Generally speaking, the things that go wrong with personal computers while they are being used is because of a failure to follow one or more of the 15 golden rules of happy computing. There were going to be just ten rules but I came up with 15 without having to think too hard.

1: Use an up-to-date virus checker. My favourite brand is Norton made by Symantec, the other popular one is McAfee. If you can, try to get an inclusive anti-virus package which comes bundled, that is included with, a software firewall. To decide which one is best for you go online to the company websites and examine the features included or go to a software store in town and read the boxes.

2: Backup your important files including your e-mail address book on external, removable media. This subject could be and probably should be a column or two on its own. Setting up a system for doing this is one of the most frequent requests I encounter with my customers, often unfortunately after their data has been lost.

3: Use one or more Spyware checkers such as Ad-Aware or Spybot. These are downloadable (see rule11 below).

4: Use a really good quality surge protector (my favourite is made by APC) to control spikes in the electricity supply and make sure to get one that you can run your modem telephone line through as well.

5: When there is a lighting storm, turn off your computer and unplug it. Unplug the telephone line as it enters your modem too.

6: Use the most modern operating system that your computer can handle. An operating system is the program that manages all the other programs in a computer. Most people use one of the versions of Microsoft Windows, either Win98 SE, Win ME or one of the three versions of Windows XP. If you can afford it and your computer meets at least the minimum requirements, upgrade to Windows XP. You won't be sorry.

7: Download and install the free Windows Updates as they become available.

8: Re-write your operating system once in a while, let's say annually. After you've been adding and removing programs for some time and performing the other regular tasks involved in living with your computer and especially if you're starting to experience the dreaded BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) you might well benefit from re-installing your operating system and in the process re-writing the DLL and registry files.

Don't try this on your own if you're not comfortable doing it or if you don't have all the original software applications or before backing up all the data elsewhere. Remember you'll also need to re-install any applicable Windows Updates.

9: If possible install and run your operating system from a separate hard drive from the one containing your data files or at least from a separate partition on your hard drive. That way you can replace the operating system as we've already discussed without overwriting any of your data files such as documents and photos.

10: Use the latest device drivers that are available for your hardware devices. Check the hardware vendors sites for them.

11: Never download freebee software from a source you aren't sure of or from someone who is not sufficiently knowledgeable about computers to have up to date virus checking software and spyware removal software in place on their computer.

If you don't know what spyware is do a Google search and type in ‘what is spyware?'. Internet greeting cards can be fun and I'm sure, many of them are probably safe but how can you know which ones? My advice is simply don't send and receive internet greeting cards. A common virus known as W32friendgreet.exe can come concealed in a greeting card and mails itself to everyone in the address book of the recipient - so, please don't send me one.

12: Defragment your hard drive regularly. Every modern version of Windows comes with a defragmenter. Look for it under Programs/Accessories/System Tools. There is no way to misuse it so give it a try.

13: In Windows XP and ME, create Restore Points before and after making any substantial change to your operating system or before installing or uninstalling any program. Create an icon pointing to System Restore on your desktop.

14: Install the most memory that your computer can handle or you can afford.

15: Uninstall software properly using either Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel or using the uninstaller that came with the software itself. Don't just delete programs off your computer (that won't work).

@EDITRULE:

James W. Lapsley is the founder of ComputerWorks, specialising in PC repairs, upgrades and advice for the home and small office user. ComputerWorks welcomes your questions and comments Send your PC questions by e-mail to computerworkslogic.bm or by phone to 293-0992.