As I reflect on the mental model of my computer, I’m struck by the realization that I’ve yet to truly personalize it. I purchased my Macbook back in 2019, configured my lock screen, set up my email, and primarily used it for browsing the internet. However, I have not yet taken the time to fully explore the working parts of my computer and its intricacies. While I have mastered the basics, such as converting files into PDFs or docx, or renaming the files to submit them to Canvas, I lack the knowledge of file management. It’s becoming clear to me that I could harness the potential of my computer more effectively and make it a powerful tool for various aspects of my life, from productivity to creativity. This realization came to be after reading, Monica Chin’s article “File Not Found”.
In Chin’s article, Nicolás Guarín-Zapata, an applied physicist and lecturer at Colombia’s Universidad EAFIT, describes “a modern computer doesn’t just save a file in an infinite expanse; it saves it in the “Downloads” folder, the “Desktop” folder, or the “Documents” folder, all of which live within “This PC,” and each of which might have folders nested within them.” After ingesting these insightful words, I felt compelled to understand more. Until then, I had assumed that saving a document simply meant clicking ‘save to files’ and that was it. This new perspective prompted me to deepen my exploration within the various folders on my computer. As I delved deeper, I encountered numerous tabs, ranging from file sorting options to shared files, and here’s where I experienced a significant moment of confusion. It became evident that my computer was home to several files I had never even noticed. Some were extensions downloaded for my internet browser, while others dated back to 2019 and had never been cleaned up. To my surprise, I also uncovered traces of malware on my computer. It was a blatant realization that I had not been giving my computer the care and attention it deserved.
As this assignment encouraged me to delve deeper into understanding the intricacies of my computer, I made the decision to install “Malwarebytes,” a choice that has proven to be one of the most beneficial for my computer’s health and longevity. With hourly malware scans in place, I’ve made a commitment to actively maintain the health of my files and ensure the cleanliness of my computer. Reflecting on my prior neglectful behavior toward my computer, I’ve experienced a significant shift in my mental model and perspective on computer usage. I’m now committed to regularly decluttering unnecessary files, reorganizing them where they belong, and consistently verifying for any potential security risks.
Lastly, I aspire to extend this learning process beyond this assignment. I am eager to pursue further research through various platforms, such as Youtube, the Internet, textbooks, and more to enhance my digital skills and knowledge. In a quickly evolving technological world, staying informed is not only important, but necessary for my career path. Considering my aspirations in advertising, mastering these skills will set me apart from others in my workplace.