These days, almost everyone relies on a computer to conduct business, maintain records, share photos, communicate with friends and family and/or perform online banking. Anything from a small glitch to a computer crash can potentially lose critical information and corrupt files, leaving you having to start over - from scratch.

That's why it's important to maintain the health of your computer. Here are some ways to extend the life of your computer:

1. Protect your laptop in a carrying case when transporting it from place to place to protect it from bumps, nicks or possibly dropping it on the floor.

2. Keep your computer turned on until all of the lights on the computer are off to prevent from damaging the hard drive.

3. Store the computer in room temperature.

4. Keep liquids, dust, dirt and food away from the monitor, mouse, keyboard and other areas. Regularly clean out holes and disk areas with a computer cleaning kit.

5. Checks files and program regularly using an antivirus program, as well as conduct regular Microsoft and hardware updates. Also, set up scheduled maintenance tasks through your maintenance wizard.

6. Disable macros from suspicious files. These programs will send a warning message should you be opening and possibly downloading a virus.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to do whatever it is you do on your computer, and more.