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Are you looking for the best way to declutter your desktop? In my past post on how to declutter your phone, I share with you tips on how to organise your smartphones. Now I’m going to share with you decluttering and organising your desktop.
I know that my laptop can be a lot more “messier” than my phone will ever be (ya know how it feels desktop users!). More often, you guys use your desktop more for work.
As a fact, you bloggers and entrepreneurs, designers, business people and anyone who works on a desktop uses a computer or laptop to get their work done, right?
How about using that free day or take that break time of yours to organise your pc for a much organise and faster aftereffect.
Here’s the effective and best way to organise your desktop in order to work productively.
So grab your mug of coffee or tea and let’s get right into it!
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Table of Contents
What Computer Is Best For Bloggers?
Personally, for me, I tried both Windows and Apple computers throughout my entire life. Both can do pretty much the same thing if you’re starting up a blog or creating your own online store.
Windows computer
Here are my pros and cons to having a Microsoft Window‘s Computer:
- is able to download any type of software and application but can be immune to viruses and malware (yes I have been in that situation a few too many times). I recommend downloading a good anti-virus if you’re using Windows.
- has more available applications.
- flexibility in upgrading your desktop. For example, if your SSD is full, you’re able to buy another one and upgrade it.
- pretty cheap but being cheap can cause some cons (such as less storage, slowness to load, etc).
- good for gaming if you’re into the side of things.
Apple Computer
Here are my pros and cons of having an Apple Macbook:
- It’s smooth and faster when you first purchase it.
- You can’t upgrade the hard drives or storage. You would either need to get yours upgraded at an Apple service (and they’re really expensive).
- Good looking design but really pricey. You can get to for a bit cheaper if you purchase them refurbished or preowned.
- Less immune to viruses and malware due to their security updates. I still recommend downloading a anti-virus just in case.
- faster loading time.
Again, these are just my own personal thoughts. Anyways, let’s get onto decluttering your desktop!
Software Updates
Did you forget to update your Windows or macOS? Better to keep up to date with the current updated software than the old one. Not only does the system need updating but so does your other applications too!
I made a list on Wunderlist Microsoft To-Do on the software that I need to check and update once a week such as game launchers, art applications, etc.
Oh yeah, did you know you can update Google Chrome? (that is if you’re using Chrome).
Update Google Chrome
- Go the 3 buttons on the right end tab.
- Click on “Help” > “About Google Chrome”
- Let it automatically check for updates
- Click “Install” if you have an update (warning, you may have to let it close & relaunch after it’s done).
Pretty easy right?
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Defragments
If you want to have your desktop running smoothly, try defragging. You would have to wait for mins or hours so based on how much files you have on your system but it would make a difference in the performance. I usually have to wait about 1-3 hours but it’s totally worth it!
You could do other things while it defrags but sometime it may slow down or lag because it’s working its butt off.
Note to Gamers: DON’T PLAY WHILE IT’S DEFRAGGING!
Update Sep 2020: Based on my friends (who are computer techs), it is recommended that you DON’T defrag your computer often or it will wear out life span. So do it when your computer says it needs a defrag.
Recycle leftovers or unused files
I use CCleaner for deleting unnecessary files or browsing history and it’s awesome!
Literally, I don’t even need to scroll through and take up hours of my time to go one by one, deleting files I have no single clue about. It makes life so much easier!!
Update 5/Feb/2019: I no longer use CCleaner due to them being hacked before. Instead, I use Disk Clean-up that is already on my Windows desktop.
Antivirus Scan
I use to use Avast (the free version) until my bf gifted me a code for a premium 1 year of Malwarebytes (cheers to him) and it’s sweet because now I get to scan actual files that show threat.
Anyways, definitely try to scan daily for check if you have any installed or potential malware or viruses that might be lurking beneath.
If anything, I would suggest both those antivirus because they do the best job of protecting you from harmful viruses and malware.
Change Wallpapers
One of the best things about desktop declutter is that you have an excuse to change your wallpaper. It would freshen up your desktop along with making you more motivated.
There are plenty of free wallpapers out there on the internet! You can check out Candidly’s free wallpapers here. She updates them every month. Or if you want to check out more, I made a post of graphic design resources including free wallpapers.
Or you can create your own desktop wallpapers through Canva (which is free).
You can download my freebie wallpapers:
- Freebie Kpop Christmas Wallpapers 2018
- Valentine’s Day Desktop & Mobile Wallpapers
- FREE DESKTOP WALLPAPER
- Christmas Desktop Wallpapers
Delete browsing history
You could either follow step 3 or just manually do it (I prefer manually). By manual, I have the power to delete histories that I won’t or will delete.
To delete Google Chrome history on Windows:
- The 3 dots on the tab bar
- History > “History” (Ctrl + H)
- “Clear browsing data”
- “Advanced” > tick the boxed that you would like to delete or uncheck to not delete
- “Clear”
(If you’re using Chrome) Change Chrome’s theme
As I use the internet pretty much every day, I would always like to go on my browser and not find a bare Google home screen or a grey tab bar. Here’s the trick on replacing that basic tab bar: Theme.
There are so many different types of free or premium themes out there based on your likings. For me, I prefer Floral themes.
Organise Files
Don’t expect me to believe you that you have a totally 99.9% organised folders (unless you do then good job to you, skip this step) but if you have a messy unorganised folder displayed everywhere on your desktop or inside your document files, then you should probably start reorganising theme.
Believe me, I never got lost ever again when trying to find a file that I need to work on.
Uninstall
Any applications you don’t need or haven’t used in forever – put them in the trash.
Conclusion
Have you found these tips helpful? When you have the time, try to declutter your desktop once or twice a month.
If you haven’t read this post, read it! 6 Innovative Approaches To Declutter Your Phone
Check out Samsung for the latest desktops, laptops and all your gadget needs.
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GREAT post!!! I also pinned. Beth, http://www.wisemommies.com
Thanks for reading and pinning!
All very sensible tips, and I know I should, but must just finish this blog post first 😉 Seriously, thank you, most helpful
Haha go get on it girl! :’D