Since the Tribune ran the first “Ask Joe” column, I have received many e-mails with questions about basic system maintenance. Like frequent oil changes for your car there are a few things you can do to keep your system running smooth.

Here are some basic tips to keep in mind to keep that computer running smooth.

Out of the box:

So you just got a new computer…now what? My first suggestion is to place your computer in an environmentally stable location. That is, away from extreme heat or cold.

Try not to place it too close to your kitchen so you don't get oil build-up around your hardware.

It is important that the system have good air flow around it. Try not to cram your computer between the wall and your desk…overheating is a common problem with today's faster chips and bigger video cards.

Connecting the wires:

Be aware of your power supply. Don't connect all of your plugs straight into the wall outlet. Lightning and power surges can cause serious damage to your monitor, computer, and peripherals. Instead, buy a good back-up power supply. Normally, APC (www.apc.com) is what I use, but if you are on a tight budget, a power strip with warranty will do.

Don't be afraid to look inside:

Become acquainted with your hardware. Find out where your hard drive, memory, and CPU (central processing unit) are located. If 14-year-olds, who don't know what an amortized loan is, can configure and tweak their computers, you can too!

Once it's running:

Maintain good filing practices. Always save files in “ My Documents” ...not in the C: directory. Try to put your pictures in one place, correspondence in another, etc. If you are running Windows XP, it will try to keep you organized by defaulting to the “My Documents” folder when you save files.

Anti-virus: