Here we go…

1. A computer is nothing to be afraid of. So, go ahead and explore the file system. Aside from deleting any files located in c:\windows, or c:\program files, there isn’t to much that can go wrong by going into My Computer and taking a look around, Trial & error work for you as a small child, why not as an adult.

• 2010 Update: Nothing new to add here. Explore your systems!

2. Beware deals that are “to good to be true”. Shop around, ask friends, and take your time. Quite often the mega deals large retailers put on are marked as refurbished . Depending on the store this can mean anything from the entire unit has been repaired (i.e. laptops) to some or all of the parts inside the case were repaired.

• 2010 Update: Netbooks took the world by storm and drove pricing down. Apple and the iPhone/iPod Touch revolutionized hand-held mobile computing, but, you still need to beware of what you are purchasing but getting a good web surfing PC, or Mac, is relatively inexpensive.

3. Do not purchase a computer that comes with a copy of Windows installed without making sure you actually paid for the operating system. Often small retailers will sell you a system that comes with Windows XP, but not give you the installation CD. This is illegal and you can report this behavior to Microsoft. A copy of XP Home can be found online for as little as $100 CAD.

• 2010 Update: Windows Vista and 7 have been released but the message is the same, make your OS legit. For those looking to save on an OS can look to the many Linux distros for a solid operating system for free.

4. Anti-virus/Anti-spyware. Today an unprotected PC can be infected in less time than it takes to boil water. Invest in a good anti-virus(AV) program and keep it up to date. There are a number of good programs to choose from and even a free one . In addition to AV protection it is a good idea to install a anti-spyware (AS) program as well. Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware is free and I recommend its use. It will root out the ad- and spy-ware on your PC that you get from surfing the web.

• 2010 Update: The point is still valid but recommendations have changed. Microsoft released Security Essentials free to Windows users and it ranks well in detection and system resource utilization and is my AV of choice. SuperAntiSpyware is a great free anti-malware scanner.

5. Use an alternate browser and email client. Internet Explorer 6 and Outlook Express have long been the target of virus writers and hackers. The Mozilla Foundation’s Firefox web browser and Thunderbird email client and more secure than IE6 and Outlook Express and are quite easy to use. Although the main draw for me to Firefox are the extensions that have been developed to extend Firefox. Opera is highly regarded by those who use it and the new Internet Explorer 7 has been improved but it still lacks in web standards.

• 2010 Update: IE 7 and 8 have been released and have improved the built in Windows web browser but I still prefer looking to an alternate. Firefox is the de-facto alternate browser, and while security holes do exist they are patch by Mozilla in a timely manner. The main draw to Firefox is the vast amount of quality browser extension. Google Chrome has stormed into the browser wars and offers a light, secure browser. Google is also slowing expanding Chrome to include extensions. Firefox is still my main browser, but Chrome is slowing gaining my attention. Opera and Safari round out the major browser alternates and have fans of their own.

There you go, my top 5 (updated!) tips for a new or prospective computer owner.

Windows Defender 1.1 was the top free application but scored poorly in the tests.  Windows Defender scored best in detecting Behavior-based protection.  Paul Thurrott is a big supporter of Windows Defender.  I wouldn't go so far as to say Defender is the best anti-spyware app out there, but it is an older review.  I recommend installing defender if you do not have an anti-spyware app on your PC, but, you should also use another anti-spyware app like Ad-Aware or Spybot Search & Destroy, both of which are free.

1. A computer is nothing to be afraid of. So, go ahead and explore the file system. Aside from deleting any files located in c:\windows, or c:\program files, there isn't to much that can go wrong by going into My Computer and taking a look around, Trial & error work for you as a small child, why not as an adult.

2. Beware deals that are "to good to be true". Shop around, ask friends, and take your time. Quite often the mega deals large retailers put on are marked as refurbished . Depending on the store this can mean anything from the entire unit has been repaired (i.e. laptops) to some or all of the parts inside the case were repaired.

3. Do not purchase a computer that comes with a copy of Windows installed without making sure you actually paid for the operating system. Often small retailers will sell you a system that comes with Windows XP, but not give you the installation CD. This is illegal and you can report this behavior to Microsoft. A copy of XP Home can be found online for as little as $100 CAD.

4. Anti-virus/Anti-spyware. Today an unprotected PC can be infected in less time than it takes to boil water. Invest in a good anti-virus(AV) program and keep it up to date. There are a number of good programs to choose from and even a free one . In addition to AV protection it is a good idea to install a anti-spyware (AS) program as well. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware is free and I recommend its use. It will root out the ad- and spy-ware on your PC that you get from surfing the web.

5. Use an alternate browser and email client. Internet Explorer 6 and Outlook Express have long been the target of virus writers and hackers. The Mozilla Foundation's Firefox web browser and Thunderbird email client and more secure than IE6 and Outlook Express and are quite easy to use. Although the main draw for me to Firefox are the extensions that have been developed to extend Firefox. Opera is highly regarded by those who use it and the new Internet Explorer 7 has been improved but it still lacks in web standards.

There you go, my top 5 tips for a new or prospective computer owner.