By using off-the-shelf computer software in conjunction with a powerful operating system, you can perform a wide range of tasks and better organize the immense amount of information you receive. Because the cost of computers and related equipment continues to drop while the power and capabilities of computers increase, more and more people are relying on technology to handle a greater range of everyday tasks.

It's important that you, as the user, determine exactly the tasks you'll ultimately be using your computer for. No matter what applications you choose to utilize, think of the computer's hard drive (the place where your files, programs, and data are stored) as an electronic filing system that also needs to be kept organized.

However, simply by using your everyday programs, your computer generates random files that fill up your hard drive but that you don't need. For example, the Web browser Microsoft Explorer keeps track of every Web site you visit and stores detailed information about those sites in various cache and temporary folders and files. To delete some of the older Microsoft Explorer files that may no longer be needed, from the Tools drop-down menu in the program, select the Internet Options feature. You can then adjust the Temporary Internet Files settings or delete the unnecessary files.

Data Back-Up Options

You'll want to be sure that you back up all of your computer files. Backup files can be stored on writable CD-ROMs, Zip disks, or another form of data backup device.

It is critical to make regular backups of your work. Data loss can and does happen — your hard drive can become corrupt, a hurricane can take out your house (depending where you live), thieves may break in and steal your computer, a computer virus can wipe out your hard drive, or lightning can fry your electronics. Backups can be made to a Zip or Flash drive, an external hard drive, or over the Internet (through a service such as Strong-space or Rsync.net). Network backups can protect you even in the case of theft. Although keeping backups may take some time and cost some money, these costs pale in comparison to the risk of losing years of work.

Taming Cables

Have you looked behind your computer lately? If you're like most people who have a computer, monitor, printer, scanner, mouse, external speakers, and other devices connected to your computer, chances are you'll see a maze of wires tangled behind your desk. While you may not be able to create an entirely wire-free environment, you can sort through all of those wires one time, bind them together, label each of them, and ultimately create a more organized workspace.

Most office-supply stores sell Velcro strips for wrapping wires and making them neater. (Twist ties also work perfectly.) Many computer desks also offer special compartments and holes in the desktop for routing wires and keeping them out of open view.

Consider a Laptop

You may think laptop computers are only for students and people who travel for their jobs, but the truth is a laptop can be a valuable asset for just about anyone in any profession. With regard to home organization, laptops take up a lot less space on your desk, which means you have more room for other important materials. And because laptops are portable, you will always have the option of taking your computer into another room, to a coffee shop or library, or even on a plane. Laptops all have battery packs, so they can often run for several hours without being plugged in. Laptops tend to be more expensive than desktop computers, but the benefits of a small, lightweight, portable computer can easily outweigh the extra cost.

If you don't have enough in your budget for a new laptop, consider buying one used. You can look online (eBay, Amazon, craigslist, etc.), or just keep an eye out for local listings in the newspaper. An older laptop might not have a built-in video camera or DVD burner, but it can still get the job done.

Organizing Your Contacts and Information

One challenge virtually everyone faces is keeping track of all the people they know. Contacts grow — most people have home, work, and cell numbers, as well as Web sites and e-mail addresses.

You could try maintaining a handwritten address book, but each time information needs to be added or changed, keeping those handwritten pages neat and legible may become more and more of a challenge. Keeping a business-card file is also an option, but finding the right business card when you need it after your collection starts to grow can be a time-consuming task. In today's information-oriented world, using contact management software offers the ideal solution for keeping track of the people you know as well as other important data.

Maintaining Your Contact Database

After you've begun developing and maintaining your own contact database, people's phone numbers, addresses, and other information will be available to you almost instantly, as long as you're in front of your computer. By also utilizing a hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA) or other portable device (such as an iPod), you can take this important information with you wherever you go.