A clutter-free inbox: Your simple guide to email zen in 2025

Right now, I’m sitting here beaming because my inbox is empty. Really! Did I read and reply to every single message? Well, no. I’m not an “Inbox Zero” person. Watch this quick video if you have no clue what that means.

Before I took back control, I had 409 unread emails. But I have a trick to starting each year with a clean slate. You can do it, too!

Clear out your inbox

You could try sorting your emails into a maze of folders, but who has the time for that? Here’s a surprisingly easy fix to start the new year right: Archive your inbox. It’s like a magic wand for your digital clutter!

What’s email archiving, you ask? Picture this: A digital vault where every email you’ve ever sent or received is safely stored, complete with attachments. No more scrolling endlessly through a jam-packed inbox!

So, are you ready to beat the email bloat? Here’s your quickstart guide to mastering your inbox with the power of archiving.

🤖 Steps to archive emails in Gmail

  • Open your Gmail account on a computer and click the Inbox folder on the left.
  • Above your emails, there’s an empty checkbox. Click the small arrow next to it, and choose All to get the conversations visible on your screen.
  • To select all emails, click Select all [number] conversations in Inbox, then hit the Archive icon. (It looks like a folder with a downward-pointing arrow.)

Gmail will take some time to process your request, so be patient. You may have to do this step a few times to get everything.

Once you’ve archived a message, you can hit All Mail to the left, under “Inbox” and your other email folders, to find it. Search by a term you know was in the email or by the sender.

🍎 Using Apple Mail? Here’s what to do

  • Open the Mail app on your Mac. Look through your inbox or other folders and find those emails you want to stash away. Click on an email to select it, or, if you’ve got a bunch, hold down Cmd and click each one you want to archive.
  • Got an Archive button (it looks like a small box) on your toolbar? Click that and you’re golden. No button? Click Message at the top, then choose Archive from the dropdown. For a shortcut, hit Ctrl + Cmd + A to send those emails right into your archive.
  • To see your archived emails, head to the Archive folder in the sidebar under “Mailboxes.” Got more than one email account? Each has its own “Archive” folder.

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Unsecure page error: 5 things to try if you get this warning

There are countless threats on the internet, from scams to malware-infested websites. Then there are unsecured websites, which your browser warns you about. If you get a message that says, “Your connection is not private,” you might jolt in alarm.

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Your very own Rosey

Nvidia, the $3 trillion AI chip giant, is betting on robotics as the next big thing. Next year, they’ll launch the Jetson Thor, a new “brain” designed for robots. The Jetson line includes this teeny-tiny AI computer. The robotics biz is expected to jump from $78 billion to $165 billion by 2029. I want one! Do you?

No one needs to know: Archive Amazon orders you don’t want someone else to see. On a computer, hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click Orders. Find the order you want to hide, click View order details, and tap Archive Order. Click Archive Order again to confirm.

Got an old computer sitting around?

Open/download audio

If you’re planning to sell or toss it, hold up! You have one important step to take. 

Your very own Rosey: Nvidia, the $3 trillion AI chip giant, is betting on robotics as the next big thing. Soon, they’re launching the Jetson Thor, a new “brain” designed for robots. The Jetson line includes this teeny-tiny AI computer. The robotics biz is expected to jump from $78 billion to $165 billion by 2029. I want one! Do you?

4-word phrase

You shouldn’t say to kids: “I’m disappointed in you.” Columbia sociologist Adam Galinsky says all it does is make them feel shame. Try being constructive instead, like, “How can we set up a system to get your homework done?” I still remember when my dad said to me after one college semester, “You get an A in Physics, Computer Programming, Statistics and Economics but a D in Accounting. What the hell is wrong with you?” He didn’t have to use the word “disappointed!” 😂

Your IP address: What it is and why you need to protect yours if you care about privacy

Using the internet is a complicated affair. It may not feel like that to you as a user. You click on your browser and get on with your day — it’s as easy as pie.

Behind the scenes, though, is a whole different story. It’s full of numbers like your Internet Protocol (IP) address, basically your digital home address. This numeric label distinguishes your phone or computer from other devices worldwide.

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Small-biz tip: Don't overlook this digital danger

Are you the type of business owner who forgets about ex-employees as soon as they’re gone? Failing to remove former employees’ access to your systems and data could lead to security breaches. Don’t let poor offboarding practices be the weak link in your cybersecurity chain.

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Oops: To delete an entire word at a time, hit Ctrl + backspace on a Windows computer. On a Mac, it’s Option + Delete.

🎉 Emoji magic: There’s a shortcut to the emoji menu on your computer. Mac users, press Ctrl + Cmd + spacebar to find that cute little slice of 🍕. Windows users, hold down on your Windows key + . (period).

Your PC’s monitor went blank: Before you hold down the power button, hit the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This tells your computer, “Hey, the display is messed up. Can you fix it?” Just like that, this key combo will refresh or reset your graphics driver.

Judge, jury and Oculus: A Florida judge strapped on an Oculus Quest 2 to take a virtual journey through the eyes of a man accused of pulling out a gun at a wedding. His attorney wanted the judge to feel the chaotic scene. Back in the ‘90s, the same lawyer submitted a computer-animated recreation of a crime. Future jurors, buckle up (literally) for more of this.

Lock it up: Having people over? Lock your computer. You never know who will get curious. For Windows, hit the Windows key + L. On a Mac, use Ctrl + Cmd + Q.

🎓 Hit or MIS: It’s a tough job market for computer science grads. The tech hiring boom has gone bust, with mass layoffs and fewer openings. Some opt for a Master of Management Information Systems (MIS) degree to ride out the downturn. These jobs pay roughly $112,000 a year for master’s grads, compared to $72,000 annually with only a bachelor’s degree. I’d rather see you get a cybersecurity or AI degree.

Microsoft’s very bad advice: Some 240 million active PCs are too old to update to Windows 11. After years of telling us otherwise, Microsoft now says you can go ahead and update your incompatible PC. The big disclaimer: Your computer might not get every security patch and update, so it’s not worth the risk.

👀 For your eyes only: The holidays mean a house full of family, friends and curious little ones. With all the hustle and bustle, get into the habit of locking your computer every time you get up. On Windows, press the Windows key + L. On  Mac, hit Ctrl + Cmd + Q.

Surveys that can make you a ton of cash (really!)

People always call the show and ask, “How do I make money with online surveys?” I tell them two things: First, you’ll probably earn gift cards instead of actual cash, and second, those gift cards could be worth $50 with the right sites.

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Shortcut to reading annoying privacy policies

Tech privacy policies are confusing on purpose. I know, big shocker! But I’m always surprised by just how difficult these things are to comb through and what they hide.

Today, I’m calling out the biggest offenders — and sharing one of my favorite, easy-to-use privacy tools.

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Malware warning: Red flags your computer is under attack

It’s Computer Security Day, and there’s no better time to remind you malware is lurking everywhere. From phishing emails to unsuspecting ads, just one wrong click can compromise your personal info or infect your devices.

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