Below you'll find some advice on how to keep your PC functioning as optimal as possible.

Windows Update

Regularly Windows XP security holes are being discovered. Microsoft issues repairs (called updates) for that, which can be installed through the internet. You can configure your PC for automatic updates, but it doesn't harm to verify manually that all updates have been installed. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (click on link) and follow the instructions on the screen.

Firewall

A Firewall checks and controls all communication between your PC and the internet. Without a Firewall hackers would be able to gain access to your PC and look at your personal files, damage files or even delete them! From ServicePack2 Windows XP has a built-in Firewall, but you can also install a Firewall from a different supplier.

Antivirus

Check regularly that the virus definitions for your Antivirus program are up-to-date. While using the PC, your Antivirus program only checks files that are being used. Therefore instruct your Antivirus program to run a complete system scan at least once a week, to make sure there are no (sleeping) viruses hidden on the hard disk of your computer.

Spyware, Adware, etc.

Check your PC once a week for the existence of Spyware and Adware. Your Antivirus program does not protect you against these! There are several tools available, like Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-aware, to help you perform this task.

Second e-mail address

Don't give your e-mail address to strangers: that saves you a lot of Spam. Many websites offer 'free' access, you only have to register with your e-mail address. Sometimes these websites use your e-mail address for sending unsolicited commercial e-mail (Spam). Therefore create a second e-mail address, e.g. with Hotmail (free) and use it for this type of registrations.

Backup valuable data

Many people only realise how important the data on their PC or Laptop is, after something goes wrong. Therefore you have to backup important files, digital photographs and e-mails regularly. This way you still will have a copy of your important data, in case your hard disk crashes or your laptop is stolen. A memory-stick or an external hard disk is very convenient to make a safety backup. Alternatively, of course, you can burn your data on a CD or DVD, for example with Nero Burning ROM. A small effort, but great peace of mind.

Upgrading processor and/or memory

The clock speed of your processor and the amount of memory determine for a good part the total speed of your computer. Clock speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz) or Megahertz (MHz). For new computers the clock speed usually is 2.0 GHz or higher. Memory is measured in Gigabytes (GB) or Megabytes (MB) RAM. Many computers still have 256 MB or 512 MB RAM, but nowadays is advisable to have 1024 MB RAM (= 1.0 GB) installed. If you want to learn what characteristics apply to your computer, then hold the Windows-key pressed and press the Pause-key (ÿ + Pause). A little window will appear, in which you can read the clock speed and memory size for your system. Both processor and memory can be upgraded to improve the performance of your computer.

ADSL speed tests

Do you doubt whether your Internet connection is as fast as your provider says it is? Just check it out yourself! Pick below the speed test for the country where you are staying at the moment. Measuring from "abroad" can result in inaccurate results.

Note: using a router might reduce the speed some 20%.