Need for Speed: How to Keep All Your Devices Running Quickly and Smoothly

Have you noticed that your computer, tablet, or phone is not running like it used to? Your device may run super fast when it’s brand new, but after awhile it is common for it to slow down. There are several reasons that your device might be acting sluggish, but know that these problems aren't just due to old age. There are a few things you can do to help get your device back to it's top performance level. Read ahead to learn about a few ways you can help your device speed along and prevent it from slowing down in the future.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Files and Apps

Tablets and smartphones tend to get filled up fast with apps, because it’s so easy to connect and download them. This can result in too many apps piling up on your device, many of which you never use. Go through your apps from time to time and delete the ones you don’t need. You can even delete those that you only use once in awhile and download them again when you need them. You'll be surprised at how many apps you accumulate over time, and even more surprised at how much your device speeds up once they are cleared away.

Protect Against Viruses

PC users know that viruses have the potential to wreak havoc with their computers. The same is true for some tablets. Like Mac computers, iPhones and other Apple devices don’t have a high risk of viruses, but if you have an Android or Windows device, you should head to the app store and download a good anti-virus app. There are plenty of anti-virus apps and programs, some are free, and some cost money, but the most important thing is that you download one of these protection systems as soon as possible.

Close Programs and Apps When Not in Use

Tablets and smartphones are not really designed for easy closing of apps, and generally all the apps you use stay open all the time. You can get a task manager, which is an app that will automatically close multiple apps with one touch. Similar programs exist for computers. These can close unnecessary background processes that are using memory. You may not realize how many apps you have running, but if your battery starts to drain quickly, this could be because you're running too many apps at once. Closing out of programs you have been using will help out a great deal when it comes to giving your device a little speed.

Avoid Flashy Personalization Options

Devices and computers promote cool technology like “live” wallpapers that move and high quality graphics and icons on the desktop. According to professionals of thelocalcircuit.com who specialize in laptop repair in Denton, TX, these things use a lot of memory and slow down your device. Resist the temptation to use flashy personalization options and go with basic wallpapers and icons because these can really put the brakes on your device and make it difficult to complete simple tasks.

Clean Your Screen

For touch screen devices and computers with touch screens, something as simple as neglecting to clean your screen can slow things down. If you don't clean your screen regularly, tiny substances will build up on the surface of the screen. You might not even be able to see anything on the screen, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything there. Cleaning your screen will allow the device to recognize your touch more quickly, allowing you to perform tasks right away. Plus, cleaning your screen will clear away any germs or bacteria that might be lurking on the surface.

Keeping you device at top speed is easy; it just takes some regular maintenance on your part. A good method is to run through a short series of maintenance tasks on the same day you do a regular backup. That should keep your computer and devices in top shape and keep you more content as you quickly run through tasks without any loading or extra frustration.

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Fast and Furious File Management Techniques for Clearing Up Your Computer Clutter

Just like paper files, the files on your computer and mobile devices need to be organized for easy retrieval. A methodical approach to file management will make it easy to update and locate your files even when you’re looking for them many years later. Here are some file management tips for organized and accessible files.

Organize by file types

Applications are best stored in a folder dedicated to Program Files. If your operating system doesn’t automatically install new programs within that directory, create a folder and store all your executables like Excel, Firefox, and Photoshop there.

A central place for documents

All your documents – no matter what they are- must go into your My Documents folder. So your spreadsheets, contracts, and your mockups must be saved into My Documents. Storing your files in this central location will make it easier to find what you need and run backups.

Organize files within My Documents

Your growing list of files in My Documents can be further organized into separate drawers. Create folders within My Documents to separate your files. Use clear and concise terms to name each folder, so you’ll be able to identify them in the future.

Nest folders for deeper organization

Depending on your activity and your volume of files, you might need to create folders within the main folders. For example, your folder called “Minutes” might contain folders for “2013”, “2012”, and so forth. A client folder may contain folders for correspondence, projects, and client data. The objective is to place all files in folders rather than have them floating around as individual files.

Honor file naming conventions

Don’t use spaces in file names, use all lower case, and limit the names to 27 characters or less. So a file name should be customerdata instead of Customer Data. Maintain some consistency in the file naming process.

Be specific

Use specific and logical names, and include the date when naming your file. The objective is to identify what the file is without having to open it. Therefore, if you’re sending a payment reminder to your customers, you can name the file “pymentreminder091613” rather than just naming it “reminder”. In the latter case, you’ll have to open the file to know what it contains.

Real time filing

Place your documents in the correct folder the moment you create them. Develop the habit of using the "Save As" to save and file your documents at the same time. This will save time and the effort of organizing a cluttered mess later on.

Order your files for convenience

Place an “AA” or “!” at the beginning of the file name for those files that you use often. Those characters will ensure that the files are always at the top for easy access.

Cull your files regularly

Sometimes it’s easy to identify old files if you organize them into dated folders. But you can reduce clutter and move files out of the way by deleting unwanted files or creating a folder for “Inactive” files. Micro Com Systems offer a similar solution for reducing clutter caused by your paper docs.

Don’t forget to backup

Create a schedule to consistently backup your files. It’s the only way to ensure you have them if something happens to your computer or mobile device.

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About The Author:

John Hoskins recently helped his office go paperless. An avid blogger, he enjoys sharing what he has learned by posting on the Web.

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