1. Make sure you have an antivirus installed and update your Virus Definitions

In 2006, Symantec's Norton Antivirus knew of over 100,000 different computer viruses. Worse still, this number will continue to grow at a rapid rate.

Almost all virus software has a “live update” function built into it. Find it and make sure you use it every week.

If you don’t have an antivirus installed, get one now!

For more info go to: http://www.viruslist.com/

2. Run Windows Update/Software Update

Windows is appropriately named because it is full of holes. There are many 'open doors' in the Windows operating system that can make your computer susceptible to an outside attack.

Fortunately, when Microsoft discovers a security hole, they usually release a software patch to secure it. The problem is that it is up to the user to update and download these patches.

Thankfully, this is not a difficult task to accomplish. Go to: www.update.microsoft.com for the latest updates and patches.

3. Run ScanDisk/Defrag Tools

ScanDisk is a built-in tool from Microsoft that scans and, in most cases, repairs errors on your hard drive. These errors typically occur when your computer crashes and has to be rebooted.

Defrag ensures that, if a particular sector on your hard drive fails, you only lose a few files instead of many. When a file is too large, it is stored on the disk in discontinuous parts or fragments on multiple parts of the hard drive. A disk defragmenter is a utility that rearranges your fragmented files and free space on your computer so that files are saved in contiguous units. It helps with speed and access time to your hard drive as well.

To accomplish these two tasks: go to my computer or windows explorer. Right click on c: and click properties. Then click on tools and you are now able to look for errors and defrag your Hard Drive.

4. Backup Your Data

Imagine your reality if your hard drive crashed. All of your programs, emails, pictures, documents and files could potentially be gone. How would you react? What are these files worth to you?

Now, what if it could have been avoided?

Windows has built in software called: “Backup”. Quite aptly named if I do say so myself. It’s located in

Start –> All Programs –> Accessories –> System Tools –> Backup

Going over the details of how to use this program is a little out of scope for this tip, but it is very important to learn how to use it.

For more information go to this website:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/backup.mspx