Technology can be extremely frustrating. It seems there is a new and flashy application, software, or
hardware every month, leaving us all to believe that we are working with antique toys. But this isn’t the
case.
While technology does advance each year, most of the time the tools we have are more than adequate
for our daily needs. It’s just a matter of understanding that our home tech tools such as desktops,
laptops, mobile phones, and other devices get cluttered and a little muddy from time to time and need a
little TLC to get back to working at tip-top shape and making our lives easier.
The team at OurSeniors.Net have scoured the web and has compared them with senior living habits to
deliver these simple tips to fix or speed up your tech tools for free:
Tip #1) Get Rid of the Clutter (E.G. Unnecessary Software)
When you purchase a computer or other device, they often come with several pre-loaded applications
that many people don’t use. For example, some people use their computers for work and don’t need
entertainment software… or vice versa. You can free up disk space and speed up your devices by
removing unnecessary software. You can view all applications and uninstall whatever it is you know you
won’t be using. If you are uncertain about the changes you should make, take a closer look at the
software you need to keep your devices working before permanently uninstalling them.
Tip #2) Optimize Your Computer Startup Options
Whenever you boot up your computer and other devices, their operating systems automatically start up
popular programs that are frequently used. But having so many programs open at one time will slow
down your systems. This is a waste of technical resources when you consider that aren’t likely to need to
have all these programs open when you boot up or at the same time. You can customize what your
devices start up when you boot up and which ones you can start up on your own whenever you need
them, saving you a tremendous amount of system resources and speeding up your devices in the
process.
Tip #3) Use Free Anti-Malware and Spyware Programs
Malware is a general term that covers different types of malicious software that destroys resources on
your computer and other devices by being delivered online. Spyware is a sub-category that watches and
tracks a user’s online activity and collects personal information. Malware (and spyware) usually installs
itself. There are numerous free programs that you can download from the web that can regularly
remove malware and spyware from your computer. Some programs offer more services if you upgrade
to a paid account. But more often than not, this is unnecessary if you are simply trying to speed up your
computer.
Tip #4) Backup or Delete Old Files (E.G. Pictures and Documents)
The more memory storage you use up on your devices the more likely you are to use additional
resources that are slowing down performance. When you run out of storage space you are also unable
to add new files. Many free services allow you to save information on the cloud and some will even do it
automatically for you at designated times. If you are not already using a cloud service, you should look into Google Drive or Dropbox or similar free tools that provide ample space for documents and pictures.
And if you have a lot of content you want to save, you can pay a nominal fee to buy extra space.
Tip #5) Reboot Your Devices to Get a Fresh Start
Every time you go online your computer gets filled with tracking data known as “cookies.” This allows
different companies and browsing services better understand your online behavior. One of the easiest
ways to get rid of these “cookies” is to select “Remove All” or its equivalent on whichever browser you
use (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, etc.). Rebooting your devices can also help 9 out of 10 times
because it removes unnecessary codes that can be backing up your systems through regular usage. Your
devices will perform better. This also goes for things like your internet server, cable box, and television
set.
If you get frustrated with a computer or device-related issues that are slowing down your technological
tools, you can usually make simple adjustments at no cost while making your components.
The team at OurSeniors.Net has been providing valuable senior living resources to people living
throughout Florida. Our senior publication has 5 different editions customized for people in different
parts of Florida. After all, this great state does have its regional quirks. Check out our senior online &
print magazine for more entertaining and informative content. We appreciate your support and are
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and suggest improvements. Senior living changes day by day and we want to be at the forefront of it all.
