Install and Update an Anti Virus Program 

Computer viruses can destroy programs, they can also destroy your data and even your hard drive.. If you have comprehensive and up-to-date backups, you can restore your data, but it can take much time and effort to clean the system and restore it. Even if nothing is damaged, it will take time to disinfect your computer (and any infected floppy disks). 

There are many good antivirus programs on the market. The certification to look for is the National Computer Security Association (NCSA) Certification. My personal recommendations for antivirus programs are Symantec's Norton Antivirus. In addition to installing the program, you need to ensure it is updated monthly. Most companies provide free updates to their products. As new viruses are being found constantly, an out of date antivirus program can be just as bad as having none. ..Update Monthly or Twice Monthly. It has been said over 600 new virus's a day come out. 
 
 
Check your disks for errors.

Errors occasionally happen in the file and directory systems. If they are not found and corrected, they can grow and can potentially disable a system. 

Scandisk is a program provided by Microsoft with Windows95 and recent versions of DOS. Scandisk will check your disk drives for errors. If errors are found, it will allow you to repair them, at the same time possibly warning you that your hard drive may be nearing the end of its life. I have a program called Norton Utilities, that seems to be much better utilities maintence program. 
Do this at  least monthly. 

Here's how: For those with Windows 9x: 

- In the start menu, go to Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Scandisk. 
- Select the drive you wish to check. (generally C:) 
- Ensure that the type of test is Standard, and that the Automatically fix errors box is checked. 
- Press the start button. 
- If the program asks you what to do when an error is found, always chose the default. 
- The program will notify you when it is complete. 

When your computer saves files to your hard drive, it tries to save the entire file in one place, but for various reasons, sometimes this is not possible. When parts of a file are saved in several places, the file is said to be fragmented. When a file is fragmented, it takes your computer longer to access it than when it is not. When many files are fragmented, your computer may slow down noticeably. 

Windows 9x comes with a Disk Defragmenter, which puts the files back together, defragmenting the drive. Again, I use a program from Nortons for this . Do this at  least monthly or anytime performance slows. 

Here's how: For those with Windows95: - Always run scandisk first. 

- In the start menu, go to Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter. 
- Select the drive to defragment. (generally C:) 
- Press the OK button. 
- The program will notify you when it is complete. 

 
Clean your floppy drive

Floppy disk drives operate in much the same fashion as cassette tape recorders. Over time, the heads which read and write information to the disk become dirty, causing slow disks, errors, and possible ruining disks. By cleaning your drive, you can avoid many problems and prolong the life of you floppy drive. 

There are many commercial products to clean floppy drives. I recommend any computer owner to purchase one. As each product is different, follow the instructions enclosed. 

Do this every six months, or more often if you use your floppy drive often. 
 

Clean your CD-ROM drive

Much like floppy drives, the lens on your CD-Rom reader can become dirty. This has much to do with how clean you keep your CD's. 

There are several products which will clean your CD-Rom lens, and many which will clean your CD's. Though these are not really must-have items, if your CD's are dirty, or you start having problems reading your disks, they might be a good investment. These can generally be found at music stores or computer supply stores. 
 

Clean your mouse

The rubber-coated ball found in most mice is designed for traction, but it has the side-effect of being very efficient at picking up dirt form your workplace and depositing it on the rollers inside the mouse. A mouse pad is an excellent way to slow this process (but only if the pad itself is kept clean), but with time, almost all mice get dirty rollers. 

Here's how to clean most mice (may vary by type): 

On the bottom of the mouse, there will be a removable ring around the ball. Generally there are arrows showing how to remove it. Usually it either turns or slides. Remove this ring, then turn the mouse right-side up to remove the ball. 

Wash the ball with soapy water, rinse well, then let dry. 

Wash the rollers inside the mouse with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. For best results, rub the rollers from side to side. When all the rollers (there are usually three) are clean, let them dry thoroughly before reconnecting the mouse. 

Return the ball and the ring. You can also buy a kit to clean your mouse. 

Heat is one of your computer's worst enemies. There are generally one or more cooling fans in the case which are designed to circulate air around the components and keep them cool and functioning efficiently. When dust builds up around the air vents, heat can build up and slow your computer and shorten it's life. 

Any air holes in the case should be vacuumed out to remove dust. The case can also be removed and the inside can be vacuumed out. This will remove the dust that collects on the actual components and on the fan on the CPU. 
 

Always shut down Windows before turning off the power

While Windows is working, it keeps open several important files. Shutting down properly gives Windows an opportunity to save these files. If it is not shut down, errors can occur in these files making Windows unstable, or recent changes could be discarded. 

Windows 3.1: From Program Manager: File -Exit. 
Windows95/98 Start -Shut Down 

Backup your data regularly

In case of a hard drive failure, virus infection, or disaster that destroys your computer, your important data could be lost. The amount of time required to reproduce these files can be very high. If there is only one copy, they can possibly be irreplaceable. If there is a major catastrophe and you have a backup of your data, it is  simple to just reinstall the programs, restore the data, and continue working. 
 

Always use a surge protector

The electricity coming out of the wall outlet is not always constant. If your computer is subjected to too much voltage delicate electronics can be destroyed. A surge protector, while not 100% guaranteed, will prevent major voltage spikes. 

Surge protector are available at most computer and office supply stores. Ensure that you purchase a surge suppressor and not just a power strip, as power strips provide no electrical protection. 
 

Remember

Install and Update an Anti Virus Program Check your disks for errors Defragment your disks Clean your floppy drive Clean your CD-ROM drive Clean your mouse Vacuum out the air vents in the case Always shut down Windows before turning off the power Backup your data regularly Always use a surge protector!