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Keep Things Up to Date

Make it a point to check for Apple software updates once a month to keep your system running optimally. From the Apple menu, choose Software Update while your computer is connected to the Internet. Software Update will assess the Apple software on your computer and check our servers for new versions. If it finds any, the updates will appear in the Software Update window. Select the checkbox for the software you want and then click the Install button to download and install the software. You can configure Software Update to automatically check for updates either daily, weekly, or monthly.

Put Your Files Away

Put your files away where you can easily find them. This can help prevent accidental file deletion and help you find things much more efficiently. You can get organized by creating new folders (in the Finder, press Shift-Command-N) and arranging them into a workable hierarchy for your files at hand, or you can move your files into existing folders.

Name Your Files

Go through your generically-named files and folders and give them more descriptive names so you can find what you need fast. This can help you get organized and makes it easier for Spotlight to search and find what you’re looking for, especially one file amongst your digital photo collection with names like DSC_0431.jpg and so on.

Note: If you use iPhoto to manage your photos, don’t use the Finder to rename the files.

To reduce the amount of clutter on your hard drive, free up some disk space by archiving large, seldom used files (learn how here), and be sure to name the resulting archive file appropriately too, so you know what’s in it. Delete any unnecessary or outdated personal files whenever possible and anything that you no longer want or need—just drag them all into the Trash and don’t forget to empty it.

Back Up Your Files

To prevent losing your prized or important files, make it a point to back up on a regular basis. You can back up files onto a CD, DVD, external hard drive, iPod, iDisk, or other storage medium and then delete the copies on your hard drive to free up some space. To learn how to back up files, choose Mac Help from the Help menu in the Finder and do a search for “back up files.”

Check for Viruses

Macs are far more less likely to get a computer virus like Windows PCs are prone to but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you don’t already have antivirus software, you may want to consider making a purchase. If you have the software installed, be sure to keep your virus definitions up to date—you can find the latest updates on your software manufacturer’s website.

Clean the Outside

Dust and other debris can harm your computer’s innards if you allow the stuff to build up around your workspace. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, feather duster, or canned air to clean your Mac’s outside as well as the surface areas around it. You can use a slightly water-dampened cloth to clean the screen. Do not use any type of liquid cleaner to clean your Mac.