Many computer users can perform a few basic steps to keep their computers running in tip-top shape:

• Remove Temporary Files
  Through general use your computer can generate a lot of temporary files. These files are supposed to be deleted by the program that creates them, but this rarely happens. The result is a lot of useless files taking up space and slowing down your computer. You can delete these files by using CCleaner.
  
  Your web browser also keeps a lot of temporary files. If you are using Internet Explorer you can go to the Tools menu and then select Internet Options. On the General tab you will see a Delete Files button, click it. Recent versions of IE can also be configured to do this upon exit. In Internet Options, click on the Advanced tab and scroll down to the Security section. You should place a checkmark on the "Empty Temporary Internet Files when the browser is closed" option. If you are using Windows 2000 or XP you will need to do this for each user.
  
  
• Review Installed Software
  Keeping unused and unneeded programs installed can use up quite a bit of hard drive space. If you go to your Control Panel you will see an icon labelled Add/Remove Programs. Review this list and if you find any software that you don't need or use, you should uninstall it. If you are unsure, don't uninstall it.
  
  
• Disk Maintenance
  You can further reduce disk space usage by emptying your Recycle Bin on a regular basis. Any file that is deleted goes here first as a precautionary measure in case you delete the wrong file. To do this, click once with your right mouse button and select (click once with your left mouse button) Empty Recycle Bin.
  
  You can check the health of your hard drive and filesystem by running Scandisk. To do this go to My Computer, right-click on your C: drive and select Properties. Go to the Tools tab and click the "Check Now" button.
  
  Through use your computer will keep your files in a very disorganized fashion, costing you a performance hit. You can reorganize your files by running Disk Defragmenter. To do this go to My Computer, right-click on your C: drive and select Properties. Go to the Tools tab and click the "Defragment Now" button. I recommend doing this on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
  
  
• Keep Windows Updated
  Microsoft is continually releasing security fixes and product updates through their Windows Update website. This website will check your computer for needed updates, recommend what you need, and install them for you.
  
  
• Remove Dust
  Your computer flows several cubic feet of air through it per minute. In doing this, it can collect quite a bit of dust that will restrict air flow and raise the internal temperature of the computer. If you feel comfortable opening your computer case you can use some canned air to blow the dust out, and a vacuum to clean up. You can find canned air at just about any electronics or computer store. Be aware that the tip of the vacuum should not touch any internal component of your computer as it can carry a static charge (whether it is metal or plastic).
  
  
• Perform regular backups
  No amount of maintenance will protect your data from loss. You need to perform regular backups of your information (pictures, movies, music, e-mail, addresses, etc.) otherwise an unexpected power surge could take all of your data with it. Refer to the preventative measures section for more information.