It’s never too late to start developing smart computer management habits by implementing routine Computer Maintenance procedures. Remember, regular maintenance will keep your computer running better longer and keep you happy. The following are my top ten things that you should be doing regularly.
1. Defragment Your Drives:
You should defragment your hard drive(s) at least once a month if you are a regular computer user, or every week if you use your computer like a champion. Large downloads, as well as everyday usage will put a huge demand on your computer’s hard drive, defragmenting the hard drives will keep them happier, longer.
2. Clean Out Temp Files:
You’ll be amazed how much garbage is collected in your computer. Getting rid of some of that junk will free up space on your hard drive.
3. Update Anti-Virus Files And Scan Regularly:
I can’t stress this enough, update your Anti-virus files regularly and run at least one weekly scan of your entire system.
4. Setup A Firewall:
Firewalls will help keep unwanted visitors out of your computer, and if setup correctly, will keep programs on your computer from sending your info out.
5. Enable System Restore:
System Restore is a very powerful tool that keeps snapshots of your system settings at a point in time and allows you to restore your computer to that point in time. The System Restore utility can often prevent unnecessary computer repair bills. Unless you like handing over your hard earned cash to your friendly neighborhood Geek, I suggest getting familiar with System Restore.
6. Check Your Startup Programs And Disable The Ones You Don’t Need:
Many programs attach themselves to your daily computing with or without your permission. Disable these programs and your system will load faster and run better.
7. Run Windows Update And Install All Security Updates:
Windows Security Updates are vital to keeping your computer safe, install them.
8. Run Spyware Checkers:
Spyware, in my opinion, is no different than viruses and should be treated as such. Download anti-spyware programs and use them daily.
9. Install Programs From Reputable Websites Only:
Try limiting the programs you download and install to reputable sites like download.com. If you must download the program from an unknown site, make sure you scan it for viruses.
10. Uninstall unused programs:
Do a little house cleaning and remove any programs that you haven’t used in a while or don’t plan to use. These programs are only sitting there taking up space in your hard drive and registry.
I will be setting up step by step tutorials on how to use the above items. So keep checking back. 
To maintain optimum disk performance, the hard drive should be defragmented. A well-defragmented hard drive also tends to have a longer life span since it has to do less work, so you can probably save some money on premature hardware replacement costs.
The easiest and most effective way to defrag is by installing an automatic defragmenter. Unlike with outmoded manual or scheduled defragmentation, automatic defrag continuously combats fragmentation. This happens in the background, using only idle system resources, so normal computing activities are nor disturbed. The drives are maintained automatically, yet no work is required on the user’s part. A win-win situation!