Anti-Virus Software is Required. Also check from time to time that the virus definitions are still updating automatically. If the logo for your antivirus in the System Tray turns gray, it's probably not been updating.
Use the Keyboard: Using Keyboard Shortcuts instead of the mouse or trackball can make many operations in Windows faster, more accurate, and easier. It's true that you have to think a bit at the beginning, but it will be worth it. Here are a few of my favorite shortcuts.
Save your work in most applications : Ctrl+S
Close an application: Alt+ F4
Open Explorer: + E (The Windows key is in the bottom row between Ctrl and Alt. I'll bet you wondered what it was for.)
Show the Desktop (minimize all the open windows):
+MRestore all the windows you just minimized: +
Shift + MTAB when moving between fields in a dialog box or online form.
Handling E-mail
Stop Spam: Well, you can't stop it, but you can filter it out. If your e-mail program includes Spam or JunkMail filters, turn them on. If not, buy a program likeSpamBully or MailFrontier.
Fight Viruses: Make sure your e-mail program has whatever updates and security fixes available. For example, viruses can be downloaded automatically when you open pictures in e-mail. Updates to Outllok and Outlook Express cause the program to ask you for confirmation before opening the pictures.
Use Message Rules to automatically sort your e-mail. If you subscribe to any e-mail lists, and certainly if you subscribe to more than one, define rules to place them in separate folders where they won't interfere with your real mail. Check this page for an illustrated guide to message rules in Outlook Express:http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/topics/email/general/853/. More links will be posted in the future.
