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Backup, backup, backup!
Backing up your data just means saving your files to an external hard drive or flash drive. Doing so helps avoid losing irreplaceable documents and photos when your hard drive fails.
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Invest in an UPS (uninterrupted power supply)
A UPS is a wonderful device that works as a surge protector and a battery backup all in one! It keeps your computer safe from electrical spikes and it gives you time to save your work in an event of a power failure.
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Never turn the computer off with the power switch
The one exception to this rul is when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running. Whenever possible, recover from crashes by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time and going into your Task Manager. You can often find programs that are not responding in here, and choose to close them from this utility. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete again to reboot your computer from this screen.
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Scan disk and defrag once a month
These utilities help to keep your hard drive in optimal shape and error free.
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Do not unplug peripheral devices while the power is on
Unplugging devices such as your mouse, keyboard, printer, etc with the power on can short out
the connector socket or even the motherboard itself.
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Remove programs from your startup
Often when you install a program, it will ask you to whether it should load up as soon as Windows loads (or just decide to do so on its own). The more programs you have trying to start up at the same time, the slower your computer will start. Also, all those programs running in the background while you try to work will slow your computer's response time.
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Run Virus checks and adware/spyware scans regularly
Anti virus and network security applications protect your computer from malicious threats that can damage files and infects others.
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Install the Latest Operating System and Security Updates
Software developers are always writing and releasing patches that update the software you have already bought from them. A lot of these patches fix problems you may be experiencing yourself with a particular program.
