Digital clean-up: how to approach it smartly

Digital Cleanup Day is a great moment to tidy up your computer and online accounts. By checking your antivirus protection, optimising your computer, updating passwords and creating a back-up, you ensure that your devices remain fast, organised and well protected.

Why a digital clean-up is important

Over time, your computer becomes filled with files, programs and accounts that you no longer use. Downloads pile up, old software keeps running in the background and passwords remain unchanged for years.

This can cause your computer to slow down and make it harder to keep an overview of your online accounts.

That is exactly why Digital Cleanup Day exists. This day focuses on tidying up and securing your digital environment. With a few simple steps, you can make your computer organised again while also improving your protection.

1. Start with strong antivirus protection

A digital clean-up starts with the basics: reliable antivirus software. This protects your computer from harmful files, suspicious downloads and unsafe websites.

Modern security packages now do much more than simply block viruses. They can also help you with:

• Protection against malware and ransomware
• Checking suspicious websites and downloads
• Password management
• Additional privacy features such as a VPN

Three complete security packages

There are several antivirus packages that combine these features in a single solution.

Norton 360 Deluxe
Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive security package for multiple devices. You receive antivirus protection, a VPN, password management and cloud back-up in one package. This means you do not need multiple separate programs.

Bitdefender Premium Security
Bitdefender Premium Security is a complete security suite from Bitdefender. In addition to powerful antivirus protection, you also receive an unlimited VPN, a password manager and extensive privacy features. This allows you to protect not only your devices, but also your online accounts.

McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection combines antivirus protection with useful extra features such as password management and secure browser extensions. This helps you protect both your computer and your online accounts more effectively.

With one of these packages, you create a strong foundation for your digital clean-up.

2. Optimise your computer with optimisation software

In addition to security, it is also important to clean up your computer regularly. Over time, systems collect many temporary files and outdated programs.

This can lead to:

• Less storage space
• Slow performance
• Unnecessary background processes

With optimisation software, you can clean this up automatically.

Norton 360 Deluxe + Norton Utilities Ultimate bundle
A convenient solution is the bundle Norton 360 Deluxe with Norton Utilities Ultimate. In this package you receive both security and optimisation in one solution.

Norton Utilities Ultimate helps with:

• Removing temporary files
• Cleaning up unused programs
• Optimising system settings
• Improving your computer’s performance

Because this is combined with Norton 360 Deluxe, you immediately have both security and computer optimisation arranged in one package.

Avast Ultimate: security and optimisation
Avast Ultimate is also a complete solution if you want to protect and optimise your computer. This package combines antivirus protection, privacy features and optimisation tools in one security suite.

The package includes Avast Cleanup Premium, which removes temporary files and cleans up unused programs. This allows your computer to run faster again. In addition, Avast Ultimate also includes a VPN and tools that help block online trackers, so you not only clean up your system but also improve your privacy protection.

3. Check your passwords and accounts

During a digital clean-up, it is also wise to review your online accounts and passwords.

Many people have:

• Accounts they have not used for years
• The same password for multiple websites
• Old passwords that are never updated

This makes it difficult to maintain a clear overview.

Use a password manager
A password manager stores all your passwords securely and generates strong passwords when needed. This means you only have to remember one master password.

Many antivirus packages already include this feature, such as:

• Norton 360 Deluxe
• Bitdefender Premium Security
• McAfee Total Protection

During your digital clean-up, you can therefore immediately replace weak passwords and remove old accounts.

4. Create a back-up of your important files

A step that is often forgotten during a digital clean-up is creating a back-up.

Many people store their files only locally on their computer. If that computer crashes or becomes damaged, you may lose important files.

That is why automatic back-up software is a smart solution.

Automatic back-ups with Acronis
With Acronis True Image Advanced, you can automatically create back-ups of:

• Important files
• Specific folders
• Or your entire system

The difference from regular cloud storage is that a real back-up is specifically designed to restore data when something goes wrong.

This ensures your files will not be lost.

Checklist for Digital Cleanup Day

Want to get started right away? Use this checklist:

✔ Check whether your antivirus software is active
✔ Optimise your computer with optimisation software
✔ Update your passwords and remove old accounts
✔ Check whether your back-up is working properly

By doing this a few times a year, your computer will remain organised and well maintained.