How to Keep Your Windows Machine Running Well
The two areas of concern that most computer users should have is security and keeping things running as fast and clean as possible. This is an overview of how to maintain your computer software so that you can get something done without having to go to the bathroom between mouse clicks.
Some of the maintenance that is needed goes hand-in-hand with awareness of security issues.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENT
When I vist someone to fix their slow computer, the first thing I do is delete temporary files (XP|Vista) from their hard drive. Every time some programs are run, they create temp files that are stored in any of several folders on the hard drive, depending on the operating system. These temp files are just that: temporary. When the program is closed, the temp file is left behind. Some programs use that temp file the next time that program is opened, but any benefit that we derive from leaving these files on the hard drive is lost by the effect that the accumulation of these files will have on the system. After enough files are collected, Windows will begin to slow down.
The next most common cause of a slow system is the presence of spyware or adware. Spyware and adware are programs that install themselves without your knowledge, usually through other programs that you download onto your computer. These are generally also called malware. Some browser add-on toolbars or programs like Weatherbug are common examples. The "harmless" programs usually only report back to someone else behind the scenes about your browsing habits, and are usually used for targeted advertising, like pop-up ads. The more sinister examples will change settings, record keystrokes, capture credit card information or even allow remote control of your computer.
My favorite program for detecting malware is MalwareBytes. You can also use the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, which is part of later versions of Windows, and is updated through Windows Update.
The last (but not least) thing that needs to be done is to run Windows Update. This is a system of updates put out by Microsoft monthly to patch issues in Windows, mostly security flaws that are found. Instructions for using Windows Update are here (XP), and here (Vista/7) but for now I'll hit on the high points. If you are running anything newer than Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2), you should get automatic notice of updates in your taskbar (down by the clock). If you are running anything earlier, you will need to go to the Windows Update site yourself. To run Windows Update, click Start>Programs and look for the Windows Update link at the top of your Start menu. Click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
NOTE: If you have dial-up for Internet access, you might want to do this before you go out or to bed. If you haven't run Windows Update, it'll take a LONG time.
COMPUTER SECURITY
Security issues are discussed elsewhere on this site, but there are basics which need to be addressed. There are different programs that address different security problems, and you will need several of them.
ANTIVIRUS
Unless you are a very experienced user, and practice what can be called Safe Computing, you need to have an anti-virus program. Currently, good Anti-Virus programs only deal with viruses and Trojan Horses. Huh? See my article on Viruses for more on what these are.
There are some gotchas in this area:
The big names: Norton, McAfee, etc., are OK, but they are the most popular, and some of the worst viruses disable these programs as part of the infection. These programs are also very big, space- and resource-wise, and often bog down a system, taking resources away from the things you want your computer to really be doing.
There are better solutions out there; some cost, but are cheaper than the big boys, and some are free. I recommend NOD32 as a paid alternative, or AVG Free or Avast as free choices.
One important note: Run ONLY ONE antivirus program. If you have more than one running, they will conflict and give you all kinds of migraines.
MALWARE PROTECTION
You can run several anti-spyware programs; in fact, this is desirable, because no one program will catch everything. My recommendation, as stated above, is MalwareBytes. Use this weekly and you will have much clean machine happiness.
This is the basic plan for maintaining the software on your Windows computer. However, like life itself, things are never that simple, and there can be many variables. But don't be scared; as long as you don't delete any files beyond those I discuss, or you don't dig around in the Windows Registry (if you don't know what that is, don't worry; you're better off), you really can't break your machine.