Top 5 PC repair issues for 2007

If you think you're the only one with e-mail configuration issues, you're not alone. That's the largest PC repair problems of last year, according to My Computer Works, which today released its list of the Top Five PC Repair Problems for 2007.

E-mail issues and configuration problems were 36% of about 20,000 repair calls received by the company across the U.S. Tied for second was Internet connectivity issues, and Internet Explorer / Windows misbehaving issues (including pop-up blocker malfunctions, trouble accessing Web sites, security settings, etc.) at 17% of all calls.

Number 4 on the list was malware infections (15%), and a "slow-running PC" was number 5, also with 15% of all calls. My Computer Works says that the slow-running PC issues were usually due to "insufficient hardware resources."

To help speed up the PC, the company made several suggestions:
* Keep updated anti-virus and spyware/malware software on the system.
* Reboot the computer.
* Regularly use performance and maintenance tools, such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup (I'd suggest going further and getting a copy of Diskeeper).
* Back up important files every week.
* Prune old e-mails (especially those with attachments).
* Clean your keyboard and fan vents with compressed air.
* Have a separate Web mail account for offers from stores and businesses to reduce spam onslaughts.
* Remove bloatware (unneeded apps that come bundled with a new PC).