Technology computers-hardware

How to Clean a Computer Before Leaving a Job

    • 1). Organize your personal files into one folder. Go through your computer and make sure you have included every personal document, photo and email in this folder. Then copy it onto an external hard drive or a flash drive. If you do not have access to this kind of hardware, at least back up your files onto a CD. If you have to burn your files onto a CD, be sure to make copies. Once you have completed this process, delete all of your files by moving them to the trash/recycling bin and emptying it.

    • 2). Since transparency is key, leave your work files in a place that is easily located. Once you have all of your personal effects off your computer, create new folders directly on your desktop and place your work-related files in them in an organized fashion. The idea is to allow the next person to easily take over your job by accessing your files. Label your work folders with obvious slugs, and try to make them stand out on your desktop.

    • 3). Remove any inappropriate material from your computer immediately. This is a huge no-no; hopefully, you have not spent time at work looking at sites that are against company policy. However, if you have, and you downloaded some of files from these sites, delete them immediately. This is not only against policy, but also extremely unprofessional.

    • 4). Delete your Internet browsing history and cookies. Some companies prefer you to allow your IT person to handle this, but if management is not particular, delete your Internet history yourself (only if it is irrelevant to your job). You can do this through the "Internet Options" menu that drops down in the upper left-hand corner of your screen (usually under the "Tools" option). Performing this step removes all traces of websites you may have frequented while at work.

    • 5). Before you leave, shut everything down properly. Close all programs and remove any password protection you may have on your computer. If you cannot do so, at least leave your password with your manager or a colleague until it can be changed. Shut down your computer completely and double-check to ensure that your screen (or any other extraneous hardware) does not remain on once you have finished with the computer.

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