You know that feeling when you need to send an email, but your online service locks up? Or you’re putting the final touches on a document you’ve slaved over and the computer mysteriously crashes?

That’s computer stress.

As our lifestyles have become increasingly dependent on our computers, it can be extremely frustrating when things go wrong. Technology makes life easier in many ways, but if it’s not managed correctly, your computer can actually add stress to your life rather than reduce it.

Here are some tips to help you eliminate computer stress and enjoy all the benefits of your PC.

Invest in the best. Save yourself a lot of headaches: do some research before you buy and invest in only the best software and hardware. Often, cheap or free products provide inferior results, and lead to a slower and less reliable computer—any money you’ve saved by cutting corners isn’t worth it in the long run.

Look for user-friendly features. You can often tell a lot about quality by how much effort a company spends on its user interface—software that appears cluttered and messy often indicates a deeper lack of attention to detail. Further, a confusing interface can lead to a lot of frustration and wasted time. Look for products with simple and intuitive features, and only use products from companies that offer help and support.

An ounce of prevention… Take care of your investment – a properly maintained computer is the best way to avoid the stress caused by computer errors and crashes. Use System Mechanic to fix and prevent those problems that inevitably creep up over time and keep your PC running like new.

Back up, back up, back up. It’s critical that you have a backup solution in place. Regularly set aside time to back up your files so that if you do run into problems, you don’t lose your valuable work and irreplaceable files.

Practice stress management. Sometimes all it takes is to step away. When you’ve been on the computer for awhile, take a few minutes for some deep breathing or take a short walk and get some fresh air. You’ll find yourself more relaxed and better able to handle the occasional computer mishap.

Make it comfortable. Being uncomfortable while you work on your computer can add to your stress levels, so keep ergonomics in mind. Whether it’s the height of your seat or some artwork and a plant, set up your computer area so that it’s pleasing and comfortable for you.