Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a "sick" PC. The tips listed below will help prevent many of the common issues and help keep your PC healthy and running well.

1. If your PC is running Windows, make sure you've installed all of the required updates from Microsoft's website. You can do this by launching Windows Update from Internet Explorer under the Tools option on the toolbar.
2. Consider installing Windows Defender - a free anti-spyware tool from Microsoft. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center: http://www.Microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en#
3. Make sure you have an antivirus software installed on your PC and that its virus definitions are up to date. If you can't afford to purchase an antivirus program such as MacAfee or Norton's then consider a free program such as AVG by Grisoft: www.free.grisoft.com/
4. Periodically run the Disk Defragmenter under System Tools to optimize the arrangement of files on your hard disk.
5. Remember to periodically empty your Temporary Internet Files. These files stored in your cache take up space, so from time to time, you may want to clear out the files stored in your cache to free up some space on your computer.
   • On the IE6 Tools menu, click Internet Options.
   • On the General tab, in the Temporary Internet Files section, click the Delete Files button.
   • Tip: You can adjust your Internet Explorer 6 settings to automatically clear the cache whenever you close Internet Explorer 6. Go to the Tools menu, and click Internet Options. Click the Advanced tab. In the "Settings" box, scroll down to the section labeled "Security," and click to check the box next to the "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed" option. Click OK to finish. This option does not delete cookies, but it will clear your cache of other files when you close your browser.
6. Avoid opening emails from someone you don't recognize and make sure you have an antivirus program that scans all of your email for potential threats.
7. Don't download files from peer to peer file sharing networks. The last thing you want is to lose everything on your hard drive because your computer was infected when you downloaded the "Bunny Hop". 

For more information on these and other PC related topics visit us at www.hotwiredhomes.com. If you are still experiencing difficulties and need an expert opinion contact us for an on-site consultation.

Happy Computing.

Matt