Bug Busters

Imagine a world where your PC works flawlessly. Your programs run smoothly, your new hardware devices install perfectly, and your machine stays crash-free. What bliss.

Alas, this is the stuff of dreams.

You know that PCs are plagued with problems: Windows sometimes crashes, software packages don't always work as advertised, and you may be bombarded with endless error messages. Many of these problems are caused by bugs--mistakes made by the company in the design or programming of the software.

Software bugs are not the only annoyances wreaking havoc on your PC. Viruses also enter the scene. Unlike software bugs, viruses are created deliberately by mischievous individuals, and these rogue programs can do all kinds of damage, such as deleting your data or messing up your software. Unfortunately, bugs and viruses are not going to go away.

While the battle against PC pests continues, you can take steps to banish bugs. Follow these top tips.

Before You Install

Here's how to prevent disaster before you install something new.

Back Things Up

If you haven't already established a way to back up the data on your PC, do it now. Backing up your data simply means making a copy of the stuff you value. You need to keep this data in a safe place. If your hard drive dies, it's comforting to know that a replica of your important information is housed in a safe spot. You might want to back up your entire hard drive--if you have the space--or you might just need to back up your personal data, financial documents, confidential letters, photos, e-mail archives, and so on.

To get the backup process rolling, you have a number of options. You can install a Zip drive or a tape backup device. Zip drives offer up to 250MB of space per removable disk, and tape cartridges usually hold from 8GB to about 66GB in a compressed format. If you have a second hard drive or a CD-R or CD-RW drive, consider their storage capacities; CD-R and CD-RW discs can house up to 650MB of data. Or, a DVD-Rewritable (or recordable) drive will let you store up to 4.7GB of data on each side of a disc. Check out "Smart Storage" for detailed advice. Whatever route you choose, make backing up your data part of your computing routine. If a catastrophe strikes without warning, you'll be glad you did.

Use Your PC's Tools

If you have Windows XP or Windows Me, put the System Restore utility to work. System Restore lets you roll your PC back to a previous state, as long as you have a snapshot of your PC's settings as of that earlier time. You might lose some new data, but the PC will work as it did on that earlier date. Windows will automatically take a snapshot of your system every time you boot up successfully. But if you want to specify a particular time--say, before you install your new scanner and drivers--you need to set the "restore point" manually. Our advice: Before you add anything new, stop Windows in its tracks and create a restore point.

If you have a different flavor of Windows, consider investing in a program like Roxio's $50 GoBack 3 Deluxe. It keeps track of all changes affecting your hard drive, and it lets you restore your PC to an earlier state. (Note: GoBack costs $40 if you download it over the Internet.)

Quick tip: Make sure the autosave feature in your word processor (and other programs you rely on) is turned on. That way, if your system dies unexpectedly, you're less likely to lose your work. In Microsoft Word, for instance, choose Tools, Options and click the Save tab. Make sure the 'Save AutoRecover info every' option is checked, and select your own frequency setting in minutes. In Corel WordPerfect, select Edit, Preferences and click the Files icon. Find the 'Timed document backup every' setting, check the box, and specify a time in the minutes window.

Do Your Homework

Before you upgrade your browser or cough up the cash for a new piece of hardware or software, find out if the products you're considering have any problems. Check out what customers are saying in newsgroups. Google is a great place to start. At the main page, click the Groups tab and try typing in something generic like "problems with [product name]." You can also try your luck by including the model name or number in the search field.

It doesn't hurt to visit the vendors' Web sites, either. Head to the customer support or technical support area--if they have one. No luck? Try searching for sections labeled "Help" or "Updates." You might end up scrolling around quite a bit. Not surprisingly, information about faulty products ("known issues") or conflicts is often buried. If you see the word "recall" attached to the product you're interested in, yep, you know to steer clear.

While you're there, jot down the company's tech support phone number and relevant e-mail addresses. If your system refuses to boot up or if you can't get online at a later point, you'll have that contact info handy.

Play the Waiting Game

Think twice before downloading an early or beta version of a new product. Sure, it might cramp your style, but you're a lot better off letting other people be the guinea pigs. Wait until the problems have surfaced and the wrinkles have been ironed out.

If you've decided you're going to try out the beta version no matter what, make sure you scour the company's site for any release notes. After the feedback comes pouring in from users, companies often update any existing release notes to offer details on work-arounds and new problems.

Protect Your Computer (Part One)

With menacing viruses on the rise, you really need to install antivirus software, if you haven't already. AOL subscribers can head to the AOL Computing Anti-Virus Center using the keyword Virus. There'll you'll find tips on how to prevent viruses from afflicting your computer, along with advice on what to do if you think your PC has been infected.

McAfee's VirusScan and Symantec's Norton AntiVirus are two of the most popular products. For additional nuts-and-bolts guidance, read "Kill Viruses Before They Infect Your System."

Protect Your Computer (Part Two)

If you have an always-on Internet connection like cable or DSL, and you hang out on the Internet a lot, get a personal firewall program. Firewall software helps prevent intruders from gaining access to data on your PC, and it monitors information entering and leaving your system. ZoneAlarm by Zone Labs, for example, is free for personal use.