 Controlling Desktop Clutter
Just like a real desktop, your computer desktop should always be clean and clutter free.
Clearing away the clutter isn't all that hard. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Delete files that have already outlived their purpose. Not only will it help you unclutter your desktop, it will free up hard disk space and memory.
2. Are you using the Quicklaunch bar? It sits to the right of the start button and holds one-click shortcuts to your most frequently used programs. To create a shortcut there, simply drag the icon folder from your desktop to the Quicklaunch bar.
3. Use the Desktop Cleanup Wizard. Windows has a Desktop Cleanup Wizard utility that moves unused item from your desktop to an archive folder. To activate this, go to the Start menu, then Control Panel. In the Desktop tab, click on Customize Desktop then choose Clean Desktop Now. You can also choose to have this run periodically.
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Organizing Your Computer Files
Before all of your files end up piled who knows where, bring order to your hard drive.
1. The first step to creating a filing system is to choose a central location to keep all of your data. My Documents folder is often a good choice. Another good option is to install an external hard drive on which to keep your data. Resist the temptation to put everything on the desktop. Never save files in the directories where their programs reside (i.e. never save a word document into the c:\program files\officeXP\word folder). These folders are often automatically deleted or moved.
2. Keep work and personal files separate. Keep work in one folder, schoolwork in another, photos and personal files in another, and downloads in another folder. That way, you can easily keep your personal and professional information separate, and can easily jump into what you need to work on. Tax returns? Open up your "personal" folder. Last minute business report? It's all in "work". Files that relate to the same thing are kept in the same place.
3. Use lots of sub-folders. Layers are good, they help keep things specific. A good rule of thumb is if you have more than 50 files in a folder, you might want to consider organizing those into subfolders.
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Tips:
1. Stay organized: Your new file system won't work if you don't remember to save your files into their proper folders immediatly.
2. Want to organize folders by color? For a free download to change your folders to different colors go to:
3. Want to make sure what you are downloading is safe?
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Keeping Your Computer Healthy
 When was the last time you backed up your files? If your computer died right now, what would you lose that you wish you hadn't?
Not sure how to back up your files? Here are some easy steps to follow.
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| Not sure where to donate or recycle?
Check out our new resource page!
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Don't keep this news to yourself, be a hero and spread the joy of organization. Feel free to forward this on to anyone who could use a little organizing expertise. Check us out on the web at www.organizersnw.com. |
Happy Organizing,
Missy
Missy Gerber
Organizers Northwest
(503) 245-3564
OrganizersNW.com
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