Start the New Year with Clean and Secure Devices

Dec 23

As the calendar turns to a new year, there’s no better time to give your tech a fresh start. Whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or computer, a little effort now can make a big difference in how your devices perform and keep your information secure. Here’s how to kick off the year with optimized and safe tech:

1. Clean Up Old Files

Over time, devices accumulate unused files, apps, and photos that take up valuable space and slow down performance.

What to Do:

Delete unnecessary apps you no longer use.
Go through your downloads folder, documents, and photos to remove duplicates or files you no longer need.
Organize your remaining files into clearly labeled folders.
Use cloud storage options like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive to save important files without using up device memory.

Pro Tip: Regularly cleaning up your devices not only frees up space but also helps you find what you need faster.

2. Check Security Settings

The new year is also a perfect time to boost your device’s security and protect your personal information.

Steps to Take:

Update Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to keep them secure.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification for logins.
Install Software Updates: Updates often include critical security patches to protect against new threats.
Review App Permissions: Check what data your apps have access to and revoke permissions for apps you no longer trust or use.

Pro Tip: Set a reminder to review your security settings every few months to stay ahead of potential threats.

3. Back Up Important Files and Photos

Accidents happen—devices can fail, be lost, or even get hacked. Backing up your important files ensures that your photos, documents, and contacts are safe, no matter what.

How to Back Up:

Use cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox for seamless and automatic backups.
Invest in an external hard drive for additional storage and offline backups.
Make it a habit to back up your files regularly to avoid losing critical data.

Pro Tip: Automating backups can save you time and ensure your information is always up-to-date.

4. Review Device Performance

If your devices are running slower than they used to, it might be time for a system check-up. Over time, devices can accumulate software bugs or hardware wear that affect their performance.

Signs You Might Need a Tune-Up:

Your device takes longer to boot up or load apps.
Battery life isn’t lasting as long as it used to.
You’re running out of storage space even after cleaning up files.

What to Do:

Restart your devices regularly to clear temporary files.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies for better performance online.
For more complex issues, consult an RGA Tech Support professional who can run diagnostics and optimize your device.

Start the Year with Confidence

Taking these steps to clean and secure your devices ensures a smooth and productive start to the new year. Organized and optimized tech not only improves performance but also provides peace of mind knowing your information is secure.

If you need help cleaning up your devices, optimizing performance, or enhancing security, RGA Tech Support is here for you. Call us at (616) 916-2569, and we’ll make sure your technology works for you, not against you.

Let’s start the new year off right—with clean, secure, and reliable devices!

Office Admin .