Follow these helpful hints to keep your computer free of problems in the future

1. Never, never, turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down.

2. It’s highly recommend that you purchase an UPS (uninterrupted power supply) for your computer.

3. Backup, backup, backup, any data you cannot afford to lose to at least two separate physical drives. So backup data to external hard drives, Zip disks, CD-RWs etc. Also back up important files to an FTP site if you have access. If by worst scenario your computer crashes, your information is safe on the FTP site that is hosted by a 3rd party far away.

4. Run Scandisk and Defragment at least once a month, programs on the boot cd.

5. Never unplug peripherals from the computer when it is powered up. Unplugging with the power on can short out the connector socket or the motherboard.

6. Do keep at least 300 MBs of your C drive free for Windows to use. If you use Windows XP or Vista then you should have 400-600 MBs of free space on your C drive.

7. Do not let a lot of programs load up when you start your computer. They use valuable memory and Windows Resources (Windows internal workspace).

8. Do use a virus check regularly. Everyone should use a virus checker. The best type of protection is continuous monitoring from multiple anti-virus programs. Many programs are on the boot cd that you can use to cross check. It good to utilize a couple of different programs because each one can detect different forms of viruses & malware.

9. If you have a high speed Internet connection you need a firewall program. A firewall program keeps those who want to hijack your computer from gaining access to your system. You really do not want someone else running your computer.

10. Keep track of the software disks you receive with your computer and new peripherals.

Monthly:
11. Check for updates Windows updates
12. Delete/uninstall unneeded or unused programs. Keeping your hard drive free of unused programs is good to free up space.

Quarterly:
13. Change all your passwords. Make sure you always use a password that someone would not guess easily. Don’t use password as your password. Amazingly how many people actually use this! That’s just like leaving your car door unlocked with the key in the ignition. You are just asking someone to steal your information.

Yearly:
14. Renew your software update and anti virus subscriptions.

For more helpful computer tips n tricks go to www.thebootcd.com