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	Free Computer Clean-Up Fix your computer right now - free tips and advice on how to clean up your PC or notebook computer.  Read our easy-to-follow steps on how to clean up your computer and the best computer virus protection.  Once you are finished, make sure you protect your computer from harmful viruses and spyware - learn how to protect your PC.

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Update your Windows operating system (Windows Update)
Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer to see what updates are required and provides you with a list of updates tailored just for you.  Often, these updates include crucial security or stability patches that will fix known, chronic problems.  Recent Windows XP Service Packs have solved security issues, installed firewalls for your protection, and increased the stability of your system. 

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) free download includes a robust new firewall and a modest pop-up blocker.  Both of these tools can help you defend your computer.
 

"A typical unprotected PC will come under attack
within 20 minutes of being connected to the Internet."

Run Regular Updates
If you followed our Computer Clean Up Steps, your computer is now clean, and up to date.  But, you will have to keep it up to date.  To do so means updating a number of files via downloads on the internet: 

Update your Windows Operating System - download the appropriate files, patches, and service packs from microsoft.  Downloading and installing such files will ensure that your computer is up to date.  Often these files will fix a problem, security flaw, or other weakness in your operating system.  You can set up Automatic Windows Updates by going to your Control Panel and clicking on "Automatic Updates".  You can also manually connect for an update by clicking on "Start", "All Programs", then click on "Windows Update".  Upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer, including all the latest security patches, will help ensure you have the most current protection available.  Internet Explorer (IE) version 7 includes new anti-phishing features that help protect you.

Update your Drivers
Drivers are software files that keep your peripheral devices (such as printers, scanners, cameras...) running properly.  Often times, these devices ship with outdated drivers.  Or your drivers become corrupted.  Either way, the easiest way to fix a problem with your printer, scanner, camera, etc. is to simply UNINSTALL the device, then REINSTALL with current, updated drivers.  The best way to find the most up to date drivers is to log onto the company's website and download drivers directly from the manufacturer.  For example, if you have an HP printer, you should go to HP's website and search for "download drivers".

To update a driver, you'll need to retrieve it from the device maker's Web site. Most peripheral makers have a support or customer care area on their Web site that contains driver files. Drivers also come on floppy disk or CDs what come with the device, though it is advisable to get the latest driver from the device manufacturer's Web site. If you need help in finding a driver look at these sites: http://www.driverguide.com/ or http://www.windrivers.com or http://www.driverzone.com/ or http://www.drivershq.com/ or perhaps http://www.mrdriver.com/.

Last Step:
6. Backup your Data

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