>> Also see Cut, Copy, Paste ...

Here's my 7-point maintenance program to keep your computer running young:

1) Disk Cleanup
To perform: Go to Start, My Computer, then select Local Disk (C:), right-click and select Properties. On the General tab, select Disk Cleanup and at the prompts, select Okay and Yes.

2) Disk Defragmentation
To perform: As before, go to Start, My Computer, then select Local Disk (C:), right-click and select Properties. On the Tools tab, select Defragment Now, then Defragment.

3) Check Disk/Error-checking
To perform: As before, go to Start, My Computer, then select Local Disk (C:), right-click and select Properties. On the Tools tab, select Check Now, check both boxes and select Start. You will receive a pop-up box (you may not see this if it isn't your main system hard drive) that states roughly that the utility couldn't perform the task now and would you like to schedule at the next reboot. Select Yes and reboot.

4) Antivirus Scan
Open your antivirus program and do a manual Update. Afterwards, do a Full System Scan. I currently recommend BitDefender Antivirus 2008 (you can get a 30-day free trial). For those home users more adventurous, tech savvy, and looking for a freebie, try AVG.

5) Adware/Spyware/Bugware Scan
Open your adware/spyware/bugware program and do a manual update. Afterwards do a Full System Scan and delete any suspicious looking files and folders found. I recommend Ad-Aware by Lavasoft, free from lavasoft.com and Microsoft Defender, a free download from microsoft.com.

6) Keep up with Microsoft Updates
Many of the recent viruses and bugs are alleviated by keeping your PC patched with free updates and service packs from Microsoft. Your computer may be receiving these updates automatically, but it won't hurt to manually check occasionally. Go to Start, All Programs and at the top of the list, you should see Microsoft Update; if not, you should go to update.microsoft.com and click the "Upgrade to Microsoft Update ..." link and follow the directions.

7) Backup, Backup, Backup
Your hard drive will fail. Period. You should have copies of your important data (email messages, pictures, letters, etc.) saved some other place than just your hard drive. Almost every computer nowadays has a CD burner (CDRW) and CDs are cheap. See also: CD Burning Secrets.

External USB Hard Drives are very affordable now (less than $100), are easy to set up, and provide a quick and easy secondary location to store your valuable data.

Flash drives (sometimes called Thumb or Jump drives) are quick and easy, too -- and are very affordable now.

With your original program CDs and your data on a backup media (CDs, hard drive, tape, flash drive, etc.), you'll be back up and running in no time.

You should perform each of the above steps once a month. If your computer starts acting "weird" or slow, do all of the above steps. Considering that these steps are free (excepting the possible cost of the anti virus program) and will keep my computer(s) running young, you're suggested to do these on a regular basis. You may well neglect these steps and avoid costly repair bills & loss of data, but speaking from years of experience, it's doubtful. Not that your business isn't appreciated, I wants you to have a safe, productive and fun computing experience.

Want more speed?

• Run the scans mentioned above for viruses, adware, spyware & bugware
  -- those critters will certainly slow down your PC.
• Defrag the hard drive. A misconception is that too many files on your hard drive slow it down. If you keep it defragged and leave at least 20% free hard drive space, you are okay.
• Your PC may be suffering from an inadequate amount of RAM
  -- call to schedule an inexpensive RAM upgrade.

We all like free stuff, but be very aware that a heavy toll of adware, spyware and viruses may ensue. The "free" sites are notoriously loaded with "bad ware." You are strongly recommended to check Stopbadware.org before visiting suspicious web sites or installing suspicious programs.

Firewalls are important, but I've seen too many users accidentally lock themselves out of Internet access. Windows XP Service Pack 2 has a built-in firewall blocking inbound attempts. A good, free, inbound/outbound firewall is available from ZoneAlarm for the non-business user. Also, some DSL users have a wireless/wired router (if you don't, call for pricing) that provides some firewall protection.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact.

Charles Rogers Computer Services serves the Dahlonega and surrounding North Georgia areas.