Top tips for better computing

Resolutions, usually made with some bravado on New Year's Eve, all too often fall by the wayside because they involve denying yourself something you enjoy. But if you resolve to take positive action rather than give something up, your resolutions might stay the course.

Apply this to the way in which you use your home PC by making a few simple, practical changes and you could easily make your computing experience more fulfilling and less irritating. Here are 10 resolutions we think are definitely worth keeping.

1. I will back up regularly
Avoid the sinking feeling that accompanies the foolish keystroke with which you absent-mindedly delete your home accounts or overwrite a 5,000-word document with a 50-word one that has the same file name.

It needn't be difficult. Software such as Drive Image and Partition Magic simplifies the process, allowing you to take a snap shot of your entire hard disk and create a specific section on your hard disk to store this image for safekeeping.

Alternatively, you can manually back up important files and documents in your My Documents folder to a second hard disk or removable storage.

2. I will save money by using free software
The cost of buying new software can quickly mount up but there's no need to break the bank if you want to treat your computer to a few new applications. Remember that there is plenty of alternative software available online, which you can pick up for the cost of a download.

3. I will update my antivirus software
Keeping your PC virus-free is a bit like keeping fit - you have to keep working at it. That's because the little toads who write viruses keep coming up with new ones, so antivirus software companies have to analyse each new virus and come up with a way of getting rid of it. Antivirus software comes with free updates, usually for the first year, after which you have to subscribe to continue receiving them.

4. I will save money by shopping around online
Despite the fact that you can get some great deals online, a surprising number of people still aren't happy shopping on the internet, often because they consider online transactions to be a bit dodgy. This is daft.

If you stick to the well-known, well-established parts of the web, buying online is just as safe as making a transaction in a shop. Our Active Prices service will find you the best deals on the web, whether you want a whole new PC, a new mouse or anything in between.

5. I will keep my software up to date
Windows Update will keep your copy of Windows up to the minute and can be found either in the Start menu or under Start, Help and Support, depending on which version of Windows you're using. For Office applications, choose Office on the Web from the Help menu.

It's also a good idea to regularly visit the website of the manufacturer of any hardware, such as a graphics or soundcard, you may have installed to download the latest drivers. These can make your PC run faster and more reliably.

6. I will think clean thoughts
Like anything else, hard disks can get untidy, which makes it harder to find files and applications and can affect the performance of your PC. You can buy commercial software to keep your hard disk spic and span but features in Windows, such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, can help you re-organise your files and dump those you no longer need. Our Clean up your PC feature has more tips on keeping your hard disk healthy.

You should also keep your PC clean on the outside. With everything switched off and unplugged, use a mild household detergent for surfaces and a mild window cleaner for the monitor screen. Turn the keyboard upside down and give it a gentle tap every now and again, remove the ball from the mouse if it has one, rub off any fluff from the rollers and use a can of compressed air, held upright, for cleaning the inside. Always apply cleaner to the cloth first, rather than directly to a surface.

7. I will make money out of unwanted gifts
People will buy anything. Seriously. One person's undesirable piece of tat is someone else's it's-just-what-I've-been-looking-for gem. Sell unwanted Christmas presents on eBay, the online auction site that lets you buy and sell anything from an old CD to a house. In fact, last time we looked, there was even an island for sale.

Also, eBay's small commissions won't eat into your profits too much and you get all the fun of an auction without actually having to go anywhere. Once you've sold something, they send you the money and you send them the goods - buyers usually pay for any postage costs.

8. I will look after the pennies
Personal finance may be the most boring thing on earth, but using software to manage your finances is also one of the most useful. Given how good computers are at counting, it seems wasteful not to take advantage.

If you use Excel, you'll find that Microsoft offer a number of free financial templates, while investing around £30 in either Microsoft Money or Intuit's Quicken will pay for itself the first time you don't go overdrawn or don't miss a loan payment. For more ideas on using software to manage your finances, see our Money management made easy feature.

9. I will become organised
Make life less complicated by spending an hour putting your important information in one place where you can find it easily. Include telephone numbers for software support for your different applications and for your hardware (printers, scanners, digital cameras and so on) and include useful website addresses too.

Make sure you know the version of the applications you are using (you can usually find it by choosing the About option on the Help menu) and the version of Windows - double-click the My Computer icon and choose About from the Help menu. Finally, for detailed information about your PC, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then System Information.

10. I will get more from the software I already own
Most of the time, you only scratch the surface of any application's capabilities when you use the software installed on your PC. Make sure you read the manual that came with your software and, if there isn't a printed one, look for an electronic one online or on the CD-Rom.

The first time you use some applications there is an option to take a tour around the software. This is a good way to learn more about the features the application offers. Alternatively, visit the manufacturer's website for more tips and tricks or try searching for other users in Google's Groups section.