Reorganizing the file systemGo to “Start” > “Run” > Type in “defrag” and press “Enter”Select which drive you'd like to defrag (normally this will be C:)Click OK to start defraggingSide NotesThis should be done about once a month.It will normally take a few hours to complete depending on how fragmented the drive is and the size of the drive.Start the scan before you go to bed and by the time you wake up the drive should be defragged.

Cleaning up your StartupGo to “Start” > “Run” > Type in “msconfig” and press “Enter”Go to the “Startup” tabUncheck everything that does not say “System Tray” or have to do with a firewall or antivirusOnce this is done click apply and rebootSide NotesBy doing this you are preventing these programs from starting up when windows loads. This does not mean you can not use these programs it just means they are not using up resources right away. The more things that startup right away, the fewer resources you have for windows and other programs.

Releasing and Renewing your IPGo to “Start” > “Run” > Type in “winipcfg” and press “Enter” (for Windows 98)Go to “Start” > “Run” > Type in “command” and press “Enter”Once in the DOS prompt type “ipconfig /release” and press “Enter”Then type “ipconfig /renew”Side NotesIf your ISP has gone through some changes or your IP has changed and you can't get online this releases what ever IP was bound to your network adapter and asks for a new one. This is normally useful when getting your computer back after being in for repairs.

Reduce recycle binRight click on the recycle bin on your desktop.Go to “Properties”Under the Global tab (which is the default tab) drag the slider so that it is 1% instead of 10%Then click “Apply”Side NotesOn an 80GB drive this will still leave you with 800MB for your recycle bin to hold. After you have changed the size, you will need to run defrag. This will reorganize where files go on the hard drive and increase the performance of your computer because your windows files will be located on the outer most part of the hard drive which is the fastest turning part of the hard drive.

Clearing Out your Temporary Internet FilesRight click on the Internet Explorer icon.Click on “Properties”In the “General” tab (Which is the default tab) click the button that says “Delete Files…”Side NotesTemporary internet files allow surfing the web to become faster and more seamless. However, these files tend to have javascript viruses hidden in them as well as use up a lot of your hard drive space.

Clean up CookiesRight click on the Internet Explorer icon.Click on “Properties”In the “General” tab (Which is the default tab) click the button that says “Delete Cookies…”Side NotesDespite what some people may say, cookies are not a bad thing to have on your computer. Cookies are a way for websites to keep track of certain information. VERY seldom is important information ever held in them, also ONLY that site has access to the cookies that it has created and is normally encrypted beyond recognition to a normal user. Cookies are simply an important tool to web developers and can make your surfing experience more enjoyable. Don't fear the cookie monster.

Keep Drivers Up to DateThere is no generic way to tell you how to keep your drivers up to date. The only thing you can really do is make a list of all the components in your computer. E.g. MSI K7N2 Delta motherboard, creative SB Audigy, realtek 8139c… Go to the manufacturers of these parts and find a download page for the drivers and make sure that the driver is new. If it is download it and install it.

Run Windows UpdatesGo to “Start” > “Programs” > “Windows Updates”Once there install there latest updater software and click on the recommended link.Side NotesBy keeping your windows operating system up to date you prevent yourself from being hacked and getting certain viruses and other glitches in the software. This will also improve the performance of your computer and other pieces of software or hardware in your computer.

Keep Virus Definitions Up to DateMake sure that your virus definitions are at most one week old. Considering how many viruses come out on a daily basis, having your definitions more than a few days old can cause you serious damage. Do not trust any automatic updaters, do the update yourself by actually running through the steps for your software.

Keep Desktop CleanI see a lot of computers come in with every program and document they know of right on their desktop. What you should do is categorize your information. If you have certain files and programs that relate to work or accounting or your kids or school, create a separate folder on your desktop and put that information into it. You can increase your use by just organizing your desktop a little better.

Don't use desktop backgroundsRight click anywhere on your desktop that is blank.Click on “Properties”Select the “Desktop” tabBelow the picture of the monitor you'll see it say “Background:”Go to the top of that list and select “None”Side NotesIf you have a highly detailed picture as your background it can seriously decrease you computers performance. By setting it to none, you still have a choice of color for the background.

Don't Use VacuumWe've heard a few too many people tell us they've cleaned the dust bunnies out of their computer with a vacuum. This is a big no no. The suction from the vacuum against the plastic nozzle creates static. Static is a computers worst enemy. If you need to clean those dust bunnies out use a can of compressed air (Make sure computer is turned off)

Turn Off Monitor OnlyMost people seem to feel that turning the computer off will increase the life expectancy of their several hundred dollar investment. This is false, by continuously turning the computer on and off you continuously heating everything inside up, then cooling it down. This in turn makes the parts inside expand and contract which can create really small cracks. By only turning off the monitor and leaving the computer running 24/7 you will actually increase the life of your computer.

Keep 2-3 Feet Above GroundRemember those dust bunnies we were just talking about, you won't have to worry about them nearly as much if you have the computer 2 to 3 feet above the ground and in a ventilated room. If you leave it inside a computer desktop that has the backed covered you will still get dust bunnies.

Don't open unless you REALLY know what you are doingNormally if you open your own computer case you void ALL warranties to any parts. Not only that but if you just pet your cat or dog or standing on carpet and reach in to your computer you have a high probability of shocking a piece of your hardware. This shock might fry the component right away or could cause damage that you see go gradually. DO NOT OPEN YOUR CASE UNLESS YOU ARE US.

Don't get a friend who knows ALL about computers to fix itThis is not a polite suggestion. We have come to realize that apparently the world is full of people that “KNOW ALL ABOUT COMPUTERS”. These people are not as good as we are. We do this day in day out, this is not just our job this is our hobby. So please ask us before you ask that person. You can save yourself a lot of headaches.

Backup Your DataIt is a good idea to frequently backup any important data onto a separate hard drive, cd, dvd, usb drive or other external media. This will save you a lot of headaches in the long run when you realize that your hard drive is dead and can't be recovered.

Keep track of softwareKeep track of ALL software that came with your computer. Not only may you need it at a later date, but if you bring your computer in to be repaired, the techs will most likely need them to fix your computer.

Surge ProtectionOne of the worst things that can happen to a computer is a power spike or drop. To prevent your computer from being harmed in this occurrence, it is a good idea to get a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) which will protect you from almost any power irregularity. A cheaper solution is to get a good surge bar these will only protect you from power spikes but can still be quite helpful in protecting your computer.

Get a FirewallAs long as you are connected to the internet you are vulnerable to hackers. They do not care who you are, where you are from, or what is on your computer. Hackers simply care that there is an open connection that they can exploit. The best type of firewall is a hardware firewall. You can use a router or a small cheap machine as a hardware firewall and will normally cost anywhere from $50-$100. The next best thing would be a software firewall like Zone Alarm or Norton Personal Firewall. These are easier to bypass than a hardware firewall, but some protection is better than none.

Uninstall Unused ProgramsUnused programs take up space and can cause incompatibility between other software and even hardware. It is a good idea to uninstall anything that you don't use.