What is a virus? A computer virus is a program that can make copies of itself. Most computer viruses do nothing more than this and are more of an annoyance than a danger. Some computer viruses, though, may also harm data and programs stored on a computer. What types of viruses are there? Program viruses [...]

Backing up your files simply means making a copy of them so that if the original is lost or damaged, you can use the copy. You can back up your hard disk to floppies, to a Zip disk, or to a tape drive. For under $100.00 you can purchase an external drive to do all [...]

You have lots of reasons to keep the files on your hard disk organized.   First, it makes it easier to do “housecleaning” — deleting files you no longer need.   Second, keeping data files in their own well-labeled folders reduces the risk that you will inadvertently delete an important program or data file.   [...]

Because it is the place where you permanently store your applications and, more important, the data files you create with those applications, your hard disk requires special attention to keep it operating at peak efficiency. Disk scans for “lost” files and bad sectors will prevent most disk problems before they occur, while running a DISK [...]