From working at a computer store to fixing the computers of my friends and families, I've run across most of the common problems people have with their computers. I also try to stay pretty up-to-date with recent technology. I thought I should post some tips for computer users that don't have the time or interest to keep up with the field. Here are 9 pieces of advice I think all computer users should try and follow in order to avoid frustration.

(In order of importance...)

1. Backup, Backup, BACKUP!
If you have files you don't want to lose, make sure you have at least one backup. If you have files you really can't afford to lose, keep at least two backups. Burn them to CDs or DVDs. Buy an external hard drive. Do something. Just remember, if you only have one copy of something, you are always only a fraction of a second away from losing it forever! Its hard to describe the look on the face of people that would come into our store who just had a hard drive crash when I had to tell them that if they didn't have a backup copy, all their pictures, e-mails, documents, videos, internet bookmarks, address book contacts and more were gone forever. Please, backup your files.

2. Keep Antivirus Software Up-to-date (or Get a Mac)
If you use Windows, you should have up-to-date virus software and it should be set to download automatic updates at least twice a week. If you're not updating your virus definitions by downloading the updates, your virus software doesn't know how to detect new viruses. Do not, I repeat, do not go on the internet with a Windows computer without Antivirus Software. If you're tired of worrying about viruses, think about switching to Apple. There are no known viruses for Mac OS X, that's right, zero.


3. Run Anti-Spyware Software Often (or Get a Mac)
Spyware is malicious software that gets on your computer from everyday internet activities. It can do anything from report your web-browsing to try and steal your internet passwords. How often should you scan? That depends on how heavily you use the internet. I used to scan once a week or so when I used Windows. If you use the internet less, you'd probably be ok with every other week or once a month. There are free programs out there that will scan for spyware. SpyBoy and AdAware are both available at www.download.com. Once again, if you're tired of worrying about this type of annoyance, consider Apple. Spyware doesn't affect Mac OS X either.


4. Quit Using Internet Explorer
Many of the significant security problems with Windows have had to do with Internet Explorer. There are several free web browsers out there that work as well as or better than IE. Firefox is the most popular and is becoming more popular very quickly. You can download Firefox here.


5. Use a Router If You Have Broadband Internet
You can get a router for less than $40 now, some companies will give you one if you sign up for broadband (high speed, usually cable or DSL) internet. The router acts like a bouncer for your internet connection. People from the outside can only see the router, not your computer. It makes having broadband significantly more secure. Also, wireless routers are about the same price as normal ones, so you can connect multiple computers in your house without running wires everywhere.


6. Get a Free E-Mail Account
This one isn't as much about security as it is about keeping yourself free from being entangled to one internet company. Google, Yahoo, and Hotmail all offer free internet e-mail accounts. My favorite is Google's gmail. If you use one of these email accounts, then you are not tied to any one Internet Service Provider simply to keep your e-mail address. If you use gmail, it doesn't matter if you have AOL, CompuServe, Cable Internet, DSL or anything else. You could even change every month if you wanted to. Your email address would always stay the same.


7. Download LEGAL Music
Apple has made it easy to get the music you want. At the iTunes Music Store, you can download almost any song you can think of for $1 ($0.99 to be exact). The you can burn it to a CD to listen to in your car, keep it on your computer, and transfer it to your iPod. One day I'll write something and post it on my website about why we shouldn't download music illegally. Basically, its stealing. Apple has taken care of the problem with iTunes. Now there's no excuse for illegal downloading. You can even buy whole CDs for $10. You can download the iTunes software(its free) here.


8. Throw Out Floppy Disks
Floppy Disks are some of the most unreliable media out there. If you have important files on floppies, get them off and back them up; they are not safe. Floppy disks will simply lose your data for no apparent reason. What's more, there is no need for floppy disks anymore. You can get a Thumb Drive that pugs into a USB port on your computer. It will hold more data that hundreds of floppies and they are much more reliable.


9. If You Have the Opportunity, Stop Using Windows
You could feel it coming. Most of this advice has had to with with Windows problems and security issues. Mac OS X is more stable (it doesn't crash), better designed, has more features, and is just plain more fun to use. Next time you're in the market for a new computer, give some serious consideration to switching. I think you'll be a lot happier with your computer if you do. You can go here and see why Apple say you should Switch.


Hope this helps! Let me know what you think.