For a novice with computers what instructions can I give to someone to maintain their PC. (including virus protection, keeping the registry fixed, etc) I know maybe something's should be done weekly, some monthly) I guess the reliable automatic maintenance features, if you think those are goods.

Any tips will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

There;s some good maintenance tips here: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/computers-beginners/frequently-ask-questions-about-computers-233870.html

I had asked this question and I have a follow-up questiion:
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For a novice with computers what instructions can I give to someone to maintain their PC. (including virus protection, keeping the registry fixed, etc) I know maybe something's should be done weekly, some monthly) I guess the reliable automatic maintenance features, if you think those are goods.

I don't use Outlook Express, so in your opinion, the tips they gave for Outlook Express I don't have to be concerned with?

The 2nd question is the defrag tip they give is it basically the same or better, in your opinion, as using the defrag tool from System Accessorie Tool?

Thanks in advance

The inbuilt tools for XP are good, but third party ones tend to be better.
If you don't use a program then you don't need to use those tips ;)

Ccleaner is good for registry and is freeware

ccleaner (Freeware)
Download CCleaner 2.16.830 - FileHippo.com (http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/)
On the right hand side, click download latest version

Windows defrag is fine

If you don't have antivirus,AVG offers a free version that works well
AVG Free - Download antivirus and antispyware software for Windows XP and Vista (http://free.avg.com/)

Once a month should do for these tools

If something else more specific, just post question and will try to help

Thank you for your helpful info, I forgot to askwith maintaining a pc, i see no one mention repairing registry. i have been using Eusing registry repair, do you feel that it is necessary along with the other maintance tips or not?

Please don't ask follow up questions in e-mail.

That being said CCleaner, as mentioned a lot, does an excellent job of registry cleaning.
You don't really need anything else.

A single thing that you can do is to not use an Administrative account on a daily basis and make sure that this account does not have the name "Administrator"