You should definitely run Scandisk (or similar) on your computer and defragment on a regular basis. If you don't you're asking for trouble. I've been thinking about posting some tips. One of these days I'll organize some thoughts and post 'em. We have quite a few computer savvy 'catters who I'm sure could contribute.
I don't consider myself an expert. I recommend being very leery of self-proclaimed experts. My dad always taught me that "an expert is someone who learns more and more about less and less until knowing everything about nothing." That might be a paraphrase from someone famous. Anyone know?