Dear Tech In-Law,

Here is a first question from me: I typically end up needing service 3 or 4 times per year for my computer running slow, freezing, or crashing. Last month I got the blue screen and almost $250 from a local computer store to repair. I know basics of computer cleanup, but how can I save money on these frequent maintenance issues? Is the answer to get a Mac? (which I am considering...)

Thanks,
Becky

Dear Becky,
Allright, so your issue is something I hear often. As far as getting a Mac goes, I've been a big fan for a long time. We'll address that in a minute.

As far as your current system goes, there are some free tools out there designed to help keep everything maintained nicely. I'm sure you are aware of the applications offered from Norton and McAfee that will help keep these in check, but you need your system cleaned up first and in good order to then be able to take advantage of these monitoring programs.

Here are some free applications that I have used and found success with. They will go a long way in helping clean your system and keep it maintained.

1. Ccleaner - This is a nice freeware utility that can help clean your computer and has a simple enough interface to use. The site has a guided tour which will give you an idea on what kind of things you can do with this utility. You can also keep it very simple by right-clicking on the recycle bin and simply pressing "run ccleaner" and it will run everything automatically. They do suggest you look through all the options before you run it to make sure you have the desired settings correct.
   
   
2. Spybot Search & Destroy - Another free tool that scan and remove spyware, adware, etc. - basically all the things that can cause your computer to slow down and are produce some unwanted results.
   
   
3. I see by your e-mail that you are using the free AVG anti-virus solution which has is very popular and highly rated. They also offer a free anti-spyware utility as well in case you would rather use that than the spybot choice listed above.
   
   
4. Spambayes - if you do not have an anti-spam application on your system, here is a good free option that works with most major e-mail clients. Controlling your spam messages is another great way from keeping harmful files at bay.

So, all of these are free options that you can use now to try and achieve some better results. At that point, you have to make a decision if you need to purchase something more robust that will also monitor your system at all times and help keep you in good shape. Unfortunately that won't always keep your system from freezing, crashing, or producing the infamous blue screen, but should make a noticeable difference.

If you are experiencing these issues often and expect to spend a lot more money, then it may be time to look at a different system. Whether you buy another PC or Mac is a personal choice, and what I would recommend is that you stop by an Apple store and play around on one and ask some questions. Or ask some people who have owned one for awhile and get their opinion and make the best choice for what you will be using it for. If you want to read what Apple views as an advantage for Windows users, you can click here.

There are several reasons why I personally enjoy working on a Mac but to be honest their slogan about "it just works" probably nails it best.