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After more than five years of writing about the numerous pitfalls that plague technology consumers, one can't help but pick up some pointers. So here's my compendium of tips to help you avoid persistent tech problems and maybe even save a few bucks, too.

Protect your tech: Take steps to guard your portable devices against ill-placed lattes, thieves, and other hazards. Use common sense: If you're headed for the tennis court, for example, consider leaving the Treo behind. Register your tech gear as a hedge against warranty questions. Ask your insurance agent about coverage for computers and other home-office equipment--you might be surprised at what your homeowner's policy doesn't address. For more on protecting your devices, see "Keep Your Hands on Your Handhelds" and "When Bad Things Happen to Good PCs."

Make security seamless: While you might squirm at the thought of some software company surreptitiously reaching into your computer and implanting bits of code, do you really have the time and the patience to personally administer to every security patch, virus definition, or update that comes along? For most users, the safest way to ward off threats is to enable automatic updates. And set up regular system backups, just in case.

Pare and compare prices: Online pricing engines such as Shopzilla.com and PCWorld.com's Product Finder (which uses PriceGrabber.com's pricing engine) can help you unearth the lowest prices--but we recommend going with the best price from a company you're familiar with. We've consistently found that buying from a company you've never heard of is asking for trouble, from bait-and-switch sales tactics to counterfeit goods or even credit-card fraud. And be sure to pay with credit cards; debit cards provide less consumer protection.

Go offline: If a retailer (Best Buy for example) offers the option, consider buying your item online and picking up the product at a nearby store. That way, you'll enjoy the convenience of online shopping without the shipping charges--or the wait for delivery. If there's a problem, returns will be easier--but don't forget to ask about restocking fees.

Manage your rebates: If you're counting on a rebate, study the rules and keep careful records. Web sites such as Rebate-Tracker.com, as well as manufacturers' own sites, can help you do this.

Get a side of RAM: Remember to budget for extras such as RAM, software, memory cards, or other peripherals. Frequently the best "deals" turn out to be pretty bare-bones--and you do want to be able to store more than five or six photos in your new camera, don't you? For more advice on planning for key add-ons, see "You Want RAM With That?"

Auction with caution: Always read--and leave--feedback, and contact the buyer or seller with any questions before you close the deal. If you're the buyer, make sure the product includes everything it should, check the seller's return policy, and don't even consider paying with a wire transfer or completing the sale outside the auction site. For more auction tips, see "Use Auctions to Save Money on Tech Gear."

Protect your privacy: Does that online software outlet you patronized once really need to know your mother's maiden name? Of course not. When completing transactions online, provide only essential information (generally, your name, an e-mail address, billing address, and credit card number). Opt out of everything else, including offers to choke your in-box with spam. Consider using a secondary e-mail account--say, a free one from Hotmail or Yahoo--for online shopping and other such transactions. Use strong passwords with combinations of letters and numbers, and don't store them on a PC that others can access. For more password tips, see "Manage Passwords Safely--and Simply."

Help yourself: If there's anything more aggravating than trying to decipher cryptic error messages, it's spending time on hold waiting for a tech support rep 12 time zones away. The good news: There are lots of support resources online if you know where to look. Start by entering your error message or a brief description of the problem into a search engine. That often leads to forums where you'll find feedback from other users who've had the same or similar problems. Check the vendor's site--many have user forums and tech support chat. For more tech support tips, see "Hanging Up on Tech Support."

Read the fine print: What you don't know can hurt you, especially if it's buried deep within the legalese of an End User License Agreement. At the very least, you can boycott companies that don't make their EULAs easily available before you buy, and look for phrases such as "automatic renewal" that should raise a red flag. For more on software licenses, see "Software Licenses: Fight for Your Rights."

Do the right thing: Don't use--or let your kids use--illegal file-sharing software. Pay for the music, software, and other intellectual property you do use. Donate your old PC to a school, nonprofit, or charity--or find a recycling center that'll know what to do with it. See "A Computer Is a Terrible Thing to Waste" for more on recycling and "Charity Starts at Your Home PC" for more on donating online.

Pass it on: Help an elderly neighbor set up a new computer, teach a class on online safety at a local school, or build a Web site for a resource-strapped youth group. One of the best things you can do as a savvy tech user is to share your knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues. The more educated we all are, the more efficient, accessible, and safe the world of personal technology will become. And that can only be a good thing.

Speaking of passing things on, this is my last Consumer Watch column for PC World. I'm pursuing a new opportunity in educational publishing. Writing about consumer technology has been incredibly rewarding and occasionally frustrating--but always a lot of fun. So thanks to all of you who wrote in to share your stories, hassles, and insights. May your connections stay strong, your software secure, and your PC peaceful.

Anne Kandra is a contributing editor for PC World. E-mail questions and comments to consumerwatch@pcworld.com.