How can I keep my new PC running optimally?

I just purchased a new Dell laptop and received it yesterday. I have been taking precautions to keep it running smoothly: I installed McAffee anti virus software, I have strictly limited my internet access and web surfing, I have no file sharing or instant messaging software, and I plan on purchasing and installing Webroot Spy Sweeper in the next few days.
Here are my questions:
1.) Should I continue to limit my web surfing until I install Spy Sweeper? If so, which sites can I trust? Are Yahoo!, Google, and related big-name sites safer?
2.) Will simply using up storage space on my PC have a significant effect on its speed and efficiency? That is, can I upload music from commercial audio CDs--a safe source--and not worry too much about slowed performance?
3.) What can I do to keep my machine running fast? What should I avoid?
4.) What other precautions should I start or continue to take in order to keep my computer running optimally?
5.) Firefox or Internet Explorer (for security)?

1) Anti-virus by itself is not enough. Install the full McAfee Security Suite to get a firewall, Spyware-protection etc. The full suites work better best. If you mix-and-match, the different pieces doesn't recognize or trust each other, and gives you confusing messages. The software in the suites (from McAfee or Norton) prevent bad things from getting into your computer. Some 'Spy Sweeper' just looks for spyware after it has infected your computer, then removes them. It's better to block bad things from ever getting in.
2) By storage space, I take it you mean disk space. As long as you still have 15% - 20% of free disk space (you get that by looking at properties on your disk drive icon in My Computer window), you don't need to worry. When you have less than that amount, it takes longer to defragment your disk drive.
3) Run defragmentation and scan disk on your C-disk at least once a month.
Uninstall programs that you won't use for another 6 months.
Avoid free programs from the internet, except for well recommended ones like Firefox browser and Zone Alarm firewall (which gives away the personal use version so people will gladly pay for the more useful business version once they are hooked. They are free because you are offering free program debug service by using them.
4) I own two 3-year old Dell Consumer laptops and I'm having problems with overheating. Turns out it was already a known problem with the model when I bought them. So, my advice is to subscribe to the Dell Users' Forums (free service) and keep up. Dell experts monitors them and sometimes chimes in with their advice.
5) I would use both. Firefox is easier to use, but you need Internet Explorer to access Microsoft and get their free security updates (a very important thing to do). I would recommended accepting their recommended update policy of installation their update program, which downloads the security updates you need (unique to your computer and the programs you installed) and install them at the time you pick (like during dinner).

you should avoid trying out all kinds of new applications only install what u need .. u should avoid fileshareing on ur main pc ... u should run an antispyware and defragment once a day ... avoid installing 15 antivirus apps and cleaners coz theyll just ruin the speed of ur machine and really are just false security ... and yes if u stuff the drive ur operating system is on with too much junk it will slow it down ... also when ur working with applications its best to put their temp files, working folders, and output files on another drive so it doesnt fragment ur main drive .. keep the drive ur operating system is on below 30% full is my personal rule ..

u don't really need any anti virus programs i've had a laptop for 4 years and it still runs fast trust me u don't need it but u do need firefox
don't go on any online game pages and limit the amount of downloading email me if u want more info or if u wanna ask wat to dl or install

Generally PCs right out of the box come pre-installed with tons of junk you will most likely never use or need. The first thing I would do it format it and do a fresh install of JUST the operating system and programs you want to use. If you're not comfortable with doing this, or if you don't have the installation CD for the OS, don't worry about it.

Now on to your questions. :)
1) Since you already have an anti-virus program installed, surf away. You may want to install a firewall program for extra security. As far as safe sites to go to, use your discretion. Google, Yahoo, and other "big name" sites ARE reputable, but they can pull up search results to UNreuptable sites.
2) NO. This is a common misconception. Unless your hard drive is nearly FULL, it will not affect performance. Data on your drive will become fragmented after a while, especially if you do a lot of installing/uninstalling/moving files, etc which affects the speed it takes for the HD to access a file, but with a modern computer we're talking microseconds.
3) Add more memory as needed. Keep track of the programs you have running in the background and disable anything that isn't needed after startup. You should avoid people telling you to defragment every day or week. I never defragment my drives. If you really feel the need to do so, do it once a year.
4) See #3. Turn off your laptop when you're not using it. Don't drop it, place it in water, or use it as a serving table.
5) I've never used Firefox. IE has always worked for me. I've talked to a lot of people that swear Firefox is the way to go.

Hope this helps!

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