A little tech TLC.(Business)

Byline: Roger Fillion, Rocky Mountain News

Lucky you. Santa delivered a new computer, digital camera, iPod or cell phone under your Christmas tree.

Now for the reality check. How are you going to care for and maintain this shiny - and expensive - device to help ensure years of trouble-free use?

We asked the experts at Yahoo! Tech, CNET.com, Geek Squad and the Virginia-based electronics retailer Crutchfield. We also checked the Internet.

We found loads of advice, including general words of wisdom.

Denver-based Geek Squad agent Nathan Ziehnert suggested people read the "quick start" guide that comes with a new device. They're often one to four pages.

"It's typically the best way to get familiar with your new equipment really fast," said Ziehnert.

Our experts said tender loving care also is in order. And there is one accessory that is quite helpful for this - especially for gadgets you bring with you, including cell phones, iPods and digital cameras.

"Cases are a good idea," said Yahoo! Tech columnist Chris Null. "The more mobile a product, the more subject to injury it is going to be."

Here are more tips for four tech products:

iPod

* Download iTunes software at Apple.com, if you don't have the latest software on your computer. It's free.

* Avoid dropping your iPod. You may scratch it or break the screen. Use a protective case or sleeve. "I like a sleeve, personally," said Dan Ackerman, senior editor for CNET.com.

* Clean your iPod with a damp cloth. Don't get water inside the device.

* Avoid leaving your iPod in the car, where temperatures can be exceedingly hot or cold.

* Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods.

* Charge the battery every 14 to 18 days when not in use. Even when an iPod is turned off, according to Apple, it's in a sleeping state that requires juice.

Digital camera

* Delete sample shots that may come loaded on the camera. They consume memory.

* Set the time and date on your camera so you know when a photo was taken.

* Back up your photos to an external source to avoid losing valued family photos. You can back up photos to an external hard-drive or copy them to a disk. Geek Squad and others offer online backup.

* Beware of moisture. "Unless your camera is marketed as being waterproof, moisture of any kind can result in the need for costly repairs, or worse - a new camera!" according to Nikon.

* Clean your camera, but use tender loving care. Nikon suggests using a blower and/or a soft brush to remove dust and dirt from external surfaces.

Laptop/PC

* Remove trial or demonstration software pre-loaded on your new computer, including games and other "shovelware" companies shovel on to new machines. Such programs use up valuable space. "In some cases, (removing such programs) can make your computer run faster," Yahoo! Tech's Chris Null said.

* Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Get regular updates, which can be done automatically. Also, perform regular scans to make sure no virus or spyware has infected your computer.

* Clean your machine. You can clean your PC at home using a can of compressed air available at hardware stores. Here's what Geek Squad suggests: Turn off and unplug the computer. If the fan on the back is fuzzy, use the can to spray off the dust in a sideways direction. It helps to remove the side of the case when doing this so dust inside can escape. And it's a good to do this potentially messy task outside or in the garage.

* Consider getting a protective case if you have a laptop, such as a briefcase or backpack with a laptop compartment.

* Plug your computer into a surge protector power strip. It will shield your computer from a harmful, unexpected voltage spike.

Cell phone

* Don't drop or slam down your phone. And unless you have a clamshell phone, consider a case.

* Avoid moisture and liquids that can damage or destroy the phone. In particular, avoid dropping your phone in the toilet or bathtub, among other places. Washing machines are bad, too. Be careful if you're wearing your phone while exercising. Sweat can damage it.

* Avoid putting your phone in a bag or purse that contains perfume, lotions or a water bottle.

* Avoid extreme temperatures, including very hot or cold cars.

* Recharge your phone on a regular basis to avoid running out of juice.

* Choose your service plan carefully when buying a cell phone. You may unwittingly sign up for games, GPS or other services. "All of those things are great, but they cost a lot," said Yahoo! Tech's Chris Null.

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