In this series, you’ll learn how to “degunk” your PC. This is your starting point and the first article in a series of articles. Here you’ll learn about my proven 12-step degunking program, and in future articles, learn how to apply techniques to conquer and then complete each step. If you see a link to an article in a step here, click it for additional information on performing the step.
There are 12 things you need to do to get organized and stay organized:
1. Physically clean your PC and all of the peripherals and devices that you use.
How to Clean a Mouse
How to Clean a Computer Keyboard
2. Do an overhaul of your work area and organize hardware that you use.
Managing Your Work Area – Keeping a Clean Home Office
Organize Your Printers and Scanners – Organize Your Home Office
Organizing Your Home Office: Reposition Your PC’s Tower
3. Properly configure and setup your PC, laptop (if you use one), and all of its key components.
Dealing with Multiple Users of One Computer– Sharing a Single PC
Public Folder Sharing vs. Personal Folder Sharing – What’s Best for Your Home Office?
4. Properly configure and set up all of your PC support peripherals including digital cameras, scanners, PDAs, and smart displays.
5. Setup USB and FireWire connections for your equipment to get better performance transferring data.
6. Setup a basic system so that you can optimize and share an Internet connection around your home.
Vista’s Network and Sharing Center - Manage Network Connections
7. Get rid of dial-up Internet connection and move to a faster cable to DSL connection if you have access to these services.
8. Link up all of the computers around your home or small office with a low cost but efficient network.
Add a Windows Vista PC to an Existing Network – Expand Your Home Office
Vista’s Network and Sharing Center – Configuration Tools
Instant Messaging and the Home Office – Effective Office Communication
9. Setup a wireless networking system to allow you to use your PC wherever you want in your home or small office.
Wireless Home Network - Getting Started Part I
Wireless Home Network - Getting Started Part II
Microsoft FolderShare - Syncing at Home and Away
10. Backup your system on a regular basis.
Microsoft Windows Home Server – Why You Should Buy it for Your Home Office
Windows Vista and Office 2007 – You need anti-virus software
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare – Why you need it for your Home Office
11. Perform some cost effective tasks to really speed up the performance of your PC.
12. Safely sell, donate, or dispose the PC equipment that you no longer need.
