A New Year (and decade) has started which means it is time again to create a list of New Year’s resolutions. Of course, if you are like me you create the list, start strong and then don’t follow through to the end of the year so this year I made a list of computing resolutions that are easy to stick to and make using you computer easier!

Learn New Software
With all the new versions of Microsoft slated to be released in 2010 this resolution should be an easy one to keep. There are plans to release a new version of Office which includes Word, Excel and Outlook.

If you don’t want to upgrade then check out you local computer or software store and browse for a new software to learn. There is a large selection of software available for almost any task – creating greeting cards, label makers, recipe organizers, budget creators, managing banking tasks – the list goes on and on! There is sure to be a software package that will allow you to expand your computer knowledge while learning something new.

Name and Organize Files
If you are like me then you have some file organization happening on your computer but never seem to have the chance organize your files the way you would really like. For example, I have hundreds of photos that I have downloaded from my camera that I have obscure name (named by the camera) which makes finding photos difficult.

Make one of your resolutions for 2010 to organize and name all your files in such as fashion that makes it easier to save, locate and backup the files on your system. One suggestion is to create a directory at the root of your hard drive and organize within this directory with subdirectories. This makes backing up and locating easier since all important files are organized under a parent directory as opposed to scattered across the hard drive.

Organize Your Desktop
Depending on your personality and computing habits your desktop either is a) very neat and organized with a minimal amount of icons or b) the desktop is completed covered with icons and shortcuts scattered all over the place. If you are the latter then make a resolution to clean-up and organize your desktop in 2010.

Like clutter in you actual life, clutter in your virtual life can be just a confusing and make it difficult to locate items on the computer or desktop. To organize the desktop remove all icons that are not necessary and then consolidate the remaining icons and shortcuts in folders on the desktop. For example, I have a folder called Applications on my desktop to which I have added all my icons and shortcuts for my applications. This makes it easier to find the application and leaves my desktop un-cluttered.

If you are not sure if it is safe to delete an icon or shortcut create a folder and add them into the folder. This way they are not cluttering the desktop but can still be used if necessary.