Upgrading Your Digital Life
By Tracey Dowdy
Time to turn over a new leaf. There’s no time like the present. New year, new start. Had enough of clichés yet?
In truth, it is time to turn over a new leaf and there really is no time like the present. In fact, if you’ve been hitting “Remind me later” every time a software update appears on your screen or you have to scroll through dozens of spam emails before you get to what you actually need, you’re long overdue for an update. By following a few simple steps and with a little effort, it’s easy to streamline and get yourself back on track to an upgraded digital life.
Take the time to update your software. Not only will updated software make your computer run more smoothly, it will save you the aggravation of having to stop and install updates when you’re tasked with a project that requires the latest version. Remember – running outdated software is a security risk. Newer versions will have security patches to fill in the gaps and keep you protected.
While you’re updating and protecting your security, get a grip on your passwords. If you’re not doing so already, start using a password manager. Apps like LastPass will create strong passwords and then store them in an encrypted database.
Get rid of files, folders, pictures, videos, email, programs… anything that’s taking up space and cluttering up your computer. One option is to invest in an external hard drive to store your photos and videos or anything else you want to hang on to but don’t need access to on a regular basis. A second, more accessible option is to take advantage of cloud storage. Both Chrome (Download to Dropbox) and Firefox (Save Link to Folder) offer extensions that allow you to upload directly to Dropbox instead of downloading the program to your computer.
Did you know a cluttered desktop actually slows down your computer? Get rid of shortcuts you don’t use and organize files or images into folders. Similarly, when browsing online use an app like OneTab to condense all your open tabs into one list. When you need access, click on individual links or restore them all at once.
Clear out your inbox. My friend Brenda has 27,000 unread emails. Not going to lie – I died a little, cried a little, just typing that. The easiest way get your email organized is to archive messages you want to hang on to or delete messages you won’t need again. I recommend clearing out email in groups. I search my Gmail for sites like Pinterest and once the list is loaded, Select All and then Delete. Another great tip is to use Unroll.me to unsubscribe from multiple sites at once. Once you sign up you’ll see a list of all your subscription emails and you simply choose the ones you want to unsubscribe from. I had 137 lists I was subscribed to and got rid of an even 100 of them in about 2 minutes.
Cut the cord. Cord cutting is the trend of disconnecting from traditional cable and satellite packages and taking advantages of services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Apple TV and Amazon Prime. The average cable bill is approximately $123 a month or $ 1,476 per year – that’s a lot of money. Depending on your viewing habits, dropping cable and taking advantage of online and streaming services may be a better – and cheaper – alternative. Check out this guide to see if cord cutting is an option for you.
Once you’ve got yourself organized and upgraded, keep it up. Once a week, once a month – whatever works for you – do a little housekeeping. It takes time and effort, but like anything worthwhile, you’ll be glad you did it. Remember: New year, new start.
Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.
Asking questions are in fact fastidious
thing if you are not understanding anything entirely, but this
piece of writing offers nice understanding yet.
my webpage; slotdana.net
Hello there, I found your web site by the use of Google while searching for
a comparable matter, your web site got here up,
it seems to be great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google
bookmarks.
Hi there, simply become aware of your blog via Google,
and found that it’s truly informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of other folks will probably be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
Here is my blog post :: slot indonesia
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
It is the little changes that will make the most important changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
my homepage: link Slot deposit lewat dana
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting
for your next write ups thanks once again.
my site :: judi slot deposit dana 10000
Usually I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to
take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised
me. Thank you, very great article.
Stop by my page livechat s128
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what
you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way
in which you say it. You make it entertaining
and you still care for to keep it sensible.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great web site.
My website: bo slot deposit pulsa
Your way of explaining everything in this article is genuinely good, every one be able
to effortlessly know it, Thanks a lot.
My blog post – login poker pulsa
To the theonlinemom.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-structured and logical.
Dear theonlinemom.com admin, Your posts are always a great source of knowledge.
Dear theonlinemom.com owner, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
Dear theonlinemom.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-cited and reliable.
To the theonlinemom.com owner, Thanks for the well-organized post!
To the theonlinemom.com admin, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
Hello theonlinemom.com administrator, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
Hello theonlinemom.com webmaster, Thanks for the great post!
Dear theonlinemom.com webmaster, Good to see your posts!
Hi theonlinemom.com webmaster, You always provide useful tips and best practices.
To the theonlinemom.com administrator, Your posts are always on point.
Hello theonlinemom.com admin, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
To the theonlinemom.com owner, Nice post!
To the theonlinemom.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
To the theonlinemom.com administrator, Your posts are always well-written and easy to understand.
Hi theonlinemom.com webmaster, You always provide helpful diagrams and illustrations.
Hello theonlinemom.com owner, You always provide key takeaways and summaries.
Hello theonlinemom.com owner, Your posts are always well-cited and reliable.