This page is designed to help you get the most out of your computer by providing you with the tips you need to keep things running smoothly…These tips are not specific to any version of Windows (except where noted) and do not require a lot of effort to make them work, so they are especially geared to new and inexperienced computer users.

General Tips:

1. Know Thy PC - This doesnt mean know every last detail, but what you do need to know is what kind of hardware and software you have. If anything happens to your computers hardware, this information can tell the people helping you exactly what theyre dealing with.

To get this information, you need to RIGHT CLICK on “My Computer”and choose Properties…this will take you to the System Control Panel settings. Click on the Hardware tab and then on Device Manager. From this point, click the View menu, and choose Print.

Once you print off this Hardware Summary, take a moment to Highlight or Identify the following components- Display Adapter (also known as your Video Card), Modems, Network Adapters, and “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers” . Also, look for extra components such as Scanners, and other devices you use. Now, whenever something happens with your hardware, or in a worst case scenario where you have to reinstall Windows, you have a list of all your hardware so you know what to reinstall.

2. Check Your Software - On the hardware list above, take a moment to write down all the programs that you use which are critical to your day-to-day use of the computer. This way, if anything happens, you have a list of programs you will need to make backups of, or reinstall. Also, make sure you have all the disks, CDs, and your “Install / Setup” files (for programs downloaded off the Internet)…this way if you need to reinstall your programs you have a way to do so. If you have a major model computer such as a Dell or Gateway, make sure you have all the System Restore disks that go with it. Note: If you dont have these CDs, call the company you got your system from ASAP and request them. They are legally obligated to provide them.

3. Backup Your Data - Whether you use the Backup utility built-in to Windows, a DVD / CD burner, or USB memory sticks, backing up your data regularly is the best way to protect yourself from tragic problems like hard drive failure or virus or just deleting data files too quickly only to realize you really do need them. No one ever sees a need to backup their data until their hard drive crashes right before a deadline hits them or their laptop is lost / stolen.

Software Tips:

1. Windows Update - The most important recommendation in this category is to run Microsoft Update frequently! Yes, sometimes the updates are big, and dial-up users have to wait for the downloads to finish, but if you download them as soon as theyre available, then you are automatically protected from many new problems and security exploits before they can hit you. Better yet, enable Windows Automatic Updates feature, and let Windows manage them for you!

2. Must Have Software - The following is a list of Must-Have Programs for every computer…if you dont have them, you may as well beg for trouble, because in this day and age of digital security, your computer wont survive long. Ive seen tech reports that say an unprotected computer doesnt even survive 11 minutes online without getting infected.

System Utility Software - I prefer and use Microsoft’s Windows Live OneCare. Although many critics complain that trusting security to Microsoft is foolish, I look for software that performs well, meaning it does what it claims and does it without bogging down my system. OneCare does exactly that with integrated Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, Firewall, Backup, and Cleanup tools. I have previously recommend Symantecs Norton SystemWorks package as an overall system protection deal. It comes with Norton Utilities for general PC maintenance and troubleshooting and also bundles utilities such as anti-virus, system backup, and other tools. The catch, however, is that I do *not* recommend getting the bundle packages that include Internet Security or Firewall.

Anti-Virus Software - Again, I recommend OneCare for this solution. Previously I have recommend Symantecs Norton Anti-Virus as part of the Norton SystemWorks package, Panda Software also makes an excellent scanner known as Panda Platinum Anti-virus which I also highly recommend. Note: I do NOT recommend the McAfee products…their software tends to not be as user-friendly and the frequency of updates is lacking. There are a lot of free products available as well that are worth mentioning. I have heard very positive reviews of NOD32 and Kaspersky.

Firewall Software - A firewall is required in this day and age of Blaster and MyDoom worms and other trojan horse programs. Windows XP users have a built-in option to them which provides sufficient protection in most cases, however, broadband users on cable modem and DSL services should consider a hardware solution such as the Linksys series of broadband routers (which also allow multiple computers to connect on a single connection, and they make wireless versions as well). Aside from Windows Live OneCare, there are currently no software solutions that I can comfortably recommend.

Spyware Removal Software - Spyware has become a major nuisance lately as much as viruses and other security issues. Spyware are programs that monitor your web traffic and generate popup ads and other annoying behaviors including porn, spam, and generally disrupting your computers operation. Although there are several spyware removal tools, the only tools that I recommend are Microsoft’s Windows Defender (also part of Windows Live OneCare) and Lavasoft
s Ad-Aware. Why are these the only ones I recommend? Simple…several alternatives claim to protect you from Spyware and Adware, however, they actually install MORE spyware on your system.

3. Keep Your Must Have Software Up to Date - Most people think that once they install the tools mentioned above thats all they need to do…theyre protected, and all is good. WRONG! The truth is that just like Windows itself, these products update themselves frequently to keep up with the latest problems. The safest option is to allow your programs to update automatically, however, you can open the program and find a “Check for Updates” or “Live Update” button on the main window.

4. Configure Internet Explorer for Better Security - While Microsoft has improved Internet Explorers default settings recently to make it more secure, it can still stand a little bit of tweaking to make it better. For more information, follow this link to my How to Configure Internet Explorer guide where I will show you screen by screen how to make sure youre getting the most out of Internet Explorer.

5. Consider alternative software - The Firefox web browser makes an excellent replacement for Internet Explorer. It provides enhanced security functionality with an (often) easier to use, tabbed-browsing interface. Likewise, Trillian is an excellent alternative to AOL, MSN, and Yahoo instant messenger applications that eliminate much of the excess add-on junk software (of which I feel that AOL is the worst offender for not offering a choice) and advertisements.

6. Remove File-Sharing Applications - While programs like Kazaa, Ares, and BearShare may seem harmless enough and certainly fun for getting the latest greatest music and programs, most of them include spyware and adware applications that compromise your computers security and performance, not to mention flood you with useless popup advertisements and spam. This fact is bad enough that it overlooks the controversial fact that many uses of these applications is illegal due to copyright restrictions nevermind that most copies of programs downloaded illegally contain viruses. If you absolutely insist on using them despite their legal risk, at least shut them down when not in use and run Ad-Aware frequently so that they arent clogging up resources and generating more trouble. You should also look for services that do not install spyware along with them. Remember: More often than not…you get what you pay for.

Usage Tips:

1. Keep Your PC Tuned Up - This may sound like a daunting task, but its really pretty simple. Heres 3 things you can do weekly to make your PC run better…(oh yeah and do yourself a favor before doing these…shutdown ALL of your programs, including the tools that sit in the right hand corner near your clock…for those, right click on the icons and choose Exit or Close.)

Run Disk Cleanup - Disk Cleanup (available in the Start Menus Programs folder under Accessories > System Tools) will check your hard drive for useless files that your computer no longer needs to operate.

Run Disk Defragmenter - While it may sound like a complex task, this is really just a fancy way of telling your computer to put the puzzle of data back together instead of leaving it lie around in pieces. Running this so that your hard drive data is in one piece again will make your computer run faster. You can access this in the same place as Disk Cleanup under Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools.

Uninstall Useless Programs - Do you click the Start menu and look at the programs list only to see a bunch of things you have never used and probably never will? Uninstall them! Your computer will thank you because it wont have to process as much junk. To do this, click Start and go to the Control Panel and choose Add / Remove Programs. From here, look carefully at the list of programs before taking action and then remove the ones you KNOW you do not use. IF YOU ARENT SURE about an item in the list…leave it alone. Chances are good that if the above Must Have programs arent complaining, its not hurting anything, so dont risk removing something you need unless you know you can get it back.

2. Keep Your PC Data Organized - One tip people often overlook even though its the most obvious one to other people is to keep your data organized. Windows has a My Documents folder so that people can put their files in one common place so they arent lost. Unfortunately, people still change the location when they save files needlessly, and then they lose track of where they are. Dont fall into this trap…leave things in My Documents, and take advantage of making new folders inside My Documents to organize things for future reference.

3. Protect Your Data and Passwords - There is NEVER an appropriate circumstance where you should give out your passwords to people online and people you dont trust…Even more important, no “customer service” representative will ever need to know it anyway…if theyre a true employee, they will have the ability to reset it on their own if necessary, so dont let anyone trick you on messenger, email, or web sites…no matter how real it looks. As for friends, Ive seen to many people give passwords to friends who later “break up” resulting in one of the people seeking revenge.

4. Dont Be Conned - Dont be fooled into thinking a company would send you updates for their products via email…all legitimate updates will ALWAYS come from their appropriate services – Windows Update, Nortons Live Update, etc. If you get email attachments claiming to be updates or fixes…save yourself some time and just delete it immediately, because it is always a scam. Dont be fooled into going to web sites that look real but arent, either. If you arent sure…look at the web address…if it contains strange characters, misspellings, or improper punctuation and Letter Case…its not real. In fact, if emails ask you to go to a web site or have a file attachment…unless you KNOW why youre getting the email and who youre getting it from…delete it. If its legit from someone you know, ask the person who sent it what it is before opening. This is equally true for Instant Messenger applications…just because you know the person doesnt mean you can trust it. Always know what and why youre getting a link or file.

5. Dont Be Afraid to Ask for Help - If your computer isnt doing what you want it to…dont hesitate to ask someone for help instead of just letting it go (and risk it becoming a problem), or getting upset and frustrated with the computer or people around you. I cant say how many times someone has told me, “Oh! is THAT why its so slow! I noticed it was acting weird a month ago, but I just ignored it.”) Ask for help, and even if the person you ask doesnt know…they can probably recommend who you should ask.