One of the biggest struggles that many people encounter during the digital age is using a slow-performing device. Since we often use our computers and mobile devices, there’s a high chance that we overlook the basic necessity of maintaining and organizing our files. If you are tech-savvy, you are probably familiar with these basic steps. If not, then this article will be helpful for you.
Did you know that the primary reason a computer is slow is because of the files, software, and application saved on its hard drive? Regardless if you have the highest computer specs, it will still be slow if you are not maintaining it properly. We will discuss the different techniques on how you can easily organize your files. These are pretty much basic processes that don’t need a tech-savvy person to fulfill.
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Merge multiple PDF files
One of the most commonly-used file formats around the world is PDF. Many businesses and professionals prefer to use PDF because of its various features. You can create a permanent copy of a file and you can also protect it with a password. You can also merge pdf of charge by using an online PDF tool.
To start consolidating your PDF files, all you need to do is to group all your related files. You can consolidate them based on categories, dates, or other information. Through this, it will be easier for you to locate them when you need them. It’s an effective way to file your documents and save space on your computer.
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Utilize an online storage platform
One of the best ways to save space on your computer and to improve its performance is to use online cloud storage. Some of the most popular platforms are Google Drive and Dropbox. These platforms allow you to save documents and files for a specific storage limit. The best thing about using cloud storage is its convenience. You can easily access your files whenever you are for as long as you have Internet access and a device.
Online storage platforms also have applications that you can install on a mobile device. So, you will have easy access to your documents. It will not just save space on your computer, but your smartphones and tablets as well.
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Avoid randomly saving on your desktop
If you are always on the go when creating your file, there’s a chance that you will always choose the easiest ways to save a file: saving it on your desktop. However, randomly saving your files on the Desktop is the start of being unorganized. Once the file is already saved there, it may take weeks or even years before you sort them out.
Here’s how you can avoid that from happening. When saving a file, take the extra effort of choosing or creating an appropriate folder to save it. In that way, you can start organizing your files the moment you save them. It will lessen the chance of accumulating clutter on your computer.
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Prevent stacking files on your Downloads folder
Aside from randomly saving on your Desktop, another bad habit that you need to stop is stacking files on your Downloads folder. Normally, when you download an attachment or any file from a website, it will automatically save it on your Downloads folder. What you can do is once you download a file, you can also transfer it immediately to the proper folder. In that way, you can start sorting it before the folder gets full.
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Make it a habit to organize your files
As much as possible, start a habit of organizing your files. Depending on how often you use your computer, you can set a day every week to clean up your computer and organize your files. In that way, in case you have neglected to properly save a document, you will have time to work on it. You can schedule it in your calendar to make sure that you will not forget it.
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Avoid using too many folders
Another way to keep your files organized is by keeping fewer folders as much as possible. Aside from the fact that it will be easier for you to locate a file when you need it, lesser folders will accumulate less space on your computer. It will, in return, perform faster than usual.
What you can do is to create main folders to segregate the files based on categories. You can use project names, client names, or even dates. After which, you can create subfolders for more specific files. Moreover, it will be easier to manage the files when they are saved properly.
Additionally, you can also use proper filenames for your folders and documents for easier identification of your files. Avoid using the default “New Folder” filename as the computer may recognize it as a cookie or an unimportant file. Labeling them appropriately will keep your computer more organized.
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Uninstall unused software and applications
If you think that files and folders can make your computer slow, what more for the software and applications installed on it. If you own the computer for a long period, there’s a high chance that there is already a lot of software installed on it, some of which you no longer use.
To organize your computer files, uninstall these unused software and applications on your computer. Even if you are not using them, they are occupying space on your hard drive and your RAM.
The key is to identify which software you often use. If you are no longer using the application in the last three months or so, you may probably want to delete it. In that way, your computer will have additional space and storage for the software that you actually use. Keeping a lot of applications on your device can only harm them in the future.
Utilize effective online tools
If you need additional help in maintaining the organization of your computer, it’s best to consider using online tools. For instance, for your PDF files, you can use an online PDF tool such as PDFBear to help manage your PDF documents. Regardless of which tool you use, choose the most convenient and fastest way to keep your computer in its best performance.
