You're finishing the last footnote of your senior thesis at 2 a.m. when suddenly the screen goes blank. Your deadline is looming, you're sweating and all 21 pages of your perfect paper are lost in space.

When schoolwork is at stake, your PC's health is vital, especially when it's your link to the classroom. Computers enable students to download lecture notes from the internet, connect with classmates and write important term papers - and they require maintenance and care to run efficiently.

Performing diagnostic tests can help students keep their computers in shape and running smoothly, according to Ari Tencate, help desk manager at the University of Washington's computer labs.

"Having spyware or viruses on a PC is detrimental to the system's performance and can inhibit a student's ability to do their schoolwork," said Tencate.

To help ensure you don't meet a similar fate, Hewlett-Packard offers a PC tune-up program with some easy tips and tricks to help keep your PC safe - and maybe even calm your nerves during finals.

1. Create a System Restore point: System Restore is software that creates a "memory" of the system files and settings on the computer at a particular point in time. Making a restore point allows you to reset the computer back to this same configuration at some time in the future. To create, click "start," "programs" or "all programs," "accessories," "system," "tools," and then "System Restore." Select "create a Restore Point," and click "next." Follow the prompts to write a description, click "create," and then relax!

2.  Update anti-virus software regularly: Anti-virus software scans a computer's memory and disk drives for viruses that can quickly bring the computer to a halt. Trial versions are available from Symantec (www.symantec.com) and McAfee (www.mcafee.com). Many other technology websites, including www.hp.com, provide definitions for common malicious programs, as well as instructions for helping eliminate and prevent viruses.

3. Backup your files: Whether it's your hours of documented research or your digital photos from spring break, regularly backing up important files will help save you from losing potentially irreplaceable data. The safest way to keep your files protected is to use a removable media backup like a zip drive, flash drive, CD-R/RW disks or a floppy disk. 

4. Install a firewall: A firewall is a way of helping to protect your computer from the outside world. It helps block unwanted access to your PC and is useful in helping prevent spyware and harmful programs from damaging or slowing your PC. While most college campuses already require firewalls, if you live off-campus, Zone Alarm at www.zonealarm.com is advertising a no-charge firewall that may meet your needs. 

5. PC maintenance: Many PCs installed with Windows include the disk defragmenter and disk cleanup utility. To launch, click "start," "programs," "accessories," "system tools" and select the option from the menu bar. Defragmenting your hard drive may increase the speed of programs on your computer, free-up hard drive space and delete some of the programs you don't use. 

For more ways to help protect your PC, visit www.hp.com/go/techcenter

Did you know that...
* Americans spend an average of 10 days a year trying to fix problems with their computer on their own?
* HP offers free online classes that teach you how to troubleshoot common hardware problems and explain how to create an easy-to-follow PC maintenance schedule?
* Performing common PC maintenance tasks such as these will help you avoid having to call someone for support later?

If it's too late, follow these steps before calling tech support:
* Have your serial number handy
* Write down any error messages that appear on the screen
* Make sure you're in the same room as your machine