30 Essential Computer Tips

I have some Must-Know Computer Tips that every Computer user should have. Hope you will be benefited.

1. Never operate a computer or high-speed Internet without a firewall
2. Never let your anti-virus subscription expire
3. Never click on a pop up ad.
4. Don't install free software without checking with a PC technician. Most contain SPYWARE.
5. Do - backup your data regularly.
6. Do know your email username and password. Call your email provider if you don't know what it is.
7. Do save the download file when buying software (or upgrades) through the Internet.
8. Do run regular PC maintenance such as junk file clean up (temporary internet and windows temp files) and disk file defragmentation.
9. Do change your default workgroup and administrator password.
   
10. Do setup an encryption key on your wireless network.
    
    
11. Do turn on automatic windows update if you have high-speed Internet.
12. Do purchase and install an automatic SPYWARE scanner with active/resident protection. Only give your primary email address to "safe" people who wont spam you.
13. Do upgrade your computers RAM every 2-3 years. This keeps it running cooler.
14. That makes it easy to find it if you need to reinstall Windows.
15. Many people are stuck with AOL because they don't want to change their email address.
16. The little bit of training to use other Internet providers will be worth the effort.
17. Do use the system restore feature should you have problems, errors, etc.
18. Do use Windows "Safe mode with networking" startup option to clean spyware from your computer
19. Consider buying a USB thumb drive to backup data files/pictures to.
20. Stay away from buying computers with non-standard/proprietary parts.
21. Always be fully aware of the return policy when buying any computer parts or computers online. Buy locally if you think you are going to return something.
22. Upgrade Windows 98 or ME ASAP or buy a new computer.
23. Do reboot at least once a week if you leave your computer on.
24. Do turn on file and printer sharing if you have 2 computers that are connected and want to share the files or a printer.
25. Do learn basic troubleshooting strategies
26. Do keep all your original CD's and disks that came with your computer, especially the Windows and/or System restore CD(s) (VERY IMPORTANT)
27. Don't open emails with attachments from people you don't know
28. Never open exe, bat, or dll attachments in email even if they are from people you know
29. Do empty your deleted items (if you use Outlook) and your Recycle bin regularly
30. If you know a powerful electrical storm is coming, shut off and unplug your computer (or the surge protector) including your modem if you use dial up.