But first, Remove the junk!
There are some utilities that you should have to perform some of these tasks and some of them are part of the Operating system.
SPYWARE DETECTION:
I also use a couple of applications that detect and remove Spyware. I use "Spybot Search and Destroy" and "AdAware". The Internet has become a very competitive place and some sites will download files to your computer without your knowledge to track your movements around the Internet so that hthey can be used in marketing plans. They can be easily detected and removed by using these applications. I run these on a regular basis.
ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE:
If you don't have an antivirus software installed, get one and install it! Configure the Antivirus software to scan all e-mail and scan the entire computer once a week! I personally have Norton and Macaffee Antivirus software installed on a couple of my computers and they both work well.
MICROSOFT UPDATES:
We have all heard of hackers exploiting security holes in Microsoft products. Connect to the Microsoft Update site and download free files to make your computer more secure. Use the "Windows Update" feature offered by Microsoft and keep your computer's Operating System up to date as Microsoft releases additional scurfy patches and critical updates.
BUILT IN UTILITIES:
Run "Disk Clean up" once a month to remove "Temporary Internet Files", clear the recycle bin, and dump other trash from your system. Go to "Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools"
Every three months or so, run the Disk Defragmenter. By running this utility, the computer will move files around on the hard drive so as to make them more readily accessed by a particular program or the operating system itself.
Once a year (depending on the environment of the computer) open the case, clean out all of the dust and clean the fans.
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