything onscreen look its best.
power management settings
To get to the Power Management settings:
Start > Settings > Control Panels > Power Management
The Power Management control panel allows you to set the amount of time your computer is idle before switching into low-power mode to conserve electricity. You should experiment with the times in the Power Management control panel to determine what suits your needs and work style.
As with most control panels, clicking on Apply will apply the new settings to your computer, while clicking OK will both apply the new settings and close the control panel. Clicking on Cancel will close the control panel without applying the new settings.
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