For all your computer needs.

Temperature -- Computers thrive in the same temperatures that you and I do, although they don't mind the cold at all (again, Laptops are the exception here -- LCD Displays should never be allowed to fall to freezing or near-freezing temperatures), provided it is a dry cold. If the working environment is too hot for you, though, it is definitely too hot for your computer. Your computer's fans should be free of dust, dirt, and obstructions, and they should be running whenever your computer is on. If your fans are not working, or are too gunked up to function properly, bring your PC in for a cleaning (see AIR below).

Air -- Computers like lots and lots of cool, clean, air. They have fans that either suck in or blow out (or both simultaneously, depending on the cooling needs of the computer) scads of it from the second that they turn on until you let them rest again. Unfortunately, along with all of this air comes a lot of dirt and airborne crud that usually winds up staying inside the box with all those delicate electronic components. You see, electronic components create a kind of magnetic field that actually sucks dust out of the environment and sticks it to the components themselves. When this happens, your computer becomes unable to cool itself properly, starts to run more slowly, and may actually damage critical components to the point that the computer no longer works and needs costly repairs.  GCITS recommends that you get your computer's case cleaned out every six months or so, or every three months if you smoke around it, have pets with hair or fur, or keep it on or near carpeting.

Humidity -- Computers like dry much much better than wet. Wet is bad. Keep your computer dry whenever possible. In the unlikely event that an unnaturally large wave should come along and wash most of your city away, get your computer dried out immediately and get it some competent medical attention (for your computer) as soon as possible. Computers that have not been run while wet or moist, may still be salvageable if gotten too in time. Once rust and other decay starts in, or if your computer was actually on while wet or moist, chances are there is damage that will have to be repaired or replaced.

Updates -- The good folks at Microsoft (and Apple) know a lot about computers, and that's why they designed the operating systems we use on our computers (and why we bought them after they did so). In fact, I can guarantee that they know more about computers AND operating systems than you or even me. Though the good folks at Microsoft often make mistakes, they are still right way more often than they are wrong. Allow your computer to do at least its Critical Updates automatically, every night. While there, you might as well get the important and hardware Updates too (I prefer to wait until those are a month or so old before I get them).

Antivirus -- Your computer should have a good antivirus program. Do NOT get on the internet without one. GCITS recommends Panda Antivirus, although Norton and Kasperski are good alternatives (GCITS would never recommend against any Antivirus program, but you may or may not notice McAfee is not in the list of recommended Antivirus applications, but it's probably just a coincidence).

Anti-Spyware / Malware -- Your computer should have a good anti-spyware program. Do NOT get on the internet without one. GCITS recommends Microsoft's Windows Defender; it's free and it's one of the best out there. If you dislike free for some reason, buy one and take your chances. A lot of Anti-Spyware and AntiMalware softwares are rip-offs, particularly those that spam you whenever you get on the internet, or install themselves without your consent. If your computer suddenly starts acting strangely or slowly, or you suddenly get popups all over the place no matter where you are on the internet, bring your PC in to get that nasty stuff removed.

Cleanup -- Clean up your own messes. Crap collects on your computer like plaque between your teeth if you don't brush. Empty your Temp folders, get rid of your saved internet files, and defragment your computer on a regular basis. If you don't know how to do one, some, or any of these things, come into the shop and sign up for a class.