Five smart, simple tech changes to make 2024 better

Summary:
The year 2024 doesn't need to start with an entirely new you, but it might be beneficial to initiate some tech-related changes. Streamlining your digital lifestyle can improve your overall experience and up your cybersecurity game. There are simple steps to be taken like automatically securing your desktop, managing group chats that irk you, rectifying home security errors, dealing with jumbled cords effectively, and lastly, minimizing the deluge of unwanted mail.

1. Setting up automatic computer screen lock

If you find yourself frequently forgetting to secure your computer, there is a tech-friendly solution. You can adjust the settings on your Windows or Mac to automatically lock your screen when idle. Even better, you can set up your computer to lock or stay active in line with the proximity of your phone.

2. Tactfully exiting annoying group chats

Group chats can be entertaining but also laden with inconsequential chats that add to your digital clutter. For iPhone users, a quick exit can be arranged, alternatively, alerts can be hidden for a more subtle approach. Android users also have the option of silencing notifications.

3. Correcting home security blunders

You can better manage your home security alerts by adjusting the cameras' sensitivity. Detailed steps are given for SimpliSafe and Ring camera systems.

4. Professional cord and cable organization

Getting organized isn't just about clearing piles of documents, it also extends to managing your tech's physical appearance. A sticker-based system is suggested, using labels or colored dots to match each cable to its respective device port.

5. Reducing junk mail

If your mailbox is consistently filled with unwanted mail, primarily due to the four major credit bureaus, there is an opt-out tool, developed by the bureaus themselves. It gives you the option of opting out of their lists for five years, or permanently – an action that requires snail mail confirmation.

Best-selling author and radio host, Kim Komando, provides these tips to her over 400,000 newsletter subscribers. Her podcast, "Kim Komando Today", provides 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and answers to tech-related inquiries.