Don't keep files on your desktop
A desktop full of files appears unprofessional.
You cannot find anything, because there is no hierarchy and no search that respects it. You lose work, because desktop files sit outside whatever backup or sync your firm runs. And you expose yourself, because the desktop is the one part of your machine that everybody sees the moment you share your screen.
That last one is not hypothetical. Client meeting, you share your screen, and there is ProjectFalcon_Redundancies_v2.xlsx sitting between two holiday photos.
So: nothing on the desktop, ever. Files live in the case folder, in your firm’s document system, or in the version-controlled location your team agreed. If you need fast access, pin the folder to Quick Access rather than dropping the file on the desktop.
I have a simple system: On my desktop, I have these folders:
- Desktop: Yes a folder called 'Desktop', to save everything in, you would usually have on your desktop.
- Temp: A folder for everything that needs regular pruning. The place you store something to quickly print or similar.
- Programs: All installed software and icons. Or do you really want the client to see your LoL icon? (in all fairness, I did have funny discussions about this with a client, but maybe not worth pressing your luck).
The same logic applies to your downloads folder, which is where the second copy of everything quietly accumulates. Empty it weekly.
The desktop is the one folder everybody else can see.