Here are some of my favorite tips to help you fix, work around, or maybe just cope with your computer.

These tips can help you speed up your system, make Windows look the way you want it, diagnose system crashes and more. Read on and learn about how to deal with some of Windows' greatest frustrations and how to make your Windows system run more smoothly than ever before.

1. Back it up. Backing up your entire hard disk might be impractical, but make sure all your data files, customization files, Registry, and application configuration files are backed up. Don't just do it once--make it a regular habit.
2. Make sure you have up-to-date Windows startup disks (Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs > Startup Disk). Be sure to have copies of all your device drivers handy as well.
3. Store your user names and passwords on paper and keep them somewhere safe. If you forget your Windows password, having it in a file on your PC won't help you.
4. Did we mention that you should back up your PC?
5. Paste a copy of each program's serial number to its CD jewel case, or use a permanent marker to write the number on the CD itself (on the label side!).
6. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you have no compelling reason to open the case or upgrade your operating system or applications, don't.
7. No kidding, I really mean it: Backup is important.

Another way to Drag and Drop
Hold down the right mouse button instead of the left one. When you lift up, the default action will be in bold, but you'll be given the choice to move, copy, or create a shortcut.

Customize the Start Menu
To customize your Start Menu, right-click on your taskbar and go to Properties > Start Menu Programs > Advanced. Because all the links in your Start Menu and Programs folders are just shortcuts in the file system, you can manipulate them as you would any other file hierarchy. The only folder in the view should be the Programs folder. Put shortcuts for frequently used programs in this view; they will show up above Programs on the Start Menu, giving you easy access.

One thing to keep in mind as you move things around in the Start Menu and Programs folders: Don't move any actual programs into these folders, only the shortcuts to them.

Change File Associations
Does it drive you crazy when that image file you just got opens up in Microsoft Paint instead of in your preferred image editor? Here's how you can make sure that never happens again:

In Explorer, select a file of the type you want to change. Hold down the Shift key, right-click on the selection, and choose Open With. In the dialog box that pops up, select the program you want to use to open the file type. Check "Always use this program to open this file," click OK, and off you go.

Prevent System Crashes

HINT: Always Shut Down Properly
Windows creates temporary files that need to be closed before you turn off your machine. If you just throw the switch, these files are left in limbo. Not only might you lose program data that has not been saved, but it's possible that badly written programs could be left in an unusable state.

Minimize Crashes and Crash Damage
Though you may never be able to prevent crashes totally, a few safe computing practices will minimize crashes and crash damage. One problem occurs when the operating system or application expects one thing but gets another, such as when you've got a program using a CD or floppy disk that you remove before saving. Here are some hints to help you prevent crashes.

1. When using Dial-Up Networking (DUN), don't physically disconnect your phone line from the PC before shutting down your connection. Depending on the application that's using DUN, Windows can hang waiting on the COM port.
2. Let ScanDisk run during boot-up if your machine requires it.
3. Store data files on a different partition from the operating system. If Windows does crash and needs to be reinstalled, you won't lose data.

What is Defrag anyway?

Your computer system needs cleaning regularly. You've probably noticed that when your computer is brand new, it works really fast. However, as you add more applications and software, the system slows down considerably.

When you repeatedly use a file stored on your computer (like writing, deleting or saving the same file), it gets fragmented in the disk. This makes your system slow down and it takes longer to retrieve information.

Fragmenting is caused when different portions of a file are written to different parts of your hard drive.

What does defragmenting exactly do?

Deframenting essentially joins all fragments of files and arranges them in logical order, so your computer reads them faster. It also clusters groups of files associated with particular applications together so that they load faster.

Microsoft Windows comes with an built in defrag utility. You can find it in the Start > Programs > Accessories > System tools menu.

And if you are wondering how frequently you should clean up your system: Defrag often!

Application Conflicts

HINT: No Uninstall Program?
So you want to uninstall a program, and for some suspicious reason, the program has no uninstall program. Don't just delete that directory. Seriously consider a third-party uninstaller such as Symantec Corp.'s Norton CleanSweep, which will typically cost you between $20 and $40.

1. Many programs have their own uninstall option, typically accessible from the application's Start Menu group or the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. This will usually get rid of the program.
2. When uninstalling, Windows does not usually delete user files, which include configuration files the program creates from your input. The main clue that these haven't been deleted is the message "Some elements could not be removed."
3. Once the uninstall is done, go into Explorer, look in the program's install directory for any files you would want to keep, and move or delete the directory. You may want to note where the program's directory is before you uninstall it by right-clicking on its shortcut and selecting Properties to see where the program is located.

Painless Printing

HINT: Keep Your Printer Close
Some printer problems stem from poor cabling. For personal printers, you should use an IEEE-1284-compliant cable—and use a short cable for better performance. A 6-foot or shorter cord should be safe.

Control Panel Shortcuts

Stop using the control panel: clicking around the desktop will get you to the applets you need.