After purchasing either a desktop or laptop computer to use, everyone should do the maintenance for the new computerCreate a proper maintenance plan to a computer can keep or improve its performance and life spanIt will also protect your investment against attacks like viruses and spywaresMaintenances should be done regularly like every week or month depends on your availabilities and the priorities of the items to do.

You should install Windows updates and application service packs when they are ready for minimizing the software bugsWindows has an option under the Control Panel to allow automatic updates of the Windows updates and service packsYou can also choose to install the service packs and updates manually after the automatic downloadIf the service packs and updates are up to date, it should be installed relatively quickly.

Anti-virus and anti-spyware softwares are very important for your data and application protectionThere are many choices to choose from, research on the web search engines to find the ones that are best for youThese softwares usually will periodically update the virus definition for protecting your computerYou should also make sure the automatic scanning is turned on, most of the protection softwares will run every weekIf you surf the web often, it will be particularly important to install an anti-spyware software to protect the sensitive dataSpywares can steal personal and other information from your system.

You should do backups of your valuable data and files to cd, dvd, tape drive, another hard disk, a backup server or website periodicallyMore advanced back up will include rotating backup with two or three set of backup filesAlso, periodically clean up the outdated files and hard disk will help the performance of your computerYou can use Windows Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter programs to help you maintain you files and hard diskThese programs are located under the System Tools menu of the Accessories menuDisk Cleanup will help removing the outdated and temporary files, while Disk Defragmenter will pack the hard disk data orderly on the hard disk to improve performanceThere are more information on the web, if you decide to use these tools.

Physically cleaning the computer, monitor and keyboard will also help to maintain it in the long runPurchase a can of compressed air to clean the hardware and monitor air vents, plus the keyboard monthly will eliminate most of the dust and food that may stick to itIf you properly maintain and clean your computer regularly, it will help the computer running smoothly and prolong its life span.