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Just like changing the oil in your car, your computer needs some Preventative Maintenance

1. install Microsoft Antispyware
     www.microsoft.com (click download Antispyware - Beta)
     accept all the defaults, update and run a full system scan,
     allow program to remove all detected adware
    
2. install critical updates for Windows
     www.microsoft.com (click Windows Update)
     run this repeatedly until it shows "no critical updates"
    
3. Update your antivirus program
     Norton Antivirus will automatically update the virus definitions,
     but you must click Live Update to update the program
     Run this repeatedly until it says no new updates available
     *Check your subscription expiration date
    
4. Run an online virus scan
     www.trendmicro.com (click free online scan)
     <or> www.sarc.com (scroll down and click on the globe)
     Viruses and Trojans are smart these days and can sometimes
     bypass or hide from your local virus scan - so run an online scan
     *run repeatedly until no items found
    
5. Cleanup (Empty Recycle Bin, Delete Temp Internet Files)
     Start> all programs> Accessories> System Tools> System Cleanup
       check all boxes (recycle bin, temp internet files...)
    
6. Check your backup system (and have a copy offsite)
     Confirm that all your data is being backed up (My Documents,
     email and address book, special program data (some programs
     store their data in buried folders)...
     Also confirm that the data is actually being written
   
   -------------- Optional Items (recommended) ---------------
    
7. Install Spybot
     www.download.com , search for spybot, download and install
     check for updates, immunize system, run full system scan
     allow program to remove any adware/spyware found
    
8. Update Microsoft Office
     www.microsoft.com click on Office Update
     run repeatedly until no updates available
    
9. Turn on Windows Automatic Updates
     Win2000: Start> Settings> Control Panel> Automatic Updates
     WinXP: Start> Control Panel> Automatic Updates
    
10. Update Java
      a small icon in system tray near clock (looks like a coffee cup)
      it will say "updates available"
     
11. Reset time
      double click the clock in lower right corner and reset to proper time
     
12. Defrag hard drive
      Start> All Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Defrag Drive