For the amount that we rely on our computers, we really do not look after them as well as we should. We wouldn't treat our other possessions this way so why not start looking after your computer yourself so you dont get stuck with expensive repair bills.

Here are 7 handy hints for Windows 7 Maintenance (no pun intended).

Install the latest Windows 7 Updates
Microsoft has made operating system update available since 1998. After installation of Windows Update, the software will scan for available updates. You can also download option updates for other Microsoft applications and utilities through Windows Update.

Keep your antivirus up to date.
Your antivirus and antispyware could be less than effective if you do not keep them up to date. Most of these tools will display a notification icon in your start menu. When update are available, this icon will usually let you know by flashing or popping up a message. To stay safe with your antivirus and antispyware, set them up to update automatically.
As well as updating your antivirus software, you should perform regular system scans, at least once a month. This ensures that your computer remains for sensitive data, like bank details or purchases.

Install available system utilities and application updates.
All the applications and software that you have installed on your computer are a security risk if you are connected to the internet Out of date software can have known exploits that allow a hacker to gain access to your computers hard drive.

Clean up unwanted and unused software
Your computer probably has more junk data on it than you know. All of this garbage can strangle your computers resources and cause slow down. There is a free tool called cCleaner that can be used to get rid of old temporary and cached files.

Computers shipped from the manufacturer come preinstalled with all kinds of bloatware which you do not need and can be removed to create more space. There is some useful stuff but most of it is junk. If you do not decide to purchase software after a free trial has ended, remove the application.

Use Windows System Restore.
When you get a new computer, creating a system restore is a great thing to do before you install any new software. Some software can cause problems that are most easily resolved by using system restore. System restore can help you with these issues and more.

System restore is a safe way to undo system configuration changes that you have made. The best part is that this tool is built into the Windows operating system.

To create a new system restore point go to Control Panel and select Backup and Restore. Windows 7 users click Recover system settings or your computer. Vista users can select Create a restore point or change settings. After you have created a restore point, you can access it through CCleaner or Windows Explorer.

Use defragmentation tools to check your hard drive for errors.
To help your computer maintain the integrity of your data there are two different checks that you should perform. The first is defragmenting your hard drive. Over time, files on your computer become fragmented which means spread out over your computer. When you defragment your hard drive, the tool attempts to reduce levels of fragmentation on the selected drive.

Windows has a built-in defragmenter and check-disk utility. To get to either of these tools, open Windows Explorer, right click on the drive to scan. Select Properties and click on tools. To start defragmentation of analysis, navigate to the error checking section and press the check now button. To perform a check disk, go to the Error-checking section and press the Check now button.

Use a third party maintenance tool to automate these tasks.
There are a number of third party applications available that take care of core computer maintenance in a couple of easy clicks. These tools are designed with non experts in mind. Complex maintenance tasks can be performed with simple button presses in a clean user interface.
You dont need to be a computer expert in order to keep your computer running like new. The secret to keeping your computer well maintained is not understanding all the errors and warning but simple applying these simple tips to the things you do. It pays to take a few minutes to look after your computer, it will look after you for years to come.