Do Not Make These Ten Common Computer Mistakes

For the last 10 years, I have been writing about what to do to keep you and your computer safe and secure. Now, for a change, I will talk about what NOT to do to keep your PC nice and healthy for many years, while YOU avoid a lot of frustration, lost time and a lightened wallet. 

1. Do not turn off your computer using the switch on the power bar. Use the proper procedure, i.e. click Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off. If your computer freezes or you get the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (especially if you still have Windows Me), try the good ol' CTRL + Alt + Del before hitting the Reset button, or doing anything else. 

2. Never turn off your PC while you are in a program, or have multiple windows open. Close all the windows and applications first. 

3. If you turn your computer off for any reason, wait a minute or so before turning it back on again. This allows the machine to clear memory and get ready for bootup. 

4. Never connect new hardware while the computer is on. Turn everything off, connect your hardware, then boot up again. 

5. Never push the release button on that CD or floppy drive until the drive light goes out. Never force a disk into the drive. If it will not go in easily, check for pilot error (you may have it backwards or upside down!) 

6. Here is an old one, but still necessary: Keep magnets away from those floppies, and far from your computer as well. 

7. Never bring food or especially liquids near your PC. If you do spill something on the keyboard, clean it up immediately. If the keys stick or you have other problems, as a last resort you can run the keyboard through the dishwasher, top rack, face down, with no soap. Let it dry for a couple of days, then try it. 

8. Do not fall for phishing scams on the Internet. Follow this one simple rule: If you want to go to the Web site of your bank, broker, eBay, etc. click your Desktop icon or Favorites link, or TYPE the address into the browser address bar. Never click links to such sites in an email or on a Web site. Never copy and paste your username or password. The contents of your Clipboard can be seen. 

9. Do not download anything unless it is from a trusted and reliable source, and you really need it and will use it. Screensavers are a favorite hiding place for malware. If you want a new background or screensaver, check your Windows first. Right-click a blank area on your Desktop, and click Properties, Desktop (or Screen Saver). 

10. Do not accept offers you may see online to scan your computer or Registry for viruses or spyware. Some of these programs will report an infection where none exists (false positive) to scare you into buying their software. Even worse, other programs may actually infect your machine with malware. Besides, you do have a full set of security programs already, right? If not, get them! 

You may want to print out this list and keep it handy. Or better yet, why not send it to your friends? Happy (and safe!) surfing.