1. Get a virus checker

The most common problem for PC users is viruses. Even if you have a virus checker you need to keep it up-to-date. A free anti-virus with a reliable automatic updater is AVG.

2. Don’t open suspicious attachments

An attachment with a pif, exe, bat or com attachment is almost certainly a virus. Even with the best anti-virus programs a well-designed virus can get through your defences. We’ve created a list of the most suspicious attachments to help you identify them.

3. Keep your system up-to-date

It’s rare to find software without bugs in the system. Windows users can update their system from the Windows Update site. Mac users can use the automatic software update feature or visit the Apple Featured Software site.

4. Do not play with settings you don’t understand

If you don’t understand what you’re playing with, then don’t play with it. In particular, the video, modem and network settings can run your computer’s day. If you must play with them, at least note what you’re doing so the technician knows what the problem is.

5. Get the kids their own computer

If you work from home letting the kids use the office computer is a big mistake. If they must use the computer, buy them a new one. To discourage them from using your computer, give them the best computer.

6. Understand your Internet plan and keep an eye on the usage

Not understanding your Internet plan can be a costly mistake. Know what your plan includes and how much it costs when you exceed any "free" limits. Every Internet provider has a way for you to check your usage, learn to use it.

7. Note all passwords and store them securely

You may not type in a password to connect to the net or check your e-mail, but you do have one. Losing a password can be a major problem, particularly when a technician is charging a $100 an hour while you try to find it. If you can’t remember your passwords then write them down and keep them somewhere safely away from your computer.

8. Save your work

Every time you go to leave your computer, print or switch to another task, press the save key beforehand. If your software allows you, enable the autosave function as well. There is nothing more frustrating than losing a morning’s work.

9. back up your data

Well there is one thing worse than losing the mornings work and that’s losing five years work. Losing data is a fact of life and it will happen to you. We covered backup options back in February 2001 and while the numbers have changed slightly (as well as LS-120 and Orb drives becoming history) the basics remain the same.

10. Don’t waste money on older computers

Our thanks to Charles Wright of ABC 774 and the Bleeding Edge column for letting us shamelessly pinch his idea. One of our resolutions is to be a bit more original next year. The other is to update the website more often.