Normally, I would tell you that it isn’t worth it but today I’m feeling gracious as I managed to finish that 98 box and the client tossed a little extra into the check. So here are a couple of simple rules to help you get by and keep your Windows PC operational and running clean.

• Update! Staying on top of security updates from Microsoft is one of the more important things you can do whether you are running XP SP2 or Windows 95. Just go to Windows Update and do it!
• Anti-Virus! This ranks up there with security fixes. Face it, Windows was not designed with security in mind and therefore is susceptible to any number of attack methods so get yourself some anti-virus software, keep it up to date, and please make sure you maintain the software contract as old definitions only protect you from old threats.
• Anti-Spyware! If you are one of those people that insists that IE does for them and there is no reason to grab Firefox or Opera or if you are one of those types that is a sucker for pop-ups that insist that your PC’s performance is lacking or what you really need are some casino games on your PC than you need packages like Spybot or Ad-Aware. Irregardless you should run these apps regularly just to be aware of what gets left on your PC after surfing.
• Software Firewall! First off, if you are on broadband you should be running behind a router and it doesn’t matter if there is only one PC, the protection is necessary. That said, software firewalls–packet filters actually–are a great way to prevent unauthorized applications from connecting in or out of your PC. Run one and keep the rules tight.
• Get Intimate! Get to know what processes should be running and what processes probably shouldn’t, Task Manager is a great tool for this as well as is Hijack This. Knowing what applications and services normally run can better assist you in troubleshooting a viral or malware outbreak as you’ll have a good idea of the number of apps and their relative footprints when your machine is healthy.

This is by no means comprehensive nor set in stone and it will not necessarily prevent problems nor will it necessarily fix them if you encounter them. I assume no responsibility for your irresponsibility.