Does your computer seem to be slowing down? Just like us, a computer needs to be maintained in order to function properly. Here are a few things you can do to help maintain your computer (thereby reducing the chances of you throwing it out the window…).

1. Delete Cookies, Delete Files and Clear History. Internet Explorer creates “temporary internet files” and it is best to clear then out on a regular basis. To accomplish this, do the following:

• While you are in Internet Explorer, go to the tool bar at the top of the page
• Select Internet Options button from the Tools menu.
• Select Delete Files and Clear History.

2. Empty your recycle bin. After all, you put them there because you no longer needed them, so you might as well get rid of them for good. The recycle bin can usually be found on your “desk top” (the start screen that has all your short-cut icons displayed on it). You can right click on the recycle bin icon and then click on “empty recycle bin”.

3. Update your anti-virus software. Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus is a good one and it is definitely worth protecting your computer (not to mention the people you correspond with via email).

4. Keep your computer clean of waste. Check your hard drive for unwanted and unnecessary files and delete them in order to free up room.

5. Protect your files. You should consider backing up your files on a regular basis. Depending on the size of the files you are backing up and the resources you have available, backing up on a cd-rom using a cd burner is an excellent way of ensuring you won’t be left in the lurch. Zip disks and floppy disks will work as well.