Computer problems

I seem to be reading a lot of journals whose writers have computer problems. It's obviously impossible to give a "one brand fits all" solution, but a couple of steps might help.

* do a thorough virus check, which goes through all your files
You do have a virusscanner, active and up to date, do you?

* clean out your firewall, if you know what all the programs are that have surreptitiously sought and gained permission to go on the Net
You do have a firewall, do you?

* clear out all your temporary files and browser caches, including the ones on AOL

* do a spyware check, using AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4 - these can be downloaded free of charge.

* install a resident spyware scanner and do a thorough scan. Don't use that crappy Spyzapper from AOL. AVG have a free Anti-spyware program.

* if you're not the only one using the PC, make sure that only responsible adults can install stuff. In order words, restrict your administrative privileges. Be careful what you download, and from where.

* remove anything you don't know what it is, what it does or whatever. Go through the Add/Remove programs section of Control Panel to do that.

* if you're having major issues with spyware / adware (usually just as bad as having a virus), ask for specialist advice on a reputable message board

This is obviously NOT taking into account those of you who have set-up problems, rows with an ISP (AOL or whoever), their hardware or whatever. Nonetheless, might be worth spending a rainy Sunday doing this.