The following is a compiled list of the top ten things you should know to keep your computer running smoothly!

** Top 10 **

10. Software
Keep track of the software disks you receive with your computer and peripherals. These disks contain valuable software drivers and programs for Windows and are needed if Windows needs to be reloaded. Keep these disks and your Windows software disks in a safe place -- you never know when you will need them.

9. Proper Startup
Proper startup of a PC is important. Any error messages you get when turning on the computer should be dealt with as soon as possible. If ignored things could get worse down the road.

8. Proper Shut Down
Proper shut down is equally as important. Don’t turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down properly. If any error messages appear during the shut down of a PC they should be noted and dealt with. Properly shutting down a PC is important as it closes things down in the order the PC understands best. Hitting the power button to shut a PC off before Windows shuts down is bad for your PC file’s health.

7. Passwords (Security)
Everyone has heard that you have to have a good password to be secure right? Well chances are your password isn't secure. Unless it's at least 10 characters long, has at least some uppercase and some lowercase letters in it, a number or two and a symbol, then it's not secure enough. Most passwords can be guessed or spoofed in less than an hour.

It's also equally important NOT to use the same password on everything. Use separate passwords for each bank account and website you are required to log on to. If one of the sites gets compromised you don't want someone guessing what else they can use your information, (username and password), to get into.

6. Anti Virus and Firewall protection (Security)
Anyone that surfs the Internet, reads email, or shares floppies or files with anyone needs to be protected from Viruses. Viruses can render your PC useless and makes your data irrecoverable. Worse yet, Once you have a virus, you can give it to others and not even know it. A firewall program keeps your high speed connection and valuable data safe from those who want to hijack your computer and gain access to your system.

5. Updates
There are a lot of reasons to stay current with updates. There are security updates, software updates, driver updates, fixes, and patches that make the software and computer work better. Updating your Virus definitions is equally important. It helps keep up with the new viruses being released now and in the future.

4. Power Protection
Lightning and power surges are a PC's worst enemy! Protect it and your peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) with a UPS (Uninterruptible power supply). This will keep your computer from crashing during power outages, and will protect your computer from low and high voltage occurrences. A UPS is far superior to a surge protector and will save your computer and more importantly your data from almost any power type of disaster.

3. Backups
Your data is as only as reliable as your most recent backup. Keeping sensitive data backed up and stored in a different location than the PC is a safe idea. (Especially if and when disaster strikes.) The time to backup is when you create something you can't afford to lose. Don't wait until tomorrow.

2. Basic Maintenance
Emptying the Recycle Bin and keeping your files and folders in order seems trivial to some but can make computing much easier.

Uninstall unneeded programs from your system. This frees up space for other programs to be installed.

Desktop management. Having 50 icons on your desktop just to make it easier to access a program might seem like a good idea at first, but do people really have 50 favorite programs they need on their desktop? Isn't that what the start button and menus were designed for?

1. Common Sense
This one is basic! Treat your computer to a nice healthy dose of daily common sense and it should last a long time. Steps 10 - 2 can be applied effortlessly and should come second nature to some. Keep your computer cool and make sure it has plenty of ventilation. (Stacking 3" of paperwork on top of the monitor is a no-no).

Have it checked out once or twice a year by your local computer guy and your computer systems should run problem free.

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