Update your virus software weekly - there are always new viruses

Scan for viruses every night - you have to do it these days.

Back up all your data files at least weekly  - lots of people lose everything!

Take one copy of your back-up disk to a second location in case of emergency.

Use a firewall if you have DSL or a Cable Modem connection - or you will become infected with a virus or harmful file.

Upgrade to Windows 2000 for more security and less reboots! Forget Microsoft's Windows ME too!

If you need a more "user friendly" operating system consider upgrading to Windows XP (Home Edition - $99, Professional - $199)

Don't DEFRAG more then once a month - too often wears of your hard disk

Don't fill your hard disk with too many MP3 files - keep 300 MB always free 

Get a good back-up battery or a very good surge protector.

Despite what others have told you, it is better for your computer (not server) to be shut down every night.  Windows 95 and 98 particularly like to be restarted.  Windows 2000 and XP are better designed to be on all the time, however, your system may still heat up and reduce the life of your hard drive if you leave it on all the time.

System Tips
If you are buying a new computer make sure you get Windows XP (Why pay for an old operations system).  XP has the stability of Windows 2000 and the "user friendly" interface like Apple computers. If you wish to do high-end graphic design and/or video editing you should stick with Windows 2000 for stability.  The only problem with Windows 2000 is that there are often "compatibility problems" so you will need to make sure that all your external hardware and software  i.e scanner, CDRW, etc. will work.  You can have the same type of compatibility problems upgrading to XP or Windows 2000 as well so check first.  

DO NOT BUY   HP computers or laptops!!! (IMHO)

Case Tips
Buy a computer with a large case and less "integrated" features like video and sound for better "upgradeability".

Monitor Tips
Buy a high quality 17" monitor (at least).  Wait on the LCD flat screen models until the price drops more unless you "just have to have one"...

Printer Tips
Printer prices have dropped tremendously in the last few years but we would not recommend buying a low-end printer  because the construction of low-end models is more prone to jamming and problems.  We also would not spend more then $150 on an inkjet printer because the quality after that point is higher then most people require unless you have specific photo quality printing needs.   Avoid buying an "All in one" system I.e. fax, scanner, copier etc, because of the high rate of problems and connectivity.

Memory Tips
Memory prices have never been lower so everyone should have at least 128 MB of RAM because it improves performance so much.  If your computer accepts DDR (double data rate) - use it!!!  256 MB of RAM is the minimum amount of memory we  would recommend for all new computers and upgrades.

Sound Tips
Use better speakers then the ones provided with most new PCs... Spend $29 to $49 for much better sound.  Most new computer come with built in sound with is fine for regular computer sounds, however, if you want to hear music in stereo quality you should get a separate sound card installed.  We recommend Creative brand.