In order to get the most out of your computer, it helps to go over some basic computer maintenance tasks that you need to do monthly. This article will provide you with a guide to get started:

• Always use a surge protector to keep your computer safe from power surges. A surge protector can also help your computer in case the power goes out, it has a few extra seconds to save files before it will shut off (depending upon the surge protector you purchase)
• Clean out old email files often. Keeping too many emails will slow down your system, especially if you store them on your hard drive. An online email system like Gmail or Qwest mail is a wise option if you plan to house thousands of emails. Once you reach a certain limit, you may need to pay to receive extra storage.
• Do not open email from someone you do not know. Spammers love to send computer viruses via email and with one click of the button, you can easily install spyware onto your system that will track your every move.
• Set your anti-virus software to run daily updates and scans of your computer. This will keep your computer up-to-date and it allows it to check for any suspicious activity on your computer like un-authorized adware installations.
• Always register your software this will allow you to keep your software current, allowing it to run effectively. Usually patches and updates will be sent to you via email if you register your software.

• Use the internet security features to protect your computer from web sites that may be harmful. The security features not only protect you from web sites, they also stop pop-ups that may contain adware.
• Use a system restore to help your computer un-do problems or things that you did not mean to do. A system restore will protect your computer files and allow you to go back to the way your computer was before you downloaded something or installed new software. After you do the system restore, you can automatically set a restore point for the future to help your computer run properly.
• Keep your hard drive in check with Scandisk. Scandisk will check your entire hard drive for errors; it does take awhile so you should do it at night or a time when you do not plan on using the computer for at least an hour or two. You should close all the other programs in order to allow Scandisk to run faster and properly. Before you run Scandisk, back-up all your files. Once Scandisk makes its changes, there is no undoing it, which is why you should back them up before in case you are not satisfied with the changes.
• To organize your files and help your computer run faster, use the disk defragmenter. Try to do this every other week to help your computer place the files that are not used as much into areas that are not as easy to access and the daily programs will be on the top of the list.
• Try to keep your computer in a cool environment. This means you need to get it up off the floor so it can get proper air circulation and you need to keep the room below 70 degrees. When it gets warmer, the computer's have a tendency to overheat, especially if you use them for several hours at a time.
• Use windows updates to keep your system in check. Download the new features that will protect your computer from bugs and security breaches.