An important part of owning a personal computer is keeping your software up-to-date. Security patches, upgrades, and hotfixes need to be installed to make your computer safer while connected to the Internet. When using a computer running Microsoft Windows, this checklist can include windows, antivirus, antispyware, and firewall updates. However, for most computer users this can seem like a daunting task and I hardly ever work on a customer’s computer without finding at least one missing needed update concerning hardware or software. The Basic UpdatesWindows UpdatesAt the very least, you should keep your computer up-to-date with the latest Windows…

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The question frequently comes up about how to format and install XP from scratch. Following are the steps I take when I get a new system. I mention the “brand names” of software I use not as an endorsement or recommendation, but just for the sake of example. After unpacking and connecting all hardware, here’s what I do: 1. Partition the HD according to my preference, thus deleting everything on the drive (the number and size of partitions is entirely up to the individual user – I prefer several, keeping the OS on c: and various programs, cache folders, swap…

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