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Happygrrls' How-To:

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Spring clean your comp...

We don't know who this woman is, but we suspect that she's really happy because her computer is clean!

Keeping your computer clean inside and out is one chore you shouldn't back out of.

Spring's pretty much sprung, and many of us are busy cleaning our garages, closets and basements - or, at least, thinking about it. It may also be a good time to consider cleaning your computer.

If your hard drive is overflowing with downloaded e-mail attachments, saved instant-messenger conversations and old university essays, here's a newsflash: keeping your files clean and organized and reserving space on your hard drive are as important as cleaning the dust from the back of the computer and the dirt out from the keyboard and mouse. Luckily, there are some painless ways to polish your PC, inside and out.

To keep things simple, here are five things you can do to your computer now to make a world of difference later.

Cleaning Tips

1. The Hard Drive Dump: Deleting unnecessary programs and applications.
   By cleaning up your hard drive, you'll be able to keep what you want (your first-and-only A+ English Lit essay) and trash what you don't (old love letters to your ex). The hard drive stores all the programs and applications on your computer. Depending on what you use your computer for, you can probably delete some of the stuff that's there, freeing up space for things you actually use.

   Uninstalling programs on the hard drive requires a different process for Macs and PCs. The best way to get rid of an unwanted program on a Mac is to click on it and drag it over to the Trash icon on the desktop. Select Special from the main menu, click Empty Trash and - ta-da!

   PC users: Click the Start button at the bottom left of the desktop, choose Settings and click Control Panel, which contains much of what's stored on the hard drive. Click the Add/Remove Programs function and you'll see a list of everything stored on the hard drive. Find the program you want to uninstall and, once you're sure, click on it. You'll see Add/Remove Programs in bold; click there. Your computer will ask if you're sure you want to delete the item. Click Yes, and the computer's Wizard will take care of the rest. Voila! (Please note: the interface might differ slightly depending on which version of Windows you're running, but the process is still the same.)

2. Give Your Computer Its Vitamins: Loading anti-virus software.
   Viruses are a pain. There usually aren't any cures for them and they can stick around a long time. Healthy bodies can fight most viruses off, but computers can't.

   The viruses your computer picks up come from outside sources, like the Internet or e-mail attachments. They can range from mild to serious and, aside from common sense (never opening attachments sent from unknown e-mail addresses), there's only one thing you can do to prevent them: use anti-virus software. Since there are always new viruses being created and passed along, it's important to fortify your computer with the latest version of whatever software you choose.

   There are some great sources for anti-virus software; some programs are free for download and others can be bought in CD-ROM format. Two of the best anti-virus programs available are at Symantec and McAfee. When downloading free anti-virus software, make sure you're getting the latest version for either Macs or PCs.

3. Out With the Old, In With the New: Internet browser update.
   Cleaning out your closet has its perks. Sure, it may be hard to get rid of that teen tiny bikini you wore when you were 17, but thinking of the new clothes you can buy to fill all that extra space you made can definitely help! Here's your chance to get the same feeling from your computer.

   Just as it's important to keep your anti-virus software current, it's important to keep up with the latest versions of Internet browsers so you can see more of what the Web has to offer. Updates come out every year or so; if you haven't downloaded one in more than a year, now's a good time to check.

   Companies who offer browsers usually allow you to download the latest version free from their Web site. Some company sites will even tell you what version your computer currently uses. If yours is dated, you should get rid of it and download the most current version (quick hint: to check what browser version you currently have, just click on the Help tab at the top of the page, and scroll down to About). Just remember to choose a reputable source such as Netscape, Internet Explorer, or Mozilla.

4. Matching Socks: Defragmenting the hard drive.
   It's easy to be lazy when it comes to folding laundry, especially where socks are concerned. Instead of matching up all your black trouser socks, you might just throw them into the drawer. But when Monday morning rolls around and you're late for work, the last thing you want to be doing is rifling frantically through your dresser, trying to find a matching pair.

   A similar thing happens when your computer's hard drive is fragmented and your files are all stored in different places. When you ask your computer to locate and retrieve a file, it has to look everywhere, which can seriously slow it down.

   PCs come with built-in defragmenters. Click the Start button on your desktop, go to Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools - here you'll see Disk Defragmenters (again, the interface may vary from version to version, but the process is still the same). Simply click and your computer will match your socks - uh, files - for you!

   Mac users will have to get some software, like the Norton Utilities Speed Disk. Some others to try are Disk First Aid and Mac Tools Deluxe. Whatever you do, stay away from shareware and free programs - they're much too risky for something this important.

5. Squeaky Clean: Neat and tidy, inside and out.
   No matter how spotless your home is, people will think you're a slob if your lawn is overgrown and weeds are taking over your garden. It's just as important to keep things clean on the outside as on the inside. Wiping down your keyboard, monitor and mouse and keeping the dust away will mean fewer lost files and crashes in the future.

   Today, you can choose from a variety of specialty cleaning products and supplies designed to clean your computer screen, keyboard and mouse (put that Windex away!). Check your nearest office supplies superstore (Staples, Office Depot) to stock up on screen-suitable wipes and compressed air (to blast the crumbs out from between your keys). You can also use lint-free cloths and cotton swabs to tidy up.

   Bonus Tip: Try covering your computer when you're not using it, to keep the dust off. While some companies make custom computer covers (www.educationalcomputersupplies.com), a clean sheet or some plastic will do the trick. ¤ Noa