Do you shudder every time you look at your computer's desktop? Does it take way too much time to find the files or photos you want on your computer? Does your machine feel cluttered? If so, it's time to take control and do a bit of electronic organizing.

Think about files and categories
Start by drawing a comparison between the information and programs on your computer and the papers and files on your desk or in your file drawers. An organized paper filing system involves getting rid of the things you don't need and sorting those you do into categorized folders; so does an organized electronic file system. Similarly, keeping files spread out on your computer desktop because it seems like they'll be easier to find that way is much like keeping papers spread out on your desk: perhaps good in theory, but rarely effective in practice.

If you already have a paper filing system set up, consider using the same categories to create files for documents on your computer; if not, look through the documents on your computer and brainstorm some effective categories, and then create folders with those categories. Once you've made folders, move relevant documents and photos into them. Ideally, the only things on your computer desktop should be links to programs you use regularly (such as your Internet browser, your word processing program, and your digital photo program). You can safely delete (or send to the Trash or Recycle Bin) shortcuts to programs you don't often use, as well as any documents or photos on your computer desktop that you no longer need.

Reconnect with what you have
As you sort documents and photos into folders, take the time to open and look at them so you can identify what they are. This is a good opportunity to rename any file that has a title that doesn't make sense or isn't meaningful to you (such as photos labeled IMG087.jpg and the like); remember, the clearer the title of each document and photo, the easier it'll be to find what you're looking for.

If you come across documents or photos you don't want or need, or anything you have in duplicate, delete them. These kinds of files quickly become electronic clutter, which can be just as frustrating as paper clutter and makes it harder to access the information you truly want and need.

Sorting and weeding your programs
While you're weeding, you might also consider going through the programs installed on your computer. Many computers come loaded with programs, from trial versions of Internet access software to games to specialized programs that aren't of interest to average computer users; chances are there are at least a few of these programs that you've never used and never will. Uninstalling them can help free up space on your hard drive, which can potentially help your computer run faster.

To uninstall programs on a computer that runs Windows, choose "Control Panel" from the Start Menu, and then choose "Add or Remove Programs"; on a Mac, choose the program you want from the Applications menu and drag the icon to the Trash. Be careful to uninstall only programs you're sure aren't critical; removing programs your computer needs in order to run can cause much more of a headache than a cluttered desktop ever could!

Getting help
If you're not comfortable changing or deleting files, folders, or programs on your computer, or if you're not sure how to go about doing so, enlist the help of a tech-savvy friend, neighbor, or family member, or do some research in online forums, where you can find help and how-to's for almost every computer-related issue you're likely to encounter. See the Links section below for Windows and Mac forums.

Getting your computer organized will make it easier to find the files you need and make the best use of your favorite programs; it can also make the whole experience of using the computer, whether for work or pleasure, less stressful and more efficient.