At last, we can finally see the light at the end of the very cold winter tunnel, and with that comes our natural desire to want to spring clean. It’s human nature to want to declutter as winter turns to spring. Not only are we literally dusting off our homes, but figuratively, the heaviness of winter too. Plus, with most of us spending the majority of our time at home, we’re using our tech devices more than ever, so it’s especially important to keep those devices clean, both internally and externally.
Just like your home, the tech you use in it (i.e., your TV, laptop, desktop, tablet, cell phone and even your smartwatch) need a spruce up every now and then. Whether it’s clearing out unused apps, backing up your files or reformatting your device and starting fresh, tidying up your hardware can improve its performance and free up much-needed space.
Take stock — First things first, take inventory of all the technology in your home. You may have a gaming system or TV in the guest room that isn’t used every day, but perhaps needs a good cleaning. Go from room to room and identify the devices that need your attention. Put aside anything you no longer use or things that aren’t working — old computers, printers, modems, cell phones, TVs, cords, etc.
Sweep — Next, go through your devices and delete any pictures, videos, emails, or files that you don’t need. This will free up space and make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for the next time you’re looking for something specific.
Back up — There’s nothing worse than losing or mistakenly deleting precious photos, videos, and important files. Whether you use a cloud service or hard drive, the important thing is to back up your data regularly.
Also read: Buyer’s Guide: Best Smartphones for Every Budget in 2021
Wipe down — We use our household tech daily, sometimes for many hours at a time, so it’s important to keep them sanitised. Wipe down your screens using a microfibre cloth or specific screen-cleaning wipes and use alcohol-based disinfectant wipes to clean your tech (avoiding any openings) and tech accessories (e.g., charging cables, computer mouse etc). Never apply liquid directly to your tech, and only use household cleaners if they’re specifically designed for tech devices. For your keyboard, devices inner components and routers, you can use a can of compressed air to blow away the dust and dirt particles caught in the small crevices.
Recycle — There’s no need to box up your unused devices and put them in the garage never to be found again, or the bin for that matter. Old tech, that still works, but you don’t have a need for it anymore can be recycled, sold online, or even donated to a charity that can still make good use of it.
Replace — Identify any tech devices that are on their last leg and need replacing. If a spring clean hasn’t helped to improve the performance of your device, and you need to upgrade then take stock of the features and specifications you need and do your research on the best options within your budget. Check price comparison sites, like PriceCheck.co.za and find the best prices on technology devices.
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