Security and Maintenance Tips for a New Computer

If you're one of the lucky ones who received a shiny new PC under the tree ... congratulations. Twice if it's an Apple. Before you fire up your new baby, you will need to do some maintenance.

The first, if you have a Windows PC, is anti-virus software.

Really. Before you do anything else. I know, you think your PC came with antivirus protection. It may have, but your work is not done. If it came with a trial version, you need to decide if you're going to keep it. If you are, you may need to double-click on the icon and complete the install process. Then run the update to get the latest virus definitions. Then note the date of expiration (most PCs come with 90 days of coverage.) About a week before that date, you need to decide if you're going to keep it or install one of the free solutions out there. If you decide to keep the retail product, you may be better off buying a complete version in the store -- with rebates, they often are much cheaper than renewing online.

For a free product, I would use AVG (free.grisoft.com). I have been fond of this free product for years and remain so. There are other free antivirus products available too, including Avast. You can see a selection at File Hippo (www.filehippo.com). While you're there, get the excellent CCleaner, a free app that cleans Windows hard drives of junk.