Below are a few basic Computing Tips that will help you maintain a healthy and fast computer.

• Safer Browsing - Always be aware of where the internet is taking you. You may have clicked on the local sports scores, but you may in fact be downloading spyware! Stay alerted to windows that pop-up while you browse. Clicking a pop-up ad will often lead to more pop-up ads. Clicking something that says Install, even when you weren't trying to install anything, can lead to malicious viruses and browser hijacks. A handy tool named WinPatrol can help protect you. WinPatrol warns you every time a change was made to your computer, and prompts you with an option to either allow the change or deny it.

• System Tweaks - Notice your computer acting slower than normal? Been a while since you emptied your temporary internet files? Here are a few tips to speed up your system:

• Run the Disk Defragmenter - (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter) When your computer writes new files to the hard drive, it doesn't necessarily write them in order. Because of this, the data can become fragmented. This causes your computer to slow down, because when it tries to access data it has to locate it first. To keep your files from becoming fragmented, run the tool once a week.

• Clear your Temporary Internet Files - (Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Delete Files/Cookies) If you have never done this before, it's about time. Temporary internet files are files that get downloaded and stored on your computer that, in small quantities won't do anything, but in large quantities will slow down your system. They are files like small images that web sites load (background images, logos, etc.), cookies, and other small items that build up and make your computer sluggish.