Things You'll Need:
- A computer
- A messy computer desktop
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Step 1
First, begin by creating a few folders on your desktop. Hopefully you at least have room for that! Create between five and ten categories, depending on the kinds of files that you have currently on the desktop of your computer. For example, do you create web sites for a living and have PSD and HTML files scattered all over the place? If this is the case, create a folder and name it 'work files'.
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Step 2
Then, place your files into their new folders, depending on what they line up best in. Now, check to see what icons are left on your desktop. You may notice you have shortcuts going to programs you rarely use, or don't even have installed anymore. Delete these and any other icons that suit no purpose of convenience and take up space.
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Step 3
Third, get a nice wallpaper background that is minimalist in design. For instance, go with a plain color background with a simple photo or background in the center. This way, you can't get bothered by distractions for whatever reason you happen to be using the computer for!
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Step 4
By now, you should have a handful or two of folders and a few icons at best. These icons should not number much more then three to five applications, and they should always be your most used programs. For example, have shortcuts to your most used web browser, word processor, graphics program, and FTP tool. Other then that, you shouldn't have anything else on your desktop besides the aforementioned folders.
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Step 5
Last, line up the folders and icons in an L-shape around the corner of your Start menu (or main menu). This way, you should know have a basically clean and empty desktop. Doing all this will benefit you in a few ways. For one, you won't get distracted as easy because you have a very focused desktop with only your most vital icons upfront and center. Two, you'll feel better next time you use your computer, and get more done as a consequence because you know where everything is!
