• Correct Disk Cleanup shortcut for Windows Vista 64-bit (Kristan M. Kenney)
• Solution for Updating the BIOS on Windows Vista x64 Machines (Robert McLaws)
• Steve Gibson's Securable
• Switch to Windows Vista 64-bit painlessly (HOW-TO)

• Backup and Restore in Windows Vista (James M. Fisher, MVP)
• Using Windows Vista System Restore (The How-To Geek)
  
• Windows Complete Backup and Restore (Microsoft)
• Windows Vista System Restore Guide (Bleeping Computer)
  

• Part 1: one machine at a time
• Part 2: Taming UAC
• Part 3: Top Troubleshooting Tools
• Part 4: Get smart about services
• Part 5: Faster, smarter search
  

With most computers being exposed over the Internet today, there is no telling which malicious files may make their way to your computer. They normally come in the form of cookies and before you know it, something weird is bound to happen to your computer such as a sudden reboot or blue screen.

Much of these events come from continuous browsing and lackadaisical downloading from sites which you don’t even know on whether they are indeed reliable. While that is what the Internet is for most people, it holds true that when you download, the responsibility behind it is included as well. We have seen PCs wrecked in the process and while we may not be technically educated on these things, it is best to heed warnings on what we see from daily news and security bulletins that we stumble upon.

The inconvenience that such things provide is truly nasty. It can go as far as losing files and documents and apparently this becomes a cause for concern for most. For office based computers, the problem of putting confidential files at risk is also another problem and while many employ security administrators, malicious desires always find their way towards us.

One thing you must love about Windows XP is that they have the system restore option active at times that makes it easier for you to restore at some point after you have properly backed up your system. But along with that backup includes problems such as infected files by viruses or Trojans. That is perhaps if you noticed, that sometimes, when you have to get rid of a dreaded virus, tutorials will tell you to temporarily turn off the system restore option to make sure that you don’t leave any trace of these infections.

But the question is on whether you really need the system restore turned on. Some would turn it off to be safe while others just leave it on. This is to avoid the problems of infections at times but if you are wise, it is best to leave it on, especially if you are not too technically savvy about tinkering your operating system.

A good practice to consider is to of course set a restore point and then turn off the system restore. But before you do, make sure that this restore point is virus free and reliable. That way, you can be sure that

These days, we see in the computer shops wireless keyboards and mice being offered. Personally, I find them as totally useless. Why would a person want a wireless gadget for their computer? It is not like you cannot move your current keyboard and mouse far from the screen. Actually when you think of it, who would want farther from the keyboard?

The reason behind why I find this entirely outrageous is the fact that they pose more problems than good. I can understand why wireless is being done these days but if you are the technically inclined person, would you really need one? Outside that of bragging rights, the feasibility of having a keyboard farther away from your LCD monitor seems to be illogical. The only thing I can see as a benefit from it is to avoid the usual wirings that get entangled behind your CPU and nothing more. Besides I heard they run out of batteries fast!

Add to this the fact that they cost double than the usual wired keyboards or mouse we normally need. Paying for more for a standard device seems crazy and if you are wise, it would be best to stick to the default way

After you have successfully installed your Windows Operating System such as Windows XP, most settings are placed on default. Normally included in this would be the auto shut off options for your hard disk and your video card. Depending on your preference, they can be good power savers and can help a lot in reducing the stress of computer parts concerned when you happen to leave your desktop or laptop idle for some time.

But overall, they are meant to help safeguard you computer as far as leaving it open for quite some time. The computer parts such as your video card and your hard drive are taking heat when they are operational. Unless you are the type that needs the computer to be operational most of the time due to instances such as long hour downloading of large files like videos, it would be wise to save on the wear and tear as well as the energy you are consuming. Energy in the sense that we are all aware of the fast dilapidating of our energy sources and each small help counts a lot.

For the techie freaks these days, many would turn these options off for their own

When your computer is not in use, the normal understanding is that it is no longer running and is not in any manner threatened. As far as network connectivity, this is true. But as far as power surges or electric current threats are concerned, think again.

Once your computer or your automatic voltage regulator is switched off, it does not end there. The simple task of also making sure that the plug is not plugged in the outlet is another thing and apparently this is because power still runs on the sockets even if there is no power being taken from it. Especially if there are thunderstorms, be advised that a sudden electric current of any sort may affect your computer.

As it is, the plugged computer serves as a conductor to which sudden voltage surges can make its way to your computer. While not operational, it can fry your power supply, network cards or your motherboard without your knowledge. And how will you know that your motherboard has been fried? Well just switch it on and you will find no response. Chances are that at this stage, you will think that there is just some loose wires or connections