| For the last 10 years, I have been writing about what | | | | If you do spill something on the keyboard, clean it up |
| to do to keep you and your computer safe and | | | | immediately. If the keys stick or you have other |
| secure. Now, for a change, I will talk about what | | | | problems, as a last resort you can run the keyboard |
| NOT to do to keep your PC nice and healthy for | | | | through the dishwasher, top rack, face down, with |
| many years, while YOU avoid a lot of frustration, lost | | | | no soap. Let it dry for a couple of days, then try it. |
| time and a lightened wallet. | | | | 8. Do not fall for phishing scams on the Internet. |
| 1. Do not turn off your computer using the switch on | | | | Follow this one simple rule: If you want to go to the |
| the power bar. Use the proper procedure, i.e. click | | | | Web site of your bank, broker, eBay, etc. click your |
| Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off. If your | | | | Desktop icon or Favorites link, or TYPE the address |
| computer freezes or you get the dreaded Blue | | | | into the browser address bar. Never click links to |
| Screen of Death (especially if you still have Windows | | | | such sites in an email or on a Web site. Never copy |
| Me), try the good ol' CTRL + Alt + Del before hitting | | | | and paste your username or password. The contents |
| the Reset button, or doing anything else. | | | | of your Clipboard can be seen. |
| 2. Never turn off your PC while you are in a program, | | | | 9. Do not download anything unless it is from a |
| or have multiple windows open. Close all the windows | | | | trusted and reliable source, and you really need it and |
| and applications first. | | | | will use it. Screensavers are a favorite hiding place for |
| 3. If you turn your computer off for any reason, | | | | malware. If you want a new background or |
| wait a minute or so before turning it back on again. | | | | screensaver, check your Windows first. Right-click a |
| This allows the machine to clear memory and get | | | | blank area on your Desktop, and click Properties, |
| ready for bootup. | | | | Desktop (or Screen Saver). |
| 4. Never connect new hardware while the computer | | | | 10. Do not accept offers you may see online to scan |
| is on. Turn everything off, connect your hardware, | | | | your computer or Registry for viruses or spyware. |
| then boot up again. | | | | Some of these programs will report an infection |
| 5. Never push the release button on that CD or | | | | where none exists (false positive) to scare you into |
| floppy drive until the drive light goes out. Never force | | | | buying their software. Even worse, other programs |
| a disk into the drive. If it will not go in easily, check | | | | may actually infect your machine with malware. |
| for pilot error (you may have it backwards or upside | | | | Besides, you do have a full set of security programs |
| down!) | | | | already, right? If not, get them! |
| 6. Here is an old one, but still necessary: Keep | | | | You may want to print out this list and keep it handy. |
| magnets away from those floppies, and far from | | | | Or better yet, why not send it to your friends? |
| your computer as well. | | | | Happy (and safe!) surfing. |
| 7. Never bring food or especially liquids near your PC. | | | | |