Buying Tips - Unless your a tech, buy a newer computer. Older computers lack the resources to handle current software programs. If you try to plug new hardware into an older computers, you're just asking for trouble. Do yourself a favor and start with a new, robust system.

To keep your computer virus and spyware free, be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Don't let this slip! Also, make sure that your computer is running with the most recent security pack.

Back up your computer on a regular basis. Not backing up your computer is probably one of the most common errors that people make. If you don't have a back up, you'll potentially lose everything in one shot. Don't learn the hard way.

Take the time to read your computer's manual. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn that will help you avoid many problems. Plus you'll be able to get a lot more out of your computer. You've got too much invested in it not to know how to utilitze its many functions.

Take caution when cleaning your computer. Never spray any cleaning solutions on any aspect of your computer. You can use a vacuum around your computer to clean, but NEVER use it inside the CPU.

Windows Tip - Is your computer non-responsive? You can exit by hitting keys, CTRL / Alt and Delete.

Keyboard Shortcuts - Press "CTRL / A" to select everything in the file.

XP Keyboard Shortcuts - Windows Key plus "L" will lock your computer. Cool!

Computer Buying tips - Many people skimp on memory when buying their computer. This is actually one of the most important features and it will often help determine how fast your computer will run.

Don't forget to defrag your computer on a regular basis. It helps keep it cleaned out and makes it run faster. In Windows, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Defragmenter.

Another keyboard shortcut - hit the Windows key and D to minimize all open windows.

Vacuum out the vent in the back of your computer every few months. Dust build up in and around the fan area can eventually harm your computer and/or render it inoperable.

Sit up straight when at your computer and have the computer monitor screen directly in front of your eyes. You don't want to be looking down at it all of the time. If you always keep your sitting posture in mind, you won't up with back problems or neck problems.

Keep your computer monitor a reasonable distance away from you. If you stare at the monitor for many hours at a time and it's fairly close, you'll develop bad eye strain.

Don't leave your laptop laying around. For example, some people will be in a bookstore working at a table. They'll often get up and go to find a book. People, this is often when they're stolen. Criminals are just waiting for you to make a mistake. Laptops are easy to steal and they're watching you hoping that you'll make a mistake. Laptop computers are stolen in libraries, on planes, trains, in cafe's, and so on.

You'll love this one! Half of the problems you experience on your computer can usually be fixed by just restarting your computer! The computer has a way of resetting itself when you do this and it will quite often get you out of a jam. Just be sure you warm boot it. This means shut it down safely. In Windows, you go to the Start menu in the bottom left corner, press "Turn off your Computer" and then hit "Restart".

Clean out your computer now and then. In Windows, go to the "Tools" menu and select "Internet Options". Then press the buttons (one at a time) "Delete Cookies", "Delete Files" and "Clear History". Don't worry; these are all temporary folders and the stuff inside is not necessary to save.