Whether you are online for business or for pleasure, there are a few common computer mistakes that could be costing you lots of money. Often times it is the case that the things that you do are just as important as the things that you don’t do. In order to optimize the way in which your computers serves you, keep in mind the following five tips.

1. Manage your add-ons. Whenever you go surfing the web, visiting different sites, it is possible for you to be accumulating a collection of very bad add-ons without even knowing it. They can cause your computer to slow down or even freeze in some cases. In order to avoid this, click Tools on your browser’s toolbar, ten select Manage Add-Ons from the drop-down list. As you scroll through it you will be able to recognize almost all of the names related to a function familiar to you. Disable any unknown or suspicious looking add-ons by clicking on them and choosing Disable. Add-ons that aren’t good for your computer can usually be identified by a random series of letters and numbers. Remember to restart your computer to put these new changes into effect.

2. Get Protection. Every computer you use should be equipped with the following software applications to ensure that your computer is protected at all times: firewall, spyware, and antivirus. There are a number of protection options that are available online for free including with a company called AVG. While free services usually do not come with technical assistance options, they are a cheap way to be protected if you can’t afford to pay. However, you can purchase software that combines all three applications into one, which will ensure that your computer is protected, so that you don’t spend money trying to fix it.

3. One potentially costly computer mistake is not backing up your files. If you ever happen to have a hard drive crash, you will lose all information currently stored on your computer. You must maintain a set of disks that will restore your computer to its original factory setting. If you do not have the original set of disks that your computer came with, you have the option of creating your own. Go to your Control Panel for System and Maintenance and follow the prompts. You also need to back up your files on an ongoing and regular basis so that the files youve created since you bought the computer can be restored. With Windows, you go to Start, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then Backup; again, follow the Wizard. If you dont see Backup, you can install it with your Windows Backup disk. Insert that and choose AutoPlay”right click to access that if it doesnt come up automatically. In the Welcome window, choose Perform Additional Tasks, then Browse This CD, then ValueAdd, then MSFT, then NTBackup.

4. Many professionals need the ability to access their computers even when they are not anywhere near it. GoToMyPC.com is the answer to this problem. It is not a free service, but it does pay for itself over time and the company does offer discounts when you sign up for their annual contract. The newest version allows you access to your computer from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access; you could be in a book store, running an errand, or in a cafe. You also have the ability to access your computer while on vacation or when traveling in general. If you are like most people, there is often work that you could get done from home, when you are not in the office. GoToMyPC.com allows you to do this and also hides the fact that you are accessing your office computer from home from anyone who could potentially see it. So, you’ll be able to safely do work from home when you need to and save time and money.

5. If you have not taken the time to set up your home page using many of the great features now available online, then you too are making a very costly mistake. Most search engines that offer email services like Google, MSN, or Yahoo allow you to customize you home page in ways that can be very useful to you. For instance, you can include the time, the weather, your own personal calendar, specific news feeds and headline topics, and so much more. In addition, social applications like Facebook can be added to your homepage and you can share events on your calendar with your spouse, co-workers, or friends.

There are many ways to take advantage of computer applications to enhance your everyday life. If you arent proactive about doing this, then you are making computer mistakes that could end up costing you money in terms of time and productivity. Use these suggestions as a springboard to improve your internet efficiency.