1. Never, never, turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down.

2. I highly recommend that you purchase a UPS !

3. Backup, backup, backup!

4. Run Scandisk and Defragment at least once a month.

5. Never unplug peripherals from the computer when it is powered up. 
     (unless device is specifically made to be "hot plugged")

6. Do keep at least 300 MBs of your C: drive free for Windows to use.

7. Do not let a lot of programs load up when you start your computer. 

8. Do use a virus checker regularly. 

9. If you have a high speed Internet connection you need a firewall program.