My Computer Desktop Needs a Makeover!

Tips on organizing your digital files and desktop

When Britain’s first, programmed electronic computer, EDSAC, was up and running in May of 1949, no one was thinking about the need to organize multiple electronic files and icons on a computer desktop-developers were too excited watching EDSAC run the first graphical computer game, Baby. Times have surely changed.

Our computers require some basic housekeeping now and then, just like our home and work desk spaces. Often times our computer’s desktop or our computer’s electronic files can be in just as much disarray as our physical desktop and files. If there are too many papers and documents lying around we’ll never find what we need, or we won’t find what we need when we need it.Here are some suggestions for keeping your computer clutter-free:
Only keep the icons on your desktop that you always use. This will make it easier to find the ones you need most when you need them.

  • Create folders with categorical names to store the files that you have on your computer. Store like with like. For example, store all photos in your pictures folder and all documents in your documents folder.
  • Create subfolders within your folders for like items. For example, all Florida pictures from 2014 should be stored in an appropriately labeled subfolder of photos and all documents you have saved for your kitchen renovation should be stored under documents in a subfolder titled kitchen project.
  • Consider the use of a browser or cloud-based service to store and back up your files. Your files will be safe in case of a computer crash, and you will free up storage space on your hard drive.
  • Purge your computer files at least twice a year. Take a moment in the spring and fall (traditional clean up reminder times) to tidy your computer. Any files you no longer need should be deleted and any items in your download folder should be purged and removed.

It really isn’t hard to organize electronic files when you think of your computer as just another place to store paper. We couldn’t possibly leave everything out on our desk at home and at work or we wouldn’t be able to find anything. So go ahead, archive or back up those electronic files you need to keep record of but don’t use frequently and delete those files, and icons, you will never need. This way you’ll be able to find exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.

If your paper files are in need of a good sorting and purging, give us a call. We can help you purge and organize your papers so you have exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.

Jenny Power, Absolutely Organized, LLC