To ensure your laptop runs smoothly and securely, please follow these steps:

1. Shut Down or Restart Regularly

• Why: Leaving your laptop on for extended periods can cause performance issues, including slow startup times and application crashes.
• What to do:
• Shut Down: At the end of your workday, shut down your laptop instead of just putting it in sleep mode.
• Restart: Restart your laptop at least once a week. This helps clear temporary files and resets processes, improving performance.

2. Disconnect from Docking Station Overnight

• Why: Leaving your laptop connected to the docking station overnight can reduce battery life and prevent necessary updates and restarts.
• What to do:
• Disconnect your laptop from the docking station at the end of each day.
• If you're not planning to use your laptop after work, ensure it is properly shut down before disconnecting.

3. Manage Files and Storage

• Why: Saving large files on the desktop can slow down your system and make it harder to organize your files.
• What to do:
• Move Files: Regularly move large files from your desktop to appropriate folders in OneDrive or network drives.
• Organize: Keep your desktop clutter-free by only storing temporary or frequently accessed files there.

4. Control Startup Applications

• Why: Unnecessary apps launching at startup can slow down your laptop and cause login delays.
• What to do:
• Disable Unnecessary Apps (if uncomfortable contact PCSupport@vantageapparel.com):
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Disable apps that you don't need to launch automatically by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable.
• Keep Essentials: Ensure that only critical apps are set to launch at startup.

5. Close Apps at the End of the Day

• Why: Leaving applications like Impress and Citrix Workspace open for long periods can lead to app and profile issues.
• What to do:
• Close all applications at the end of your workday.
• Ensure Citrix Workspace and Impress are fully closed before shutting down your laptop.
  

6. Keep Software Updated

• Why: Regular updates improve security and performance.
• What to do:
• Regularly check for Windows updates and install them promptly.
• Keep your applications, including Impress and Citrix Workspace, updated.

7. Ensure Security Practices

• Why: Security practices protect your data and the company's network.
• What to do:
• Lock your laptop when stepping away, even for a short time. Press Windows + L to lock the screen.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Avoid saving sensitive files directly on your laptop; use OneDrive or network drives instead.

8. Perform Regular Backups

• Why: Regular backups ensure you don't lose important files.
• What to do:
• Set up OneDrive to automatically back up your important documents.
• Regularly verify that your files are syncing correctly