Here you will find a few good practices that Iris Webs follow in order to maintain a healthy computer. By simply following these methods, you will find maintaining your computer a lot easier and will limit the chances of a slow or infected computer.

1) Use AVG free for ant-virus and anti-spyware

This free software protects you from both ant-virus/anti-spyware, runs quietly in the background, and is in our opinion the best out there. You can also use the task scheduler to time the scans for when you are away from the computer, or when you sleep. It also updates itself daily to keep you protected. For more information click here.

2) Use Windows firewall

Whilst there are plenty of good firewalls out there, the Windows Firewall is more than adequate. It runs quietly in the background and is constantly updated by Windows Update, keeping you safe.

Should the firewall ever ask you for permission to run a program, ensure that you are familiar with the program you are allowing through the firewall and that it is safe.

3) Be in control of what you download or install

If a program asks you for permission to install, make sure you know that it is safe. Most viruses are gained by asking your permission in the first place! Your browser and windows try to warn you when you are visiting harmful sites, so most of the time you will be ok. A lot of it is common sense - just make sure you are always aware though.

Even when downloading safe programs, during the installation process ensure that you read each page and do not install any extras such as toolbars or new home pages. For example, even a safe download like AVG will prompt you for the Ask toolbar - and so if you do not want it, just uncheck all options.

If a program slips by and gets installed, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove it.

Whilst the program may not be harmful, it is taking up valuable space.

4) Regularly clear your cache

Your cache is full of temporary internet files which are downloaded when you view a page. It will save the images or flash movies on that page so that the page reloads faster next time. Whilst this is useful, you may visit some pages only once, or a lot less frequenty - and so your cache can grow and in some cases slow computers down.

So, it is recommended that once a month you clear the cache. How to do this varies on different browsers, but just click Tools and look for an option to 'Delete temporary files' or 'Clear Cache'.

5) Control what starts up with Windows

This is one of the most common causes of a slow computer. When a program is installed, it may ask if it can start with Windows. If you are likely to use the computer every time you use your computer, this is a useful option. But if you are likely to use it less often, then do not allow it to start - you can run the program from your Start > All Programs menu when needed.

To check what programs start with Windows, click on Start > All Programs > Start Up

You can remove any programs you do not wish to start with Windows by right clicking and deleting them, this will not remove your program from your computer - just its ability to start with Windows.

6) Use Malwarebytes

This excellent program continues to grow in stature and is becoming a very useful tool for computer help.

Some programs can sneak past AVG or other anti-virus, or maybe you accidentally allow them yourself, and this is where the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software comes in useful.

It is free and is very good at removing the more awkward rogue programs. For more information on this product click here.

ALL OF THE ABOVE ADVICE IS PURELY IN THE OPINION OF IRIS WEBS - YOU MAY PREFER TO USE DIFFERENT SOFTWARE. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO HAVE SOMETHING INSTALLED THAT HELPS YOU AND YOUR COMPUTER - IGNORING SAFETY WILL ONLY CAUSE MISERY LONG TERM!