Personal computers are like cars: complicated but extremely useful tools which enable you to go much further and faster than you could without them. Like a car, you don't have to understand a great deal about how a computer works to be able to operate one, but there are a few basics you need to know to keep one running.

Get an anti-virus and check it everyday. Make sure it's scanning and updating like it should. Don't get on the internet if it's not running. That pop-up telling you your anti-virus subscription has expired is like an oil light. Ignore it long enough and your computer will come grinding to a halt, maybe for good.

Back up your photos and documents. Back up everything on your computer that you would be sad to lose. Just like the family car (particularly if you have teenagers), one day that baby's gonna simply breakdown. And, if you don't have some kind of back up plan already in place, you'll be left hanging.

If you’re going to do something to your computer, like set-up a printer or a piece of software, read the installation guide first. Dang, at least flip through it… save yourself some heart-ache.

Plug your computer equipment into the biggest, baddest surge protector you can find. Especially if you, like me, live in a rural area. I have my stuff plugged into surge protectors that are plugged into battery back ups. That offers pretty good protection and keeps things up and running during those 7-second power lapses we get every time the wind blows hard.

If your computer is annoyingly slow, even if you’re not on the internet, get some more RAM. If your computer is annoyingly slow only when you’re on the internet, call your Internet Service Provider and complain. Here, the squeaky wheel often gets better service, if they’re able.