Keep your computer in the best shape as possible By Christopher Thrash B52COMPUTERS Most computer users don't understand that core computer problems can be avoided with little effort and pain. Let's look at some easy steps to avoid those undesired meltdowns. Problems that are associated with hardware, example would be a hard drive, CD-ROM, or other internal parts of your PC, and software example would be Quickbooks, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer or anything that you the user install's on the computer, can happen at the most haunting times. That is something that can not be planed and is part of owning a desktop or laptop computer, but most of the time that is not what causes the ill-fated or sometimes evil problems computer owners deal with. 99% of the time they are a result of user wrongdoing or unawareness. So I will point out some steps so you can undo the unawareness part the wrongdoing you will have to work on. 1. Only install one anti virus program. 2. Completely uninstall a malware program when installing a replacement. My suggestion is maleware bytes and can be downloaded from filehippo.com for free. 3. Clean the temporary files from your computer regularly. I'd suggest after every session, no matter how short. This is best done with CCleaner that can also be downloaded from filehippo.com and takes seconds if done regularly. 4. Run regular full virus scans with your anti virus software. This will ensure that any files you ve added to your hard disk are scanned and clean, or removed if not. 5. Avoid handling laptops with one hand when not in a carry case. This is a common cause of dropped laptops, leading to failed drives and other problems including screen damage. 6. When plugged in, always use an anti surge socket with your laptop or desktop PC. This is vital for protection of the delicate components within. 7. Back up regularly. Data retrieval is a very expensive repair to have done and is probably the most avoidable. 8. Shut down your computer properly. Avoid cutting the power at the plug. Sudden power cuts can lead to corrupted and even dead hard drives. 9. Don't open and attempt hardware repairs unless fully competent to do so. Tampering with computers can turn a simple repair into a major repair. 10. If you do handle any of the internal components of a desktop or laptop computer, make sure you are grounded against static discharge. This can be fatal to your computer. when you get into the situation where there are beginning signs of failure such as random crashes and unexpected lock ups, first back up everything that you want to keep on your computer to some kind of media that is not a internal part of your computer This is really the most important part of your regular routine as it's possible to save years of work and memories from being lost with a simple back up. The one thing to bear in mind about back ups is you should never backup to the same physical drive you are using for your files. Having a backup on the same drive means that if there is irretrievable physical damage, both the original and the back up will be lost. Generally, most people that use a computer will be guilty of doing one or more of these preventive steps. The average computer user does not realize the distress that lost data can bring into there life until it has happen to them and then it is too late.