We all have bad habits, but our bad habits can hurt our technology.  Here’s how to break those bad tech habits.

1) Don’t leave your equipment in plain site.  You are just asking for it to be stolen or damaged.  Imagine if your laptop was stolen with all your wedding photos and banking information.

2) There is a time and a place to use your gadgets.  Distracted driving (and walking) is a great concern to public safety.  Make sure when you are engrossed in the content on your cell phone or tablet, that you will not get into an accident or drop your device and damage it.

3) Using your device with dirty hands will shorten the life of it.  Standard keyboards can get clogged with grime, and even touch screens can get so covered that they will not work well.  It is also a great way to spread germs.

4) Keep your equipment clean – in this case, I am talking about your laptops, desktops, printers, etc.  At least once a year, you should clean your computer equipment.  If you are not comfortable taking your computer apart to clean inside, then take it to a repair shop and have them do it.  Your stuff will last a lot longer.

5) Bad posture is another bad habit.  Take a few minutes to adjust your chair, your desk, your screen, and even your lighting.  You will be more productive and less stressed if you have a comfortable work environment.

6) Take breaks – lots of them.  Your employer may not agree with the idea of taking 10 fifteen minute breaks during the day, but at least once an hour, you should get up from your desk and stretch.  Go get a drink, use the bathroom, go outside for some fresh air, anything that is not sitting.

7) Don’t work with your laptop on your lap.  I know, that is what they are called, but they can cut off circulation in your legs.  Not to mention, that they need air flow underneath to stay cool, and your legs can block that air flow. Try using a lap desk, or find a different position to use your laptop.

8) BACK UP YOUR DATA! Do it, and do it often.

9) Another thing you have probably heard a million times is to not use the same password for everything.  If you don’t value your money or information, go ahead and use the same password.

10) Do updates – all your software needs updating.  That also includes your phones, tablets, and computers. Updated software crashes less, and gives you more features.

11) Save paper, ink and money – don’t print everything.  Save it, and back it up (see number 8).

12) Don’t fax, use email instead.  Faxing is slow, poor quality, and wastes more paper and ink.  Scan and email your documents instead.

13) Recycle your electronics.  There is no excuse anymore.  There are numerous places you can take your electronics to be recycled.

14) If you are having a problem with a piece of technology (hardware or software) check the manual and the manufacturer’s website before you call for help.  In most cases, someone else has had the same problem, so you can probably find the solution online.

15) Social Media is great, but don’t over share. Only share posts or make comments that your “friends” will actually appreciate. If you are one of those people who share every post they see, most people will end up blocking your feed altogether.

16) No gadgets at the dinner table – or any time when you are in the company of others.  It is rude and distracting.

17) Keep your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other fragile device in a case. You don’t have to invest in a state-of-the-art waterproof case from Otterbox, but you should use something to protect it.

18) Silence your phone when you are in a theatre, doctor’s office, or library. Better yet, turn off all audible notifications for anything other than a phone call.  That is why they invented vibrate.

19) Reboot your devices from time to time.  All electronics can benefit from a refresh from time to time.  If you notice that your phone, tablet, or computer is acting a bit strange.  Before you get mad at it, take a few minutes and restart it.  You will be surprised at how much better it works.