Recently, I have been asked the same question from several people.  What do I need to do to keep my computer running well?  There are a few different things that you need to do on a regular basis to make sure that your computer is a happy machine.

     Along with keeping your computer virus free, spyware free, and spam free, you also have to keep it dust free.  There are also several pieces of software out there to "tweak" settings on a computer to run faster, but this month we are only focusing on the basics.

     As far as an antivirus solution goes, most people stick with what is well known.  Norton, in this case is a widely accepted and user friendly program.  Other antivirus programs out there are Trend Micro's PC-Cillin, McAffee, AVG, and Avast.  Of these, AVG and Avast are free, but you get what you pay for.  To keep all virii off of your computer, I suggest either Norton or PC-Cillin.  Setup is easy for either and they both work very well in finding virii.

     For an antispyware solution, Spysweeper is definitely one of best programs out there.  Norton Antivirus 2006 has an antispyware built into it, but it does not find nearly as much as Spysweeper does.  Other antispyware programs would include Pest Patrol, Ad-Aware, Spybot, Windows Defender, Ewido, and Trend Micro Antispyware.  Again, however, you get what you pay for.  Generally the free antispyware won't protect you against it.  it just removes it after you are infected.

     If your computer is subjected to cigarette smoke, shop particles, or generally just a lot of dust in the air, you need a few cans of compressed air.  Keeping your computer blown out on a regular basis from dust and residue will help keep your fans running smoothly and not overheat your computer.  Not keeping the inside of your computer physically clean on a regular basis is one of the leading causes for the hardware inside of a computer to stop working all together.

     Another important thing to have is an optical lens cleaner.  This is an optical disc that has small non abrasive brushes on it to clean your lens from dust particles and other foreign matter.  This is a pretty cheap object that you can pick up at any computer store.

     So to end another newsletter, you have to spend some money to keep your computer going.  Much like owning a car, you have to change the oil, antifreeze, belts, etc., you also have to renew the antivirus, antispyware, and keep the computer clean of dust.

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