Spending time each month or quarter to ensure your computer works to the best of its ability reduces risk and mitigates damage from cyberattacks and crashes. Here are some important tasks to consider for your next Spring Cleaning:
- Uninstall unused applications. This will free up disk space and prevent attacks exploiting older software.
- Update software and drivers. Software can typically be updated within the application or with a third-party updater. Drivers are typically updated alongside system updates.
- Backup data. Making back-ups frequently minimizes the amount of data loss from a crash or security incident.
- Clean hardware. A buildup of dust on internal components, especially fans, can lead to performance issues. Be sure to consult your computer’s user manual for information on how to safely clean hardware components.
- For UT Health Science Center devices, keep them powered on periodically to receive updates on time.