Update Integrity
Automate updates where possible, but keep a habit of restarting after big installs. If a patch misbehaves, try one more reboot before deeper steps. For drivers/firmware, wait a beat unless you specifically need the fix.
Permission Integrity
Permissions should be narrow by default and widened only with purpose. Camera, mic, precise location, contacts, file access—each opens doors. Review high-impact apps first, then prune rarely used ones. Turn off background access where it doesn’t add value.
CameraMicrophoneLocationFilesContacts
Tip: Hide sensitive previews on the lock screen and audit “special access” (overlays, admin rights) quarterly.
Storage Integrity
Keep 10–20% free space so installs, caching, and video capture remain smooth. Clear old installers, exports, and duplicate media. Archive long-term files to labeled folders in cloud + local storage.
Browser Integrity
Run a lean extension set. When pages act strange, test a private window or clean profile to bypass cached data and add-ons. If it works there, you’ve narrowed the culprit without touching core settings.
Backup Integrity
Backups are only as good as your last restore test. Keep two copies (cloud + local), label drives, and run a tiny restore now—one document or photo—to confirm the safety net works under pressure.
Integrity Checklist
- Automatic updates on; restart after big patches.
- Extensions trimmed; fresh profile available for tests.
- Permissions reviewed; special access audited.
- Two backups; tiny restore verified.
FAQs & Myths
Myth: More permissions means smoother apps.
Fact: Extra access increases risk without guaranteed benefit. Grant the minimum needed.
Myth: A backup that ran is a backup that works.
Fact: Until you restore a file, you don’t know. Test a tiny restore regularly.
Do updates always help performance?
They fix known issues; performance varies by device. Test after patching and pin a stable version if needed.