A computer is a tool. Like any other tool, it requires maintenance and upkeep to keep it running in optimal condition. Maintenance on a computer is not difficult and can be done at home.Here is a list of items that can keep your computer in tip-top condition:

• Anti-virus software. Keep your anti-virus software up to date and run a virus scan on a period basis. Once a week is a good interval for scanning all the files on your computer. You can even set this up to run overnight so as not to interfere with your ability to use the computer.
• Firewall protection.Make sure you have good firewall software on your PC and keep it up to date with the latest downloads.
• Defrag and clean up! To keep your computer organized and get rid of unnecessary files, follow the steps below about once a week:
• Click the start button
• Click the “Computer” option or select the “System Tools” option from the Accessories menu
• When using the “Computer option” Right-click on the C: Drive
• Select properties
• Under the general tab, run the Disk Cleanup option.This gets rid of temporary internet files, setup files, cleans out the recycle bin and more.
• When the disk cleanup is complete, click on the tools tab. Click the Defragment Now button
• Defragmenting the computer may take anywhere from minutes to hours depending upon how much organization must take place.
• When the defragmentation is complete, select the Error Checking button.You must restart the computer and the error checking program will run during the start up process.You won’t be able to use the computer during the process, but this process is essential for finding disk errors and will even fix them for you.
• Always keep a Back-up! This option is also in the tools tab with the defragmentation option.Even if your computer does crash, if you keep your backup files up to date, you can recreate all your work and not have to start all over.
• Set up your computer to notify you when software updates are available. Many times, these updates will fix bugs or patch problems that are causing issues for users.Keeping your software up to date is important for optimal performance.
• Shut off and turn on your computer at least once per day. Shutting down and turning back on actually helps to reset some attributes back to the default options.
• Finally, but still important – keep your computer clean.Get one of those cans of compressed air and keep the dust from building up within the keys and around the fan.Wipe dust and pet hair off the computer itself.Keep the screen clean with an anti-static product.

In many cases, you can set up defragmentation, error checks, backups and updates automatically either using the options available with your software or by scheduling the tasks using your operating system.

Performing some basic maintenance on your personal computer will ensure that your computer is working as efficiently as possible.Most new computers will automatically fix errors or check for solutions to problems.Although this is a great feature, it still takes some weekly maintenance by the computer user to check and fix problems before then can cause problems.