In addition to the usual housekeeping tasks associated with spring cleaning, I am completing a digital cleaning project for my business. It doesn’t provide the same sense of satisfaction as routine housework in that I don’t have the gratification of seeing clutter or dust removed. But when I sit down to work at my computer, I feel a sense of calm that comes from order. I recommend this process for all small business owners. It facilitates your business continuity planning, since you will only be backing up and tracking the files and applications that you actually need and regularly use. I began my removing software applications that I no longer use, thereby ending the obligation for their licensing fees. I made certain that all of my current software applications are up to date. I organized my digital media files, including audio, video and graphics, with a tagging system for more efficient retrieval. In case of duplicates, I retained the highest quality file. I made certain that all of my directory and contact information is up to date, streamlined my databases and confirmed my file taxonomy so anyone can find a file without reading my mind. I also deleted all of the junk files. It is great to sit down to the computer in apple-pie order. Next, I am organizing my home and personal files in the same manner. I am also doing the more conventional cleaning and de-cluttering tasks. I have sold or donated over 1,200 books, some of which I have had since high school. One month later, I cannot remember which ones are gone, that is how infrequently I consulted them. I read that one reason for the popularity of e-readers in Japan is that they enable large libraries in small homes. I already feel lighter. This photograph, by the way, is of lilies of the valley that are now ubiquitous in my neighborhood. The lilies and the clean home and office are a sign that spring has arrived.
Posts Tagged ‘Digital Spring Cleaning’
Digital Spring Cleaning
Monday, May 7th, 2012Digital Spring Cleaning
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010It’s time for digital spring cleaning for your business computers. If you use a single computer for your business, as in a home-based sole proprietorship, for example, you should regularly schedule maintenance tasks, such as clearing our your caches and de-fragging your hard disk. (Your computer stores information in various places on the hard disk, as if the information were a book taken apart, with individual chapters placed here and there. When you de-frag the computer, you optimize the use of your hard disk space and your computer’s performance.) If you have more than one computer, you will follow a different set of procedures to maintain your network more efficiently. Everyone should get rid of the digital clutter – make sure files are properly stored on network drives and not individual hard drives – and I particularly like to clean up the dizzying array of icons that finds it way on to my desk top. I also make sure my operating system is up to date, old applications that are not likely to ever again be used are removed (unless I think I will have need for them to open an archived file), and older files are properly archived. Check to make sure your e-mails are organized into named folders for prompt retrieval. Clutter does build up over time in your computer. Putting everything in apple-pie order will give you a sense of calm efficiency.