Mac New Year's Resolutions

With only hours left in 2010, it is high time to consider your New Year’s resolutions if you haven’t already. While you’re at it, you might want to add not procrastinating on resolutions to the list. When considered, all resolutions essentially share the same theme. Whether it’s getting into shape, doing better in school, or going for that big promotion at work, self improvement is the most common underlying trend. As such, we thought that it would be fitting to compile a list of Mac themed resolutions. The following tips—when adhered to—will lead to an improved and enlightened Mac user experience in 2011.

Clean Up That Desktop:

Having a messy desktop can actually consume valuable system resources if left unchecked. Though it’s a subtle sluggishness, if you have hundreds of unkempt icons constructing your desktop “wallpaper,” your Mac’s performance is likely taking a hit. While moving your extraneous files into a single “stuff” folder will temporarily remedy the situation, a great resolution is to organize your files once and for all. See if you can get your desktop down to just the Macintosh HD icon! Remember you have Stacks, Spotlight, and of course your Home Folder to help keep you organized.

Back it Up!

Thanks to Apple’s automated Time Machine backup software, this resolution requires the least amount of effort. If you aren’t already backing up on a frequent basis with the included utility, then you are subjecting yourself and your data to a completely avoidable risk. Don’t wait until you’re personally struck by data loss! The dollar to gigabyte ratio is better than it’s ever, and there are drives to fit every lifestyle and budget. If you do nothing more for your Mac in 2011, pick up an external hard drive and start backing up.

Keep Software Up to Date

Though the Mac App Store promises to make tediously sifting through your Applications folder checking for updates a thing of the past, it doesn’t mean this isn’t an important routine to follow for existing applications. Keeping software up to date—especially when it’s from Apple directly, keeps your machine running smoothly. While Software Update automates the process when it comes to 1st party software, it’s a good habit to check 3rd party apps for updates every so often. On the 6th of next year this to will be partially automated thanks to the Mac App Store, though not every 3rd party app will be immediately available on Apple’s debuting platform. Even if it’s just keeping an eye out for updates in iTunes and the Mac App Store, don’t run outdated software in 2011!

Take Out the Trash

If you’re the digital equivalent to TLC’s ‘Hoarders,’ 2011 marks a great opportunity to start letting old files go. It always surprises me to find friends storing gigabytes of files in their Trash. Chances are those files are in the Trash for a reason…to be deleted. If you’ve fallen into the habit of using the Trash as a organizational tool for files that you “probably don’t need,” it may be a good idea to reconsider your organizational process. Emptying your Trash regularly will enable you to reclaim precious disk space. If you keep regular backups of your data, parting with old files should be easy.

Thin Your Inbox

We’re all guilty of it. With flurries of work related and personal emails coming in on a daily basis, it’s easy for messages to clutter your inbox. Though Apple has implemented some great search features into Mail, they’re no replacement for a solid system of folders and smart folders. (known as Mailboxes and Smart Mailboxes in Apple Mail) Especially in the instance of Smart Mailboxes, you can task Mail with doing the hard organizational work for you. By customizing the Mailbox’s preferences around a set of criteria, messages can be sorted in a nearly limitless number of ways. It’s like having your own personal post office!