It Is the dawn of a new year and a new decade. I bet you made a long list of new year resolutions - lose weight, quit smoking, buy a house, and so on. I really hope you have some tech resolutions on that list, too. Resolve to set your PC right, protect it from virus and make it run as efficiently as possible.

Let's start with your OS - operating system. Regardless of which version of Microsoft Windows you are using, make sure it is up to date. Windows is very powerful, but it is not infallible. Patches and updates, released on a periodic basis, fixes security holes and bugs that could compromise your machine.

Prevent hacks and crashes (or at least try to) by running Windows Update at the start of the year.

Ideally, Microsoft Windows Update should be run on a regular basis. If you are likely to forget to run the software and install the updates, then set it to run automatically.

Next, update your browser. So much of our productivity and entertainment is tied to the Internet; and the browser is still our main portal to the World Wide Web. There are several browser options available, none is perfect but all are free, so why not get a few.

Microsoft Internet Explorer is still the most popular browser on the market, and with version 9, the browser offers a robust, secure, feature-rich experience. Mozilla Firefox is light, easy to use and reliable - another good option. Google's Chrome is gaining serious traction; in addition to being a quick-loading and effective browser, added features enhance GMail and Google Docs. Other browser options include Safari and Opera.

Unlike browsers, there is absolutely no benefit in having several antivirus programmes installed on one PC. Install and/or upgrade your antivirus software to protect your PC, but install just one. Again, lots of good free options mean there is no need for you to spend money to have the best.

Browsers function best and most securely with the latest versions of Java and Flash. Again, free and easy to install.

No one knows Windows better than Microsoft, so Microsoft Security Essentials is one of the best options for malware protection. If you are anti-Microsoft for some reason, there is AVG or Avast as excellent options.

Now, you are up to date, connected and protected. Stay clean with CCleaner. This free utility removes all sorts of unnecessary and unwanted files, making way for a sleeker, faster machine.

If you want to get productive, but can't afford Microsoft Office, then consider Office Live or OpenOffice.org. Both free services can open and edit Office files - Word, Excel and PowerPoint - and allow you to save files locally or online, based on your needs.

compatibility

If entertainment is your thing, consider VLC. This free bit of software can play virtually any kind of audio or video files without stressing over codecs and compatibility.

Speaking of cross-compatibility, Adobe Acrobat Reader has become the standard for portable documents. Download and install it for free for access to thousands of documents online.

Resolve not to spend a dime, just a little time with these seven for 2011.

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Tech Glitch: What is the best software for backing up my PC asks Jermaine

Tech Fix: Good paid back-up options include Norton Ghost and Carbonite (for online back-up), but the free, built-in Windows Back-Up and Restore is an excellent utility that offers great protection. Set the software to run on an automatic schedule, for the best protection against data loss.

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