Question: Last year I made a New Year’s resolution to be better about computer security. This year I want to focus on regular computer maintenance. Any suggestions for me? Answer: Yes, you should be doing regular maintenance on your computer just as you do on your car. The new year is a great time to get started. Here are some tips: Do backups often. If you’re not already performing regular backups, resolve to start now. Ideally, copy files to an external hard drive and upload copies to the cloud. That way, you won’t lose much if something goes wrong with your computer. Restart your computer at least weekly. Random Access Memory (RAM) is your computer’s main type of memory and it’s constantly in flux. When you restart your computer, you enable it to run much faster by flushing out the random, unimportant, and temporary data bogging it down. Stop eating and drinking near your computer. Granted, snacking while computing can be a difficult habit to break. But it’s worth the effort since you can do a lot of damage by spilling a cup of coffee or dropping crumbs between the keys. Clean the screen and keyboard regularly. Dust, hair, and other debris can adversely affect your computer’s performance. Dust large areas with a microfiber cloth and use a small clean paintbrush to wipe keys and small crevices. Canned air also works well to dislodge dust and small particles that are difficult to remove. Close programs you’re not currently using. When you run too many programs simultaneously, your computer may slow down or even freeze. BONUS TIP: Give your eyes and joints a break. While you’re caring for your computer, make sure to care for yourself too. Set a timer to remind yourself to get up, walk around, and gaze at distant objects for a few minutes out of every hour.

Make A Snowglobe Don’t wait until your next vacation to buy a snowglobe. Make one yourself! This video shows you how easy it can be.

Repurpose Old Sweaters What do a hat, fuzzy slippers, and a coffee cup coozie all have in common? You can make them out of old sweaters.

		TikTok Try out your short-form video skills by posting to TikTok or just enjoy the fun from other users. Learn more…		Libby Like a digital library card, Libby lets you borrow books and read them on your favorite device. Learn more…		OpenTable Find out where to eat and make a reservation. Get points to redeem later each time you do. Learn more…

		Sugar Cookies Learn how to make a perfect version of this Christmas classic without getting sticky dough all over your kitchen.		Easy Side Dishes These sides are perfect complements to your entrees this season and a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

		During the holiday season, many people are consumed with celebrations, shopping, and wrapping up year-end business. Inattention plus the holiday spirit equals a prime time for scammers to make their move. So-called charity scams involve getting you to give your money to a “worthy cause” that’s actually just a scammer’s pocket. To avoid getting taken, follow these tips: Thoroughly check out every organization you’re considering giving a donation. Go online to see if it has a website. Better yet, go to Give.org to see if the cause is recognized by the Better Business Bureau. Also, run a Google search on the organization’s name plus the word “scam.” Listen carefully. Scammers use organization names that are close to those of actual charities to make you think you’d be giving to a legitimate organization. Ask questions. If you’re being called by a representative of the organization, ask about the caller’s relationship to the cause. Some organizations use professional fundraisers to solicit for them. Find out what percentage of your donation goes to the actual charity. Don’t give in. Phony charities often pressure you to give money immediately without having a chance to do research or think it through. Don’t give in to pressure tactics. Instead, take the information and do your own checking. Beware of the phony thank-you note. Some unscrupulous actors will send you a thank-you note, making it look like you’ve given to an organization before. They think this action will make you more likely to give “again.” Don’t fall for it. Check your records to make sure they match. Don’t make it easy for them. Never give out personal or financial information such as your Social Security number, birthdate, or bank account number and only make payments with a credit card or check.