6. Protect Your Computer Against Data Loss

One of the simplest ways to protect your computer against data loss is to purchase and install a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). They are relatively inexpensive, and can save you the headache and heartache of lost data or damaged hardware. 

The better ones, connect to your PC, via a serial or USB connection, for monitoring and automated, clean shutdown control. The lower end models will allow you 8 to 15 minutes of backup time, but you have to shut your computer down manually.
UPS systems provide battery powered backup for your computer, line conditioning (protection against surges and spikes) and some manufacturer's offer an "equipment protection" policy, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, or more, should your computer hardware be damaged by a power surge/spike, or other causes that should be prevented by a UPS.

7. Recover Deleted Files/Folders

Ok, you've deleted a file or files, and sent them to the Recycle Bin. Then, being conscientious, you emptied the Recycle Bin to free up the disk space.

Oops! The first pictures of your new baby were in that folder! Or the pictures of your sister's wedding. And those pictures are gone!

You'll need 3rd party software to recover these files. I use FileSaver, from http://www.file-saver.com or Fast File recover http://www.dtidata.com Of course, the less work you do with your computer, in the meantime, the better your chances of recovering your deleted files/folders intact.

8. Stop Messenger Service Popups

The Messenger Service, not to be confused with Windows Messenger, is used to send messages across a network or LAN. Spammers have found that they can exploit this to send messages to your computer, when you're connected to the Internet. However, the Messenger Service is not the problem. The reason that they can send these messages is that your Internet connection is not secure. The use of a firewall will stop these messages. For detailed information on Windows XP's built-in firewall, open Help and Support and search for "firewall".

To enable XP's built in firewall, Open Network Connections, or  right click My Network Places and select Properties.
-> Right click the Dial-up, LAN or High-Speed Internet connection that you want to protect and select Properties.
On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select one of the following:
To enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), select the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.

To disable Internet Connection Firewall, clear the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.

Go to -> Start,-> Run and enter SERVICES.MSC. Locate the entry for Messenger. Double click this entry and set it to Stopped and Disabled.

9. To enable Autologon in Windows^{® XP Home Edition}

Option 1: Download and install TweakUI from the Powertoys for Windows XP collection. In the Logon section, set the default username and password to be used.

^{As of 4/24/2002, the individual Powertoys for Windows® XP are available. here}

Option 2: Do the following
-> Click Start, Run and enter CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2
-> In the list of users, highlight the user account you want automatically logged on.
-> Uncheck Users must enter a Username and password.................
-> Click Apply.
-> In the next dialog, enter the password for the account you selected in Step 2, if any
-> OK your way out.

10. To enable Autologon in Windows® XP Professional

Option 1: Download and install TweakUI from the Powertoys for Windows XP collection. In the Logon section, set the default username and password to be used.
^{As of 4/24/2002, the individual Powertoys for Windows® XP are available. here}
Option 2: Do the following
-> Click Start, Run and enter CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2
-> In the list of users, highlight the user account you want automatically logged on.
-> Uncheck Users must enter a Username and password.................
-> Click Apply.
-> In the next dialog, enter the password for the account you selected in Step 2, if any
-> OK your way out.