By default, Windows XP doesn't show an icon for My Computer on your desktop. To enable this feature, right-click on the desktop and choose Properties. Select the Desktop tab, and then click the Customize Desktop button. Click the checkbox for My Computer, along with My Documents and My Network places if you wish. While you're there, clear the checkbox for the Desktop Cleanup Wizard if you don't find that feature helpful. Click OK twice after you've made any changes.

Common Internet perils aren't limited to viruses and spam these days. An article on the Microsoft web site will get you up to speed on spyware and help you avoid problems that can detrimentally affect your computer's performance.

The Sallie Mae web site has numerous resources for those considering student loan consolidations. (Thanks to Jeremy Conley for suggesting this tip!)

Learn more than you probably ever wanted to about ideal long-term storage conditions in Fred Byer's study. The free Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this link.

The site www.findaflushot.com provides listings of flu shot resources by zip code.

Michael Horowittz has developed an excellent tutorial that shows examples of common e-mails currently circulating in an effort to spread viruses and steal personal information. A quick perusal of this guide can help you protect your identity and your computer.

If you haven't already installed Windows Service Pack 2 yet, it's a good idea to do so. If you have a fast Internet connection, you can download the update through Windows Update. Alternatively, Microsoft will send you SP-2 on CD at no charge.

You can often copy the contents of an error prompt in Windows XP to the clipboard. When a prompt or alert appears on the screen, press Ctrl-C. It will appear that nothing has happened, but you should be able to then paste the clipboard contents, i.e. the error message, into an e-mail, Word document, or other location.