I mean really love it.

I have a friend who recently paid less than $50 on eBay for a Gateway laptop. She's using it as a host for her old hard drive from her beloved 1991 Gateway. It's where she wrote her first articles and her entire novel. It's part of the family now. So if you really love your computer, you don't have to upgrade to new models every few years. Just make the huge commitment to keep it running, with spare parts and lots of love.

Five heart-healthy steps for your computer:

1. Take out the trash

2. Back up your data at least once a week

3. Keep viruses, spyware, and prying eyes away with a security suite

4. Use a good surge protector. Like a bike helmet - after one crack, they lose their ability to protect you.

5. Keep your computer clean. Wipe surfaces and keep dust away. Turn your keyboard upside down and shake it a little. You might be surprised at the crumbs and debris that fall out.

Lately, more clients are bothered by spyware and popups but spam still ranks high as an annoyance and rankles the e-nerves of many people.

A telephone-based survey of 1,100 adults who use the Internet found that more than three-quarters receive spam daily. Spam averages 18.5 messages per day, and people spend an average of 2.8 minutes deleting them..

Best spam-fighting techniques

1. Look up your exact email address at Google and see if you are on a lot of undesirable lists. Getting your email address on ONE marketing list can help hundreds of spammers find you. It happens any time you create an online account for purchases, special offers, or download free software unless you specifically uncheck the boxes to get added, or quickly opt-out once you've signed up.

2. Check the privacy statement to opt-out of legitmiate but unwanted mail. For example if you signed up for Motley Fool or a daily update from CNN and wish you hadn't. But, don't reply to nasty spam. It only validates they've reached a 'live' account.

3. When you sign up at a site, look carefully to be sure you are not also agreeing to share your data with other third party companies.

4. Filter spam before it arrives in your inbox with a junk folder in Netscape, or use the spam filter at your ISP. Nothing is 100% accurate.

5. Make use of a free email address or a secondary address at your ISP when you have to give out your email address for something you're not sure of.

If you're new to Excel or want to learn a productive use for the mighty program, try using it to balance your checkbook.

Create columns similar to your bank statement, enter the numbers from your checkbook, and create a formula to compute the balance. Press F1 if you need help creating a formula.

If you'd like to download a sample bank reconciliation, follow this link to Computer Clarity. (Download requires Excel).

1. "Oh no! I accidentally pressed..." When I hear that, I want you to press Edit / Undo. It's the fastest way out of a jam.

2. Explore some fresh clipart at http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us

3. Banish clutter by keeping track of info bits in the computer instead of on paper. You can use Word or Excel, or be adventurous and download Jot Plus, OneNote or EverNote.

4. Back up your accounting records.

5. Read something new. With the wealth of worldwide resources online we often fall into the same habits we do with paper - we read the same newspapers and magazines, well... because we do. But with the world at your doorstep, stretch yourself a little and read something from the Times of London, Jerusalem Post, Albuquerque, or Carmel, Once in a while, put that Newsweek aside and go browse the web - the world's largest magazine rack.

If you need a small newsletter, either print, online, or a blog for your business or organization, start now. You'll enjoy the frequent communication with the people who know you, promote your organization, and widen your circle.

Contact Computer Clarity if you need help getting started.

My blog is at www.cclarity.blogspot.com

Helen Gallagher

Phone: 847-998-6240, www.cclarity.com