Start the year prepared. Set some time aside now to give your computer some basic maintenance, and start the year lean, agile, and in control. "Complete Computer Maintenance" is an important New Year's resolution, and we want to help you achieve it. For your convenience, we created an easy to follow checklist and broke it down to three general areas: Files, Hardware & Software, and Online Browsing. Tackle them one by one, and you'll be set sooner than you think.

FILES

1. Organize your files. Delete duplications.

Whether it is personal or professional, whether it is information about your utilities or your favorite place to volunteer, you may have a lot of data stored in your computer that you need to be able to access quickly and reliably. Set some time in your calendar to go through your files, organize them into folders and delete duplications or files that you no longer need.

2. Back up your data.

There is nothing worse than losing your photos, work documents, or personal files. You can prevent future loss by taking action now.

• Mac users: There is a built-in program called Time Machine in your Mac, which requires an external hard drive.
• For Windows and Mac third-party alternatives, read our archived article.