Are you wondering if you might need anything else to keep your machine up to date and protected? Here are a few things to consider:

• Backup your hard drive
• Anti-spyware (Spyware Sweeper)
• Anti-Virus Software (Grisoft AVG, Nod32, Kapersky)
• Battery Backup Power (UPS - APC)
• Enough Memory (RAM)
• Windows Update
• Firewall

Backing up your hard drive
We often overlook things that should be done on a regular basis to keep our machines up to date. We ask clients how many days of information could you afford to lose before it starts to worry you? This dictates how often you need to back up your files. Many people often forget to include emails, address books, computer settings when they think about what valuable information is inside their computer.

We recommend using backup software (eg. Acronis TruImage ) and something to record it to (another hard drive or usb flash drive (keychain drive). The more important the data, the more frequently it should be backed up and multiple copies should be kept in different physical locations. This helps protect it in the event of a disaster.

Another great solution is to use an off-site backup service like Mozy. They offer unlimited backup for $4.95/month. Go to Mozy and use the coupon code DECEMBER to get 10% off! This is a great deal for cheap insurance. They will give you the security of having a copy of your files protected from fire or disaster. It is constantly updated when you change your files.

Spyware or Malware
Everyone likes something for nothing. Caveat Empor (Let the buyer beware!) Have you ever downloaded a game or a piece of software and suddenly windows open up even though you did not do anything?

This "free" software has a cost to it often buried in the "end user license agreement" or all the little fine print we all agree to when we install something. The fine print none of us read. These programs can track your web surfing, open your computer to viruses and generally slow down its performance. By using a program such as Webroot's Spyware Sweeper, it can keep your system clean and prevent attacks.

Anti-Virus Software
With the number of worms and viruses increasing daily on the Internet, a good anti-virus package is a Must-have! Any of the common ones (Grisoft's AVG, Symantec's Norton ) will work. If you risk not having one, you can be attacked and have anything from a computer slowdown, constant reboots, lost files and having someone else storing files on your computer without you knowing it! You can get a free version of AVG!

Battery Backup Power Supply
Every winter we are reminded how vulnerable we are to power outages. They can occur at any time. Sometimes even an air conditioner or refrigerator can cause problems. Even a momentary power loss can lock up your machine and if you haven't saved recently, your work is gone... These units looks like a large power strip and include a battery that supplies power to your computer. They give you from a few minutes of power up to hours of running time. APC makes the industry standard. You can purchase them from Staples, Best Buy or Office Depot.

Enough Memory (RAM)
This part of a computer can slow it down noticeably with more than one program running. If you switch from one program to another (e.g.. MS Word, e-mail, Internet Explorer) and notice a long pause, you probably can use more RAM. This allows your computer to work efficiently. Most computers these days should have a minimum of 1GB (good) or 2gb (better) of Ram for Windows XP and 2GB (good) or 4gb (better) for Vista.

Windows Update
This is a simple procedure (found under the Start button - Windows Update) that checks Microsoft's web site for updates and security patches. Recently this has become a necessity to keeping one's machine protected. Even with an anti-virus program running, if you don't have all the patches downloaded, you run the risk of having the viruses get into your machine through its blind spot.

Firewall
A firewall is another part of your computer's protection against attack. With Windows XP's latest update from Microsoft, your firewall is turned on automatically. With Windows 98, you will need to download one and install it. Then you will need to teach the program which parts of your computer need to access the internet and which don't. It gives you a way to monitor who is trying to get out to the internet from your computer and whether they are legitamte programs or not. A few examples are your email program such as Outlook Express (legitimate), AOL instant messenger (legitimate), and spyware or viruses (not legitimate).