Windows Update
Applying all the latest updates and fixes from Microsoft is one of the best ways to safe guard your computer from online threats. To run Windows Update manually open Internet Explorer and select Windows Update form the Tools menu. This will take you to Microsoft's Windows Update site which will tell you which updates you need to install.

Spyware
Spyware is a form of malicious software that can be downloaded onto your computer from the Internet. Once on your computer spyware can monitor your activities and send confidential information such as passwords or credit card details to a hacker. Spyware can also result in annoying popup windows appearing on your computer. If your computer runs Windows XP then you can download Microsoft's own AntiSpyware program from here. If you are running an earlier version of windows then Spybot Search & Destroy can help protect your computer from spyware.

Viruses
Computer viruses are similar to spyware in that they are a form of malicious software that can affect your computer. Unlike spyware viruses tend to be self-replicating and can spread quickly to other computers. Viruses can cause damage to files on your computer which can cause it stop functioning correctly. You can protect your computer from viruses by installing an anti-virus application like Norton AntiVirus or McAfee Virusscan. There are also several free anti-virus applications available that you can download from the Internet such as AVG Anti-Virus.

Common Printer Problems
If your printer is not working, one of the first things that you should do is check to see if the cable that connects it to your computer has become loose. Most printers use USB cables which can easily become dislodged if you move your printer.
Some printer problems are, of course, more serious than a dislodged cable. These are a few things that you can try if your printer is playing up.
1. From the Start Menu select Printers and Faxes.
2. Double click on the icon that represents your printer.
3. If there are any documents stuck in the print queue then select Cancel All Documents from the Printer menu.
4. Occasionally you may need to reinstall your printer driver. To do this, right click on the icon that represents your printer in the Printer and faxes control panel and choose delete. Reinstall the printer drivers using the CD that came with the printer. If you no longer have the CD then you can download the drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Broadband Problems
If you get broadband via your telephone line then you will be using a technology called ADSL. With ADSL you must have a Micro-filter plugged into every phone socket in your house that has a telephone or fax machine connected to it. When you first sign up with broadband you usually get one or two filters with your modem. You can buy additional microfilters from any good computer shop.

Windows Safe Mode
If your computer refuses to startup then booting it up into safe mode my help you fix the problem. Safe Mode allows Windows to startup using its default drivers and settings. If a third party driver is causing problems then it will not be loaded during Safe Mode and can then be disabled. To startup in Safe Mode press the F8 key after you turn your computer on.