One of the most important components of your computer is the hard drive, the primary storage site for your information. Caring for your hard drive primarily means keeping your data organized so that the drive can access it quickly. Over time, information stored on your computer gets fragmented (broken up into different storage sites on the hard drive). You can correct this with a regular maintenance program that clears out unnecessary files and pulls the valuable ones back together. Two utility programs, Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter , make this easier.

• Go to Start , then Programs , then Accessories , then System Tools , then Disk Cleanup.
  
• Using the drop-down menu, select the drive that you want to work with (on most computers the hard drive is drive C ). The program will need a short while to prepare for the clean up.
  
• Check the types of files you want to remove on the Disk Cleanup tab. These generally include: Temporary Internet Files (web pages that were stored for quick access – deleting these will not affect your Internet browser preferences or bookmarks); Temporary Files which were created by certain applications for short-term use; Downloaded Program Files such as Java or ActiveX applications which were used to view some web pages during Internet browsing; and the Recycle Bin which holds files that you have already chosen to delete – these are not removed from your hard drive until you “empty the bin”. If there are programs or applications you are not going to use, you can remove these by selecting More Options . The Cleanup button will open an Add/Remove Programs utility in which you can then select the programs you want to take off your computer.

• Go to Start , then Programs , then Accessories , then System Tools , then Disk Defragmenter . Click on the Analyze button at the bottom left of the window. This will check you drive and tell you whether you should do a defragment or not. If it is recommended, click on the Defragment button. You will see a graphic showing the progress of the utility.
  
• Your data can be vulnerable in the event of power loss during a defragmentation. If you suspect a possible loss of power (from an incoming electrical storm, etc.), press Stop to cancel the defragment.
  
• Should you find you need to use your computer during a defragment, It is generally best not to use Pause . Stop the application instead and redo the process another time.

• Go to Start , then Programs , then Accessories , then System Tools and select Disk Defragmenter.
  
• Choose the drive (usually C) that you want to defragment and click on the Settings button.
  
• On the Settings menu, click on the box beside Rearrange program files so my programs start faster and also click on the box beside Check drive for errors . Click on the OK button to return to the previous screen and click on OK again to start the defragmentation.

Processor Care

• Keep the area around your computer as dust-free as possible. Dust can form an insulating blanket on the CPU and other circuit-bearing parts of the computer.
  
• Make certain that the fan(s) are working inside your computer. If a fan starts making unusual sounds or stops working altogether, replace it. Fans are inexpensive and are absolutely necessary.
  
• Place the box-shaped casing that houses your computer away from sources of heat like furnace outlets, household appliances, or direct sunlight.
  
• Ensure that there is ample space for air to flow around every side of the computer casing.
  
• Every 9 to 12 months, disconnect your computer, take it outside, remove the side covers and carefully dust it out using a can of compressed air. Pay special attention to circuit-bearing parts. Never use any kind of vacuum to remove dust from a computer, as the static electricity they produce can damage components.