A reminder of some essentials we should all be doing to look after our PCs and protect our important data from loss or corruption.

1. Are you regularly backing up your data to CD - copy important data files regularly to CD-RW and  cycle between 2 CDs - I recommend you continue to keep all your data folders and files in the My Documents folder - then you know where they are to copy or backup. Occasionally copy My Documents and any other important data files to a permanent CD and keep a copy in separate building to other backup CDs
2. Run the disc cleanup and defrag monthly
3. Do you have a list of the information related to your PC - serial Number, Dell Tag number, licence numbers (MS office) - keep original CDs in a secure place.
4. Make sure the PC equipment and printers etc are fully covered by your insurance in case of a need to claim.
5. Do you have a list of all the important user ids and passwords for services you have set-up - your ISP and e-mail account, your domain name...
6. Keep passwords hidden but accessible  to yourself (and colleague for backup)  - a suggestion  is to use an Excel spreadsheet and password protect.
7. Don't forget to claim the tax allowance in your tax return, you can claim 40% allowance for any computer equipment you buy in each tax year.
8. Check you phone bills for the internet call charges - if still using pay-as-you-go or dial-up 'anytime' accounts it is time you moved to broadband now available for between £10 to £15 depending on provider and service chosen
9. Install Firewall software, enable Windows XP built in firewall especially if on broadband, an alternative which is said to be even better is Zone Alarm which is free http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp