When it comes to computers, there is seemingly an endless array of different aspects that one can learn in order to stay up to speed. Whether it revolve around how specific programs are created and utilized on the machine, or simply general maintenance, the list is always growing. For someone who is new to computers, this fact can be extremely overwhelming. However, when starting out as a new user of computers as well as the Internet, the first and most important thing to ensure you learn prior to other areas is how to properly maintain and keep your computer running efficiently and to the factory specifications it exhibited when you purchased it.

When looking into the generic maintenance of computers, there are two different areas to deal in: software and hardware. Each of these areas poses different tasks that should be done on a semi-regular basis to ensure the computer stays healthy so to speed. In dealing with the hardware aspect, two things must be done as a good general maintenance practice. The first of these things is extremely simple and only needs to be done once; properly placing the computer on a safe surface. Try to avoid putting your computer tower directly on the floor, specifically on carpeting; instead, try to place it on a smooth surface at least 4 inches off the ground. Secondly, on a monthly basis, open up your case and clean out the dust that has settled within. To do this, a can of compressed air will suffice and quickly and easily remove the dust without harming the components.

Moving on to the software side of computer maintenance, there lies the issues of viruses and the dreaded slow running computer everyone seems to have a problem with. To avoid these types of issues, ensure you have a viable anti-virus software on your computer to keep tabs on any prospective malicious programs running in the background that can be picked up while surfing the Internet. Additionally, utilize the default maintenance tools found in the Start menu such as scan disk and disk defragmenter.