It is good to defragment your hard drive at least once a month to prevent slow file access times.

Windows XP Instructions
Windows Vista/7 Instructions

Running a disk cleanup can give you more free space and also remove unecessary files including temporary internet files.

Windows XP Instructions
Windows Vista/7 Instructions

Make sure your wireless networks are secure and use encryption to avoid your neighbors or others from 'stealing' your internet or information.

No Specific Instructions Available

Running a virus/malware scan once a week can drastically speed up your computer.

Triggs CC recommends Malware Bytes

Cleaning the dust out of the inside of your computer is always good to do at least once a year.

It is a good idea to backup your data to an external hard drive, so if your computer crashes you don't lose your family photos, or other important documents.

Triggs CC recommends Acronis and Western Digital hard drives

It is important to keep your Operating System up to date. Updates often patch security holes and other known issues with the system.

Windows XP Instructions
Windows Vista Instructions
Windows 7 Instructions

Removing unecessary programs can not only speed up your system, but increase the amount of hard drive free space.

Triggs CC recommends Revo Uninstaller

Make sure you have the Windows Firewall or an alternative running at all times to prevent unauthorized access to your system.

Windows XP Instructions
Windows Vista/7 Instructions

Do not open e-mails from people you do not know, no matter how intriging it sounds. Refrain from clicking on ANY advertisements to prevent spyware infections.

Consider using parental controls to prevent your children from accessing bad websites, and other malicious content.

Windows XP Instructions
Windows Vista Instructions
Windows 7 Instructions

Make sure you are running the latest version of your favorite web browser to prevent security threats.

Triggs CC recommends Mozilla Firefox